Masonry Magazine July 2003 Page. 36
ADHESIVES
STICK 'EM UP!
It's not your father's glue anymore. Adhesives are specialized products that many masons should carry and use with caution.
WHILE CARPENTERS CONSIDER ADHESIVES to be a major part of their job kit, masons are not as likely to carry a tube in their toolbox. Granted, there are limited uses for adhesives on masonry job but when those situations arise, it's a good idea to know what to use and how to use it safely.
Where do adhesives come into play? Here is one use, according to Robert G. Finkenaur, director of business development for Polymeric Systems, Phoenixville, Penn.: "From our experience, a mason will use an adhesive in mortarless retaining walls, for example, as a capstone adhesive, attaching the top stone to the wall." Other uses include bonding stone veneer to base materials, as a structural adhesive to connect stone and similar products into a solid piece, and to attach anchors and small pieces such as decorative letters, numbers and signs on walls and entryways.
Bonstone Materials of Mukwonago, Wisc., is another adhesive manufacturer investing heavily into the masonry market. Their Boncrete 414NS is a popular choice for general purpose concrete repairs, and features a convenient 1:1 mix ratio, non-sag gel viscosity, rapid setting time, and a gray color that blends with concrete. It can be used to bond concrete, anchor re-bars and bolts, and repair spalls.
Polymeric's Finkenaur notes that, "In choosing an adhesive, flexibility is important so the bond can withstand freeze-thaw cycles. Materials containing very high solvent levels tend to cure