How to: Fiberglass on Concrete
Concrete is one of the most durable building materials known to man and is used in residential as well as commercial settings the world over. It can be used as a stand-alone product or as a base foundation layer that other materials are installed on top of.
As far as fiberglass goes, it can be installed on top of concrete with nothing more than some basic adhesive so you can quickly and easily install whatever fiberglass forms you need in order to cover your concrete area.
Things You Will Need
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Respirator
- Vacuum, broom or mop
- Tape measure
- Straightedge
- Marker
- Adhesive
- Utility knife
- Caulking gun
- Notched trowel
- Rotary tool with carbide bit
- Circular saw with carbide blade
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Clean the surface of the concrete before you install the fiberglass. Sweep it with a broom, use a vacuum or mop it down with water. Remove all particulates and let the surface dry completely before continuing.
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Measure the installation surface to see if you need to cut the fiberglass down to size. Transfer these measurements onto the fiberglass with a straightedge and marker then put on safety glasses, work gloves and a respirator. For straight cuts you can use a circular saw. For round cuts or cuts around fixtures you can use a rotary tool.
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Insert a tube of adhesive into a caulking gun then cut the tip off with a utility knife to make a 1/4-inch hole. Apply a layer of adhesive onto the back of the fiberglass sections with the caulking gun. Apply the adhesive in rows that are 3 to 4 inches apart; squeeze the tube with the gun as you drag the tip along the back of the fiberglass.
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Spread the adhesive evenly across the back of the fiberglass with a notched trowel to cover the entire backside of the fiberglass. Press the fiberglass in place and apply pressure across the entire sheet to bond it with the concrete.
Tip
For best results, use an adhesive and trowel size that are recommended by the fiberglass manufacturer.
The Drip Cap
- Concrete is one of the most durable building materials known to man and is used in residential as well as commercial settings the world over.
- As far as fiberglass goes, it can be installed on top of concrete with nothing more than some basic adhesive so you can quickly and easily install whatever fiberglass forms you need in order to cover your concrete area.
- For round cuts or cuts around fixtures you can use a rotary tool.
- Apply the adhesive in rows that are 3 to 4 inches apart; squeeze the tube with the gun as you drag the tip along the back of the fiberglass.
Writer Bio
Tim Anderson has been freelance writing since 2007. His has been published online through GTV Magazine, Home Anatomy, TravBuddy, MMO Hub, Killer Guides and the Delegate2 group. He spent more than 15 years as a third-generation tile and stone contractor before transitioning into freelance writing.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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