The foam board is a lightweight and versatile material that can be used for a variety of projects, including insulation, crafts, signs, and displays.
However, not all adhesives are suitable for bonding foam board to concrete, as some may damage the foam or fail to adhere properly.
In this article, I will review three products as the best adhesive for foam board to concrete that claim to be effective for that purpose.
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Top 3 Best Adhesive for Foam Board to Concrete: Reviewed in Detail
#1. Loctite PL Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive
Loctite PL Premium Specs and Features
- Has 3 times the strength of ordinary construction adhesives
- VOC compliant
- Contains no chlorinated solvents or water
Loctite PL Premium Review
A polyurethane-based adhesive, Loctite PL Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive, has a three-fold strength advantage over ordinary construction adhesives.
It can be painted and water-resistant, and it won’t swell or shrink when applied to wet or frozen surfaces.
In addition to foam board insulation products, it is compatible with wood, gypsum board, concrete, brick, and many more. It has a fast grab and sets in 20 minutes.
Additionally, it meets ASTM D3498 specifications and emits low levels of VOCs.
This adhesive is suitable for both interior and exterior applications. It can withstand different weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for outdoor projects as well.
However, Loctite PL Premium Adhesive also has some drawbacks that should be considered before buying it.
One of them is that it is not very flexible, which means it may not work well for materials that expand and contract with temperature changes.
Overall, Loctite PL Premium Adhesive is a reliable and strong product that can handle most construction projects involving foam boards and concrete.
It has many advantages over other adhesives, such as its high strength, water resistance, and fast cure time.
Loctite PL Premium Pros and Cons
Pros
- It can be applied to wet, frozen, or treated lumber.
- It does not attack or burn through foam board.
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor projects.
- Paintable and water-resistant.
- Easy to dispense and apply.
Cons
- It is not very flexible.
- It may leave some residue or stains on the surfaces.
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#2. Gorilla Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive
Gorilla Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive Specs and Features
- Low VOC
- Fast Initial Grab
- It can bond virtually anything.
- It has a 100% adhesive formula.
Gorilla Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive Review
Those looking for a strong and reliable adhesive for various projects will find Gorilla Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive useful.
It can handle indoor and outdoor applications, and it works well on different materials and surfaces.
It has a fast grab and a long-lasting bond that can withstand weather and water. It is also easy to use and apply, with a low odor and a paintable finish.
Many users have praised its performance and durability, and have used it for various purposes, such as installing subfloors, securing tiles, repairing cracks, and more.
The adhesive is relatively easy to apply, thanks to its thick consistency. It typically comes in a tube that can be used with a standard caulking gun.
Users appreciate that it doesn’t drip excessively and provides good control during application.
While the adhesive is generally considered effective, some users found it to be relatively more expensive compared to other options on the market.
However, the strong bonding capabilities and versatility might justify the higher cost for many users.
Gorilla Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to use
- Indoor and Outdoor Use
- It is made in the USA.
- It holds in 30 seconds and meets ASTM D3498.
Cons
- Incompatible with bitumen, polypropylene, polyethylene, or similar materials.
- Difficult to remove or reposition once cured.
Read More: Best Adhesive for Vinyl Flooring on Concrete
#3. Loctite PL300 Foamboard Adhesive
Loctite PL300 Foamboard Adhesive Specs and Features
- A premium-grade latex-based adhesive
- Compatible with all foam board insulation products
- Immediately sets after 20 minutes and fully cures after 7 days
Loctite PL300 Foamboard Adhesive Review
You might want to consider Loctite PL300 Foamboard Adhesive if you are looking for a reliable and easy-to-use adhesive for foam board insulation projects.
It bonds foamboard to various substrates, such as wood, gypsum board, concrete, brick, and more, while maintaining its insulation value.
This adhesive is compatible with all types of foam board, including polystyrene foam, which can be burned by some other adhesives.
Additionally, Loctite PL300 Foamboard Adhesive is water and weather-resistant, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
It has a high initial grab that reduces the need for fasteners and helps to bridge minor gaps when bonding uneven surfaces.
It sets in 20 minutes and fully cures in 7 days, creating a strong and durable bond.
Loctite PL300 Foamboard Adhesive is also a low-VOC product that meets strict environmental standards.
Loctite PL300 Foamboard Adhesive Pros and Cons
Pros
- Specially designed for bonding foam board insulation
- Resistant to water and weather
- High initial grab and gap-filling ability
- Low VOC formulation
Cons
- Requires at least one porous surface for bonding
- Needs to be applied and cured above 40°F (5°C)
- Requires temporary bracing until fully cured
How Do You Attach Foam Board to Concrete?
You can attach foam board to concrete in a variety of ways, depending on the type and thickness of the foam board, the condition of the concrete wall, and the desired finish.
The following are some possible methods:
Using a Gun Adhesive Foam
Use a gun adhesive foam, such as EnerBond SF, to glue the foam board to the concrete wall.
Then, drill through the foam board and use masonry screws with washers to secure it to the concrete.
You can also glue a layer of OSB or plywood on top of the foam board for extra strength and durability.
Using Furring Strips
Use furring strips made of wood or metal to create a frame on the concrete wall. Then, attach the foam board to the furring strips using screws or nails.
You can also use a special foam board product that has recesses for the furring strips, such as Owens Corning Insulpink.
This method allows you to create an air gap between the foam board and the concrete wall, which can prevent moisture problems.
Using a Special Adhesive
Use a special adhesive made for adhering foam board insulation, such as Loctite PL Premium or PL300, to glue the foam board to the concrete wall.
Apply the adhesive generously in dabs or beads on the concrete wall and press the foam board firmly into place.
You can also use caulk or spray foam to seal the edges and gaps between the foam board panels.
What Kind of Glue Is Best for Foam?
There are several types of glue that work well with foam, but the best one depends on the specific application.
For instance, if you want to glue foam board insulation to concrete, you can use any adhesive that is compatible with both materials, such as construction adhesive or epoxy.
Can You Use Regular Glue on a Foam Board?
Using regular glue on foam board is not recommended as it may not provide a strong and durable bond.
Foam board is a lightweight material that requires a glue that can adhere to its surface without dissolving or warping it.
So, it’s better to use a glue that is specially designed to work with foam board.
Is Super Glue Good for Foam?
Super glue is not the best option for bonding foam. In fact, it can melt the foam or plastic due to the heat generated by the chemical reaction between the glue and the foam.
Last Opinion
You can conclude that all three products have their pros and cons when it comes to bonding foam board to concrete.
However, if you had to choose one product that stands out among the rest, I would recommend Loctite PL Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive.
This product offers the strongest and most durable bond among the three products, as well as the most versatility and compatibility with different surfaces.
It also has a fast grab and does not damage the foam board. Therefore, I think that this product is the best adhesive for foam board to concrete projects.
However, you can also try the other two products as they are also good with similar qualities.
