How to Bond Plasterboard to Insulation
Insulated plasterboard is critical for boosting the energy efficiency of buildings, slashing heating costs and crafting a comfy indoor environment. It is beneficial as it adds or upgrades insulation in walls and ceilings without significantly increasing their thickness.
Given these advantages, it’s no wonder that insulated plasterboard components have become indispensable to the construction industry. That’s why it’s critical to manufacture them to the highest standards.
In this article, Adkwik will reveal the best glues for bonding plasterboard to insulation.
How to glue plasterboard to insulation
For manufacturers of insulated plasterboard, securing a durable and dependable bond between the plasterboard and the insulation is paramount. This task demands a specialised adhesive.
Insulated plasterboard consists of a layer of insulation material sandwiched between two sheets of plasterboard. While the specific materials in the inner layer can vary, it’s often composed of either expanded polystyrene (ESP), extruded polystyrene (XPS), or polyurethane foam.
At Adkwik, we’re here to provide you with the right adhesive solutions and best practices. Let’s look at our top adhesive recommendations to streamline the bonding process, enhance workplace safety and optimise cost-efficiency for your business.
Polyurethane (PU) Adhesives
One of the adhesives you can use is Polyurethane glue. It’s a solid choice because it forms a strong bond and is suitable for various insulation materials. One of the standout features of PU adhesives is their moisture resistance, making them an excellent fit for areas where humidity or dampness is a concern.
Plus, they have some flexibility, a great asset that allows for the natural expansion and contraction of building materials due to temperature fluctuations.
A glue such as Timbond 5917 PU adhesive is your go-to for securely bonding a wide range of construction materials, including expanded polystyrene (EPS). This 1-component PU glue uses moisture to cure, eliminating the need for any additional mixing. It gets straight to work, making your job simpler and faster.
For maximum convenience, you also have flexibility over which adhesive applicator you can use. Use a Pfhol glue spreader, trowel, scraper, or automatic bead applicator to apply the glue.
PU Training:
From August 2023, training is needed for industrial or professional use of PU adhesives. To meet this requirement, you can access the necessary training here. For more information and to access FREE training, check out our dedicated blog post.
The Hot Melt System
Another adhesive option for insulation boards is hot melt glue. In particular, low-melt hot melts and pressure-sensitive hot melts are great for manufacturing polystyrene-insulated building components.
Timbond H509 Hotmelt Adhesive is a faster, safer and more cost-effective option available in either 14kg small pillows or 18kg big pillows. It has high strength and bonds to almost all construction materials, including plasterboard. For ease and efficiency, they’re fast drying and come in at a low cost per square metre.
Notably, the hot melt adhesive is a 100% solvent-free system that delivers 100% solid glue and emits 0% emissions.
The only potential downfall of this glue is that specialist equipment is often required. The good news is that Adkwik has you covered. You can hire our Meler B4 hot melt machine, ensuring you have the necessary equipment to work efficiently with the option of flexible hire. The Timbond H509 Hotmelt glue can also be used in automatic dispensing and spraying equipment in your manufacturing facility.
Head to the Meler B4 product page and hit the ‘Get a QUOTE’ button to request the machine. The machine comes with a Raptor Handy swirl applicator for precise and improved spiral spraying.
PVA Glue
Although not the first choice, a high-quality, water-resistant PVA glue is an excellent choice for this task. It’s capable of bonding a wide array of porous materials, including both polystyrene and plasterboard.
For a dependable water-resistant bond, consider Timbond D3 PVA Adhesive in 1kg, 5kg, 25kg or 1080kg IBC. It’s water-based, so like the hotmelt system, it’s risk-free and avoids health and safety hazards. Just simply apply with a brush or mechanical roller. What’s more, this versatile glue is compatible with RF equipment and is suitable for both cold and hot pressing.
To summarise.
When finding the best glue for plasterboard insulation, Polyurethane (PU) Adhesives, Hot Melt Systems, and PVA Glue are top choices.
To simplify your decision-making process, reflect on your work practices. Do you prefer manual application or specialised equipment like a hot melt machine? Do you need a quick-curing adhesive, or can you allow for more flexibility?
Questions such as these can help refine your search for the most suitable glue for your insulation bonding task.
Need clarity? Contact Adkwik today
If you’d like assistance figuring out which insulation board adhesive is best for your task, turn to Adkwik’s technical team. Call 01223 412373 or leave a message via our handy online contact form.
We’re available between 7.30 am-5.00 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays and are always happy to help.
Useful products listed in this article:
