The Ultimate Adhesive for Concrete Bonding

Introducing Adiseal, the ultimate concrete adhesive for concrete bonding. With its unrivaled strength, flexibility, and waterproof properties, Adiseal outperforms the competition in every way. In fact, it was over three times stronger than the nearest competitor in an independent test, even causing screws to rip out. Whether you need to attach wood, metal, stone, plastic, or masonry to concrete, Adiseal provides a reliable and long-lasting bond. Say goodbye to problems with epoxy, mastic, or contact adhesives that fail to deliver. Adiseal is specifically formulated to tackle the challenges of bonding to concrete, ensuring exceptional performance. Don’t settle for anything less than the best. Choose Adiseal and experience the power of the record-breaking strongest adhesive and sealant for all your concrete projects.

Which adhesive to use on concrete

There are many adhesives available that can bond to concrete, but not all of them are created equal. To achieve a strong, long-lasting bond, the correct construction adhesive needs to be used.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a construction adhesive for concrete:

• The type of concrete: Concrete can vary in its composition and texture, so it’s important to choose an adhesive that is compatible with the type of concrete you’re working with.
• The weight of the object being bonded: The weight of the object being bonded will affect the amount of adhesive needed and the type of adhesive that is best suited for the job.
• The environment: The environment where the object will be bonded will also affect the type of adhesive that is best suited for the job. For example, if the object will be exposed to water, wind or extreme temperatures, you’ll need to choose an adhesive that is weather-resistant, flexible and can withstand those conditions.

Why Adiseal is the best adhesive on concrete

There are many reasons why Adiseal construction adhesive & construction sealant is the best product to stick different materials to concrete.

• Adiseal is the record breaking strongest adhesive & sealant. It proved it’s the best in an independent adhesive strength test by Ultimate Handyman.
• Adiseal stays permanently flexible, so it will absorb any vibration and allow any items to expand & contract without the bond becoming weak.
• Adiseal is waterproof so it is also suitable for use outside. It works in dry, wet & even underwater.
• As long as the surface is clean of any dust, grease, paint or any other dirt, priming of the concrete or the other material should not be required.
• It does not stain or bleed into stone or masonry.
• Adiseal has very high gap fill properties. This is useful where there are gaps between the concrete and material.
• Has high initial grab meaning temporary supports may not be required while the construction adhesive cures. Adiseal Hi-Grab has even higher grab than the standard product, see below for details.
• With Adiseal, the concrete does not require sealing prior to applying Adiseal.

In the independent adhesive strength test by Ultimate Handyman, Adiseal was over 3 times stronger than the nearest competitor. With nothing else coming close, Adiseal was too strong even for the screws holding the test rig down, which ripped out before the impressive Adiseal could break.

Testimonials

Testimonials & some comments on the: Grab adhesive tests 2017, video on YouTube

• That Adiseal is phenomenal!
• That Adiseal is some stuff though, definitely need to get some of that bought!
• I instantly went looking for Adiseal!
• Need to get my hands on some of that to try out.
• Looks like a cracking product.
• Having used the two most expensive brands on numerous occasions, I’ll be trying out the others, especially the Adiseal.
• Adiseal certainly surprised me in this test!
• Fantastic tests. It’s unbelievable that Adiseal test with the hardwood.

Adiseal Adhesive & Sealant vs Adiseal Hi-Grab

Adiseal adhesive & sealant has high initial grab but for even more grab use the Adiseal Hi-Grab adhesive. The final bond strength of both construction adhesives is similar.

Adiseal Hi-Grab is an incredibly useful adhesive for bonding heavy items to vertical surfaces, especially when temporary supports are not feasible. It eliminates the need for temporary supports, saving both time and labour costs. The adhesive provides an immediate grab, securing the item in place until it cures.

Additionally, Adiseal Hi-Grab offers exceptional gap-filling capabilities, surpassing the standard Adiseal adhesive & sealant. Its thicker consistency requires greater force to push the surfaces together, ensuring a strong bond. However, if high initial grab or temporary supports are not necessary, the standard Adiseal adhesive & sealant is recommended for achieving optimal bonding by allowing the surfaces to be pressed closer together.

Problems with epoxy adhesives

Using epoxy adhesives on concrete surfaces presents several challenges. Here are the main problems associated with epoxy adhesives:

1. Lack of Flexibility: Epoxy adhesives lack flexibility, leading to a weakening of the bond over time. Fluctuations in air temperature and moisture cause expansion and contraction, exerting additional forces on the adhesive. Without flexibility, the adhesive becomes brittle and eventually breaks.
2. Mixing Requirements: Epoxy adhesives come in two separate components that must be mixed in the correct ratio for optimal adhesive properties. Careful measuring and thorough mixing are essential to achieve the desired results. Failure to follow these steps may result in suboptimal adhesive performance.
3. Lower Initial Grab: Compared to Adiseal, epoxy adhesives generally exhibit lower initial grab. This means that temporary supports are often required while the epoxy adhesive cures. The use of temporary supports increases both time and labor costs associated with the project.

Problems with mastic adhesives

When it comes to using mastic adhesives on concrete surfaces, similar to epoxy adhesives, they come with their fair share of challenges. Here are the main problems associated with mastic adhesives:

1. Weak Bond: One of the primary issues with mastic adhesives is their inherent weakness in bonding. While they may be suitable for light indoor applications, they tend to fail when used for more heavy-duty purposes. This limitation makes them less reliable for demanding concrete bonding projects.
2. Lack of Waterproofing: Mastic adhesives are not waterproof, which significantly restricts their usability in areas prone to moisture and water exposure. These adhesives are not suitable for use in bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoor applications where water resistance is essential.
3. Lack of Flexibility: Similar to epoxy adhesives, mastic adhesives also lack flexibility. Over time, temperature fluctuations and moisture changes can cause concrete surfaces to expand and contract. Without the necessary flexibility, the already weak bond provided by mastic adhesives becomes even weaker, potentially leading to bond failure.
4. Low Initial Grab: Mastic adhesives typically have a low initial grab, similar to epoxy adhesives. As a result, temporary supports are often required to hold the materials in place while the adhesive cures. This requirement for temporary supports increases both the time and labor costs associated with the project.

Problems with contact adhesives

When it comes to using contact adhesives for bonding purposes, there are several limitations to consider. Here are the main problems associated with contact adhesives:

1. Low Initial Grab: Contact adhesives typically have a low initial grab, meaning they do not immediately bond materials together upon contact. As a result, temporary supports are often required to hold the materials in place until the adhesive has fully cured. This dependency on temporary supports increases both the time and effort involved in the bonding process.
2. Limited Gap Fill: Contact adhesives have a low gap fill capability, which means they are unable to effectively bridge gaps between the two surfaces being bonded. In instances where there are uneven surfaces or gaps between the materials, the contact adhesive is unable to stretch and form a strong bond. Consequently, the adhesive only successfully bonds in areas where the surfaces are closely positioned, resulting in an overall weaker bond.
3. Porosity of Concrete: Concrete surfaces are porous, meaning they have the ability to absorb liquids. When using contact adhesives on concrete, it is necessary to seal the surface beforehand to prevent the adhesive from being absorbed by the concrete. Failure to do so can result in reduced adhesive performance and a weaker bond.

Problems with using glue on concrete

When it comes to bonding items to concrete, using traditional glues can present several challenges. Here are the main problems associated with using glue on concrete:

1. Unsuitability for Heavy Duty Applications: Glues are generally designed for lightweight applications on smooth surfaces and may not be suitable for more demanding tasks like bonding items to concrete. For heavy-duty applications, it is recommended to use a construction adhesive like Adiseal, which offers superior performance and strength.
2. Lower Gap Fill: Glues typically have lower gap fill capabilities, meaning they are less effective at filling and bonding uneven surfaces or gaps between materials. This can result in weaker and less reliable bonds compared to using a construction adhesive like Adiseal, which offers high gap fill properties.
3. Weaker Initial Grab and Bond Strength: Glues often exhibit lower initial grab and bond strength, requiring the use of temporary supports until the adhesive has fully cured. In contrast, Adiseal adhesive & sealant provides a strong initial grab and superior bond strength, eliminating the need for temporary supports and saving time and labor costs.
4. Lack of Flexibility: Glues may lack flexibility, making them prone to becoming brittle and weak over time. This can be problematic, especially in applications where materials undergo expansion and contraction due to temperature and moisture changes. Adiseal adhesive & sealant, on the other hand, remains flexible, ensuring a durable and long-lasting bond on concrete surfaces.
5. Porosity of Concrete: Concrete is a porous material that can absorb liquid glues, which may affect their bonding effectiveness. Sealing the concrete surface prior to gluing is necessary to prevent absorption. Adiseal adhesive & sealant is specifically formulated to bond with porous surfaces like concrete without the need for pre-sealing.

How to attach wood to concrete

When it comes to attaching wood to concrete, Adiseal is a reliable and durable adhesive solution for both softwood and hardwood. It creates a strong and long-lasting bond, suitable for interior and exterior applications.

Concrete demonstration block

On our concrete demonstration block shown above, before applying the adhesive we have thoroughly brushed the concrete using a paint brush to make sure any dust is removed. We did not use any primer to seal our concrete demonstration block before applying Adiseal adhesive & sealant.

Wood tends to soak up moisture in the air meaning it will expand. Using a flexible adhesive when sticking wood to concrete is very important. It is preferable acclimatise the wood before attaching the wood to concrete. One way to do this with wood flooring or wooden skirting is to open the packaging and leaving the wood in the room for a few days before installing. To avoid the wood from bending out of shape, place the wood on a flat surface to acclimatise.

For safety reasons when attaching extra heavy wood on vertical & overhead applications, mechanical fixings should also be used on the wood and concrete in conjunction with Adiseal.

How to bond metal to concrete

When it comes to bonding metal to concrete, Adiseal is the ideal adhesive for both interior and exterior applications. As mentioned earlier, proper surface preparation is essential for achieving a strong bond.

Some metals may have an oil applied to it to stop the metal from rusting. This oil needs to be removed before the adhesive can be applied to between metal to concrete. Adisolve is ideal at removing oil, grease, tar & many other stubborn deposits.

To ensure a robust bond, it’s recommended (not always required) to lightly scratch the surface of the metal where the adhesive will be applied. This increases the surface area and enhances the adhesive’s grip. Sandpaper or a file can be used to achieve the desired level of surface scratching. Afterward, thoroughly clean the surface to remove any loose metal particles.

Once the surfaces are clean, apply the adhesive between the metal and concrete and firmly press them together. In some cases, temporary supports may be required if the items tend to slide. Adiseal Hi-Grab adhesive offers even higher initial grab, which may eliminate the need for temporary supports in many applications.

For safety reasons on extra heavy metal items, mechanical fixings also need to be used between metal to concrete in conjunction with Adiseal when used to bond heavy items to vertical & overhead applications.

How to bond plastic to concrete

Adiseal is suitable at bonding most plastics to concrete. Adiseal is suitable for use on PVC but not suitable for use on polypropylene or polyethylene.

As with the metal and wood, clean the plastic thoroughly to make sure any dust, oil, grease, paint or any other dirt is removed before applying the adhesive. Scratching the surface of the plastic will increase the surface area increasing the strength of the bond between plastic & concrete.

Once the adhesive is applied, firmly press the plastic onto the concrete surface. This ensures proper contact and allows the adhesive to create a strong bond.

Adiseal is also an excellent choice to glue artificial grass to concrete surfaces. Whether you’re working on a landscaping project or creating an outdoor area, Adiseal provides reliable and long-lasting adhesion.

How to bond stone, brick, tile or masonry to concrete

When it comes to bonding stone, brick, tile, or masonry to concrete, Adiseal is the ideal adhesive for both interior and exterior applications. Proper surface preparation is essential for achieving a strong and durable bond.

Before applying the adhesive, it’s crucial to brush off any dust thoroughly. Using a fine brush, such as a painting brush, helps remove fine dust particles. With Adiseal, priming the stone, brick, or masonry surface is typically not required as long as the surfaces are thoroughly clean.

A common problem when using other adhesives or glue for stone is they tend to bleed into the stone, as stone is a porous material. Instead of using these other adhesives or glue for stone, using Adiseal will avoid this problem bleeding into the stone.

To bond stone, brick, or masonry to concrete using Adiseal, ensure that both surfaces are completely clean, especially from any loose bits and dust. Apply the adhesive to one surface and firmly press the item onto the concrete. If the item starts to slide, temporary supports may be necessary.

Considering the weight of stone, brick, tile, or other masonry items, using Adiseal Hi-Grab adhesive may be more suitable as it offers a higher initial grab, reducing the need for temporary supports until the adhesive cures.

Adiseal is highly effective for bonding various types of stones, including sticking marble, granite, travertine, slate, ceramic, and many others.

For added safety, when bonding extra heavy stone, brick, tile, or masonry items, it is recommended to use mechanical fixings in conjunction with Adiseal, especially for vertical and overhead applications. This ensures maximum stability and strength.

Glue for concrete

If you’re looking for a glue specifically designed for gluing materials to concrete, our Adiglue glue is a suitable option. While Adiglue offers greater flexibility and strength compared to super glues, it is still not as flexible or strong as our Adiseal construction adhesive & construction sealant.

To demonstrate the effectiveness of Adiglue, let’s consider an example where we have successfully glued a metal handle to a heavy concrete slab using Adiglue. However, it’s important to note that before applying Adiglue, the concrete surface must be sealed with Adiglue Activator. This step prevents the concrete from absorbing the adhesive. On the other hand, when using Adiseal construction adhesive and construction sealant to stick the metal handle to concrete, sealing is not necessary.

Glue for concrete vs adhesive

Whether a glue for concrete is better to use or an adhesive depends on the type of job and the surface area available for the bond between 2 materials.

Small jobs

If you have to bond to concrete items with a small surface area then Adiglue is the better product.

Large jobs

If the items that needing bonding to concrete have a large surface area then Adiseal adhesive & sealant or Adiseal Hi-Grab adhesive are the best products to use.

Bonding other items to concrete with Adiseal

Cleaning concrete surface before applying the adhesive

To ensure proper adhesion when applying an adhesive to concrete, it is crucial to clean the concrete surface thoroughly. In outdoor environments, concrete can accumulate a layer of dirt, which can hinder the adhesive’s effectiveness. Simply brushing the surface may not be sufficient in removing this dirt layer. Applying adhesive on top of the dirt layer will result in weak adhesion to the concrete.

To effectively clean the concrete, we recommend using a jet wash or sandblasting the surface. These methods provide the best results in removing dirt and debris from the concrete. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of water and a suitable detergent or cleaning product, along with a thick brush, to scrub the surface and remove the dirt. However, keep in mind that this method may not be as effective as using a jet wash.

If you choose to use a detergent or cleaning product, make sure to rinse the concrete thoroughly to remove any residue. Additionally, fine dust can be removed using a vacuum, blower, or a fine brush such as a painting brush.

By properly cleaning the concrete surface before applying the adhesive, you ensure optimal adhesion and increase the overall effectiveness of the bonding process.

Safety

When using adhesives for concrete, it’s important to consider the safety implications to protect yourself and others involved in the application. Here are some key safety considerations:

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses or goggles, gloves, and a respiratory mask if required. Adhesive fumes or splashes can be harmful, so it’s important to protect your eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
2. Adequate Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in the area where the adhesive is being used. This helps to minimize the concentration of fumes and maintain a safe working environment. Open windows or use fans to improve air circulation.
3. Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety data sheet (SDS) for the adhesive product. The SDS provides important information about potential hazards, safe handling procedures, and first aid measures.
4. Proper Storage: Store adhesive products in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Follow any specific storage instructions provided by the manufacturer to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the adhesive.
5. Adhesive Application: Follow proper application techniques and guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Use the adhesive in the recommended quantity and avoid excessive exposure to the adhesive fumes or direct skin contact.
6. Cleanliness and Spill Management: Keep the work area clean and organized to minimize the risk of accidents or spills. In case of adhesive spills, follow appropriate clean-up procedures using suitable absorbent materials and dispose of them properly.
7. Fire Safety: Some adhesives are flammable, so ensure that there are no open flames or ignition sources nearby. Take necessary precautions to prevent fires and have fire extinguishing equipment readily available.
8. Emergency Preparedness: Familiarize yourself with the first aid measures outlined in the adhesive’s SDS. Have a designated first aid kit accessible, and know the location of emergency showers and eye-wash stations in case of accidental exposure.
9. Training and Experience: Ensure that individuals working with adhesives for concrete have received proper training and are familiar with the safety precautions and procedures involved. Experience and knowledge can help minimize risks and improve overall safety.

It’s crucial to prioritize safety when working with adhesives for concrete. By following these safety precautions and guidelines, you can help mitigate potential hazards and ensure a safer working environment.

Cement adhesive

Concrete and cement are two related but distinct materials used in construction. Here is the difference between them:

Cement: Cement is a powdered binding material made from a mixture of limestone, clay, shells, silica, and other materials. It acts as a binder that binds the ingredients together to form a solid mass. Cement is a crucial component in concrete, but it is not concrete itself. There are different types of cement, such as Portland cement, which is commonly used in construction.

Concrete: Concrete is a composite material composed of cement, aggregates (such as sand and gravel or crushed stone), and water. The aggregates provide strength and stability to the concrete mixture, while water activates the cement and facilitates the chemical reaction known as hydration. Upon curing, the mixture hardens and forms a solid structure. Concrete is a versatile material widely used in construction for foundations, walls, floors, pavements, and various structures.

In summary, cement is an ingredient used to make concrete. It is the binding agent that holds the aggregates together. Concrete, on the other hand, is a mixture of cement, aggregates, and water, which forms a strong and durable construction material.

Where to buy

In the UK, Adiseal products can be purchased from Adiseal stockists. For other countries visit www.guglue.com

Adhesives detailed guide

Visit our detailed guide on adhesives for more information on adhesives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Adhesive

Conclusion

Adiseal adhesive & sealant is recommended as the ultimate adhesive for bonding various materials to concrete. It is extra strong, durable, weather-resistant, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Adiseal can bond wood, plastic, stone, metal, and more to concrete. It stays permanently flexible, absorbs vibrations, and allows for expansion and contraction without weakening the bond. Adiseal is also waterproof and can be used in wet or humid environments. Additionally, it has high gap fill properties, does not stain or bleed into stone or masonry, and does not require priming or sealing of the concrete surface before application. Adiseal is considered the record-breaking strongest adhesive & sealant, as it was over three times stronger than the nearest competitor in an independent test.

Suhail Matadar

Suhail Matadar has extensive experience in the construction industry as an electrician, involved in installing, inspecting, and testing electrical systems in various projects. He excelled in sales, working for a major UK wholesaler, selling construction products to professionals and the DIY market. Suhail's background includes working at a leading home emergency repair company dealing with trades people. With a BEng (Hons) degree in Electronic Engineering, Suhail has worked with PLCs in the nuclear fuel manufacturing industry. During his studies, he gained practical experience at a chemical manufacturing company known for producing award-winning cleaning, hygiene, and livestock protection products for over a century. Currently, Suhail runs a global business specialising in supplying, researching, testing, and distributing chemical construction products like adhesives and sealants.