8 tips, which glue for tiles to choose: types, manufacturers

Content

1. №1. What determines the choice of glue?
2. №2. The main types of tile adhesives
3. No. 3. Material and features of tiles
4. №4. Glue and operating conditions
5. №5. Selection of adhesive for tile installation in the bathroom
6. №6. Adhesive and type of substrate
7. №7. How to calculate the consumption of glue?
8. №8. Manufacturers of glue for tiles

Most recently, for installation of ceramic tiles, a sand-cement mixture was used, and the most advanced masters added glue to it. This is by no means the most ideal composition, so it is not surprising that the tile began to lag behind the surface with time. Today, to our happiness, there are many special glues that provide high degree of adhesion, and there are compositions for different types of tiles, different bases and conditions operation. Let's try to figure out how not to get lost in this variety and what kind of glue for tiles to choose, given many factors.

№1. What determines the choice of glue?

Masters know that there is absolutely no universal glue for tiles, although there is something similar on sale. In difficult operating conditions (for example, a bathroom), universal compounds should not be used.

The choice of adhesive is based on three main factors:

• dimensions, material and features of the tile used;
• type of surface;
• Operating conditions. There are adhesives intended for indoor and outdoor use, in conditions of high humidity, constant temperature drop, etc.

Modern adhesive compositions are mostly based on the same cement-sand mixture, only plasticizers and other chemical additives are added to it, which provide high adhesion.

Usually the adhesive is produced inas a dry mixture, which must be diluted with a certain amount of water, but there are already readypasty formulations, or mastics. Pasty glue is produced on the basis of products of oil refining, latex and some additives. It costs more, is not very convenient in transportation, but it is indispensable when it is necessary to mount heavy tiles or granite tiles, and also when it is required to glue tiles on plywood or drywall.

№2. The main types of tile adhesives

Depending on the composition of tile adhesive is of these types:

• on cement basis;
• epoxy;
• dispersive.

Cement-based glue- this is the classic of the genre. Dry mixtures are prepared on the basis of cement and sand, add polymer and latex additives to them, obtaining various compositions according to their properties. The main advantage of such adhesives -low price.The cost of mounting 1 m2 of tile glue on cement basis is 20 times lower than when using epoxy glue, and 10 times lower - dispersion. Due to the numerous possible additives, it is possible to prepare a composition that is most suitable for any operating conditions. This means that we can talk about some kind of universality. On the level of the assortment, such compounds are in the lead. Moreover, it is not difficult to find glue on a cement base in any store in any locality, its relative just apply, but how to behave with cement glue, knows any master, which can not be said about the other compositions.

Epoxy adhesiveis prepared from several components. These are epoxy-polyurethane resins, organic additives and inert fillers, to which an organic catalyst is added. The result iscomposition with unique properties. It provides an extremely strong tile connection with the surface, is not afraid of frost, high humidity, temperature drops, it does not shrink and withstands the highest loads.Negative - price: installation of a square meter of tiles on such glue will cost almost as much as the tile itself. Epoxy adhesive is used in places with maximum load: metro, airports, workshops and other premises.

Dispersion glueManufactured on the basis of synthetic resins, with organic additives and inert filler. Composition will cost less than epoxy, but still at times more expensive than conventional cement.The main advantage is high plasticity, so the dispersion adhesive is indispensable when it is necessary to install the tiles on a moving base, for example, wooden floors and walls. The composition is sold ready for use, it quickly seizes and dries.

Since an ordinary apartment does not have such loads as the airport or the metro, then questions about which tile glue to choose, there should not be - in almost all cases it will be enough ordinary glue on cement basis.

Separately it is worth noting such a composition asliquid Nails. The material is produced on the basis of polymers and synthetic rubber. In terms of performance, liquid nails on a neoprene base are the best ones. The composition is not afraid of moisture, but it has an unpleasant smell, and because of the increased content of toxic substances in residential premises can not be used. Safer water-based formulations do not have sufficient moisture resistance to be used for installing tiles in the bathroom. Usually, such glue is used only during the restoration of the tiled coating.

No. 3. Material and features of tiles

Go buy glue better when the tiles have already been bought or you know exactly what format it will be.The larger its size, the more requirements are advanced to the adhesive composition.To keep a heavier tile, the adhesive should have increased binding properties. Pay attention toadhesion parameters, indicated on each pack of glue and expressed in MPa. So, for example, if we are talking about a small tile that will be mounted on a wall in a dry room, then there will be enough adhesives with adhesion, MPa. If it is necessary to coat the facade with heavy large tiles, it is better to take glue with adhesion of 1 MPa, and it should be frost and moisture resistant.

For stylingfloor tilesrecommend taking glue with high elasticity. This will be said by elastans and plasticizers in the composition of the material.

Usually for the installation of all types of ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles and artificial stonegray glue. When it comes to glass mosaic, it is better to take the compositionwhite. It's not about adhesion (it does not depend on color, contrary to existing myths, it does not matter) - it's a matter of aesthetics, which will be much higher when using white glue.

№4. Glue and operating conditions

For external and internal work will require different compositions of glue. Special glue will be necessary and when it comes to operation in conditions of high humidity, frequent changes of temperatures, frosts, high mechanical loads. The most common cheap cement-based glue is intended for use in dry rooms without temperature changes. They can conduct tile installation in the living room, dining room or hallway.

For outdoor useproduce special compounds that are characterized by frost and moisture resistance. Such glue is not afraid of frost, sun, rain and other negative natural influences. It can be used indoors, but its use will be justified if its exceptional properties are really needed.

For laying tiles on heated floors, it is better to use elastic compounds. Such glue withstands linear expansion of the screed and does not crack, thus prolonging the original appearance of the finished surface.

Glue mixtures for tiles are divided into the following groups:

• first group(C1) are compositions for external and internal works that provide adhesion at the level, MPa. Depending on what substances are included in the glue, it is possible to use in dry and wet conditions;
• second group(C2) are improved cement-sand mixtures, which contain special substances that provide them with certain characteristics. Adhesion of such adhesives is not less than 1 MPa, the elasticity is increased, and depending on the composition, it is allowed to use in places with very high humidity, constant temperature changes, and also in the presence of serious dynamic and static loads;
• third groupThese are special-purpose adhesives with specific properties. These are heat-resistant compounds that can be used to glue tiles for cladding stoves and fireplaces, white glues for installation mosaic, marble and translucent tiles, special adhesives for use in swimming pools and others compositions.

№5. Selection of adhesive for tile installation in the bathroom

Particular attention should be given to choosing a glue for tiles in the bathroom. It must beMoisture proof composition, and he may havefungicidal propertiesto prevent the development of fungus and mold. If the tile will be mounted directly on the drywall, it is better to take a plastic compound. The surface must be primed before installation, otherwise it can absorb the adhesive, resulting in the strength of the connection will be weakened. Strongly absorbing places should be treated with a primer again. In the bathroom for grouting, it is also better to use water-resistant compounds.

Often in the bathrooms it is recommended to usequick-drying compounds, which already after 3-5 hours seize and allow easy operation of the tiled surface.

№6. Adhesive and type of substrate

All the reasons for installing ceramic tiles can be divided into two groups:

• simple reasons, which include concrete, brick, surfaces from blocks of cellular concrete, sand-cement screeds and other stable, hard, not subject to deformation surfaces;
• complex baseseasily deformed. These are wooden, plastic and plasterboard surfaces, as well as metal, glass and a layer of old tiles.

When choosing a glue for tiles, consider the following recommendations:

• for a simple stable baseIt is possible to take a conventional cement-based glue, the compositions with a latex additive are excellent;
• on the old tile, the painted surface and gypsum board installation is recommended to be carried out with the help of dispersion glue, but in The case with gypsum plasterboard is often used with ordinary cement glue, but with additives that increase it elasticity;
• if it is necessary to securely fix the tileon a metal or plastic base, it is better to take epoxy glue.

№7. How to calculate the consumption of glue?

Approximate consumption of glue each manufacturer indicates on the packaging, andthe exact flow will depend on a variety of factors. Precisely calculate the flow rate of adhesive in kilograms of dry mix per square meter of surface can only be an experienced master.

The consumption of glue mixture is influenced by such factors:

• the size of the tile.The smaller each individual element of the tile, the thinner the adhesive layer is necessary for its attachment. So, for example, for the installation of tiles in a format from 2 * 2 to 10 * 10 cm, the average flow rate will be about 3 kg / m2. For tiles ranging in size from 10 * 15 to 20 * 20 cm, the adhesive layer increases and the consumption is up to 4 kg / m2. On the tile from 20 * 30 to 30 * 30 cm it is necessary to apply a layer of glue even thicker, and the consumption will be about 5 kg / m2. For the installation of tiles with a size of more than 30 * 30 cm, 6 kg of dry mix per m2 of surface will be required;
• tile composition. If the water absorption of the tile is high, it will absorb some of the glue, and its consumption will increase. For example, most types of conventional wall tiles have a water absorption of 10%, and for ceramic granite this figure is only 1%;
• evenness of base. The smoother the surface at the base, the lower the glue consumption. If you or the masters are too lazy to conduct a thorough alignment of walls or floors, then prepare to overpay for glue. If the irregularities are too large, then the tile and at all may soon become unstuck;
• mastery of one who does the workon the laying of tiles, can also affect the consumption of the adhesive. If the glue goes too much, it is worthwhile to question the professionalism of the performer;
• there is an opinion that eventhe tool used to apply glue, affects the consumption of the composition. Some say that the V-shaped spatula will save glue, while the U-shaped will cause the composition to be less economical;
• To some extent, parameters such ashumidity and air temperature, ventilationand others.

Many manufacturers of tile adhesives on their websites have special calculators that help to calculate how much specific composition will require for the laying of a certain tile. When the approximate consumption and the surface area that is to be faced are known, it is easy to calculate how many packages of glue will be needed.

№8. Manufacturers of glue for tiles

The installation of ceramic tiles is a responsible business, and so you do not want to damage the elements of expensive tiles because of bad glue, and few people will want to remodel the repairs in a year or a year and a half. That's why it's better to take the glue from a proven manufacturer, so as not to worry again.

Among the largest manufacturers of glue for tilesYou can safely advise the products of such companies:

• Ceresit- the most popular adhesive on the market. The range of the manufacturer is huge and includes standard adhesives for indoor and outdoor works (SM 9 and CM 11), elastic Adhesives (SM 14 Extra, SM 16, CM 17) and special adhesives for porcelain tiles and large format tiles, mosaic and facade tiles. All compounds are absolutely safe, quality is checked by numerous buyers;
• Knaufproduces a whole series of glues, which can be used to install tiles and artificial stone on any surface. There are compounds resistant to water and low temperatures, adhesives for outdoor and indoor work. Adhesion in any case at altitude;
• Mapei- an Italian company, offers paste pastes and dry mixes that cover virtually all possible operating conditions and surface types;
• Litokol- Another Italian manufacturer that produces cement-based adhesives, dispersion and reactive compounds. All the company's adhesives can be listed for a long time - a suitable composition is available for any conditions;
• Sopro- a German company that offers white and gray adhesives, elastic and conventional formulations, quick-setting and epoxy adhesives;
• Kiltoproduces glues, mainly in pasty form. Compositions have a high degree of adhesion, but they are not recommended for use in rooms with a high level of humidity;
• Unis- one of the largest domestic producers, has its own raw materials base in Perm and 5 production sites throughout the country, so the price of products of the same quality as that of foreign competitors, below. All products are certified according to the most stringent standards. In the range there are glues for interior and exterior works, compositions for laying tiles on inclined surface, on the warm floor, for the installation of mosaic and porcelain tiles, moisture resistant, high-strength and elastic compositions.

Without a good glue it is difficult to perform a quality masonry of the tile, but even it will not save, if the work is taken an unskilled person, so if there is no self-confidence, then it's better to call for help professional.

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