There comes a time in every home handyman’s life when something needs to be stuck back together. We have all tried in vain to fix some materials with the wrong adhesives, only to have them fall apart later, so how do you know which product is right to use on wood, metal, plastic, or in wet areas? Glues are either multipurpose, or for a very specific purpose, and if the packaging does not mention a certain material or use, then it is very unlikely that it will work.
The most common uses for adhesives (otherwise known as epoxy) are:
- Fixing broken or shattered items, or loose pieces.
- Stopping leaks around the home, or in the roof.
- For outdoor areas such as the garden, or on the outside walls of your home.
- Sealing gaps in your home insulation.
Fixing Broken Household Items
Ever since superglue came onto the scene, it has become a mainstay of the common household toolbox. This is a very versatile glue, hence the addition of ‘super’, and can be used for a wide variety of day-to-day sticky tasks. The beauty of this glue is that it sticks almost instantly, and won’t give way easily.
If you are fixing something like a vase, then remember that the glue is very sticky, so you should be joining pieces together with tweezers, while being careful not to use too much glue. Anyone who has ever used superglue will know that it is not always a clean process, so protect your hands as well.
Leaks in Sinks and Bathroom
In addition to superglue for joining basic materials together, you should also have some form of filler (usually silicone) to fix any problems in the bathroom. While this product used toonly be available as a clear drying adhesive, it can now also be found in white to better suit grouting, and other features in your bathroom.
Make sure you clean and dry any area before you apply the product, as any wetness can cause the silicone to come off, and this will not seal any gaps properly. You will also have to let it dry, for a good day or two, before you start taking showers or baths again in the area, as premature use can also cause the sealant to become useless.
Outdoor Adhesives
Using adhesives outdoors is actually preferable to using them indoors, due to fumes. You can use pretty much any glue that you would use inside, but be aware of any glue that might be prone to wear and damage from the sun or rain. Even silicone will work on roofs, but it starts to deteriorate when it is exposed to continual sun and rain.
Better Home Insulation
A really handy use for silicone, and other adhesives, is sealing your home from any unwanted heat or cold. The better insulated your home is, the less your cooling and heating bills will be, so sealing around the windows and doors will help improve your insulation.
