Construction adhesives are an essential tool for any construction project, big or small. These specialized adhesives are designed to bond or attach various materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, and other building materials, providing a strong and reliable hold that can withstand the demands of the job. Construction adhesives are typically one-component adhesives that are packaged in 10 oz caulking cartridges or squeeze tubes. They are workhorse-grade adhesives that can bond to a variety of materials and are suitable for many common applications around the house or on the construction site. 

Choosing the Right Product

When it comes to choosing a construction adhesive, there are several factors to consider. One important factor is the base chemistry of the adhesive. The most common base chemistries used in the manufacture of construction adhesives are polyurethane, solvent-based, acrylic, and hybrid polymer. Each of these has its own unique properties and is best suited for certain types of bonding applications.

In addition to base chemistry, it’s important to consider the cost and performance of different grades of construction adhesive. Low-cost grades of construction adhesive are typically solvent-based, meaning that they contain solvents that evaporate out of the product as it cures. This can cause the adhesive to shrink, reducing its coverage and potentially leading to a weaker bond. The solvents in these adhesives may also damage or stain certain materials, making them unsuitable for use with surfaces such as marble, certain plastics, or finished woods where the finish may be damaged.

On the other hand, premium construction adhesives are 100% solids, meaning that 100% of the product in the bonded joint will stay there. These adhesives tend to have improved performance and additional features such as permanent flexibility, low shrinkage, higher bond strength, and instant grab. They may also be more expensive than low-cost grades of construction adhesive.

When selecting a construction adhesive, it’s important to weigh the cost and performance of different products and choose the one that best meets your needs. While low-cost adhesives may be suitable for certain applications, premium adhesives may be necessary for more demanding projects or when bonding sensitive materials.

Our Picks:

Now, let’s take a closer look at some of our most popular construction adhesives:

• BoaBond: This hybrid adhesive is known for its strong bonding strength and versatility. Its key feature is its instant grab, which means that it has some holding power after only 10 seconds, allowing it to hold materials in place even without the use of clamps, tapes, or other fixturing devices. This makes BoaBond the go-to product for a wide range of construction projects, especially vertical mounting applications.
• All Grip 60: This acrylic adhesive is our most cost-effective construction adhesive, offering superior performance to products found at hardware stores at a great value. It is a workhorse that is fast setting and has high strength, making it a great option for bonding applications where a quick hold is needed, such as in the installation of insulation or drywall.
• Sikaflex 1A: This polyurethane adhesive is one of the most well-known and trusted construction adhesives on the market. It is a durable polymer that is capable of handling tough projects, making it a reliable and effective choice. It has a high bonding strength and is known for its durability, making it a popular choice for heavy-duty bonding applications such as attaching metal or concrete.
• Pacer Total Tech: This hybrid MS polymer is capable of bonding and sealing even under water, making it suitable for extreme conditions. It comes in white and crystal clear options and stays permanently flexible, making it a versatile adhesive for a wide range of construction projects. Its fast bonding speed and high strength make it a reliable choice for a variety of bonding applications.
• American Sealants 5900: This MS polymer offers fast grab and high strength making it a popular choice for RV roofing, floor & panel installation, and general construction. It is an excellent value, available in both 10.1 oz caulk cartridges and 20 oz unipacs for bulk applications. Its fast bonding speed and high strength make it a convenient and cost-effective choice for a wide range of construction projects. Unlike solvent-based products, this adhesive is low-odor and does not release harmful fumes which is great for working in confined spaces.

Conclusion

No matter what type of construction adhesive you need, it’s important to choose a product that is reliable and easy to use. With the right adhesive, you can complete your construction project with confidence and get the strong bond you need to get the job done right.

Have questions about construction adhesives or a particular application? Reach out to the pros at Chemical Concepts for expert advice today!