EPX2 vs EPX3 vs EPX5 Adhesive
EPX2, EPX3, and EPX5 all provide the same final installed anchor strength when they are installed correctly. Once cured, all three are weather resistant.
The difference is installation. Choose based on job size, weather, temperature, speed, and cost.
Quick Comparison
Section titled “Quick Comparison”| Adhesive | Best for | Main advantage | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPX2 | Dry jobs with a crew, especially larger installs | Lowest cost | Requires mixing, can be messy, and is sensitive to water and temperature |
| EPX3 | Cold, wet, or variable field conditions | Easiest and widest installation range | Highest cost |
| EPX5 | EPX3 replacement when EPX3 is out of stock | Cartridge convenience and strong performance | Not rated for as low a temperature as EPX3 |
EPX2 is a cement-based adhesive. It is very inexpensive and works well when you have multiple people on site: one person can mix, another can pour, and another can set anchors.
The tradeoff is handling. EPX2 requires mixing, can make a mess, and the mix can be tricky to get right. It also reacts strongly to temperature. It cures slowly in cold weather and very fast in hot weather.
Use EPX2 when:
- The holes and pavement are dry
- The ambient temperature is 40F or above
- Material cost is a major concern
- You have enough people to mix, pour, and install without rushing
Do not use EPX2 in damp holes, standing water, active rain, or below 40F. If you cannot fully dry the hole, use EPX3 or EPX5 instead.
EPX3 is an acrylic resin adhesive supplied in a cartridge. It is the easiest adhesive to install: use a caulk gun, squeeze the adhesive into the cleaned hole, and set the anchor.
EPX3 has the widest installation range. It can be used in wet conditions and can be installed in much colder weather than EPX2 when the cartridge is warmed before use. It also sets quickly, which helps keep jobs moving.
Use EPX3 when:
- The job is cold, wet, or unpredictable
- You want the simplest installation process
- You are installing a small number of anchors
- Labor time matters more than adhesive cost
The main downside is cost. EPX3 is much more expensive than EPX2.
EPX5 is a replacement product we make available when EPX3 is out of stock. It is not rated for installation at temperatures as low as EPX3, but in other ways it is an excellent cartridge adhesive.
Use EPX5 when:
- EPX3 is unavailable
- You still want cartridge installation instead of mixing EPX2
- Conditions are within the EPX5 temperature range
- You need wet-condition compatibility
For cold-weather work, EPX3 is still the better choice because it can be installed at lower temperatures.
Weather and Temperature
Section titled “Weather and Temperature”Once cured, all three adhesives are weather resistant. Installation conditions are what matter.
- EPX2 must be installed dry and cannot be installed below 40F.
- EPX3 can be used in wet and standing water conditions and can be installed down to 14F when handled correctly.
- EPX5 can be used in wet and standing water conditions and can be installed down to 24F when handled correctly.
For detailed cold, wet, and hot weather handling, see Bad Weather Installation.
Which Should I Choose?
Section titled “Which Should I Choose?”For most dry, planned installations where material cost matters, choose EPX2.
For small jobs, cold weather, wet holes, or the easiest installation, choose EPX3.
If EPX3 is out of stock and the job conditions fit its temperature range, choose EPX5.
No matter which adhesive you use, hole preparation still matters. Clean the hole thoroughly before installing adhesive. See Clean the Hole Before Installing Asphalt Anchors and the Asphalt Anchor Installation Guide.