How to choose polystyrene glue and use it correctly?
Content:
During construction and repair work, it is often necessary to choose a foam adhesive to connect the porous blocks to each other or to fix them on structures made of another material. The positive qualities of polystyrene foam, as polystyrene is sometimes called, - lightness, sound insulation, the ability to keep heat well in the room - arise due to the fact that the bulk of the material is air bubbles enclosed in a thin polymer shell. In order for foam boards to adhere well to the base, a composition is needed that creates high adhesion between the surfaces.
Types and brands of adhesives
Compositions for gluing polystyrene foam come in 2 types: dry mixes and ready-made solutions. If you choose the first option, you will have to dilute the foam glue yourself before working. When buying, immediately think about whether you will install a reinforcing mesh on the blocks. A special mixture will need to be applied over it, and it is desirable that both materials be produced by the same company. Dry polystyrene adhesive can be used on all surfaces except concrete and metal.
Ready-made formulations include mounting foam. It is convenient to use, it is applied quickly, but a special mounting gun may be needed for operation. The tool is not cheap, but after installing the blocks, it will come in handy for other works. For joints that do not require high strength, PVA and liquid nails can be used. Finished compounds do not need preliminary dilution, they can be immediately applied to the surfaces to be bonded.
If for work you need different types of glue, it is advisable to purchase all the materials from one manufacturer. Many companies produce a line of adhesives: you can buy foam, dry and reinforcing mixture brand Cerisit. You can purchase products from other companies.
- "Knauf Klebspatel" - a dry mixture, the solution of which is suitable for bonding, and for reinforcement.
- Tytan Professional - Polish glue-foam, which is very quickly set, the anchor can be driven in 2 hours after installation.
- Kreisel - glue and reinforcing mixture.
- "Moment" - universal mixture, used both as glue and as a reinforcing mesh coating.
- Master termol for bonding, Master Super for reinforcing.
Tip
When choosing a foam adhesive, make sure that there are no solvents in the composition. Acetone, gasoline, and similar compounds can react with plastic and disrupt the smooth surface of the block.
Adhesive for outdoor use
Dry mixes are more suitable for warming facades. See the information on the package, it should indicate that the glue is suitable for outdoor use. On the street, only cement-based compounds can be used; gypsum will not withstand high humidity. With high-quality performance, the design on such an adhesive can last more than 30 years. When buying, pay attention to the date of manufacture. The shelf life of the dry mix is 1 year, but for the facade it is better to take products released no earlier than 3-4 months ago. The bag should be clean, without any signs of moisture.
Polyurethane adhesive foam is well suited for exterior surfaces. This composition will well fix the foam on surfaces of any materials: wood, metal, concrete, plastic. After application, allow the glue to dry for about 10 minutes, and then firmly press the block to the existing structure, hold for about a minute - and you can let it go. Close all cracks and voids between the plates with the same composition.
Polyfoam is not afraid of either moisture or cold, but it is fragile and deteriorates from the ultraviolet of sunlight. Stacked blocks must be protected with a reinforcing mesh and coated with a special adhesive mixture. In this form, the facade will not collapse, you can leave it without finishing or plaster and paint.
Compositions for internal work
For gluing the foam inside the premises, you can use dry mixes - both cement and gypsum based. Polyurethane foam compositions will well fix the material. Foam for fixing polystyrene is undesirable neither outside nor inside the building. When it dries, it shrinks, fragile tiles can crack, and all work will have to be started anew.
If you need to stick foam on a small surface, you can take double-sided tape. Indoors, such a connection will be strong enough, but over a large area, the price of the material will be too high. In apartments where the air temperature is always positive and there is no high humidity, you can use PVA glue.
Polyfoam does not allow air to pass through; therefore, such material cannot be used to completely glue living quarters. Make insulation on the outer wall, protect the surface adjacent to exuberant neighbors from noise. You can install several decorative elements made of polystyrene foam, they serve as an excellent decoration of the interior. Leave the remaining walls free, let the room “breathe”.
When working inside an apartment, do not use materials that release harmful compounds into the air. If the package does not say whether it is possible to use the composition for residential premises, it is better to refuse the purchase. If you want to use universal glue for fixing small decorative elements, see if it is indicated on the package that polystyrene can be glued with this compound. Do not try to prepare the fixative solution yourself according to the recipe read on the construction site. Perhaps at first you will be happy with the result, but then the plate may begin to deform or fall off.
How to use glue?
Dry mixes need to be prepared immediately before starting work; they cannot be stored for a long time. The amount of water for dilution of 1 kg or 1 bag of the substance is indicated on the package. Usually the solution is mixed, let it brew for a few minutes and again interfere. Some manufacturers may give other recommendations, carefully read the instructions for each new material. It is advisable not to mix the composition manually, but to use a nozzle for a drill or a mixer. When working, make sure that the blades are completely immersed in the solution and do not trap air: bubbles significantly reduce the strength of the connection.
Clean and align bonded surfaces. If fungus or mold has settled on the structures, remove them with a brush and treat the affected areas with fungicides. Seal all potholes, cracks, chips with mortar and putty. The more carefully the preparation is carried out, the stronger the connection will be. Manufacturers of some mixtures recommend pre-moistening the surface slightly. The manufacturer can advise other tricks, carefully read the instructions on the package.
Tip
It is desirable to pre-paste the metal surfaces with burlap, it is easier to attach foam blocks to it.
Sometimes, to obtain a strong connection, a combined technique is used: 2/3 of the surface is covered in several areas with a solution of a dry mixture or polyurethane foam, liquid nails are applied to the remaining places. This glue alone will not give a good fixation, it can be used only for gluing small fragments. The plus of the technique is that liquid nails grasp very quickly and will hold the plate in the right position while the basic composition hardens.
Consumption of different types of glue per 1 m2 surface
When buying any building material, you should not focus on the expense indicated on the package.Much depends on the condition of the surfaces and the qualifications of the worker. An experienced master will dilute the right amount of solution, apply it in a thin layer, will not leave a drop of waste and will save a couple of bags of the amount indicated in the norms. A beginner will not always do everything right, part of the material will be damaged, and he uses one and a half times more mixture than necessary.
Buy stock foam glue. It is better to leave it for future work than to run around the shops and look for material of exactly the same brand.
On average, the required amount is calculated according to the norms:
- dry mix - about 6 kg per 1 m2;
- polyurethane adhesive - 1 850 ml cylinder per area from 6 to 10 m2;
- reinforcing mixture - about 5 kg per 1 m2.
Polyfoam is a very convenient material for work. Blocks contain 98% air, weigh almost nothing. You can easily lift the plate, fix it on polystyrene adhesive, hold it a little and leave to dry. A small mass does not come off the wall and sticks securely. For the repair or reconstruction of the building, you do not need to invite a team of specialists who will require a lot of money for their work, you can do the wall insulation yourself.
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