Granite adhesive suitable for heavy stone

When bonding slabs or other surfaces in granite applications, the right adhesive for heavy stone is important for the long-term durability, security, and strength of the bond. Heavy stone requires adhesives with the highest tensile strength, resiliency, and durability to withstand the weight of the stone, environmental stresses, and natural material movement.
There are three primary types of adhesives for heavy stone bonded with granite based on the application and performance characteristics:
Epoxy Resin Adhesives: The Ultimate Adhesive for Strength
Epoxy resin adhesives, which come in two parts, are considered the top choice of adhesives for bonding heavy granite. The tensile strength of epoxy resin adhesives is 3123 pounds per square inch (psi). They chemically cure to form a rigid bond that has the same or greater strength than granite. Epoxy resins are ideal for applications that require bonding large slabs of granite or for vertical wall cladding on large installations. Epoxy resins are waterproof, UV stable, and chemical and stain resistant and can be used indoors or outdoors. Some brands of epoxy resin can be coloured matched when used in a granite installation, allowing for seamless joints in a completed installation.
MS-Polymer Adhesives: A Flexible and Durable Adhesive
MS-polymer adhesives are another professional-grade adhesive for bonding heavy granite. They have excellent flexibility for accommodating small substrate movement (due to thermal expansion) and therefore are well suited for use in the construction of commercial and high-end residential buildings. These adhesives have excellent waterproof and UV resistance and can be used at temperatures ranging from -40°C to +100°C. To achieve a strong bond with an MS-polymer adhesive, it is not necessary to prime the surface of the granite or other substrates with a clean and dust-free surface; therefore, these adhesives save time during installation. As they are non-staining, there is no risk of bleeding through porosities in the granite.
Cement-Based Heavy-Duty Stone Adhesives
Heavy-duty cement-based adhesives contain high-quality white cement, differently graded aggregates, and different additives to produce a heavy-duty adhesive for bonding heavy granites or other natural stone. Cement-based adhesives offer superior compressive strength, sufficient flexibility to accommodate small substrate movement, and long-term durability to withstand forces such as water, heat, and/or aging. They are well suited for large-scale installations of floor or wall stone and for residential and light commercial applications.
The appropriate adhesive for bonding heavy granite will consider the following criteria:
Use an adhesive with a minimum of 1500 psi tensile strength to support the weight of the granite.
Use a waterproof and UV-stable adhesive for use outdoors.
Use a non-staining adhesive to preserve the natural appearance of the granite.
Use clean, dry, and degreased substrates for a greater bond between the adhesive and the granite; and
Use the manufacturer’s mixing and curing instructions (generally 24 hours to achieve a complete cure) to avoid overstressing the bond during the curing process.
Making the right adhesive choice to bond heavy stone will ensure future projects are safe, durable, and attractive for many years beyond their intended life, whether for commercial or for high-end residential renovation completed projects.