What to use to glue polystyrene to a metal shed

mariat

I desperately need more storage before Xmas so I'm in the process of erecting a metal shed. To prevent condensation I intend to use polystyrene roll on the roof, but what should use to stick it? Please bear in mind that this needs to be completed ASAP, so I have no time to order specialist adhesives. I've read online that others have used strong wallpaper adhesive with this polystyrene, but would this work on metal? I have my doubts.

wellused

I used "no nails" to stick polystyrene to bricks but it has to be the solvent free one so it doesn't eat into the polystyrene.

mariat

Hi, thanks but I'm not sure that would work. I've just been looking at the grab adhesives, but it looks like at least one surface needs to be porous, and with polystyrene and metal, neither are.

MisterBaxter

There's no real weight in the polystyrene so you could try using hot glue; it shouldn't be so hot that it will melt through the polystyrene although it may melt it a bit. For the weight involved something like silicone sealant would probably do the job; it's only a shed so a bit of a bodge shouldn't hurt too much.

DRP

are you currently having a condensation problem?

i only ask because i have read (on forums like this) lots of people commenting about condensation in metal sheds, but i've had one for 3 years and not experienced the issue.

If it is a new shed i would wait and see, before going to the hassle and expense of insulating.

mariat

I did think of using silicone, as that's what I'll use to seal the bottom edge where it meets the timber floor. I think hot glue would melt the polystyrene, and as it's only 2mm thick there's no room for that.

Yes, it's a new shed. It does have ventilation and is on a raised timber floor with a built in DPM, so hopefully condensation won't be a problem. But, as household items will be stored in it, I have to make sure they won't be affected by damp.

I think I'll go with the silicone, seems the easiest option

kev_min

quick and easy would be doublesided tape.

Davesnave

DRP wrote: »

are you currently having a condensation problem?

i only ask because i have read (on forums like this) lots of people commenting about condensation in metal sheds, but i've had one for 3 years and not experienced the issue.

If it is a new shed i would wait and see, before going to the hassle and expense of insulating.

I'm sure it has a lot to do with where one lives, and if the air's damp, there's not much can be done without heating.

Here in Devon, we have a fairly mild, damp climate at this time of year. In our 60' barn, which is well-ventilated and only just over 10 years old, things that are not even close to the concrete floor or sides get a little clammy or damp. They literally pick it up from the air. There's no dripping from the roof, which is the non-asbestos (but looks like it) corrugated sheeting

Things are not any worse in the back of our van, which has whirly ventilator on top. Again, it can be clammy in there, but it is quite rare to see water droplets on the underside of the roof.

So, you can insulate all you like, but if the air itself is heavy with moisture, items that are drier will absorb some of this water.

vansboy

Double sided tape, as mentioned, or Sticks likesh!t


VB

Ebe_Scrooge

I'd have thought any of the bog-standard impact adhesives would do the job - available in any of the DIY sheds or local hardware stores. (E.G. http://www.diy.com/departments/evo-stik-contact-adhesive-250ml/36238_BQ.prd?icamp=recs)

brightontraveller

mariat wrote: »

I desperately need more storage before Xmas so I'm in the process of erecting a metal shed. To prevent condensation I intend to use polystyrene roll on the roof, but what should use to stick it? Please bear in mind that this needs to be completed ASAP, so I have no time to order specialist adhesives. I've read online that others have used strong wallpaper adhesive with this polystyrene, but would this work on metal? I have my doubts.

Expanding Foam Grab Adhesive like below but plenty about

http://www.screwfix.com/p/insta-stik-expanding-foam-grab-adhesive-750ml/72793
but 2mm polystyrene not sure would offer much insulation benefits at all