Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Masonry Adhesives
Before I jump into the article, let me make things a little easier for readers.
Brick glue = masonry glue = masonry adhesive =construction adhesive = landscape block adhesive =other names of the same thing. You get the idea? Now jump in there and read!
Certain types of adhesives can often replace mortar in masonry applications; they are variously called brick glue, masonry glue, masonry adhesive, construction adhesive, or landscape block adhesive. Masonry glue is particularly useful in non-sag wall installations of exterior or interior thin brick; masonry veneer; stone; tile, and adherence of caps to masonry walls. The term “non-sag” means that an adhesive used in a vertical or inverted joint will not flow downwards, away from the place where it was applied. For example, if you apply masonry adhesive to a vertical wall face, it will stay where applied and not run down the wall.
To get the best results with masonry glue, you should be aware of the product’s limitations. Masonry or brick glue is specially useful for non-structural applications, such as reattachment of a single piece of brick or stone that has fallen from a wall. If you want to use the glue for structures with additional compression weight, such as a wall over three feet, you need to consult manufacturer specifications. In a similar vein, use masonry adhesive to hold stones in a walkway in place, but not if its a walkway that gets a lot of traffic. Masonry glue products often don’t work well when used to stick chemically treated wood products to a masonry face. When working with such materials, the manufacturer’s specifications should be consulted. So before you attach chemically treated wood veneer to a masonry surface with adhesive glue, be sure to read the manufacturer specs. If you require a leveling agent for a masonry construction, you should use mortar instead of glue.
Having considered the negatives, there are many practical reasons for selecting landscape adhesive over mortar in many masonry projects. Masonry glues are quick and easy to apply. They are dependable (mixed in a lab not at the construction site). They have decreased cleanup time, decreased labor costs, ease of shipment, no need to mix (for one part adhesives), and they reach full strength in a few hours, not days as with mortar.
In short, brick glue is an effective and convenient substitute for mortar in many masonry uses, but when using it, you should be aware of its disadvantages.
Resources: For the best in outdoor and landscape masonry in Westchester County and Putnam County, NY., call the Turf Barbers at 914 302 2469; 2929 Quinlan Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598; http://www.theturfbarbers.com .
