EPX2 vs EPX3 Adhesive
The same guide loads apply to anchors installed with EPX2 or EPX3 according to their instructions. Actual pull resistance also depends on the pavement, installation, and loading conditions. See Understanding Anchor Strength and Guide Loads.
Choose the adhesive based on job size, installation weather and temperature, speed, and cost. Once cured, both are weather resistant.
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 |
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 40°F 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 40°F. If you cannot fully dry the hole, use EPX3 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.
Weather and Temperature
Section titled “Weather and Temperature”Once cured, both adhesives are weather resistant.
- EPX2 must be installed dry and cannot be installed below 40°F.
- EPX3 can be used in wet and standing water conditions and can be installed down to 14°F when the cartridge is warmed first.
For detailed cold, wet, and hot weather handling, see Weather and Temperature 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.
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.