What glue for polystyrene and facade?

In this article you will learn:

- Which glue to choose? Cement or polyurethane adhesive in foam?
- What glue for white polystyrene, and which for graphite polystyrene?
- What is the efficiency and cost of Foam Adhesive for Styrofoam?
- What is the difference between mounting foam and foam glue?
- What to consider when choosing an adhesive?

Expanded polystyrene is a material commonly used to insulate buildings. It is most often chosen for thermal insulation of buildings, due to its optimal properties combined with a favorable price (compared to other insulation methods), easy installation, universal availability and low water absorption. The execution of the facade involves a lot of work and money, which is why the right selection of materials is so important. Remember that we make facades for years. Any apparent saving in choosing a cheaper material can result in costs in the form of higher energy or labor bills for the construction team. It is also worth checking the current programs for co-financing thermal modernization. The EU and national authorities place great emphasis on construction, which minimizes heat losses.

Which glue to choose?

Cement or polyurethane adhesive in foam?
There are two methods of sticking polystyrene:
- for cement glue - loose in a bag to be mixed with water
- for polyurethane glue (in foam) - which is ready for use - we only need a foam gun

Gluing polystyrene with cement glue is a traditional method that has been known for years, but it carries a lot of additional costs. The cement polystyrene adhesive itself is cheaper than the foam adhesive, but we still need water and electricity to work. In addition, it has worse insulation and adhesive parameters than polyurethane adhesive in foam.
Even 10-15 years ago, many more construction teams used cement glue. Today, the proportion between glue in a bag and glue in foam is completely different. What's more, it changes in favor of foam adhesives every year. This is due to the fact that working with foam adhesive for polystyrene is much easier and faster, and the facade has good insulating properties.

What glue for white polystyrene, and which for graphite polystyrene?

Can foam glue be used for white and graphite polystyrene?
Adhesives for foamed polystyrene in foam can usually be used for both white and graphite polystyrene. Each time when choosing an adhesive, check the label to what type of styrofoam the adhesive can be used for. In addition, foam adhesives can be used on most construction materials, such as wood, ceramics, metal or brick (which is another advantage over cement adhesives).

What is the efficiency and cost of foam adhesive for polystyrene?

The efficiency of one can of glue is about 10-12 m2 (depending on the wall). A can of glue in a DIY store costs about EUR 8-10 gross, i.e. about EUR 0,7-1 / m² of glued facade. You should also add the cost of a foam gun (about EUR 12-20) and a foam cleaner (cost about EUR 5). The gun should be cleaned with a cleaner after finishing work. A well-maintained gun should be enough to build a facade of about 150m²

What is the difference between mounting foam and foam glue?

Many people use these products alternately, but should it be so? Mounting foam is an insulating product that is designed to fill the empty space. Of course, it also has adhesive properties, but they are not as strong as in foam glue. Another difference is expansion. Assembly foams (even low-expansion foams) have a much greater increase (post expansion) than foam adhesives. The use of mounting foam for sticking may result in repulsion (lifting) of materials due to foam expansion. To sum up, we use foam adhesives for gluing, while for any sealing or installation of windows or doors, we use mounting foam.

What to look for when choosing an adhesive?

When choosing an adhesive for polystyrene, pay attention to:
- product insulation parameters
- temperature range at which polystyrene can be glued
- sticking time of polystyrene boards and hardening of the adhesive
- packaging capacity and efficiency
- what type of polystyrene it is intended for

A universal solution is the use of SAXBO adhesive for polystyrene - it is a versatile foam adhesive that can be used both for bonding EPS and XPS polystyrene, as well as polyurethane plates (PUR, PIR) to typical construction substrates, such as: brick, concrete, metal, plasterboards, wood, ceramics and bituminous surfaces.
Its modern formula ensures excellent insulating properties (λ0.034W / m²K), high initial clamping force in a wide temperature range (from -5 ° C to 30 ° C) and high efficiency up to 12m².

You will find more about the product here.