Mastic adhesive is a strong adhesive used in construction, made from the resin of the mastic tree or synthetically. It can bond many materials together quickly and permanently, but works best on hard, non-porous surfaces. It is popular for laying tiles and sealing windows, walls, and ceilings. Mastic trees grow in Greece and Turkey, and traditional harvesting methods are expensive. Modern manufacturers create synthetic mastic that is chemically identical but less expensive. Mastic adhesive is used in construction to hold load-bearing walls in place and as a temporary backing for fixtures. Industrial uses include repairing heating and air duct work, joining concrete and asphalt board, and auto repair. However, it may not be the best choice for all surfaces and can lead to discoloration and mold growth if moisture seeps into cracks.
Mastic adhesive is a very strong adhesive used in many commercial and industrial settings, but is perhaps most popular for laying tile and sealing windows, walls and ceilings in building construction. It is traditionally derived from the resin of the mastic tree, from which it takes its name, although it is also commonly produced synthetically. Depending on the application it is usually available as a thin liquid, thick glue or paste. It can bond many different materials together quickly and permanently, although in most cases it works best on hard, non-porous surfaces. Over time it can and sometimes will seep into cracks and crevices which can lead to discoloration and general weakening.
Where is he from
Originally, this type of adhesive was made from the resin droplets or “tears” of the mastic tree. This tree, scientifically known as Pistacia lentiscus, grows most prolifically in the southern Mediterranean region, particularly Greece and Turkey. In most cases the resin comes out of the tree in the same way that the sap comes out of many pine trees. Harvesting is easiest if the entire tree is cut down, but killing the plant drastically limits the supply. Traditional harvesters build a series of shunts and filtration systems to capture the resin as it is produced, which saves trees, but can make the final product very expensive, both in terms of labor required and natural limitations on supply.
A number of modern manufacturers create their own mastic in the workshops. In most cases it has the same strong adhesive properties and is chemically almost identical, but is much less expensive to make. Synthetic caulk is often a better choice for larger projects and is also more widely available in many places.
Construction uses
When used in construction, mastic adhesive is typically in liquid form and applied with a caulk gun. It is squeezed by hand in a thin line along the wall or ceiling joints and the strength of the adhesive helps hold the load-bearing walls in place. The quick-set adhesive eliminates the need to support heavy drywall for extended periods of time.
Construction adhesive is also used as a temporary backing for fixtures so they can be nailed or screwed into place by one person—that is, with no one else around to help hold things or double-check measurements. In these cases the adhesive can act as a reinforcement, but is not usually intended as a final sealant. However, it’s often difficult to remove, so people in this situation usually have to be very careful about setting things up right the first time.
Popularity in the industry
Industrial uses for this adhesive include repairing heating and air duct work in buildings and joining concrete and asphalt board in warehouses and storage facilities. Its ability to bond permanently to metal also makes it really useful in some auto repair and mechanical environments, thanks in part to its heat resistance and overall durability. Most of the time putty adhesive comes in a finely ground powder that is mixed to form a paste in these type of settings; it is spread over the repair area and left to dry, usually for about 24 hours.
Potential drawbacks
While it will bond to almost any type of surface, from tile to leather to sturdy metal, caulk isn’t always the best choice. Much depends on the intended use, as well as the likelihood of the adhesive coming into excessive or prolonged contact with moisture. It is very common, for example, in tiles, but most builders only recommend it for porcelain tiles, especially when used outdoors. Other types of tile, such as ceramic, are less dense and more porous. Over time the adhesive can seep into these pores, causing discoloration.
There is also sometimes a risk of water damage if moisture is able to get into the gaps between the wall, joint or tile surface and the adhesive strip. This is more common when porous materials are used in locations such as steam rooms and pool houses where there is a relatively constant amount of moisture and high humidity. Moisture does not usually affect the integrity of the adhesive as it is generally waterproof, but it can lead to mold growth in cracks in the building material which can be harmful to your health, unsightly to the eye and difficult to remove due to bonding agent strength
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
