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A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a critical document to maintain onsite for all chemicals and related products your location has onsite. This sheet is a comprehensive list of details about the chemical. It will include properties of it, including the health and physical hazards associated with it. SDS also includes information about handling, storing, and emergency response for those products. Learn to read SDS sheet information to ensure you know what you are facing.

At Leech Adhesives, you will find the safety data sheet available for all products that we offer. In keeping with compliance, these sheets provide the valuable data you need to ensure proper use, storage, and handling of these products.

What You Need to Know From an Adhesive Safety Data Sheet

Learning to read an SDS sheet is a necessary step for anyone working with adhesive products. Safety data sheets are very specific. That is, they follow a very specific formula for communicating critical information. Anyone who works with commercial-grade adhesive products should have this sheet available to them. If you are just purchasing a product for the first time, review the sheet. Learn the details of the product. Teach those details to the people who will come in contact with or use the product.

What the Sheet Looks Like

A safety data sheet for adhesive products will have several sections, broken down by critical information. The following are the sections and what they communicate:

• Section 1: This section identifies the intended use of the adhesive. It will provide contact information from the supplier. It identifies the chemical by name and property.
• Section 2: Here, you will find a clear list of all hazards known about the chemical. It will list the appropriate warning information you need to know when using the product. It will list each hazard, such as inhalation risk, and the category associated with it. This provides you with the ability to know what to do if there is a risk.
• Section 3: This section outlines what’s in the adhesive, as required under law. This will include the chemical properties, any known impurities, and any stabilizing additives.
• Section 4: This is one of the most important sections to read through with your team. Anyone using it should understand how to treat exposure. This section uses layman’s terms to provide a specific treatment protocol for someone who is not trained to handle the chemical exposure.
• Section 5: This section provides information about how to put out a fire that was caused by or involved the chemical.
• Section 6: The details in this section provide specific instructions on how to handle chemical spills, leaks, or other releases. It will outline how you need to contain that material as well as the surrounding area. It provides steps to both prevent and minimize the exposure of the chemical to people in the area, as well as how to protect the environment and property.
• Section 7: This section outlines the safe handling practices and conditions for the product. When you get a new product in, you should review this information so you know how to properly store the material. Improper storage can lead to exposure risks.
• Section 8: The following section provides more in-depth information, including exposure limits, engineering controls, and personal protective measures to protect workers who might routinely use the adhesive.
• Section 9: This section identifies the physical and chemical properties associated with the product. This section helps you to know how the product reacts to the environment.
• Section 10: This section will include any reactivity hazards the adhesive has to other chemicals, as well as the chemical stability details. This section is quite important, which is why it includes three separate areas: chemical reactivity, chemical stability, and “other” for additional information.
• Section 11: This section identifies all known toxicological factors as well as the health effects of the chemical.
• Section 12: This section includes the known risks associated with the environment if the adhesive is released into the environment.
• Section 13: In this section, you have information about how to get rid of the adhesive if you no longer need to use it. That includes proper disposal, if and when you can recycle it, as well as reclamation of the chemical, if applicable. You should never just toss the product in the trash, but instead use the directions here on how to dispose of the container.
• Section 14: This section outlines the process for shipping and transporting the chemical. For example, it will outline whether you should store it in your car or truck going from one job site to the next.
• Section 15: For this section, you need to know the safety, health, and environmental regulations related to that product, and ensure you remain in compliance in those areas.
• Section 16: This final section provides details on when and how the SDS was created.

Adhesive safety data sheets are not just one piece of paper. They tend to be 15 to 16 pages long, depending on the depth of information about the product.

Technical Data Sheets vs Safety Data Sheets

Another type of documentation available for adhesive products is a technical data sheet (TDS). This sheet provides information about the product’s technical specifications and usage.

Typically, the TDS is necessary for technicians and engineers to use so they can better understand how to use the product in the work they do. The information is product-specific, contains data on physical and chemical properties, and offers application guidelines. It outlines factors like curing time, the density of the product, and the viscosity. These are details that are often directly impactful to the way you plan to use the product. While a TDS is not a legal requirement to have on hand like an SDS, it is still a critical detail that you should have about all of the products you use.

Get the Information You Need Now

You will find all of the SDS sheets for each product we offer at Leech Adhesive available to you. Use it with confidence.

It’s a familiar scenario: you’ve prepped, applied, and aligned—only to see adhesive fail when things get a little wet. High humidity, damp surfaces, or weather exposure can disrupt the molecular structure of many adhesives, leaving behind weak and unreliable results.

For nearly a century, Leech Adhesives has engineered solvent-based solutions to combat those challenges. What began as a single batch of construction glue in 1930 has grown into a trusted, Made-in-the-USA line of adhesives, sealants, and caulks. 

At the center of our lineup is Leech F-26® Construction Adhesive—a waterproof, performance-grade formula trusted by professionals and homeowners alike for its strength, durability, and consistency in extreme environments. Short on time? Scroll down to see common questions.

No Sweat Bonds: Why Some Adhesives Don’t Mind Moisture

Why do some adhesives stand up to water while others break down? It comes down to chemistry. Waterproof adhesives are designed to resist moisture infiltration and maintain bond strength under constant exposure. Here’s how:

The Leech F-26® Advantage: Dependable Bonds in Damp Conditions

With F-26®, science meets performance. It was the first adhesive to surpass APA AFG-01 standards for gluing plywood to wood flooring joists. But that’s just the beginning.

• Wet & Frozen Application: Bonds even on wet or frozen surfaces.
  
• All-Weather Formula: Works in temps from 0⁰F to 120⁰F; once cured, it holds strong from -20⁰F to 150⁰F.
  
• Shockproof & Gap-Filling: Resistant to vibration and flexing. Fills gaps for stronger adhesion on irregular surfaces.
• Strength Over Time: Bond strength increases with age, providing unmatched long-term durability.

Real-World Applications

Some jobs demand a waterproof, vibration-resistant adhesive. Here’s where F-26® excels:

• Subfloors: Eliminates squeaks and stays flexible in damp conditions.
  
• Decks & Treated Lumber: Excels in fluctuating outdoor environments.
  
• Rock, Concrete & Pavers: Ideal for hardscape projects exposed to the elements.
  
• Insulation Installation: Bonds fiberglass and fiberboard while filling voids for solid insulation adhesion.
  
• Doors, Moldings & Stair Treads: Delivers strong, lasting bonds on both wood and metal, with excellent aging quality.
• New Build & Remodeling: What the pros use for both interior & exterior projects

Trust the Tube That Gets It Done

When weather, wear, and water threaten to derail your project, professionals trust one tube: F-26® Construction Adhesive. It’s the go-to solution for jobs that demand strength, durability, and moisture resistance. 

Need technical help or product recommendations? Contact us with your questions.

Stick with Leech. One Brand, Every Bond.

FAQs: Leech F-26® and Moisture

Q: Can Leech F-26® be applied to wet or frozen surfaces?

A: Yes. F-26® is engineered for real-world conditions and can bond to wet or frozen surfaces, making it ideal for outdoor or jobsite use in unpredictable weather.

Q: What temperatures can F-26® handle during and after application?

A: It can be applied in temperatures from 0°F to 120°F. Once cured, it remains effective in a range from -20°F to 150°F.

Q: What materials does F-26® bond best with?

A: F-26® works on a wide variety of surfaces including wood, treated lumber, concrete, metal, fiberglass, fiberboard, insulation materials, and more. Learn more about capabilities! If your projects include vinyl, soft plastics, or tub surrounds, check out our F-13® construction adhesive. 

Q: Does it fill gaps or irregular surfaces?

A: Yes. F-26® has excellent gap-filling properties, making it ideal for bonding uneven surfaces or bridging small voids.

Q: Is it suitable for long-term outdoor use?

A: Yes. It’s formulated to withstand weather extremes, UV exposure, and moisture, providing long-term durability for decks, subfloors, and outdoor masonry.

Subfloors are picky. They need an adhesive that understands their quirks, fills the gaps, and locks everything in place for the long haul. A successful floor installation depends on more than just slapping down glue; it requires a precise “conversation” between the subfloor, adhesive, and top layer of flooring.

Mistakes, missteps, and misunderstandings can easily lead to poor results. That’s not going to look or function well. With the right adhesive selection, you’ll create a bond that produces a professional final product. Without these best practices, you could be replacing and trying again soon.

At Leech Adhesives, we offer subfloor adhesives that meet the highest standards. For projects where performance and reliability are non-negotiable, both F-26® construction adhesive and F-13® construction adhesive, delivers the strong initial grab and durable bond needed to eliminate squeaks and hold tight over time—even on treated lumber and uneven surfaces.

For jobs in regions with stricter air quality regulations, F-26® RED provides the same trusted performance in a low-VOC, California-compliant formula.

The Three Demands of Your Subfloor

Yes, your subfloor has demands. Meet them, or it will forever create creaks and uneven surfaces that catch the corners of socks, stub toes, and cause spills. 

1. Structural Integrity

• Plywood and OSB: These very common flooring materials have specific requirements for expansion gaps and fastening, depending on the type of product selected.
• Concrete: There’s no beating the strength as a subfloor, but it does come with several challenges. The biggest factor is keeping moisture at bay.
• Particle board and cement board: These materials have several qualities, but using the wrong product or application method can split them in two, causing damage.

2. Level Conditions

Even minor unevenness in subfloors can lead to significant problems, including water runoff, floor squeaks, and joint separation. The higher you build from that imperfect foundation, the worse those issues become.

To avoid future failures, you must address level discrepancies early by sanding down high points and applying quality leveling compounds to fill in low areas. Getting it right at the subfloor stage sets the tone for the entire build.

3. Cleaning and Preparation

Before new flooring can be applied, surface preparation must be a focus. Removing dirt, dust, and residue reduces leveling issues and helps ensure a better bond when subfloor glue is applied to the substrate.

Once you’ve removed loose dirt and debris, sanding and, in some cases, priming the subfloor are next. If you use water or fluids, the area must also be fully dry before moving on.

Adhesive Chemistries Matter

Now that the subfloor is ready to go, the next decision to make is whether to use adhesives for wood subfloors or concrete floors. Plenty of options exist, but not all are the same. Before you choose, consider the chemical properties involved in this process.

• Polyurethane Adhesive: Considered a top best option for most projects, it is a strong but flexible choice. It works well for wood and most other materials.
• Epoxy: More rigid and less overall flexible to environmental changes, epoxy is a high-strength solution that’s often used in industrial spaces and high-traffic areas.
• Water-based adhesives and acrylics: These products are eco-friendly with low VOCs, making them a good overall choice. They are durable enough for vinyl and carpet.
• Pressure-sensitive and specialty adhesives: Ideal for today’s more modern, replaceable flooring, these products offer good results in most environments where flooring is meant to be removable over time.

Diagnosis and Fixing Problems

If you’re noticing signs of adhesive failure, such as loose tiles, lifted flooring, or changes in the sound underfoot, don’t ignore them. The sooner you do something, the more options you have. A high pH attack could be occurring, which can cause the floor to fail months or a year or so after installation.

In these situations, remediation is necessary if caught early enough. If not, a full tear-out becomes the only solution.

Innovation and Sustainability

As you consider the products you’re using for subfloor glue, know that times are changing. New products are safer to use, with low-VOCs and non-toxic adhesives. They meet certifications such as GreenGuard GOLD. 

Additionally, you’ll notice multi-functional adhesives becoming more readily available. They work not just as a bonding tool, but also contribute to a moisture barrier and dampen sound.  It’s likely you’ll see more of these over time that include bio-based materials and reusable adhesives.

Start with the Best Adhesive for Subfloor Installation

Subfloor prep isn’t just a box to check, it’s the foundation of every successful flooring project. From understanding material demands to picking the right adhesive chemistry, every decision matters. 

At Leech Adhesives, we make that choice easier with high-performance products engineered for strength, flexibility, and real-world jobsite conditions. For subfloor jobs that demand a strong, gap-filling, and long-lasting bond, F-26® construction adhesive and F-13® construction adhesive are the trusted choice among professionals. It’s built to hold up under pressure, eliminate squeaks, and perform even in tough environmental conditions.

Need a low-VOC solution that meets California compliance? Try F-26® RED, offering the same dependable performance with reduced emissions for environmentally sensitive projects.

Explore our full product lineup or contact our team for help choosing the right solution for your next job.

Stick with Leech. One Brand, Every Bond.

Choosing the right construction adhesive requires a surprising amount of thought. With so many options, it’s easy to grab the wrong one and end up with results that don’t stick.

Questions to Ask Before You Grab the Glue:

Powerful and Long Lasting Performance

Knowing what material or substrate you need to bond is an obvious first step. Any product you select must be designed specifically for the type of materials you hope to bond together. Do not assume all products are the same.

Consider the following aspects when selecting the best construction glue for a specific project.

Formulation & Substrates

Select a strong construction glue suitable for the type of materials you need to join together. Read the description of each product carefully to ensure you get it right.

• Wood and OSB: Polyurethane glues are ideal for wood-based materials, offering strong, flexible bonds that hold up to expansion and contraction.
• Glass and Metal: Epoxy adhesives provide superior strength and durability on non-porous surfaces like glass and metal, making them the go-to choice for high-stress applications.

The Environment

While formula matters, what is really going to influence the bond strength over time is the environment. Changing temperatures and moisture levels can create highly unstable conditions. Understand the conditions:

• What level of moisture is likely to be present on an ongoing basis?
• What are the temperature extremes for the environment?
• What level of vibration is expected?

Often, these factors are unknown, which means you need to consider a product that’s more versatile and can handle more intense and changing conditions. Some products do this better than others.

For example, our F-26® construction adhesive is a versatile product that can work long term. It can be used on fiberglass, fiberboard, metal moldings, metal wall studs, plywood, and numerous other surfaces to create a strong bond in various applications, including construction, remodeling, and repair.

What makes it beneficial is that it bonds even when materials are wet or frozen, making it a solid product available all year round. It can also reliably withstand climate extremes ranging from 0 degrees to 120 degrees. It is also not impacted by humidity. As a construction glue, it is an all-around solution.

Strength and Flexibility of Products

Construction glue properties must also be considered, not just for their strength, but also for the flexibility they offer. A product that creates a strong bond is beneficial, but changing conditions and movement, including frequent, consistent, or infrequent vibrations, can create stability issues if the product lacks sufficient flexibility.

Waterproof Products

Another factor to consider when choosing construction glue is how well the product performs in wet conditions. That is not just humidity, but rather the level of moisture in the environment. Whether you are using it in a shower enclosure or an outdoor project, there is often a need for a strong product that can withstand wet conditions specifically.

For waterproofing, a product like F-26® is designed for humid or moist worksite conditions. It is formulated to resist moisture, maintaining a strong hold over time. If you’re looking for a construction glue suitable for outdoor projects or other areas with a significant risk of constant moisture, this is the option for you.

Increasing Glue Strength and Results

When selecting a heavy-duty construction glue, it’s essential to think beyond the product label. Consider the full scope of your project—materials, environment, and application method—to get the most from your adhesive. While glue properties vary widely, these steps can help you maximize strength and ensure dependable results:

• Step 1: Prep Like a Pro
  A clean, dry, and dust-free surface is non-negotiable. Remove any oils, debris, or old adhesive residue—anything that could interfere with bonding.
• Step 2: Clamp When You Can
  For flat surfaces, adding weight or clamping helps adhesives set more securely. Just be careful not to disturb the alignment, and don’t rush the curing process.
• Step 3: Let It Cure Completely
  Full curing is essential. Don’t apply stress to the bond before it’s ready—adhesives need time to reach full strength. Skipping cure time can mean early failure.
• Step 4: Know Your Adhesive Type
  Understand the type of bond you’re forming—chemical adhesion (molecular bonding) or mechanical adhesion (gripping into the surface texture). Not all construction adhesives behave the same across different materials.
• Step 5: Choose Quality, Not Shortcuts
  Always use a high-quality product suited to the job. Cheaper alternatives may not hold up under pressure—literally.
  

At the end of the day:

• Match the adhesive to your materials and environment
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely
• Don’t cut corners and focus until you are done

Stick with Strength: Choose Wisely, Apply with Confidence

Choosing the right construction adhesive isn’t just about grabbing a tube—it’s about matching the product to your materials, environment, and performance needs. With trusted options like Leech F-26®, you get the strength, flexibility, and weather resistance pros rely on. Follow the right steps, and your bond will go the distance! Have questions? Visit our FAQ page or contact our team! 

Stick with Leech. One Brand, Every Bond.