Types and brands of glue for plywood under concrete screed

The choice of adhesive is very important when installing a concrete screed over plywood because it ensures a stable and long-lasting surface. By using the proper glue, you can prevent issues like shifting and bubbling that could otherwise cause your flooring to lose its integrity. However, choosing the right one for your project can be a little overwhelming given the wide variety of types and brands available.

We’ll examine the various adhesive kinds that are available for attaching plywood beneath a concrete screed in this post. Every type of glue, from basic options like latex-based glues to more specialized types like epoxy and polyurethane, has advantages and disadvantages of its own. We’ll also feature a few well-known brands that are renowned for their dependability and effectiveness in flooring applications.

Knowing the best adhesives for the job will help you achieve a smooth and long-lasting finish, whether you’re a professional working on a larger project or a do-it-yourself enthusiast taking on a home renovation. Let’s examine the available choices and determine which glue would work best for your upcoming installation of concrete screed.

Advantages and features of laying plywood on a screed

When setting up a screed, using plywood has several benefits.

• Thanks to plywood, there is no need to use expensive leveling compounds (for example, if you plan to lay laminate).
• The materials are easy to install, in a few days (and in some cases in 12-20 hours) you can start laying the flooring.
• If you use not ordinary plywood, but FSF sheets, the coating will also be water-repellent.

• No need to do dirty work.
• Floor coverings laid on plywood are characterized by increased strength and wear resistance. Also, such a coating improves floor cushioning, that is, compressive forces are redistributed better.
• Plywood (especially birch) creates additional thermal insulation. Concrete and decorative panels differ greatly in temperature, so plywood also acts as a temperature compensator, smoothing out this difference.

The possibility that the floor will eventually start to creak or that spaces will open up between the panels is decreased because of this straightforward "layer." Furthermore, you can safely install a warm floor system by selecting the right glue.

To ensure a strong and long-lasting bond when installing a concrete screed over plywood, the right glue must be chosen. This article examines several adhesive types that work well for this purpose, such as polyurethane, epoxy, and latex-based alternatives, and it lists some of the best brands that work consistently well. Through comprehension of the distinctions among these adhesives and their optimal applications, you will be more capable of choosing the best product for your undertaking, guaranteeing a sturdy and long-lasting concrete surface.

Types of adhesives

Plywood screed adhesive comes in a variety of varieties.

Polyurethane

These adhesives are very strong and stick well to any type of material. The compositions are regarded as harmless because they don’t smell strongly, polymerize after drying, and release no hazardous compounds.

What is polyurethane glue?

• Two-component. This means that immediately before using the composition, you need to mix the adhesive and hardener. This is the only type of glue that securely fixes plywood without the use of dowels. But at the same time, these are the most expensive mixtures. The polymerization process begins quite quickly, so no more than 40-60 minutes are allotted for work. The finished mixture is highly viscous, it is convenient to work with a comb spatula. Also, two-component compositions are characterized by increased permeability.

Crucial! Two-component glue is extremely toxic before it hardens, so gloves and a protective mask must be worn when handling the compound.

• One-component. These are simpler compositions that polymerize due to moisture in the air. For the same reason, they dry longer, which allows you to work calmly. It takes up to 48 hours for the composition to fully polymerize. Although one-component compositions are less toxic, they become completely safe only after 2 days.

The strength of this type of "layer" is superior to that of the concrete base itself. Polyurethane adhesives, on the other hand, have a temperature tolerance of +55. Additionally, mixes comprising liquid glass, epoxy resin, and additional "hardeners" are available for purchase.

Polyurethane adhesive mixtures have a consumption of 1.2–1.5 kg/m2. The completed layer has a low susceptibility to ignition.

Based on artificial resin

These are all-purpose compositions (also known as alcohol-based), created using synthetic resins or solvents, which don’t need any additional setup time. These adhesives also smell strongly, so after applying the glue, you must wear a mask and open the window. Dowels must also be used to secure the plywood after it has been installed. One of the drawbacks of these combinations is their strong smell, which means that one should only work while wearing a respirator. These adhesives are suitable for installing underfloor heating systems, have good adhesion, and are resistant to frost.

Practical! These compositions work best for coatings composed of natural materials.

One benefit of adhesive compositions is their three-day full drying time. Due to the mixture’s high degree of elastic properties, it fills voids and cracks in the concrete screed effectively. The base gets denser as a result.

Resin or glue based on solvents is consumed at a rate of 1.2 to 1.5 kg/m^2.

Water-based

Since the ingredients of dispersion glue are mixed in a water-dispersion medium rather than dissolving in it, it is both inexpensive and environmentally friendly. Only odorless, completely harmless water molecules can evaporate when the composition dries.

However, these kinds of compositions have lower adhesion indicators. Dispersion glue should only be used in heated, residential spaces because it can cause veneer warping if it is exposed to moisture for an extended period of time. For such compositions, only plywood that is resistant to moisture should be used.

Polyvinyl acetate, or PVA glue, is a common composition for water dispersion. The distinctive quality of this glue is that it remains unchanged even when applied to a wet screed. PVA produces a high adhesion rate plastic connecting layer. However, it can take up to seven days for it to dry.

Water-based glue can also be

• polyacrylate;
• latex, with artificial additives (rubber);
• koniakin.

Dilute the solution with water or a specific primer before using. The amount of adhesive used is roughly 1.2 kg/m³. Additionally, the composition has a low ignition susceptibility.

Popular compositions

It is noteworthy to mention that this composition is among the best and most well-liked ones:

• STAUF PUK-446 (Germany). Two-component adhesive that is suitable for all types of lumber. Characterized by frost resistance, shear resistance, low emission. Adhesive consumption is 1.3 kg / m 2 . Hardens in 60 minutes. Pre-treat the concrete screed with a primer. Cost for 9.79 kg 5100 rubles.
• Sika Bond – 54 Parquet (Switzerland). One-component universal odorless adhesive. It hardens quickly, so subsequent work can be carried out within 12 hours. Good for fixing parquet boards, artistic and modular parquet. Consumption is 0.7-1.0 kg/m2 . Cost for 13 kg is about 6,000 rubles.

• VERMEISTER Repox (Italy). Two-component epoxy-polyurethane composition with increased heat resistance. The glue is available in shades of Oak and Walnut. Consumption is 0.9-1.3 kg/m2 . Costs about 3,000 rubles for 10 kg.
• FORBO 148 Euromix Wood (Germany). Two-component odorless glue with low elasticity. After connecting both components, up to 1.5 hours are allotted for work. Consumption is 0.8-1.2 kg/m2 . Cost of a container weighing 9.6 kg is 2,900 rubles.

• IBOLA L12 (Germany). Universal composition based on artificial resins. Excellent for all types of coatings (including mosaics). Suitable for installing underfloor heating systems. Consumption is also 0.8-1.2 kg/m2 . Cost is about 7400 rubles for a 25 kg container.
• KESTO (KIILT0) Standard (Finland). PVA-based glue. Characterized by fairly fast hardening (10-20 minutes), suitable for all types of flooring. Suitable only for indoor spaces. Mixture consumption is 8.5-1.3 kg/m2 . Costs about 2500 rubles for 18 kg.

For a sturdy and long-lasting floor, the glue used to adhere plywood beneath a concrete screed must be chosen carefully. With so many different kinds of glue on the market, it’s critical to match the adhesive to your unique requirements and environment. Whether you choose a high-performance acrylic adhesive, polyurethane, or epoxy, each type has special advantages suited to various situations.

Because of their strong bonding power and flexibility, polyurethane glues are highly recommended for areas that may experience movement. Conversely, epoxy adhesives offer a strong, moisture-resistant bond that can withstand large weights. They are also extremely resilient. Because of their rapid setting time and ease of use, high-performance acrylics are frequently chosen for projects where time is of the essence.

It’s important to take into account reputable brands that provide dependability and excellent customer service when choosing a brand. In the adhesive industry, companies like Titebond, Sika, and Bostik have built solid reputations for dependability and performance. To make sure the glue you select is compatible with both your plywood and concrete screed, be sure to check the product specifications and manufacturer recommendations.

In conclusion, choosing the appropriate glue can have a big impact on how well your flooring project turns out. You can choose an adhesive type and brand that will give your concrete screed a smooth, polished surface and a strong, long-lasting bond by being aware of their characteristics.

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