Can you use concrete glue?

Learn to use concrete glue like a DIY pro

Minor cracks and gaps in concrete, cinder blocks, sidewalks, and other surfaces can be quickly fixed with concrete glue. Read our short guide to learn when - and how - to use concrete glue.

CONCRETE GLUE: THE BASICS

Concrete adhesives are glues that are specially formulated to stick to concrete, block, stone, and other masonry materials. While mortar can be used in some cases, it’s preferable to use an adhesive material - usually dispensed from a caulk tube - that bonds more firmly and is much more durable than a mortar patch.

An advantage of concrete glue is that it can be used as a concrete to metal adhesive and carpet to concrete adhesive, in addition to repairing cracks and gaps in concrete, sidewalks and cinder blocks.

HOW IS CONCRETE ADHESIVE APPLIED?

Concrete glue comes in a variety of containers for easy use. For small jobs and home fixes, a squeezable container can be used to apply the glue where needed. For bigger, more advanced jobs, you might need a caulk gun.

Construction glue for concrete may be polyurethane-based or epoxy based. It may be a single component or two components that must be mixed before use. Always check the label for instructions.

To remove dried concrete glue from a masonry surface, follow these steps:

  1. Scrape or sand away as much of the glue as possible.
  2. Use a solvent to remove the residue. Depending on the glue, hot (boiled) water, acetone, mineral spirits, or paint stripper should do the trick. The instructions on the label should tell you which to use, but if not, try a little of each until you find what works.
  3. Allow the solvent to soften the dried concrete glue, then scrape away the remaining glue.
  4. Wash the area with soap and water.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CONSTRUCTION GLUE FOR CONCRETE

When selecting a concrete glue, there are a few things to consider. Will the repair be made inside or outside, where it’s exposed to the elements and may need to be waterproofed? If the repair is in a visible spot, what colour will best match the surrounding materials? Will the material need to stay a bit flexible so that it doesn’t crack, or do you need a stronger bond? In the latter case, it’s helpful to keep in mind that epoxies tend to dry the hardest, while polyurethanes usually retain a bit of flexibility.

For small repairs in and around the house, we recommend Pattex 100% Repair Gel. This solvent-free formula will bond to almost any material, including masonry surfaces such as stone, brick, concrete, and plaster. Its gel consistency means no runs or sagging as it dries. It’s a great all-rounder for the DIYer and homeowner!

If an epoxy is more suitable, try Pattex Power Epoxy Instant Mix. This concrete adhesive comes in a one-minute and five-minute version and forms extremely strong, fast bonds. Its convenient dual syringe packaging makes mixing easy and it can be used both indoors and out. It will bond to concrete, stone and marble as well as glass, fiberglass, wood, and ceramics.

Pattex Fix Nail Power Total, an all-in-one, high-performance construction adhesive sealant suitable for interior and exterior use is also a great choice. One benefit to using this concrete glue is that items remain repositionable for up to five minutes - giving you time to fine tune the repair before it sets. In addition to bonding concrete and masonry, it’s ideal for bonding skirting boards or wood, aluminium, steel, floor panelling, fibrous cement sheeting and more.

Now that you know, let’s go!

Check out our line of professional adhesives and get to work on your DIY project.
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