Strong glue for broken granite stone
Granite is an extremely heavy dense stone, and as a result of its resistance to deteriorating due to exposure to the elements over time (i.e., water and sun), it has become one of the fastest-growing materials used in the world for both construction and other construction related activities (i.e., countertop surfaces, walls, floors, etc.). Many of the problems involved with repairing granite arise from either accidental damage caused by an impact load or structural stresses associated with either movement caused by poor installation techniques; therefore, in order to achieve an acceptable repair to granite, you must select the correct type of adhesive to use based upon its properties (strength, durability, long-term stability) as well as how to use that adhesive properly. This document will discuss the proper types of heavy duty adhesives to use for repairing granite, the proper means of determining the appropriate type of adhesive based on the characteristics of the adhesive that you currently have, and how to properly use those adhesives to ensure that the end result meets the performance expectations of your customer.
Why is it important to select the right adhesive?
Because granite has very dense, heavy, non-porous properties; the use of specialty adhesives designed specifically to bond with and penetrate through granite in order to create a bond are the only options available to repair granite.The main benefit of using specialty adhesives to fix granite is getting (1) a strong bond; (2) no shrinkage of adhesive; (3) moisture/heat-resistant; (4) colour match (where visible); and (5) will retain structure integrity after exposed to weight loading.
Best Adhesives for Granite Repairs
A. Epoxy (preferred option)
Most common use: structural repair/filling open areas; joining seams of countertops.
Epoxy is the strongest adhesive available and, therefore, can be a “universal” adhesive on any surface made of granite.
Epoxy consists of two components, resin and hardener, which bond together chemically to create a lasting and solid bond.
Advantages of Epoxy Adhesives
1. Creates super-strong bonds.
2. Great filler for gaps.
3. Very resistant to water, chemicals/oils, and chemical corrosion.
4. Epoxy can be tinted to match the granite (if desired).
Disadvantages of Epoxy Adhesives
1. Must be mixed correctly for best results.
2. Limited working time after mixing.To achieve successful curing of your adhesive products, it will be necessary to obtain and finish with a final result that conforms to pre-determined and defined specifications and with previously discussed or provided methods.
For granite installation, there are numerous steps required to install granite together properly with adhesive. The first step is to ensure both pieces to be bonded (i.e. the two pieces are of equal width so that they fit together) will be cleaned of all debris such as dust or dirt that could lead to bonding problems.
Once both surfaces have been cleaned and dried, there is a general method system of completing and bonding granite together:
1. Try to join or fit the two pieces of granite together without the use of any adhesives; and then make sure both pieces are accurately bonded after fitting together before applying adhesive bonding agents.
2. While mixing your adhesive, opening a blender creates air bubbles; therefore, when you apply your adhesive make sure that you have applied enough adhesive to make a proper bond per the manufacturer’s specifications to eliminate working with excess adhesive (excess adhesive will result in more cleanup time).
3. After you’ve made a sufficient amount of adhesion bond, you will want to clamp (i.e. using a clamping device, i.e., a C-clamp; also can use weights) both pieces of granite together into position in order to allow the adhesive to set up.
4. All types of adhesives vary and have different curing times. Epoxy will take about 24 hours to cure; you should not attempt to move your two pieces of granite until the epoxy is fully cured (if you do attempt to move your granular pieces prior to the adhesive fully curing, you run the risk of having two pieces of granite that are not seamless and have visible adhesive).
5. After you allow the adhesive to fully cure, you will need to remove excess adhesive and finish each bonded granite piece to create the impression that they are two stand-alone pieces with no visible joint line.
To assist in the development of a professional-quality and long-term stand-alone granite project, it is highly recommended to use colored pigments (e.g., some way to blend with the granite surface) when joining, using an adhesive to provide joint invisibility.
Some recommendations are:
a. The best environmental temperature range to use to cure your adhesive in the range of 20-25 degrees Celsius (68-77 degrees Fahrenheit).
b. Be sure that no moisture is present when curing your adhesive.
c. When filling small or surface cracks, a low density epoxy is the best choice of bonding agent, as it will penetrate into small cracks and provide internal bonding support.
d. Providing internal support to are often provided using steel dowels or glass rod rods.
It is recommended that you use epoxy as your adhesives of choice for granite and other stone repair applications. Epoxy will provide you with superior structural performance compared to all other adhesives (epoxy is highly resistant to deterioration as a result of various environmental elements), however if epoxy is not available, then polyurethane or polyester adhesive can be used as long as the application will not require structural support.
For both granite projects where the adhesive used is appropriate to the application, identify the adhesive to be used based upon the application and adhere to the bonding agent manufacturer’s procedures on how to apply adhesive to produce a long-term and high quality seamless bond between the pieces of granite.
