How and with what to glue foam plastic to the wall

In building and remodeling projects, attaching foam plastic to walls is a typical procedure, particularly when insulation is needed. Expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly referred to as foam plastic, is a lightweight and efficient thermal insulator. It can increase indoor comfort and contribute to energy efficiency when properly adhered to walls.

Selecting the appropriate adhesive is essential to guarantee a strong and long-lasting connection between the foam plastic and the wall surface. Generally, it is advised to use construction adhesives made for polystyrene or foam plastics. These adhesives are designed to adhere strongly without causing harm to the foam material.

It’s crucial to completely prepare the wall surface before applying the adhesive. Make sure the wall is dry, clean, and free of any impurities that might hinder adequate adhesion, such as oil or dust. This preparatory step is essential to maximizing the adhesive’s effectiveness and guaranteeing a durable bond.

A strong bond can only be achieved by applying the adhesive uniformly and in the proper amount. Observe the coverage rate and application technique as directed by the manufacturer. Before firmly pressing the foam plastic sheets onto the prepared wall surface, the adhesive is usually spread evenly over them using a notched trowel or other appropriate applicator.

It’s crucial to give the adhesive enough time to cure and form a strong bond after the foam plastic sheets are in place. Depending on the adhesive utilized and outside factors like humidity and temperature, this curing period may change. To avoid interfering with the bonding process, do not disturb or apply pressure to the foam plastic sheets during this curing period.

Using the correct adhesive and applying it according to instructions are essential for attaching foam plastic insulation to a wall. This article examines several adhesive kinds that work well with foam plastic, highlighting attributes like strong bonding power and suitability for a range of wall types. Additionally, it offers detailed instructions on how to prepare the wall, evenly apply the adhesive, and firmly fasten the foam panels. Readers can confidently take on insulation projects and ensure efficiency and long-lasting results in their construction and renovation endeavors by knowing these techniques and materials.

Characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of the material

Standard sheets used for insulation are 1×1 m or 0.5×1 m. In addition, the material can be of different densities, which have values ​​of 15, 25 and 40. As a rule, the higher the density, the better, but the purchase price will be higher. If we take the average option, more precisely, 25 density, then the thickness of the material will be from 5 cm, this type is used for outdoor work. If 15 density is used, then the foam is suitable for interior work and can be used for wood or concrete. 40 density is used as a floor covering for floor insulation. This material is of very high density, due to which it is not afraid of the loads that will come. This type of foam is not pressed or deformed. Polystyrene foam is truly a universal material, but it has both pros and cons. All of them are shown in the table:

No Advantages Flaws
1 Light weight due to composition, where 98% is air or gas. For different materials to which foam is applied, there are different gluing methods that need to be taken into account.
2 Easy to process and install. After gluing, the foam should be additionally covered with a protective layer.
3 High resistance to sunlight and temperature changes. Almost no air passes through.
4 High heat capacity. It can be destroyed by some types of paints and adhesives, so you should clarify how to glue the foam and what needs to be applied to it after finishing the work.

You must carefully consider and create ventilation because, once insulated with foam plastic, the walls of the house will no longer be able to breathe.

Preparatory work

The surface needs to be cleaned before applying foam adhesive to concrete or any other substance. You just need to clear the dust and dirt away. A spray bottle can work as a helper. If you don’t have access to such tools, use a standard metal brush. Any kind of dirt will be qualitatively removed from the surface by its pile. If there is any uneven texture on the surface, you will first need to level it.

Foam failure will result from all forms of unevenness with a difference of more than 1 cm.

  1. A mixer or drill with an attachment that will be used to mix glue and putty.
  2. Spatula used for adhesive composition.
  3. A small spatula that will be used to conveniently remove remaining glue.
  4. Wide spatula for leveling walls.
  5. Hammer drill for installing fungi. A 10 mm drill is used.
  6. Solution container.
  7. Primer brush.

Once the fundamental preparations are finished, you can start attaching the foam plastic to the walls. How to glue foam to the wall is a question that comes up frequently. Plaster or specialized glue can be used for these purposes. These two application techniques are what we’ll cover in the following section.

Installation using plaster

When installing foam on a base made of brick or concrete, plaster is used. As there is no lengthy installation process, this method is incredibly convenient to use. Any volume required for the job can be mixed with plaster. It’s critical to keep in mind that the solution must be applied to a foam plastic sheet at five different locations—the center, the edges, and both.

Some people apply the solution to just three points in an attempt to save money, but this interferes with the advancement of technology. The sheets won’t stick well as a result, and they might eventually peel off. Plaster is applied by additional workers to the sheet’s complete perimeter. This is generally possible, but it requires a significant amount of mixture. Applying the mixture point-wise is preferable, and additional fixation should be done with dowels.

If this is your first time doing the work, it is best to thin the plaster more than what the instructions say to allow it to set for a longer period of time.

The following is how installation is done:

  1. Mesh is applied to the walls. Initially, the corners are glued, after which it is installed over the entire surface and plastered.
  2. When the solution dries, the insulation is glued.
  3. You need to glue foam boards from the bottom to the top.
  4. After a day or two, additional fixation is carried out with special dowels.
  5. After the solution has completely dried and the sheets are securely attached to the wall, the insulation is plastered.
  6. After plastering the surface can be painted. For more information about wall insulation, watch this video:

It’s crucial to avoid touching the insulation with your hands while the solution is drying to prevent disturbing its points of contact and potentially moving it.

Adhesive Type Features
Construction adhesive Strong bonding suitable for foam plastic to various surfaces.
Polystyrene adhesive Specifically formulated for bonding foam plastic, ensuring secure attachment.
PU foam adhesive Expands on application, filling gaps and providing excellent adhesion.

When deciding how to adhere foam plastic to a wall, surface preparation and adhesive quality are two important factors to take into account. To ensure a solid and long-lasting bond, use a premium construction adhesive made especially for foam plastics. For best results, adhere the adhesive evenly across the foam panels’ backs, adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Make sure the wall surface is perfectly ready before applying glue. Make sure it is dust- and debris-free, clean, and dry. This promotes a strong adhesive bond and guards against future problems. Use a leveling compound or primer to create a smooth base for the foam panels if the wall surface is uneven.

Press the panels firmly against the wall with light pressure after applying the adhesive and positioning them. Before adding any more finishes or decorations, give the adhesive enough time to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This guarantees that the panels stick firmly and stay in place over time.

Recall that the proper preparation of the surface and the adhesive selection are critical elements in the successful installation of foam plastic panels. You can achieve a polished finish that improves the space’s insulation and appearance by carefully following these steps.

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Milan Yashina

Design engineer, specialist in development of design documentation. I will help you correctly design your home or other building.

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