How to Glue Concrete Blocks Together?
The rapid expansion of infrastructural projects is a significant indication of urbanization and development. In this 21st century, there are numerous ways of constructing infrastructure, no matter if it is accommodation, a workplace, or other institutions. For construction purposes, the choice of materials has also been upgraded with time. At present, a variety of choices are available that include bricks, concrete, cement, wood, steel, etc. The mass choice for building houses was red bricks for a long time until the use of concrete subsequently gained popularity. Concrete blocks, a masonry unit, have been replacing conventional red bricks gradually over the last few decades. Not only has concrete block been proven to be a more reliable and stronger alternative, it is also the cheaper and environment-friendly choice.
Concrete masonry units are being used for infrastructure of all kinds, including housing, office spaces, business institutions, etc. Besides large infrastructures, concrete blocks are also used for building many creative and ornamental structures such as garden planters, outdoor benches for patios, centerpieces, birdhouses, etc. Concrete blocks adhere together as units for constructing a whole structure. The mechanism of attaching concrete masonry units is quite fascinating. This article aims to provide a brief representation of the methods and options for the adhesion of concrete blocks.
Checklist
Types of Glue Used for Adhesion of Concrete Blocks
As concrete blocks are generally used for large infrastructural projects, a strong bonding adhesive is indispensable in this case for gluing blocks together. The application of a strong masonry adhesive, which will perfectly create a bond between both the concrete blocks and the material attached to them, is crucial for any construction purpose. The adhesive requires it to be stronger than typical glue used in other projects and compatible with the prerequisites of the construction project. Several types of adhesives are available on the market for gluing concrete blocks, and their common purpose is to dry fast and be resistant to oil, heat, and water.
Epoxy Adhesives
Epoxy adhesives are widely popular because of their high strength and resistance to chemical and environmental damage. Epoxy can be considered by far the most durable and long-lasting concrete adhesive that has been proved to withstand exposure to extreme weather, temperature, UV light, and general chemical damage. As concrete blocks are exposed to harsh outdoor and indoor environmental situations, the strength of adhesion is essential for the durability of any structure, and epoxy adhesives serve best for this purpose. Furthermore, epoxy adhesives have the ability to cure both heat curing and room temperature curing systems. Many adhesive formulations require modifiers to increase the robustness of the cured adhesives, but epoxy adhesives cure hard without added modifiers. The only drawback of epoxy adhesives includes their cost. Epoxy adhesives are quite expensive and might not be affordable for all types of construction.
Resin Adhesives
Resin adhesives for concrete blocks are well known for their ability to dry and cure swiftly. Compared to epoxy-based adhesives, resin adhesives cure more rapidly, which makes them more readily available than epoxy. Additional advantages of resins include resistance to shrinkage after curing and the ability to prevent bacterial microleakage by absorption of composites. Resin adhesives are mostly required to maintain the shape and size of concrete blocks under high stress and continuous usability. They are manufactured in different forms, such as powdered, spray, emulsion, or liquid forms. However, among all the resin-based adhesives, epoxy resin lacks the ability to be water-resistant, hence, not useful for moist or wet conditions which can deteriorate the durability of the structure. Resin adhesives are comparatively more affordable than epoxy adhesives but are still considered costly for common uses. They are commonly used for the construction of airport runways, bridges, high traffic areas, parking structures, etc.
Mortar
Mortar is the most widely used and most popular bonding agent for joining concrete blocks together. Mortar is manufactured from a combination of lime, sand, and water, as well as from other types of cementitious products, depending on the use. Mortar has been on the market for years and is considered a conventional choice for adhesive for most construction projects because of its easy-to-use characteristics and affordability. Mortar is suitable and durable for outdoor projects and strong enough for average concrete projects. Application of mortar requires proper skills as it is prone to cracking or expansion if not properly applied. A major drawback of mortar includes its lack of resistance to extreme temperature conditions, as it dries hard very quickly and is not able to hold up well to extreme temperatures. Even though stronger adhesive choices have been available on the market for the last several decades, mortar is still popular for its economical feature.
Polymer Adhesives
Polymer bonding agents are manufactured from synthetic polymers. Polymer adhesives are preferred for their flexibility, strength, and greater impact resistance. They are most commonly used in the field of aerospace construction projects. Polymer adhesives are not readily available for average concrete construction projects as they are quite costly.
Solvent Based Adhesives
The mechanism of applying solvent-based adhesives is to disperse the adhesive in an organic solvent first. As the adhesive turns into its final solid form from liquid after being applied to concrete blocks, the solvent evaporates, leaving the pure bonding agent. The use of solvent is required to ensure the processing of the binding agent from liquid to solid to make the adhesion durable and long lasting. The choice of binding agents is vast in the case of these adhesives, depending on the features required. Solvent-based adhesives are well known for a few key characteristics: extreme environmental conditions resistance, temperature resistance, oil and plasticizer resistance, etc.
The above-mentioned adhesives are most commonly used for the adhesion of concrete blocks, but there are more options available on the market depending on the requirements of construction projects. Some other types of adhesives include phenolic resin adhesive, plastisol adhesive, acrylic adhesive, pressure adhesive, etc.
Steps Involved in the Adhesion of Concrete Blocks
Different types of concrete blocks of different shapes and sizes are used for construction according to the requirement of the project. While building an infrastructure, concrete blocks are needed to be glued to one another and the steps for this procedure are more likely similar for all types of concrete blocks. A basic guide to the process of adhesion of concrete blocks is described in the following section.
Typically required tools:
> Construction glue or adhesive
> Concrete broom or device to clean the surface of concrete blocks
> Caulk gun
> Utility knife
> Gloves for safety precautions
Step 1:
The first step is to set the concrete blocks, which you will be gluing to each other, on a clean, flat surface and wipe them off with a concrete broom or other device built for this purpose. The surface on which the glue will be applied must be completely clean and free of debris before the application of adhesive. The surface must also be free from standing water, oil/grease, and other contaminants. So, dust them off very carefully and observe precisely for any kinds of remnants.
Step 2:
The second step is to prepare the device to apply the adhesive. For this purpose, a ‘caulk gun’ is typically used. Other than caulk gun, some spreading tools are almost exclusively used for few types of adhesives, such as masonry hand tools. For devising the adhesive applying tool, take the tube of construction adhesive and slide it into a caulk gun. Lock the tube into place by pressing it down with your hand. After that, cut off the tip of the nozzle of the adhesive tube at a 45° angle by using a utility knife. This specific angle is optimum for surging out more adhesive while you are spreading it on the surface of a concrete block. Now, your device is completely ready to apply the glue to your blocks.
Step 3:
At first, place your concrete block on a flat surface and pre-fit another block to recheck for any unusual inaccuracy. Then start squirting construction glue over the top of your first block by pressing the trigger of the caulk gun. Apply a continuous zigzag bead around the entire perimeter of one surface to be bonded. Set the second block directly on top of the first block and press down firmly so that it can attach in place.
Step 4:
After gluing the first two blocks together, recheck for extra glue and wipe it away with a piece of cloth. But if it solidifies, then use a putty knife to cut it away or use a solvent such as acetone, mineral spirits, etc. to remove the residue. Apply the adhesive on the second block and firmly install the third block by repeating the previous step. Keep repeating the identical pattern until your desired number of blocks are attached to the structure.
Summary
Concrete masonry units are adhered to one another to build an entire structure. The adhesion procedure requires construction adhesives such as epoxy, resin, mortar, solvent-based glue, polymer glue, etc. Specific methods are followed for gluing the blocks together. The mechanism might be different for different types of concrete blocks, but the basic concept remains the same. With the use of a caulk gun, adhesives are applied to a concrete block surface and another block is installed over it with force for strong adhesion. The application of concrete adhesives has made construction procedures multiple folds easier.
F.A.Q.
How do you join concrete blocks together?
Ans. Concrete blocks are glued to one another by construction adhesives such as epoxy, resin, mortar, etc. to build a complete structure.
Which concrete adhesive is the most popular for gluing concrete blocks together?
Ans. Mortar is the most widely used and readily available adhesive for adhering concrete blocks. Mortar is popular for its affordable and easy-to-use features.
How do I apply concrete glue to my concrete block surface?
Ans. You can apply your concrete adhesive with the help of a caulk gun or masonry hand tools.
Which one is better – epoxy glue or mortar?
Ans. Epoxy is comparatively better than mortar considering its strength, durability, and resistance to environmental conditions. But epoxy adhesives are very costly compared to mortar, so they are not affordable for regular construction projects.
Where can I buy affordable and best-quality concrete blocks for my construction project?
Ans. If you are looking for the best quality concrete blocks in an economical price range, go for Mir Concrete Blocks, without a doubt. For more information, reach out to us. We are always here to help!
