Granite adhesive for outdoor steps
Granite Adhesive Guide: One of the key factors in choosing a good adhesive for granite exterior stairs and the other important factor to take into consideration is that the adhesive should be appropriate for the project. There are some key considerations when it comes to granites being placed outdoors; the moisture level, the amount of foot traffic, exposure to temperature changes, etc. All of these factors are going to have an impact on how long the granite will remain secure and what type of adhesive would be best for a long-lasting bond.
Currently, there are three different types of adhesives that can work well with granite in outdoor applications; and each of these adhesives have their own advantages. A 2-part epoxy adhesive is the most widely used adhesive in the industry, and there are a number of reasons for this; epoxy has excellent compressive strength (the ability of the gluing material to withstand a lot of pressure), chemical resistance and UV exposure resistance; in addition, the epoxy creates an extremely durable bond when cured, it is available in clear, and it can be applied as a bonding agent to macadam and/or concrete aggregate and to fill small voids where two slabs of granite.
Another option for granite exterior stairsDue to their flexibility, polyurethane adhesives can keep the stairs flexible and better suited for the outdoors; for example, shifting of outdoor stairs due to temperature and ground movement. When bonding granite and concrete, polyurethane adhesives are excellent, as they are both heat resistant and have good water resistance, but caution must be taken with excessive expansion during curing.
Cement-based mortar adhesives (polymer-modified thinset) are also inexpensive alternatives to attach granite stairs to concrete substrates. In addition to that, cement-based adhesives (thinset) provide additional bond strength and better water resistance because they contain additives that enhance the performance of the adhesive; all varieties of cement-based adhesives provide excellent adhesion for the installation of granite tile with mesh backing. However, cement-based adhesives do not provide the same structural support for heavy-duty joints as epoxy adhesives.
Regardless of your adhesive choice for outdoor granite stairs, it is imperative to prepare all surfaces of any granite properly. To do this, every granite surface must be cleaned and free of any dirt, oil, or dust; porous granite must be primed to reduce absorption of the adhesive by the granite material and increase the strength of the adhesive bond with the granite. Additionally to prepping granite surfaces for installation of granite stairs, all adhesives must also be installed in accordance with the recommendations from the manufacturers; namely, the mixing ratios specified by the adhesive manufacturer for two-part adhesives and the open time required for adhesive installation should be adhered to avoid any faulty or compromised bond creation. Using the right adhesive with the proper installation techniques will allow for many years of functional use from outdoor granite stairs while maintaining their aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.
