Concrete Glues

Jorge Williams
12 min readJun 19, 2024

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Looking for the perfect concrete glue to hold your projects together? Look no further! In this roundup, we’ll be exploring some of the best-performing concrete glues on the market, designed to ensure strong, long-lasting bonds for all your construction and repair needs.

From top-rated brands to innovative new products, we’ve done the research so you can make an informed decision and get the job done right. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of concrete glue!

The Top 6 Best Concrete Glues

  1. Sika 187782: High-Performance Concrete Bonding Adhesive and Strengthener — Sika 187782 Concrete Bonding Adhesive and Fortifier is a versatile, low-VOC acrylic latex bonding agent ideal for strengthening and bonding new concrete to old surfaces, making it a perfect choice for cement glue enthusiasts.
  2. Sika 10.1 oz. High-Performance Cement Adhesive — Unbeatable bond strength and versatility — Sika 10.1 oz. SikaBond Construction Adhesive 106403 is the ultimate all-purpose cement glue with fast curing, waterproof, corrosion-resistant properties, providing superior weathering resistance.
  3. Sakrete White Concrete Glue: Ready-to-Use, Easy-to-Apply Bonding Adhesive — Revolutionary no-roughening, ready-to-use Sakrete White Concrete Glue effortlessly bonds new concrete, mortar, or gypsum plaster to existing surfaces.
  4. High-Performance Concrete Epoxy Crack Filler PC — PC-Concrete Epoxy: The ultimate solution for concrete repair, perfect for anchoring rods, filling cracks, and delivering unparalleled bond strength and durability, all with no odor or shrinkage.
  5. Gorilla Clear Concrete Glue: Tough, Versatile, All-Weather Bond — Experience unmatched durability with Gorilla 2.5 oz. Clear Max Strength Construction Adhesive, the ultimate all-weather option for seamless bonding.
  6. Gorilla Strong Construction Adhesive for Concrete — Gorilla 9 oz. Clear Max Strength Construction Adhesive offers a strong bond, dries quickly, and provides durability, while being easy to use on various surfaces.

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Reviews

Sika 187782: High-Performance Concrete Bonding Adhesive and Strengthener

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SikaLatex R Concrete Bonding Adhesive and Acrylic Fortifier is a versatile and robust product designed for enhancing the adhesion of concrete and mortar. Its general-purpose acrylic latex formula is ideal for bonding new concrete to old surfaces, as well as improving adhesion characteristics of SikaRepair mortars. The low VOC formula allows for top-coat application without waiting time and requires absolutely no wait time before use.

Available in a gallon bottle, SikaLatex R can be used as an admixture in mortar and concrete to augment adhesion, or as a bonding grout when combined with sand and Portland cement. Its application is straightforward, just mix it with the desired consistency for the specific job and apply. The product is also known to tackle challenging repointing projects with ease, due to its ability to make mortar more tacky.

However, users have reported that a considerable amount of the product is needed for sizable jobs, which can be viewed as a drawback. Additionally, some users have had difficulties finding the Quikrete bonding product in stores, leading them to try alternative options. Despite these minimal drawbacks, SikaLatex R’s general-purpose application and ability to improve adhesion in a range of situations make it a valuable and efficient product for concrete and mortar projects.

Sika 10.1 oz. High-Performance Cement Adhesive

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Sika’s construction adhesive is a versatile bonding solution for a wide range of materials, including concrete, masonry, wood, metal, stone, mirror, marble, flashing, tub surrounds, polystyrene, and polyurethane foam. Its high adhesion strength ensures that the bonds will not shrink, crack, or become brittle over time, and it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

This adhesive boasts a fast cure rate, with tack-free time ranging from 1 to 2 hours depending on the climate, and a final cure time of 3 to 5 days. The adhesive is waterproof and water immersible after curing, making it an ideal choice for wet environments like swimming pools. Additionally, it provides good weathering resistance and is non-corrosive.

Despite its strengths, Sika 10.1 oz. SikaBond Construction Adhesive 106403 does have a few downsides. One of the main concerns is the readability of the product’s fine print warnings. Users have reported the need for a magnifier to read the instructions, which could pose a risk during application.

Furthermore, the adhesive can be somewhat challenging to work with due to its viscosity. A better quality caulk gun is highly recommended for this task, as the adhesive requires extra pressure for an even application.

Despite these issues, the Sika 10.1 oz. SikaBond Construction Adhesive 106403 has proven to be a reliable and effective solution for various repair and construction projects. Its versatility, durability, and water resistance make it a valuable asset for contractors and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Sakrete White Concrete Glue: Ready-to-Use, Easy-to-Apply Bonding Adhesive

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Sakrete’s White Concrete Glue caught my interest because it claims to be easy to use, with no need to prepare old surfaces. In my recent project, I applied it to bond concrete tiles to an existing floor, and it performed quite well.

Upon first use, the glue seemed smooth and easy to pour from the bottle. It eliminated the need to roughen or score old concrete, saving me time and effort. The instructions suggested a 10–60 minute dry time, which allowed me to work efficiently without worrying about the glue getting tacky too soon.

However, this concrete glue did take a little longer to cure compared to what I had expected. It was also essential to be cautious with the working time, as it didn’t dry as quickly as mentioned on the packaging. Additionally, the glue’s water resistance was not quite as strong as I had hoped.

Nevertheless, overall I found Sakrete’s White Concrete Glue to be a functional and user-friendly product, especially considering its simplicity and easy application.

High-Performance Concrete Epoxy Crack Filler PC

PC-Concrete is a versatile, durable epoxy paste designed to withstand the test of time. Users rave about its bond strength, ease of use, and durability. The non-sag formula allows for seamless application, while the moisture insensitivity ensures that it won’t shrink.

The epoxy is ideal for anchoring threaded rods, bolts, and other fasteners in concrete, as well as filling and repairing cracks. Its wide range of applications extends to masonry and bonding various substrates, including metal, concrete, brick, wood, stone, and block. As a no-odor, 100% solids product, it’s perfect for those seeking strong, lasting results without the hassle of cleanup.

Gorilla Clear Concrete Glue: Tough, Versatile, All-Weather Bond

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The Gorilla 2.5 oz. Clear Max Strength Construction Adhesive is a versatile, heavy-duty product designed for indoor and outdoor use.

It has a fast-grab formula, allowing users to bond a variety of surfaces within 10 minutes, and a non-foaming formula for easy application. With a low odor and VOC compliance, this adhesive is suitable for paintable surfaces and offers a strong bond with a 24-hour cure time. Users have praised its performance on materials like wood, drywall, concrete, paneling, trim, and ceramics, though some mention that it may not hold as well on certain surfaces like metal and cinderblock.

Overall, this adhesive is considered a reliable, mess-free solution for a wide range of projects.

Gorilla Strong Construction Adhesive for Concrete

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Recently, I was on a home improvement project that required bonding various surfaces together. I opted for the Gorilla 9 oz. Clear Max Strength Construction Adhesive, a product highly recommended by friends and family. The adhesive’s crystal clear, non-foaming formula immediately caught my eye, and its promise of being 2X stronger than the original Gorilla Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive sounded promising.

My first impression was the ease of use, as the product dispenses evenly and sets quickly. However, I quickly discovered that it is quite messy to work with, unlike the original formula which dries without leaving a mess. The odor was not a problem, but it did take a bit longer to cure than I anticipated.

The most impressive aspect of the Gorilla 9 oz. Clear Max Strength Construction Adhesive was its ability to bond to a wide range of surfaces, including glass, tile, wood, and concrete. It held up incredibly well under various weather conditions, making it a perfect choice for any outdoor project.

The only major downside I experienced was the 30-minute repositioning window after dispensing the adhesive. This feature is useful, but it can also lead to unnecessary wastage if not managed carefully.

Overall, I would definitely recommend the Gorilla 9 oz. Clear Max Strength Construction Adhesive for those looking for a reliable and versatile construction adhesive. Its unique properties and impressive strength make it a standout in its category. Just be sure to use it carefully and allow ample time for curing to avoid any messy situations.

Buyer’s Guide

Whether you’re repairing a cracked patio, fixing a chipped pool deck, or attaching a heavy sculpture, concrete glue is an essential tool for your project. This buyer’s guide will help you understand the key features and considerations to look for when choosing the right concrete glue for your needs.

Important Features to Consider

When selecting concrete glue, consider the following features to ensure you get the best product for your project:

  1. Bonding Strength: Look for a glue with strong bonding capabilities to ensure a secure connection between the cement and the attached object. 2. Setting Time: The glue’s setting time should be compatible with the materials being joined; faster-drying glue is suitable for small, quick projects, whereas slower-drying glue is ideal for larger jobs. 3. Weather Resistance: Choose a glue that can withstand exposure to various elements, such as water, freeze-thaw cycles, and UV rays. 4. Application Method: Consider whether the glue comes in a tube, a cartridge, or in a liquid form; each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Factors Affecting the Performance of Concrete Glue

The performance of concrete glue can be affected by several environmental factors:

  1. Temperature: High temperatures can weaken the bond between the glue and the concrete, while low temperatures can cause the glue to become too thick and difficult to apply. 2. Moisture: Humidity can adversely impact the glue’s bonding strength. Ensure the surface is dry before applying the glue. 3. Curing Time: The curing process can be affected by environmental factors such as temperature and moisture. Follow the product’s instructions to achieve optimal curing results.

Safety Tips and Precautions

Working with concrete glue requires some safety measures to protect yourself and the environment:

  1. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines before use. 2. Work in a well-ventilated area, as some glues may produce fumes that are harmful if inhaled. 3. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and a mask to protect your skin, eyes, and respiratory system. 4. Dispose of any unused or leftover glue in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid harm to the environment.

General Advice and Best Practices

To ensure a successful experience with concrete glue, follow these best practices:

  1. Clean the surface thoroughly before applying the glue, removing any dirt, grease, or other contaminants. 2. Apply the glue evenly and generously to both surfaces being joined. 3. Ensure that both surfaces are in proper alignment before pressing them together to form a strong bond. 4. Allow the glue to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions to achieve the best results.

FAQ

What is concrete glue?

Concrete glue is a type of adhesive specifically designed for bonding and repairing concrete surfaces. It is formulated to create a strong bond between concrete and other materials, making it ideal for a range of applications from reattaching broken tiles to fixing cracks and chips in concrete structures.

Concrete glue is usually strong and durable, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, high humidity, and other harsh environmental conditions. This makes it a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications, where reliability and longevity are essential factors for success in repair projects and construction.

How does it work?

Concrete glue typically contains a blend of high-quality, adhesive-strengthening agents that create a powerful bond between various surfaces. One of the primary components in concrete glue is a polymer resin, which acts as a connecting agent between the glue and the surface to which it is applied. This resin helps to penetrate the surface pores, creating a strong mechanical bond that effectively secures the materials together.

The adhesive nature of the glue is enhanced by its ability to set and cure quickly, allowing the surface to dry and become strong and resistant to stress. The cured glue is usually resistant to water, chemicals, and other substances, ensuring an effective long-lasting bond. Some high-quality concrete glue products have been engineered to provide even better performance, with advanced formulations offering increased adhesive strength, water resistance, and flexibility to accommodate expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes.

What are the common applications of concrete glue?

Concrete glue has a wide range of applications and can be used for bonding, repairing, reinforcing, and even decorative purposes when working with concrete surfaces and structures. Some of the most common applications include repairing cracks and chips, reattaching broken tiles, connecting different sections of concrete walls and flooring, securing metallic fixtures, and strengthening the bond between two surfaces that need to be joined.

Concrete glue can also find its use in creative projects, such as attaching decorative stoneware or applying protective coatings to maintain the surface quality and appearance of the concrete. Furthermore, it can be used as a supporting agent, helping to anchor heavy equipment or fixtures safely in place, or even for anchoring a support beam into a concrete wall.

What factors should I consider when choosing a concrete glue?

When selecting the best concrete glue for your specific application, there are a few key factors to consider: durability, adhesive strength, setting time, and environmental resistance. You should also consider the surface you’ll be bonding and the materials you’ll be attaching. Look for concrete glue products with the appropriate chemical composition and resin formulas, as well as the necessary adhesive properties, to ensure the strongest bond possible.

Some high-quality concrete glue products may also offer features like water resistance, UV resistance, and high flexibility, which can be beneficial depending on the intended use of the glue. Before purchasing a concrete glue product, it is always a good idea to consult with professionals or read reviews and recommendations to make an informed decision.

Can I use concrete glue on different surfaces?

While concrete glue is primarily designed for bonding and repairing concrete surfaces, it is also capable of adhering to a variety of other materials. Some common surfaces that concrete glue can bond and repair include tiles, ceramic, porcelain, marble, brick, and even some types of metal and wood. It is essential to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensure that the materials being bonded are compatible with the glue, and that the proper preparation is done beforehand to achieve the best results possible.

However, it is crucial to note that concrete glue should not be used on all surfaces, as certain materials may have a chemical reaction or bonding issues that could compromise the overall integrity and effectiveness of the glue. Before attempting to bond dissimilar materials, it is advisable to conduct a test using a small, inconspicuous area or consult with a professional for advice specific to your situation.

How do I apply concrete glue?

Applying concrete glue correctly is essential to achieving the desired results. First, ensure the surfaces you want to bond are clean and free of debris, grease, or other contaminants that could interfere with the adhesive process. You may need to use a cleaning solvent or a scraper to remove any residue from the surfaces before starting.

Once the surfaces are clean and ready to be bonded, apply a thin layer of concrete glue to both the surface to be repaired and the object you will be bonding to it. Apply even pressure while connecting the two surfaces and hold them together for a few moments to ensure proper adhesion. Allow the glue to set and dry according to the manufacturer’s specifications to create a strong bond between the materials.

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