Parquet flooring is a floor covering that consists of individual elements, which must be attached to a special adhesive. Regardless of which type of parquet is laid, the adhesive provides the necessary bonding strength. Modern industry produces parquet adhesive that meets all modern environmental safety requirements, that is, it does not emit any toxic components.
You need to choose the glue for parquet very carefully. Although it is not very expensive, but its value in the reliability of the floor is quite large. Parquet adhesive is just as important as a good foundation for your home. Why? Because the parquet after laying for a long time undergoes cyclic expansion and contraction in the process of the natural reaction of the tree to changes in humidity and ambient temperature. These changes result in significant tension between the planks. Parquet that is not attached to the floor may detach from it, resulting in functional and cosmetic defects.
In order for the floor covering to please its owners for a long time, it is necessary to resort tothe use of glue, but not a simple one, but a specialized glue for parquet, which is able to retain its elasticity for a long time after drying.
What should be the glue used for parquet?
In order for the parquet to be able to perform all its functions for a sufficiently long period of time and not require additional care in the future, the glue must:
- Distinguish good adhesion to any material from which the floor is made (wood, concrete, marble, etc.). This characteristic is responsible for how quickly and, most importantly, with high quality parquet can “grab”.
- Dry in a short time.
- Be economical, that is, the consumption of glue is small.
- Serve for a long time.
- Do not lose its characteristics even with a fairly wide temperature range.
- Be green.
Diversity of species
Manufacturers today are able to offer a huge range of adhesives with which you can lay parquet. All of them can be divided into three large groups:
- resin adhesives containing alcohols;
- reactive adhesives (can be one- and two-component);
- water-based dispersion adhesives.
PVA almost always acts as the basis for most adhesives. Other substances that make up the mixture compensate for its shortcomings. So, let's look at the most popular types of parquet adhesives.
One-component adhesive for parquet
Multilayer, mosaic,piece and many other types of parquet can be laid thanks to this adhesive. It is great for working with any kind of wood. This type of adhesive is not capable of destroying the decorative coating of the parquet and, if necessary, after hardening, can be removed from the surface without any consequences. It can polarize on contact with water, which is found in the air.
Two-component parquet adhesive
Does not contain solvents, amines, water and hardens after all the adhesive components are mixed. It doesn't have any odor. Two-component parquet adhesive is the most durable adhesive. It is perfect for both strip parquet and parquet board, as well as for joining concrete and plywood.
This type of parquet adhesive contains 2 parts in its composition, which must be mixed before use. Traditionally, they are called composition A (epoxy-polyurethane or polyurethane resin) and composition B (hardener). Their proportions are 9:1. The manufacturer usually indicates in what proportions it is necessary to mix them before work, and the instructions should be strictly followed. To connect the compositions, it is preferable to use a special nozzle on a drill or mixer. As a result of all manipulations, an elastic adhesive mass is obtained, which should be uniform in color and structure. Ready-made parquet adhesive can be white, beige, brown or even black.
Benefits
- The main advantage of two-component adhesiveis a high-strength bond formed after the adhesive has cured (usually within 24 hours).
- Good adhesion to all kinds of surfaces.
- In its composition, this type of glue does not have solvents and water, it can be used to work with such difficult tree species as ash, birch, cherry, beech, apple, maple. These woods tend to warp when exposed to water, so using a two-component adhesive is an excellent choice in this situation.
- Glue is resistant to bacteria and mold.
- Two-component adhesive is a reactive composition, the bonding process occurs as a result of a chemical reaction between its components. It also has a high degree of elasticity.
- Versatility.
- Glue does not spread.
The disadvantage of this type of glue is the limited time of using the mixture - only 2 hours and a rather high cost.
There are several types of two-component adhesive:
- Polyurethane adhesive can be used on all types of wood. It has good elasticity, its performance lies in the range of 30-40%. Polyurethane adhesive for parquet is almost odorless and does not contain harmful substances in its composition. There are companies that produce an eco-friendly and hypoallergenic type of this glue.
- Epoxy-polyurethane adhesive contains epoxy resin. Glue is inferior in elasticity to the first type, its elasticity is in the range of 15-20%. The disadvantage isthe presence of an unpleasant odor, so after finishing work, you need to ventilate the room. However, the cost of epoxy-polyurethane adhesive is much lower.
Application conditions
If the ambient temperature is lower than 15°C and humidity is higher than 65%, do not use two-component adhesive. In winter, parquet and glue must be brought into a heated room in advance and the materials should be allowed to warm up.
A two-component adhesive for parquet, reviews of which are only positive, has proven itself with professional builders, but it is also appreciated and preferred by ordinary people doing home repairs on their own.
