Your 2 Minute Guide To Chemical Anchors

Chemical anchors are a great solution for anchoring heavy loads to concrete, stone walls and brickwork, especially if the surface of the substrate is uneven, or if the fixing is close to an edge where an expansion anchor could risk causing cracking or splitting of the substrate.

These anchors are made up of a resin and hardener which is mixed in the cartridge’s applicator nozzle and injected into a pre-drilled hole in the substrate. A stud is then screwed into this resin filled hole and then left to cure.

With an array of different types of resin available, it can be confusing to know which is best suited to your project, so here’s a quick guide to some of the most common variants available:

• Polyester Resin: A cost-effective, general-purpose resin suitable for anchoring light & medium loads into concrete blocks and brickwork.
 
• Epoxy Resin: Once cured, Epoxy resin creates an extremely strong bond making it ideal for structural applications & supporting heavy loads. It can also be applied in wet conditions, underwater and into semi-solids, such as damp concrete making it a very versatile resin.
 
• Vinylester Resin: Whilst offering similar attributes to Epoxy resins, Vinylester resins generally exhibit better resistance to chemicals such as acids and alkalis making them a better choice for use in corrosive environments. Vinylester resins usually also have quicker curing times compared to epoxy resins.
 
• Styrene-Free: Resins described as ‘Styrene Free’ are formulated without the use of styrene, making them a safer and more eco-friendly option. They are better suited for use indoors and in confined spaces due to their low odour properties.

If you need help with which chemical anchor to use on your project, do get in touch with one of our knowledgeable team who’ll be happy to help!