Granite epoxy for structural bonding
Granite Epoxy for Structural Bonding – Complete Guide for Professionals!
Granite Structural Epoxy is a High Strength 2-part adhesive developed for Permanent Load Bearing Granite Joints.
Granite Structural Epoxy provides far stronger than typical glue or mastic products through its unique molecular adhesion, low shrinkage properties and superior resistance to the elements. This makes Granite Structural Epoxy the standard for Granite installations in both residential and commercial applications, Granite Structural repairs and Stone Fabricating Applications.
What are the Core Benefits of Granite Structural Epoxy?
Granite Structural Epoxy is more than just an adhesive, Granite Structural Epoxy has been created with optimized physical/chemical properties compared to standard adhesives for Granite bond applications. Granite Structural Epoxy produces high Tensile and Shear Strengths of (3000 – 4000 PSI) to create rigid bond joints to withstand the weights of granite seams and prevent the separation and/or deformation between seams.
Cured Granite Structural Epoxy is completely water resistant, heat resistant (from -40° C (F) to 120° C (F)), and durable against moisture/humidity and against abrasion created by everyday use.
High quality formulations of Granite Structural Epoxy also have UV properties to protect from yellowing of the product which, makes it ideal for outside cladding of granite and outside granite panels. Many structural grade formulations also have non slump (structural) epoxy properties, meaning they are suitable for vertical and overhead (ceiling) applications without the epoxy sagging due to gravity. Additionally, nontinted and color specific tinted epoxy formulations provide granite with a completely natural looking seam which adds to the aesthetics of the install.
What are Typical Applications?
Granite Structural Epoxy is specifically formulated for permanent structural joints of granite, not for temporary repairs and typically used as follows: Granite to Granite Bonding, Seam Splicing of Granite Countertops, Repairing Cracks in Granite Slabs and Bonding Granite Panels to Concrete, Steel or Wood Substrates. Granite Structural Epoxy meets or exceeds structural industrial standards and provides a reliable, stable performance for the life of the structure when subjected to an applied load.
What are the Key Criteria for Selecting an Epoxy for Granite?
Properly selecting your epoxy type will guarantee that your granite structure will provide long-term structural integrity. When selecting a structural epoxy for granite always select a stone-specific structural epoxy versus a general multi-purpose structural epoxy because stone-specific structural epoxies conform better with the dense, non-porous properties of granite than do general purpose structural epoxy adhesives. Select systems that provide UV stabilization and are suitable for the environment in which the epoxy will be used (outdoor versus indoor), so that the product will not age or degrade over time and for bonding to granite.
Also verify the Manufacturer’s recommendations regarding possible temperature ranges that the bonded joints will endure, and the respective working time of the selected epoxy will be appropriate for use on kitchen countertops and the varying temperatures that the joint will experience outdoors.
What Surfaces Should I Prepare When Applying Structural Epoxy?
Most failures of bonded granite joints are ultimately the result of not properly preparing the surfaces prior to bonding the granite. To prepare a polished granite surface for structural bonding, mechanically scratch, using 80-grit sandpaper, or otherwise roughen the polished surface of the granite to create mechanical locking surfaces for the structural epoxy to adhere. After scuffing the surfaces, thoroughly clean the surfaces of grease, dust and debris, using acetone or Denatured alcohol. Ensure surfaces are 100% completely Dry prior to applying the structural epoxy.
When mixing the Resin and Hardener for Structural Epoxy, strictly follow the Manufacturer’s recommended Mixing Ratio, because incorrect mixing ratios generally result in the bonding strength of epoxy being weak and failing to cure completely.
When applying the structural epoxy, apply evenly and do not use excessive buildups of epoxy, and ensure that you securely align and clamp your granite. Allow the structural epoxy to cure fully before subjecting any loads or stress on the bonded seams.
What are the Long-Term Care Requirements for Granite Structural Epoxy?
Once completely cured, granite structural epoxy exhibits no shrinkage and exhibits a high Hardness rating and exhibits excellent anti-aging properties.
Granite structural epoxies resist moisture, stains and minor impact damage with minimal routine maintenance. By using a neutral detergent for regular cleaning, the bonded joint will be protected from aging and/or degrading and will provide long-term structural integrity and visual integrity of the granite.
