Dry adhesive mixtures have long formed a separate segment in the construction market, which is expanding every year due to new items. This is due both to the high demand for intermediate-use solutions and to the successful development of new polymer components, which allow manufacturers to successfully experiment with different combinations of formulation performance. One of the most dynamic categories in this regard is tile adhesive, which differs from ordinary cement in a rich set of additives and modifiers.
Marking mixes for tiles
The domestic standard regulating the technical characteristics of this kind of mixtures appeared only in 2015. This is the GOST R 56387 standard, which, in particular, approved the requirements for compositions based on cement and mineral binders. Therefore, with a detailed selection of adhesive for tiles, it is recommended to immediately refer to the analysis of performance,declared in GOST. Not all manufacturers have switched to this standard yet, but it is important to take it into account, if only for the reason that modern synthetic additives for building mixtures are far from ideal in terms of environmental safety.
Also, the normative document may be of interest in its classification of mixtures into three groups depending on the application:
- С0 - suitable for laying tile materials with a water absorption coefficient by weight above 5%. In practice, it is used exclusively indoors.
- C1 is a universal composition suitable for exterior and interior cladding. The disadvantages of such solutions include poor technical and operational characteristics.
- C2 are also universal compositions, but with more attractive "working" properties.
Even experienced veneers note that it does not make sense to focus only on this marking, since it is conditional. However, a bathroom ceiling tile adhesive, for example, would be best chosen from the C2 family, as its tack retention properties will actually be superior to those of the C0 brand. Conversely, expensive C2 compounds should not be used for wall coverings that are not threatened by negative external factors.
Characteristics of compositions
Now you can consider what technical and operational qualities of adhesive mixtures will manifest themselves during and after laying. One of the key indicators of binder durability is slip resistance. Deformation and overallthe change in the structure of the coating directly depends on how quickly the mixture liquefies. This is a thixotropic property that determines the tendency of the laid mortar to slip. High-quality compounds keep tile mixing within 0.2 mm, while cheap ones keep it at 0.5 mm.
In the process of laying, the setting time will also matter. This is the interval during which the laid mixture maintains working qualities (tenacity). On average, this period is 30-40 hours. That is, if you plan to use tile adhesive on a large area, then it would be more expedient to lay in separate sections. But even after installation, you should not ignore the passage of time. Even after laying the material, 10-20 minutes remain for the possibility of correcting the position of the tile without serious deformation of the formed adhesive structure.
Epoxy tile adhesives
The most expensive, but also the most popular option for domestic use. With the help of such compositions, reliable adhesion to the surface of both lightweight and heavy cladding is ensured. As for the cost, according to average calculations, epoxy adhesive for ceramic tiles costs 1000-1500 rubles. in volume per 1 m2. In other words, the cost of a binder will be comparable to the cost of a budget tile.
What compensates for such high costs? The operational qualities in the form of increased strength, frost resistance and the complete elimination of shrinkage make it possible to arrange durable coatings both indoors and outdoors. More importantly, moisture resistance makes it possible to usecomposition in places with a high coefficient of humidity - for example, in the kitchen and in the bathroom. In questions about which tile adhesive can be used in public places, the answer will also be obvious - epoxy. Vibration loads, high abrasion, shock and pressure from loads are common problems that must be avoided by subway cladding, railway terminal stairs, production halls, etc. In each of these cases, the use of porcelain stoneware in combination with epoxy adhesive will justify.
Dispersion adhesive
A more affordable group of compounds that can be used in typical indoor cladding. On average, the price of glue for tiles of this type is 1000-1300 rubles. for 5 kg. That is, 1 m2 will cost 500-600 rubles. It is obvious that the reduction in the cost of the binder does not bode well (in terms of the quality of the cladding). But it's not all bad.
It is recommended to use dispersion compounds when laying tile material on uneven and deformed surfaces. The flexible elastic structure of the adhesive fills the smallest pores of the base, which increases the adhesive function. A significant advantage is the resistance to dynamic loads. Plastic and wooden structures can be coated with such compositions without fear that vibrations with small movements will destroy the bond with the finish.
As for the disadvantages, they are expressed in the limitation of the use of dispersion mixtures in relation to concrete bases. Do not use this binder optionand when laying "tile on tile". Tile adhesive in such cases must be supplemented with at least a cement primer. For example, there is a separate group of concrete contactor mixtures that provide reliable adhesion between the base, the adhesive layer and the cladding.
Cement compositions
The most affordable construction adhesive available today. And do not confuse such compositions with cement as such. The basis, of course, is formed by the sand-cement combination, but the technical and physical qualities are modified by the inclusion of latex, polymers and various plasticizers. A specific set of additives is determined by the goals and conditions of laying.
What are the advantages of the cement base today? In addition to the low cost of this tile adhesive (25 kg for 1000-1300 rubles), its ease of use, thermal insulation and heat resistance are noted. But the most important difference from the above synthetic mixtures can be called environmental safety. For laying inside residential premises, cement adhesive is the best solution. Especially modern formulations are increasingly produced with hypoallergenic additives and minimal inclusion of chemically harmful modifiers.
In terms of disadvantages, low resistance to dynamic loads and a tendency to slip can be emphasized. But without third-party influences, cement binders may well hold a heavy cladding. For example, if you need glue for ceiling tiles in a house, then you can give preference to this composition. Another thing is thatthe characteristics of the base will also have to be taken into account. It is not recommended to lay such glue on wood and plastics without a special primer.
Choice by purpose
Characteristics of the place of laying by themselves largely determine which version of the adhesive composition is suitable in a particular case. For example, tiles are often used in the bathroom. Ceramics is insensitive to moisture, easy to clean and allows you to create an original design style. Moisture-resistant quick-hardening mixtures are suitable for such purposes - for example, Ceresit CM 14-16 tile adhesive. If the emphasis is on strength and resistance to mechanical stress, then it is better to choose polymer-based compositions.
A special story is associated with facade coatings, which are exposed to a whole range of negative factors, including precipitation, wind, frost, UV rays, etc. For wall cladding outside, mixtures of increased fixation can be used. It is desirable that the value of adhesion in terms of the level of withstand pressure be not less than 1.4 MPa. This will allow not only to decorate the facades with tiles, but to use large-format heavy slabs for this.
A non-standard approach to providing a bond with the surface is provided by polyvinyl chloride materials. The optimal adhesive for PVC tiles is a polymer mixture that cures quickly and has high adhesion. It should be noted that flexible vinyl tiles or laminated panels are often produced with self-adhesive strips on the back side, without requiring special mixtures forstyling.
How much glue should be consumed?
As a general rule for calculating the amount of mix required to lay 1 m2 of tile material, many manufacturers suggest starting from a layer thickness of 1 mm. This is a fundamentally wrong condition, since the figure is conditional and, depending on the parameters of the cladding, it can change. The calculation by the height of the spatula teeth is more justified. And here it is necessary to answer the question of how to glue the tiles on the wall in order to ensure the greatest adhesive effect? Of course, ribs or waves are made with a spatula along the laid layer, therefore the initial thickness of the applied layer loses all meaning. On average, the length of a tooth is 6-12 mm. Next, you should focus on the instructions for the consumption of a specific composition. For example, with a tooth height of 6 mm and an adhesive layer thickness of 2 mm, the recommended consumption will be an average of 3-3.2 kg/m2.
It should also be taken into account that in the process of fitting and correcting the lining, the mixture wave will be smoothed out. Therefore, the volume of masonry will increase. The maximum consumption of glue for tiles per 1m2 is 5-6 kg. This is a typical packing unit, the contents of which, however, can be diluted with water and get a larger volume. But such tricks should be resorted to only in cases of laying on walls in operational conditions, when there is no mechanical effect on the coating.
How to glue tiles correctly?
The workflow includes several stages, the composition of which may vary depending on the installation conditions. A typical instruction looks likeso:
- Preparing the base. The target surface is cleaned from dirt, dust, grease and oil stains. Small irregularities are covered with the same glue, and large ones (with a depth of 5 mm or more) must be primed.
- Glue preparation. The dry mixture is diluted with clean water at a positive temperature of 15-20 °C. First, water is poured into a container of a suitable volume, and then the glue base is slowly poured. It is better to stir the composition with a construction mixer until a homogeneous mass is formed.
- Laying the mixture. The adhesive is applied with a notched trowel so that a comb surface is formed. In this case, the thickness of the layer and the nature of the laying may vary depending on the location of the surface and the place of work. For example, how to glue tiles on the wall? First, a small layer of binder composition 4-6 mm thick is laid with a spatula. Then a row of tiled material is fixed with a little pressure. After laying each row, the correctness of its location is checked. For ceiling laying, special retaining structures are used so that the tiles do not fall during installation, and for floor laying, thick layers of glue up to 12 mm should be used.
- Grouting. This operation can be started only after the binder has hardened. Thus, the manufacturer of tile adhesive Ceresit, when laying universal mixtures, recommends waiting 24 hours after installation is completed. And quick-hardening compounds gain sufficient strength with readiness for grouting after 3 hours.
Top Producers
The undisputed leaderon the Russian market of dry building mixes is the above-mentioned Ceresit brand. Under this brand, there are polymer, acrylic, cement and universal quick-drying compositions for laying tiles of various types. For example, highly elastic tile adhesive "Ceresit SM 17", focused on laying in the bathroom, is very popular. It is moisture resistant, the level of which allows lining even in the pool.
Ceresit's direct competitors include Litokol. In its assortment, mixtures for laying large-format tiles are in high demand. For example, a thick-layer mortar Litofloor K66 will allow you to lay porcelain stoneware on a terrace, in a hallway or a corridor.
If you want to finish with clinker tiles while maintaining heat resistance, then it makes sense to turn to Bergauf Keramik Termo compositions. The manufacturer recommends this adhesive for decorating fireplaces and surfaces close to heating equipment. Weber-Vetonit products can also be attributed to highly specialized mixtures. This manufacturer, in particular, offers the best adhesive for tiles laid on plywood, drywall and other flexible surfaces. This is a Profi Plus compound, characterized by both increased adhesion and resistance to deformation.
Conclusion
Technologists involved in the formulation of building mixtures today offer compositions that are unprecedented in terms of performance. However, the better the technical and physical properties of the adhesive, the more difficult it is to remove it during dismantling.lining. This nuance should also be calculated in the selection process. The manufacturers themselves offer to deal with the problems of cleaning old surfaces in different ways. For example, the cheapest and most accessible method of getting rid of unwanted tile adhesive involves the use of spatulas and hard metal brushes. This is a manual method, the disadvantages of which include laboriousness and the risk of damage to the base.
A more effective and gentle method of removing residues of construction adhesive is chemical. There are special washings, the action of which is to destroy the bond between the particles of the binder mass. But even in this case, one cannot do without the use of mechanical processing tools. If the task is to keep the basic structure of the surface intact, then after chemical exposure it is better to connect an angle grinder with a felt or felt wheel. It will gently polish the surface, preventing serious mechanical damage.
