2026-08-24
Various adhesives used in renovation
Glazing sealants: These primarily fall into two categories: silicone sealants and polyurethane (PU) sealants. Silicone sealants are further classified into types such as acidic, neutral, and structural sealants. Polyurethane sealants are categorized into bonding adhesives and joint sealants.
Silicone sealant (acidic): Primarily used for general bonding between glass and other construction materials. During curing, it absorbs atmospheric moisture and releases acetic acid gas; it is corrosive to metals and is unsuitable for bonding coated glass, mirrors, metals, or plastics.
Weather-resistant silicone sealant (neutral): Its primary function is to maintain a seal under extreme weather conditions, such as exposure to UV radiation, acid rain, and snow. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and offers strong adhesion to substrates. It is widely used in applications such as the dry-hanging of stone panels but is not suitable for bonding to painted surfaces.
Silicone structural sealant (neutral): Offers superior bonding performance compared to weather-resistant sealants—specifically in terms of tear strength, elongation at break, and tensile strength. Consequently, structural sealants provide the highest performance and are generally more expensive than standard sealants.
Nail-free adhesive: A high-strength, multi-purpose construction adhesive known internationally as "liquid nails." It is widely used to bond materials—such as wood, plasterboard, metal, mirrors, glass, plastic, rubber, skirting boards, shutters, thresholds, windowsills, boundary markers, pillars, junction boxes, various synthetic materials, decorative stones, and tiles—to concrete, brickwork, or plaster. It is unsuitable for use in damp or water-logged areas and should not be used for mounting mirrors. It is compatible with PVC but not with polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). As it is not waterproof, it is not recommended for outdoor use.
Polyurethane foam sealant: Primarily used for gap filling, bonding, sealing, thermal insulation, and sound absorption. Its main applications include sealing and bonding gaps between doors/windows and walls, as well as plugging holes. The foam cures through a reaction with air or moisture in the substrate, adhering to surfaces such as concrete, coatings, masonry, wood, and plastic. Before application, remove loose dust and oil from the wall surface; if the surface is too dry, spray a small amount of water to ensure the foam absorbs enough moisture to expand fully. Do not discard partially used cans haphazardly; burning or puncturing empty cans is strictly prohibited. Keep away from open flames and avoid contact with flammable or explosive materials to prevent the can from exploding.
Marble adhesive: Suitable for bonding various types of stone or repairing surface cracks and fractures; commonly used in stone paving projects, as well as for the repair, bonding, positioning, and joint filling of various stone materials.