Cold, wet and icy conditions wreak havoc for framers trying to apply subfloor adhesive. Even in the best conditions, conventional subfloor glues are slow to apply and difficult to handle. But many crews have found a solution and are making the switch to gun-applied, spray foam adhesives like AdvanTech™ subfloor adhesive. With a few quick tips, this foam-to-gel polyurethane adhesive can help speed through subflooring applications—especially in cold or wet conditions. Plus, it provides eight times more coverage than traditional cartridge adhesive1 and it comes with a 10-year Squeak-Free Guarantee2 when used with AdvanTech® subflooring. (Read the full assembly requirements at here.)
Check out the quick tips below to get the best performance from AdvanTech subfloor adhesive:
1. Take The Right Safety Precautions
Polyurethane adhesive bonds quickly to most surfaces. AdvanTech subfloor adhesive has a 20-minute open time. Be sure to always wear gloves and eye protection, and never point the applicator gun at yourself or others. You should always assume the adhesive is pressurized and ready to dispense.
2. Prep Surfaces For Optimal Bond Strength
Be sure that surfaces are free of grease, oil and standing water. Confirm that the temperature is within the proper range. AdvanTech subfloor adhesive bonds in temperatures ranging from 20°F to 105°F on dry, damp or frozen lumber.
3. Ready The Adhesive Applicator
The easy-to-use applicator gun helps provide speed and ease of installation. To set the applicator gun:
- Make sure the control knob is in the closed position by turning it clockwise to tighten.
- Push the threaded end of the adhesive can into the gun basket rotating clockwise to tight. Be sure not to over tighten.
- Before use, shake the can for 30 seconds.
- Then, pressurize the can for use by rotating the control knob clockwise for one full turn. Test the application on a spare piece of lumber, and make adjustments to the pressure as needed. Adhesive beads should be about one half-inch thick.
4. Apply Adhesive To Joists And Lay Subfloor Panels
- Apply a continuous half-inch bead of foam adhesive. Do not let the gun tip touch the joists. The adhesive will collapse into a 3/8-inch bead of gel adhesive.
- Be sure to install subfloor panels within 20 minutes to ensure an optimal bond, which helps reduce squeaks.
- To switch out cans, turn the control knob clockwise to close. Then, remove the empty can and spray AdvanTech™ polyurethane foam cleaner in the basket as needed.
- Thread a new can into the basket, shake, and continue working.
5. Clean And Store The Applicator Gun And Adhesive
When you’re done for the day, you’ll want to make sure you properly clean and store the applicator gun.
- If you have adhesive left in the can, shut off the control knob by turning it clockwise. Store the applicator gun with adhesive attached for up to 30 days.
- If the can is empty, turn the control knob clockwise and remove the empty can.
- Attach the polyurethane foam cleaner to the basket, turn the knob counter clockwise, and spray the cleaner until all adhesive is removed. Then, turn the knob clockwise to close, remove the cleaner from the basket and spray the basket to remove excess adhesive.
For more information about how to use AdvanTech™ subfloor adhesive, click here.
For a video demonstration, click here.
1 Coverage: One 24 oz. can of AdvanTech subfloor adhesive yields approximately 400 linear feet of gel adhesive at ½” bead compared to applying a 28 oz. cartridge adhesive at 3/8″ bead. Coverage will vary based on bead size and weather conditions.
2 Squeak-Free Guarantee: Limitations and restrictions apply. Must use AdvanTech subfloor panels with I-joists or trusses and deformed fasteners. Not applicable over dimensional lumber framing or with other subfloor panels. See SqueakFreeGuarantee.com for complete details.
