Adhesive

The growth in popularity of large format tiles, with their increased weight and smoother backs, presents new fixing challenges to the professional tiler. Whatever your specific requirements, whether they be for standard or large format slabs within internal or external applications, selecting the appropriate cement-based, fibre-reinforced or ready-mixed adhesive is vital to ensuring the success of your project.

Correct preparation of the subfloor or laying surface will determine the success or otherwise of your project. The laying surface should be rigid, non-flexing and capable of supporting the expected load with minimal or no deflection. A level subfloor is extremely important in order to keep tiles from cracking. Sanding high spots and the use of a levelling compound on low spots is essential. It is also important that your tiles are clean and dry, if necessary wash them with clean water and dry them thoroughly before fixing.

Once your subfloor is clean and dry, spread the adhesive on the surface to be covered with a 10 x 10 mm square toothed trowel, across an area of 5 – 10 cm more than the dimensions of the tile. Always apply the adhesive in stripes running parallel with the short edge to ease getting rid of air pockets and bubbles. By using this method, full coverage of the tile with adhesive is ensured.

Large format porcelain slabs always require back-buttering. Back-buttering describes the process of applying a layer of adhesive to the back of the tiles using a trowel. You can view our large format slab fixing guide here. Use a 10 x 10 mm square toothed trowel for applying adhesive to the wall or floor and when back-buttering use a 3 x 3 mm square toothed trowel for the back of the tile. The sum of the two trowels notch sizes should equal or be greater than 13 mm (3 mm + 10 mm = 13 mm).

The tile should be firmly pressed into the adhesive along a straight edge, collapsing all adhesive ridges. Use a levelling system to avoid lippage and frequently check that your tiles are even using a suitable box level. Levelling systems are available with 1 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm tile spacers. Please note that under no circumstances should “spot bonding” be used with porcelain tiles.

Periodically check the tiles backs to make sure there is full contact between the adhesive and tile. If not apply additional adhesive to the tile or use a troll with larger notches in your adhesive. As you are working wipe off excess mortar with a wet sponge.

We recommend adhesive and tile laying products from Mapei and Ardex:

Disclaimer

This information should be considered to be informal and non-binding. The products must be used according to local conditions and materials. Manufacturers instructions must be read carefully and followed closely. Always test the products in an inconspicuous area.

We cannot accept any responsibility for reliance placed upon the advice contained herein since practical expertise and site conditions are outside of our control. Neither do we accept liability for the performance of the product arising from such use. This does not affect your statutory rights.

© Porcelain Tiles Ltd – All rights reserved – V19.184

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