What adhesives are suitable for laying bricks and rules for working with compositions
There are several types of brick glue, differing in composition and, accordingly, in scope. However, the requirements for materials of this type, regardless of the type of product chosen, are the same. When choosing an adhesive for laying bricks, it is necessary to take into account the purpose for which the composition is purchased. In some cases, you will need a material that is highly resistant to external influences.
General requirements for an adhesive for working with brick materials
Adhesives have many advantages over standard cement-sand mixtures used for laying bricks. First of all:
- easy to use;
- reduce material consumption;
- create a thin bonding layer;
- harden quickly;
- practically does not conduct heat;
- are able to glue brick to various surfaces;
- firmly withstand the effects of the external environment, moisture, acids.
Quality adhesives are made from a mixture of cement, sand, plasticizers, synthetic and mineral additives. There are also compositions based on modified polyurethanes, which provide increased adhesion.
A high-quality adhesive for laying bricks should meet the following characteristics:
- retains its original appearance for a long time;
- provides strong adhesion of materials;
- does not harm human health (non-toxic);
- meets the requirements of brick manufacturers.
If the glue is purchased for laying fireplaces and stoves, then such a composition must meet the following characteristics:
- the ability to withstand temperatures up to +1000 degrees;
- low level of toxicity;
- the presence of refractory clay in the composition (recommended feature but not mandatory);
- the presence of a reinforcing element (refractory brick or other).
For facing stoves and fireplaces, glue of a similar composition is used. The composition of this material includes synthetic substances that increase elasticity.
What compositions are suitable
The choice of composition for laying (or repairing) bricks depends on the scope of application of the glue. If the work is carried out in an open space, it is recommended to purchase frost-resistant materials. When working in closed rooms, in addition to the cement-sand mixture with the indicated impurities, you can use the following for fixing the stone:
- Polyurethane foam. The material is mainly used for temporary fixing of brickwork and filling gaps.
- Putty. It is used for fastening decorative bricks and stones to plasterboard and concrete surfaces. The putty does not contain harmful substances, dries quickly and is resistant to moisture.
- Assembly putty. Elastic solution that does not let water through. The putty is based on polyepoxy or polyurethane resin.
- "Liquid Nails". Used for fastening lightweight materials. Such nails are characterized by increased elasticity and provide a secure connection.
Tile adhesive can also be used when laying bricks under certain conditions. This material places increased demands on the place of application, but at the same time provides high-quality adhesion to the surface.
If you buy glue for laying a stove or fireplaces, you should pay attention to the following characteristics of the product (indicated on the package):
- Heat resistant. The composition retains its strength characteristics up to +140 degrees.
- Heat resistant. The properties of the product are preserved when exposed to temperatures from -10 to +300 degrees.
- Heat Resistant (Heat Resistant or Heat Resistant). Glue qualities are maintained at temperatures up to +1000 degrees.
- Fire retardant. This composition resists contact with open fire for three hours.
- Refractory. Resists contact with an open flame indefinitely.
Depending on the specified characteristics, the composition of the glue changes.
The best indicators of heat resistance are demonstrated by mixtures containing clay and cement (including aluminosilicate), kaolin, talc.
Features of choice
When choosing an adhesive, the following circumstances should be considered:
- masonry conditions (inside or outside);
- shelf life (characteristics of the composition change over time);
- sealing of packaging (cans);
- total working area and product consumption;
- temperature that will affect the masonry.
Problems with the choice of glue do not arise if the material is purchased for laying decorative stones or bricks in the interior. Buyers usually encounter difficulties when it becomes necessary to build a stove or a fireplace.As noted, in this case a heat resistant adhesive will be required.
When choosing such formulations, you can pay attention to the following products:
- "Terracotta". Differs in increased grip, so it is popular. "Terracotta" can withstand temperatures up to +250 degrees. But this adhesive composition does not tolerate mechanical loads, and therefore is not used for laying the lower rows of bricks.
- "Profix". This adhesive, characterized by increased elasticity, is recommended for those cases when it is necessary to minimize the consumption of cement when laying bricks. This material allows you to create thin seams between the rows.
- Ceresit Flex CM 16. This product is recommended for novice installers, as it allows laying bricks and trimming uneven surfaces with artificial stone.
- Scanmix Fire. This composition is able to withstand temperatures up to +1200 degrees. Finnish glue has proven itself among stove manufacturers.
When working with bricks, it is often necessary to lay the material on metal surfaces. In this case, the following products will help you:
- SiliconeBelife. As the name suggests, it is a silicone sealant that can replace masonry mortar. This material is mainly used for repair work.
- Dow Corning Q3-1566. An adhesive characterized by increased elasticity. This composition is able to withstand heating up to 350 degrees. But if the temperature exceeds the specified limit, the applied glue will not spread and will hold the joint even after the metal expands.
- "Penosil Premium +1500". An expensive composition that stands out from competitors with its own versatility. This glue is able to fix the brick on various surfaces, including metal.
It is also recommended to study the instructions on the packaging of the glue before buying. This will help you more accurately select the product and calculate the approximate amount of material needed to complete the masonry.
Work rules
Polyurethane and other heat-resistant adhesives are preferred for laying fireplaces and stoves, as such compositions create a joint with greater shrinkage deformation (resulting from exposure to high temperatures and natural shrinkage brick) than cement mixes. Due to this, cracks and other visible defects later form on the walls. However, such characteristics can be achieved subject to the rules for working with such materials.
Before starting the laying, it is necessary to clean the base from dust and other contaminants. If there are defects on the floor, then the latter must be repaired. It is recommended that a highly absorbent substrate be treated with a specialist primer that can withstand high temperatures.
Further laying is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- The mixed powder or ready-mixed compound is applied to each brick with a notched trowel. In this case, the thickness of the layer should not exceed one centimeter.
- The brick with the mixture is laid on the base and pressed.
- Each brick is aged for 2-5 minutes, after which you can start laying the next stone.
Grouting can be done after two days. If the covering is mounted with heat-resistant adhesive, the tiles must first be soaked in water. This will help improve adhesion to the adhesive..
Tips & Tricks
Due to the fact that heat-resistant mixtures are produced in powder form, it is recommended to wear personal protective equipment when laying bricks. To increase the strength characteristics of the attachment point of the facing material, it is necessary to process the surface with glue in 10-15 minutes. After that, you can proceed to the main stage of work. For the rest, you should follow the recommendations indicated on the packaging.