Thermal insulation of a building is a vital necessity, since winters in many regions of Russia are characterized by harshness. For this purpose, foam plates are often used. For fastening, foam glue for expanded polystyrene is used, which reliably fixes the fragments on the inner or outer surface of the base.
Overview of adhesives
Foam glue for expanded polystyrene is considered the best means for attaching insulation to different surfaces. The product is on sale in cylinders. It is a one-component product containing high viscosity polymers. Before his appearance, craftsmen did not dare to plant foam on glue.
The substance has the following advantages:
- ease of use;
- high speed of application and drying;
- the possibility of correcting the position of the expanded polystyrene plate within 10 minutes after fixing;
- good adhesion of the composition to the thermal insulation and the base;
- resistance to moisture;
- relatively low consumption of matter.
Application of the glue requires a special gun, sold separately. It increases the speed and quality of the fixing of the foam. It can be used for gluing insulation boards to the facade or the inner surface of the wall, as well as for filling the gaps between the boards with this material. The cost of the material is from 500 rubles.
Liquid
For fixing panels in small areas, glue in liquid form is used. The best option is the option in which there are no solvents. This type of glue is complemented by other mixtures, since it will not be able to reliably fix the foam plates on its own. The advantage of the material is fast setting. The price of the substance ranges from 150-1200 rubles.
Another advantage is the versatility of the material. Since the substance is packaged in tubes, it is convenient to transport and store it. It is squeezed out of the container using a special device - a pistol.
Dry
Dry glue is sold in bags of 15-35 kg. It requires water to prepare it. In appearance, the substance resembles plaster, but it contains binding elements. This glue is the cheapest, environmentally friendly, reliable and durable. It is often used for attaching expanded polystyrene foam to exterior wall surfaces.
The glue must be diluted on your own, strictly following the instructions on the package. It allows you to process a large area for relatively little money. During the purchase, you need to pay attention to the shelf life of the material, as well as the integrity of the packaging. Store the glue in a dry place with normal humidity levels. Such a composition is not used for fixing polystyrene foam to metal substrates.
Main characteristics
Polyurethane foam adhesive is suitable for interior and exterior wall decoration. It has thermal insulation properties, good adhesion. It contains no harmful substances. Standard Features:
- fast setting time - up to 10 minutes, the final hardening of the composition occurs within a day;
- the level of thermal conductivity is 0.035 W / mK, the glue improves the thermal insulation properties of the foam;
- density after solidification - 25 g / cc;
- the optimum temperature for use is from 0 to +35 degrees, there are varieties that are used at negative temperatures.
A feature of the material is its easy application and no expansion. Residues after drying of the composition are quickly removed with a construction knife. The foam glue is initially ready for use, so it should not be further diluted.
The material is lightweight and packaged in a convenient container, which simplifies its transportation, storage and use. However, the presented product has a high cost. It is also important to choose the right material, since not all manufacturers can guarantee good foam quality.
Rules for the use of glue foam
The foam glue for fixing the expanded polystyrene boards must be used correctly. If the instructions for use are not followed, the effectiveness of the substance decreases. You should adhere to these rules:
- before applying the product, the surface is cleaned of dirt and dust, and also treated with a degreasing agent;
- a nozzle-gun is put on the balloon, through which the foam flows out, it must be periodically cleaned;
- the temperature of the container should not be lower than +12 degrees (the upper limit is +25 degrees), if necessary, the cylinder is lowered into a bucket of warm water;
- shake the cylinder before installing the expanded polystyrene plates;
- it is important to observe the thickness of the adhesive layer depending on the base material - the parameters are usually indicated on the packaging;
- do not work in a cold room, as this interferes with the quick setting of the composition;
- after applying the glue, the polystyrene tiles are applied to the base and pressed for better fixation.
For the foam to completely freeze, you need to wait 1.5-2 days. Re-use of the substance is possible if it is stored correctly. For this, it must not come into contact with air. The adhesive properties are retained for 2-3 months.
Adhesives for expanded polystyrene
Polyurethane foam is somewhat different from adhesive in properties, so you need to choose carefully. You should also pay attention to the manufacturers of this product. The following products are in demand:
- Tytan Styro 753. One-component adhesive is intended exclusively for work with expanded polystyrene boards. It is based on polyurethane foam. This substance achieves a high laying speed of the insulator. Grinding of the material is carried out within 2.5 hours after using the glue.
- Ceresit CT38. Its main feature is its fast solidification. The composition contains mineral components. The finished mass is used within 2 hours, after which it loses its properties.
It is important to carefully study the instructions on the packaging, as it indicates on which bases it is better to apply the composition, how long it should dry. It is best to use protective clothing and gloves while working.
In room
Styrofoam foam can be used to fix the insulator indoors. For this, the substance must have environmental safety, not release harmful components into the atmosphere, and not cause allergic reactions. For this purpose, it is allowed to use gypsum-based compositions. They can be purchased in the form of powder, packaged in 30 kg bags or dry foam glue.
The presented compositions allow you to work with any bases: brick, concrete, plastered. In this case, leveling the surface is not necessary. When applying the substance to foam blocks, they are pre-treated with concrete contact to improve adhesion. Only then is the adhesive allowed to be extruded. During use of the composition, you need to monitor the level of humidity in the room.
To the ceiling
Ceiling decoration with expanded polystyrene tiles has been popular recently. In addition to gypsum mixture or plaster, universal polyurethane foam glue is used to fix it. The best option is a mixture of Tytan Styro 753. It hardens quickly, which reduces the time required for finishing works.
Drying speed is also a disadvantage, as the gun tip must be cleaned of the compound every 15 minutes.
Tips for choosing foam adhesive for expanded polystyrene
The choice of glue is based on the material of the walls, the internal or external location of the surface to be treated. The reputation of the manufacturer, the shelf life of the material are taken into account. You should also pay attention to the following requirements:
- it is better to give preference to branded hardware stores that are ready to present quality certificates for products at the request of the buyer;
- if the cost of the composition is too small in comparison with other means, its quality is questionable;
- you should pay attention to the shelf life of the product: if it comes out, the technical characteristics deteriorate;
- the packaging must have a mark about environmental friendliness.
You need to choose glue for a specific purpose. Do not use a compound intended for internal use when insulating the facade.
Foam consumption
It is not difficult to calculate the material consumption: by 10-12 sq.m. area takes about 1000 ml of glue. One bottle contains approximately 750 ml of the substance, which is enough for 10 square meters.
Glue for expanded polystyrene foam is a modern and convenient material that allows you to cope with insulation in a matter of hours. The main advantages are fast solidification and the ability to use for surfaces of any material.
