Tile adhesive, also known as thin-set adhesive, is used to bond tile and stone to various surfaces such as metal, concrete, wood, drywall, and glass. It is formulated according to the standards IS 15477, EN 12004, and ISO 13007.
Ceramic tile adhesive
According to Indian norms, ceramic tiles have a porosity level greater than 10%. Therefore, ceramic tiles should be fixed using Type 1 or Type 2 adhesive as per the IS 15477: 2019 standards. There is no need to use a high polymer modified adhesive; it is only necessary to follow the application procedure as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Best Tile Adhesive
The selection of tile adhesive depends on several parameters such as tile type, substrate, environment, and usage area conditions. For small-sized tiles, a polymer-modified adhesive can be used. For larger tiles and stones, a high polymer-modified tile adhesive should be used.
Tile adhesive for floors/walls
First, it is important to check the type of materials you are using for the floor and walls. For white tiles and stones, use white-based adhesive; for other types of tiles and stones, use grey-based adhesive.
According to EN 12004 (European norms):
- Use C2 type adhesive for exterior areas.
- Use C1 type adhesive for interior areas.
- For large format tiles, always use C2 type adhesive.
According to IS 15477: 2019:
Type 1 adhesive is suitable only for dry areas and is not recommended for wet areas.
For exterior flooring areas, use Type 3, 4, or 5 adhesive.
For interior areas, use Type 1 or Type 2 adhesive.
Waterproof tile adhesive
Cementitious adhesive is not waterproof; its purpose is to hold the tile pieces together, not to prevent leakage. Therefore, always use waterproofing beneath the tile adhesive. Do not rely on tile adhesive for waterproofing purposes.
Fast-setting tile adhesive
Nowadays, fast-setting adhesive is crucial for moisture-sensitive stones because it prevents tiles and stones from reacting with the moisture present in the adhesive. This makes fast-setting adhesive essential for materials like artificial stone, Italian marble, and other moisture-sensitive stones.
Flexible Tile adhesive
Flexibility is correlated with deformation, an important property for large format tiles and stones. If the tiles and stones attempt to deform, the adhesive can deform along with them without causing cracks.
- S1 Adhesive: Can deform up to 5mm without breaking.
- S2 Adhesive: Can deform more than 5mm without breaking.
Deformable adhesive is a mandatory requirement for Lamium tiles with reduced thickness, so always use deformable adhesive for such applications.
How to apply tile adhesive
Surface preparation
- The surfaces to be tiled should be dry, spotless, and free of pollution and loose materials.
Mixing of the tile adhesive
According to the manufacturer’s instructions, mix glue with clean water. Using a mixing paddle machine, thoroughly mix until a homogenous, lump-free consistency is achieved. After mixing the adhesive for 30 seconds, let it polymerize for two to five minutes.
The adhesive has a three-hour pot life and is ready to use. Don’t add any more water at this time. When weight mixing isn’t an option, volume mixing in a 1:3 (water: powder) ratio can be done on the spot as per the manufacturer instruction.
Application instruction of the Tile adhesive
- Spread adhesive only over the area that can be tiled within its open time.
- Use a trowel to apply the mixed adhesive to the surface, then comb it with a square-toothed notched trowel.
- Fix the tiles within the adhesive’s open time, pressing them into place with a twisting and sliding action for a solid bed. The open time varies with temperature.
- Periodically check that the tiles have good contact with the adhesive.
- If a skin forms on the adhesive, remove it and apply a fresh layer.
- Leave enough space between tiles unless using self-spacing tiles.
- Clean off any excess adhesive from the tile surfaces and joints.
Precautions need to be taken for the tile’s adhesive
- Avoid application in conditions of elevated humidity or temperatures below 5°C.
- Employ back coat sealers to meticulously seal the peripheries and underside of porous stones to preclude the migration of moisture.
- Implement appropriate clamping mechanisms in conjunction with the adhesive during the installation of tiles or stones at heights exceeding 3 meters, in accordance with IS 15477: 2019 standards.
- For extensive tiling applications, ensure the incorporation of movement joints at intervals of 3 meters, subsequently filling these joints with a flexible sealant as specified by BS 5385.
- Restrict pedestrian traffic until the adhesive has fully cured and achieved its complete setting.