Choosing construction adhesives can be one of the more overwhelming parts of material selection for a build.
However, just like with caulking sealants, the same types of low-VOC polymers are also used in construction adhesives, window and door installs, flooring, and roofs.
And there are some really good options out there.
The article covers the best types and the best brands for those who are chemically sensitive or who want a very low-VOC non-toxic option.
This article contains affiliate links, upon purchase I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Table of contents
1. Construction Adhesives
Construction adhesives are used for subfloors, to install doors (glue down threshold), to build stairs, exterior brickwork, install some shower walls, under countertops, and more.
i. AFM Almighty Adhesive
AFM Almighty Adhesive is the best adhesive I have ever tested. I had absolutely no problem and no reaction to smelling it while it was wet.
This was a pleasant surprise after all the other glues and silicones I had been testing.
It is a highly tolerable very low odor, multipurpose adhesive (make sure it’s right for your application). The PSI is 500 (in other words it’s a very strong adhesive).
It is a polyether (30-80%) and nepheline syenite (30-60%) adhesive, with 1-5% amino silane.
I used Almighty to install my shower, on subfloors, and my countertops (it can even be used on waterfall countertops). I would use this anywhere and everywhere this can be used since it’s the healthiest adhesive I have found.
Insider tip, this is the same formula as Build Secure by Chemlink.
Where to buy: Buy Almighty from Green Design Center.
ii. Chemlink WallSecure
Chemlink WallSecure is made for bonding drywall, gypsum, landscape blocks, capstones, stone, foam, fiberglass, FRP panels, and ceiling systems.
I haven’t tested this one but this brand makes great low-toxin adhesives.
Where to buy: Buy from Amazon.
iii. Chemlink M-1
Chemlink M-1 can perform as both an adhesive and a sealant.
It adheres to a wide range of construction materials including PVC, EPDM, most metals, wood, glass, masonry concrete, fiberglass, and solvent-sensitive foams so it works in almost any situation requiring a sealant.
With a 400 psi and 525% elongation, it also performs as a structural adhesive.
M-1 is a solvent-free silane-modified polyether.
Where to buy: Buy from Amazon.
IV. Ecotite ET 5500 and 9500
This is another good brand that is well-liked by the chemically sensitive.
Their ET 5500 is an adhesive that works on multiple surfaces: PVC, concrete, glass, aluminum, painted surfaces, wood plywood, marble, metal, and more.
At about one week most would find this odorless. At two weeks it seemed totally offgassed. I was very happy with this one.
The 9500 is used for windows, doors, trim, and some kitchen applications. At three weeks it’s still not odorless/offgassed. I’m not as happy with this one as it did not stop offgassing by three weeks.
The bottles say odorless, but the point in time that it is odorless depends on the conditions (curing rate) and how sensitive your sense of smell is.
Right off the bat, the 5500 is significantly milder, and lower odor than conventional adhesives.
Where to buy: The links to the 5500 and 9500 are to a Canadian store, but you can find this product in the US as well.
Non-Toxic Adhesives for Hardwood Floor Installation
The type of glue you will need for a flooring installation depends on the method: with a Floating Floor, the planks are clicked together and installed over an underlayment but not glued or nailed down. Tongue and groove glue is often used on the edges (Roberts is zero-VOC). With Nail Down installation an underlayment is used and the floor is not glued down.
i. Glue Assist
This installation involves gluing down and nailing the floor. This is often used for wide planks and/or when there are big fluctuations in humidity. If you want to avoid glue, don’t go for wide planks. Glues can be silane-modified polyether or polyurethane. Silane-modified types are lower toxicity, but be sure to check the warranty for the floor to make sure that is approved.
ii. Glue Down
In this method, the glue is installed evenly on the floor. Many of the glues are polyurethane. Some are 0-VOC like Bostik Greenforce (which does say it’s a urethane adhesive). This method is often used over concrete.
Non-Toxic Adhesives for Window & Door Install
To install windows into the opening you can use AFM Caulking Compound or DuraLink. Make sure to check the warranty to make sure this is approved. After the window is installed, seal around it with your choice of silicone after install.
More options are above in the article.
Under doors you can use DuraLink.
Non-Toxic Adhesives for Roofing
Around penetrations, flashing, gutters for metal and asphalt: use Durasil Silicone or Chemlink DuraLink.
Around a chimney, use metal flashing with sealant on the edges. Around a boot, use silicone like Durasil.
Sika Flex 715 is silane-terminated polyether. It’s the lowest VOC sealant I have seen at 5.5 g/l VOC. It’s extremely low in odor but not all that different from AFM Almighty in odor. It is primarily used as a roof sealant. The PSI is not very high at 85 PSI. It is used on EPDM and metal roofs (often RV roofs). It adheres well to ceramics and plastics as well.
Corinne Segurais an InterNACHI-certified Healthy Homes Inspector with certifications in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes.
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