Gathering the necessary materials for an important flooring project can sometimes be a daunting task for installers. To that end, it makes sense to consolidate wherever and whenever possible to save both time and money—providing specifications or performance are not compromised. That principle holds especially true with multi-purpose adhesives. These products are designed to provide a host of solutions—and are designed for more than one flooring type—all from the same bucket.
In this feature, FCNews puts the spotlight on some of the latest multi-purpose solutions available on the market today.
Base King
Base King encourages consumers to “think outside the bucket” with its EnviroStix Adhesive Solutions. Compatible for LVT, VCT, carpet tiles, vinyl base, rugs, stair treads and risers, wall applications and more, EnviroStix is a high-moisture, poly-acrylic adhesive system with immediate access when compared to traditional moisture-mitigation systems.
“Unlike most bucket adhesives, EnviroStix Adhesive Solutions is an environmentally green adhesive product with no odor or caustic chemicals used in multiple applications,” said Denelle Nunez, president and co-owner, Base King.
Bostik
Bostik’s ultra-Set SingleStep2 is a high-performance adhesive, sound-reduction membrane and a moisture controller all rolled into one bucket. According to Jake Stadler, market manager, hardwood and resilient installation systems, this multi-purpose solution eliminates the need for separate moisture vapor barrier, adhesive and acoustical underlayment. “There is absolutely no other product on the market offering this level of reassurance to the installer,” he said.
Aside from offering significant labor, time, material and cost savings, Ultra-Set SingleStep2 features the patent-pending Thickness Control Spacer Technology. This feature can guarantee the proper membrane thickness is maintained between the hardwood flooring and the substrate.
Divergent Adhesives
Divergent 574 modified pressure-sensitive adhesive can be used as dry-set, wet-set or tacky-wet system, allowing the installer to use this adhesive over multiple kinds of substrates whether they be porous or non-porous. Suitable for both resilient and carpet applications as well as rubber tile and vinyl stair treads, Divergent 574 eliminates the need to stock multiple adhesives, according to Sonny Callaham, founder of Divergent Adhesives. The specially crafted, quick-drying formula boasts a high moisture tolerance of 99% RH and 12 lbs. In addition, it can offer extremely high shear and peel values that can help ensure a successful installation for your next flooring project.
Sika
SikaBond-T21 is an all-in-one polyurethane adhesive—essentially four installation solutions in one—providing unlimited subfloor moisture protection, sound reduction, crack bridging and adhesion for full-surface wood floor bonding. Featuring high-performance elasticity, the easy-to trowel, single-component, moisture-reactive adhesive resists the expansion and contraction that can fluctuate between the warmer and cooler months. “The bond of SikaBond-T21 remains unchanged throughout these seasonal changes while other adhesives can break down,” said Mike Croes, vice president, interior finishing.
Schonox
The Emiclassic universal adhesive from Schönox is ideal for installing a multitude of floor coverings, including vinyl, linoleum, synthetic rubber, carpet and more. It’s suitable for both wet-tack and pressure-sensitive installations and qualifies for two LEED categories and Emicode EC1 for very low emissions, making this easy-to-apply adhesive environmentally friendly, solvent-free and low-odor. Aside from floor covering applications, Emiclassic can also be used for textile wall coverings.
“Choosing from the myriad flexible floor coverings available can make your head spin,” said Shane Jenkins, senior technical director. “It makes selecting the right adhesive for each option a no-brainer.”
Stauf
Stauf’s D-737, a multi-purpose adhesive, is compatible with a wide variety of flooring types such as vinyl, carpet, LVP, SVT, LVT, rubber and more. It can be used as a wet- or dry-lay method adhesive and features a 20-minute flash time for a dry lay method. Stauf D-737 can also be used over a non-porous subfloor as well as cutback adhesive.
“When you talk about a multi-purpose adhesive, the D-737 goes beyond this term in what it can do,” said Mark Long, technical director, Stauf Adhesives. “It is easy to sell as one adhesive for all flooring; why buy multiple adhesives for each job when you only need one adhesive? Plus, the installers love it because of the no-VOC content and very long open time, which gives them confidence of installing with ease.”
Taylor
Taylor Adhesives’ best multi-purpose adhesive comes from its Signature Line—Dynamic adhesive. This fast-grab formula is suitable for carpet, resilient, cork underlayments and cork-backed hard surfaces. Originally for LVT/LVP installations, the product’s unique cross-linking capability and longer working time also make it suitable for broadloom carpet.
Taylor’s Dynamic adhesive features a water-resistant bond, ColorReady technology and has high resistance to pH and high alkalinity issues. The solvent and isocyanate-free glue also features antimicrobial technology, which makes it an environmentally conscious choice along with low VOCs and LEED points. “Dynamic is our best multi-purpose adhesive,” said Gary Scheidker, director of technical services, Taylor.
