In this guide on how to glue styrofoam to concrete, we share the types of glue you can use on concrete surfaces to stick styrofoam down. You will learn how to prepare the surfaces, apply the glue, and allow it to be set for enough time to fully cure.
How to Glue Styrofoam to Concrete
Professional home builders state the best glue to attach Styrofoam to concrete is Loctite foamboard adhesive. However, there are other projects like the Weldbond Mult-Purpose Adhesive Glue and the original Gorilla Glue that are great for crafts and projects.
Those who are doing home or craft projects will find they will need to be able to attach Styrofoam to concrete. The primary reason why it’s important is that people use Styrofoam products as insulation for walls. Polystyrene insulation, or foamboard, is a convenient and clean way to insulate bare walls because it’s clean and doesn’t cause itchiness like fiberglass foam.
Which Glue Should Be Used to Attach Styrofoam to Concrete?
Several options exist but the most important thing is to pick a glue, especially for Styrofoam. Styrofoam is a lightweight, air-pocketed product and can easily be damaged by using the wrong glue. You don’t want its integrity compromised, especially if you are using it for insulation.
Loctite Foamboard Adhesive
This is a high-quality latex adhesive. It grabs quickly and the need for fasteners is reduced. It sets in 20 minutes.
Loctite Foamboard Adhesive can be used for both outdoor and indoor projects. It will bond to concrete but also bonds to brick, gypsum board, and even wood as well as Styrofoam.
Weldbond Mult-Surface Adhesive Glue
This glue is considered to be a great value because it is both affordable and versatile. It can be used for both home improvement projects, carpentry, and crafts for both adults and kids.
This glue does away with needing different glues for different surfaces. It bonds to lot of things besides Styrofoam including fabric, glass, carpet, ceramic, tile, wood, metal, and stone. It is incredibly strong, weatherproof, permanent, flexible, and is also water resistant. It dries clear so it always looks good.
Best of all, Weldbond is safe. It is non-flammable, has no fume, is odorless, and is non-toxic. It is environmentally friendly and contains no animal by-products.
Gorilla 5000830 Original Waterproof Polyurethane Glue
Gorilla Glue has made a name for itself for adhesives and this product is considered an excellent all-around glue.
It’s unique because the water-activated formula forms a strong bond to almost all products because it expands into the material. It’s waterproof and temperature resistant. It works well with Styrofoam, concrete, wood, stone, glass, and metal too.
How Should Styrofoam and Concrete Be Prepared Before Gluing?
There isn’t a lot of prep to glue Styrofoam to concrete. The main thing is to make sure both the styrofoam and the concrete are clean and dry.
You may need to do some wet scrubbing to get the concrete portion clean. If you powerwash or get the area wet to clean, be sure to let it dry. Styrofoam shouldn’t get wet as that will ruin the integrity. Just brush it clean with a dry cloth.
Applying Glue to Styrofoam and Concrete
No matter which glue you choose, you should always test it on a hidden portion of the Styrofoam to make sure it doesn’t hurt the product. Next, put a thick line of adhesive around the edge of the styrofoam where it will be sticking to the concrete.
Now, apply lines across the Styrofoam about a foot apart from top to bottom. Push the Styrofoam against the concrete and hold for about a minute
How Do You Cure Styrofoam and Concrete Glue?
Some glues state they will dry in just a couple of minutes. However, those who use Styrofoam for wall insulation say it needs about six hours to dry. It could be a problem if there is dampness in the area.
You could put a box fan into the room to help facilitate curing if there is dampness.
To Conclude
The best glue for attaching styrofoam to concrete is the Loctite adhesive. This is especially true for big home projects like putting in insulation. It’s easy to use and every contractor professional recommends it.
For smaller craft projects, the Weldbold multi-purpose glue is the way to go. It is also highly recommended and the bonus there is it can be used by young and old because it’s non-toxic.
No matter which you choose, it’s always best to ask a friendly hardware professional about the type of glue best for your project. Always check labels to make sure they can be used with styrofoam and concrete. They may say one but not the other. That won’t work for you.
