Dry adhesive mixtures have long formed a separate segment in the construction market, which is expanding every year due to new names. This is due to the high demand for intermediate solutions, and to the successful development of new polymer components, which allow manufacturers to successfully experiment with different combinations of the composition's 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 tile mixes
The domestic standard regulating the technical characteristics of this type of mixture appeared only in 2015. This is the standard GOST R 56387, 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 turn to the analysis of performance declared in GOST. Not all manufacturers have switched to this standard, but it is important to consider it, if only for the reason that modern synthetic additives for building mixtures are far from ideal from the point of view of environmental safety.
Also, a normative document may be interesting for its classification of mixtures into three groups depending on the application:
- 0 - suitable for laying tile materials with a coefficient of water absorption 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 weak technical and operational characteristics.
- C2 - also universal compounds, but with more attractive "working" properties.
Even experienced veneers note that focusing only on this marking does not make sense, since it is conditional. Nevertheless, the adhesive for ceiling tiles in the bathroom, for example, is better to choose from the C2 family, since its tenacity will actually be higher than that of a representative of the C0 brand. Conversely, there is no need to use expensive C2 compounds for wall coverings that are not threatened by negative external factors.
Characteristics of the compositions
Now we can consider what technical and operational qualities of the adhesive mixtures will manifest themselves during and after installation. One of the key indicators of binder durability is slip resistance. The deformation and overall 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 solution to creep. High-quality compositions keep the mixing of tiles within 0.2 mm, and cheap - at the level of 0.5 mm.
During the laying process, setting time will also matter. This is the interval during which the laid mixture maintains its working qualities (tenacity). On average, this period is 30-40 hours. That is, if it is planned to use glue for tiles on a large area, it will be more expedient to perform laying in separate sections. But even after installation, do 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 home use. With the help of such compositions, a reliable adhesion to the surface of both lightweight and heavy lining is provided. As for the cost, according to average calculations, epoxy adhesive for ceramic tiles costs 1000-1500 rubles. in the amount of 1 m 2 . In other words, the cost of a binder will be comparable to the cost of a budget tile.
What compensates for such high costs? Performance in the form of increased strength, frost resistance and the complete elimination of shrinkage allow for durable coatings both inside and outside the premises. More importantly, moisture resistance makes it possible to use the composition 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, a high degree of abrasion, shock and pressure from cargoes are common problems that facers of the metro, train station terminals, production halls, and others must avoid. In each of these cases, the use of ceramic granite in combination with epoxy glue will pay off.
Dispersion adhesive
A more affordable group of compounds that can be used in typical interior cladding work. 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. Obviously, a cheaper binder does not bode well (in terms of the quality of the lining). But it is not all that bad.
It is recommended to use dispersion compositions 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 covered with such compounds, without fear that vibration 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 substrates. Do not use this option binder and when laying "tile on tile". In such cases, tile adhesive should be supplemented with at least a cement primer. For example, there is a separate group of concrete contactor mixtures that provide a reliable bond between the base, the adhesive layer and the lining.
Cementitious compounds
The most affordable offer of the existing types of building glue. And do not confuse such compositions with cement as such. The basis, of course, is formed by the combination of sand-cement, 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 purposes and conditions of installation.
What are the advantages of a cement base today? In addition to the low cost of this glue for tiles (25 kg for 1000-1300 rubles), its ease of use, thermal insulation and heat resistance are noted. But the main difference from the above synthetic mixtures can be called environmental safety. Cement glue is the best solution for indoor installation. Especially modern formulations are increasingly being produced with hypoallergenic additives and a minimal inclusion of chemically harmful modifiers.
In terms of disadvantages, it is possible to emphasize low resistance to dynamic loads and a tendency to crawl. But without third-party influences, cement binders may well retain a heavy lining. For example, if you need glue for ceiling tiles in the house, then you can give preference to this composition. Another thing is that you will have to take into account the characteristics of the base. It is not recommended to lay such glue on wood and plastics without a special primer.
Proper selection
The characteristics of the installation site 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, is well washed and allows you to create an original design style. Moisture-resistant quick-hardening mixtures are suitable for such purposes - for example, glue for tile “Cerezit CM 14-16”. If the emphasis is on strength and resistance to mechanical stress, then it is better to choose compositions on a polymer basis.
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 from the outside, you can use increased fixation mixtures. It is desirable that the value of adhesion in terms of withstand pressure was not less than 1.4 MPa. This will allow not only to decorate the facades with tiles, but to use large-format heavy ones for this.
A non-standard approach to providing surface bonding involves polyvinyl chloride materials. Optimum adhesive for PVC-tiles is a polymer mixture, which quickly hardens and is characterized by high adhesion. It should be noted that elastic vinyl tiles or laminated panels are often produced with self-adhesive strips on the back, without requiring special mixes for laying.
What should be the glue consumption?
As a universal rule for calculating the volume of the mixture required for laying 1 m2 of tile material, many manufacturers suggest starting from a layer thickness of 1 mm. This is fundamentally the wrong condition, since the figure is conditional and depending on the parameters of the cladding, it can change. More justified is the calculation of the height of the trowel teeth. And here it is necessary to answer the question of how to glue the tile on the wall, so that the greatest adhesive effect is ensured? Of course, ribs or waves are made with a spatula along the laid layer, therefore, the initial thickness of the deposited layer loses all meaning. On average, the length of the 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 on average 3-3.2 kg / m2.
It should also be borne in mind that in the process of landing and correction of the lining, the wave of the mixture will be smoothed. Therefore, the volume of masonry will increase. The maximum consumption of glue for tiles per 1 m2 is 5-6 kg. This is a typical filling 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 the walls under operational conditions, when the coating is not mechanically affected.
How to glue tiles?
The workflow includes several stages, the composition of which can vary depending on the installation conditions. A typical instruction looks like this:
- Preparing the basics. The target surface is cleaned of dirt, dust, grease and oil stains. Small irregularities are covered with the same glue, and large (with a depth of 5 mm or more) must be primed.
- Glue preparation. The dry mixture is diluted with clean water at a plus temperature of 15-20 ° C. First, water is poured into a container of suitable volume, and then the glue base is slowly poured. Stir the composition better with a construction mixer until a homogeneous mass is formed.
- Laying the mixture. The glue is applied with a notched trowel so that a comb surface is formed. Moreover, the thickness of the layer and the nature of the laying can 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 a binder composition with a thickness of 4-6 mm is laid with a spatula. Then a row of tile material with a slight pressure is fixed. After laying each row, the correctness of its location is checked. For ceiling installation, special retaining structures are used so that the tile does not fall during installation, and thick adhesive layers up to 12 mm should be used for floor masonry.
- Grouting. This operation can only be started after the binder has solidified. Thus, the manufacturer of the adhesive for tile Ceresit when laying universal mixes recommends waiting 24 hours after the installation is completed. A quick-hardening compounds gain sufficient strength with the readiness for grouting after 3 hours
Top manufacturers
The undisputed leader in the Russian market of dry mortar is the above-mentioned brand Ceresit. Under this brand are polymer, acrylic, cement and universal quick-drying compositions for laying various types of tiles. For example, highly elastic adhesive for tiles “Ceresite CM 17”, oriented to laying in the bathroom, is very popular. It is moisture resistant, the level of which allows you to perform lining even in the pool.
Ceresit's direct competitors include Litokol. In its assortment, mixes for laying large-format tiles are in high demand. For example, a thick-layer Litofloor K66 mortar will make it possible to lay porcelain stoneware on the terrace, in the hallway or corridor.
If clinker tile finishing is required while maintaining heat resistance, then it makes sense to turn to Bergauf Keramik Termo formulations. The manufacturer recommends this glue for decorating fireplaces and surfaces that are close to heating equipment. Weber-Vetonit products can also be classified as 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 unprecedented in terms of performance. However, the better the technical and physical properties of the adhesive, the more difficult it is to remove when dismantling the lining. This nuance should also be considered in the selection process. Manufacturers themselves offer to deal with the problems of cleaning old surfaces in different ways. For example, the cheapest and most affordable way to get rid of unnecessary glue for tiles involves the use of spatulas and hard metal brushes. This is a manual method, the disadvantages of which include the complexity and risk of damage to the base.
A more effective and delicate method of removing construction adhesive residues is chemical. There are special leaches, the effect of which is to break the bond between the particles of the binder mass. But in this case, one cannot do without the use of mechanical processing means. If the task is to maintain 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 gently polishes the surface, preventing serious mechanical damage.