The right adhesive for tiling: A guide to choosing the best adhesive for installing tiles
Tile glue are a vital component in tiling projects and play a significant role in the quality and durability of tile installation. Choosing the right tile glue not only has a huge impact on the appearance and performance of your work, but can also significantly extend the life of your tiles. In this article, we will look at the types of tile adhesives and their features, and we will also suggest the best options for installing tiles based on the needs of your tiling projects. By reading this article, you can make an informed decision in choosing the right tile adhesive.
Types of tile and ceramic adhesives: dispersion, cement-based, and reactive resin
Tile glue are generally classified into three main categories: dispersion adhesives, cement-based adhesives, and reactive resin adhesives. Each of these categories has different characteristics and applications that are suitable for specific projects. The following describes the characteristics and benefits of each of these adhesives in detail.
1- Dispersion adhesives D (paste adhesives)
Dispersion adhesives are made from a combination of polymeric materials and water. Due to their special structure, these adhesives are easy to use and are typically used for installing light tiles and small ceramics in interior spaces.
However, one of the biggest problems with these adhesives is their poor performance in humid environments. If dispersion adhesives are exposed to water and humidity, they quickly lose their adhesive properties and may cause the tiles to loosen. These adhesives are suitable for installing tiles such as glass tiles or small ceramics that are used in interior and dry spaces, but they are not recommended in places such as bathrooms and swimming pools that are exposed to humidity and water.
Features and uses:
- Suitable adhesion for light and small tiles
- Suitable for dry indoor spaces
- Restrictions on use in humid environments
Iranian national standards for dispersion adhesives:
- D1: Ordinary dispersion adhesive.
- D1E: Dispersion adhesive with extended open time.
- D1T: Dispersion adhesive with reduced slip.
- D1TE: Dispersion adhesive with reduced slip and extended open time.
2- Cement-based adhesives C (powder adhesives)
Cement-based adhesives are one of the most common and widely used types of adhesives for installing tiles. These adhesives are produced from a combination of cement and polymer additives and are used in most tiling projects. Cement-based adhesives are usually in the C1 and C2 grades, which are referred to as conventional and improved cement adhesives, respectively. they are very suitable for use in wet spaces as well as large projects that require the installation of heavy tiles, due to their high resistance to moisture and temperature changes.
Cement-based adhesives are easily used in various projects such as installing wall and floor tiles, porcelain tiles, bulk ceramics and natural stones such as marble and granite. These adhesives are widely used due to their high resistance to water and humidity, especially in environments such as bathrooms and swimming pools. Also, cement-based adhesives are a cost-effective option for various projects due to their more affordable price compared to other types of adhesives.
Features and uses:
- Suitable for installing heavy and large tiles
- High resistance to humidity and temperature changes
- Excellent adhesion for porcelain tiles
- Reasonable and affordable price
Iranian national standards for cement-based adhesives (Grade C):
- C1: Ordinary cementitious adhesive.
- C1F: Fast setting time.
- C1T: Reduced slip.
- C1E: Extended open time.
- C1S1: Ability to change shape.
- C1S2: High deformability.
- C2: Improved cementitious adhesive for installing heavy tiles.
- C2F: Fast setting time.
- C2T: Reduced slip.
- C2E: Extended open time.
- C2S1: Ability to change shape.
- C2S2: High deformability.
- C2TE: Reduced slip and extended opening time.
3- Reactive resin adhesives R (epoxy adhesives)
Reactive resin adhesives, also known as epoxy adhesives, are commonly used in special conditions and industrial projects. These adhesives have very strong adhesion and high resistance to heat, chemicals, and pressure. For this reason, epoxy adhesives are known as the best option for projects that require high durability and resistance to harsh conditions.
Although epoxy adhesives have many advantages, their high price and the need for high precision in their use limit their use to specialized and industrial projects. Epoxy adhesives are suitable for installing large and heavy tiles, especially in environments exposed to chemicals and pressure.
Features and uses:
- Very strong adhesion and high resistance to heat and chemicals
- Suitable for special conditions and industrial projects
- Limited use to specific projects due to high price and need for precision in execution
Iranian national standards for reactive resin adhesives (Grade R):
- R1: Ordinary reactive resin adhesive.
- R1T: Reactive resin adhesive with reduced slip.
- R2: Improved reactive resin adhesive.
- R2T: Improved reactive resin adhesive with reduced slip.
- R2TE: Improved reactive resin adhesive with reduced slip and extended open time.
Why are cement-based (porcelain) adhesives the best choice for installing tiles?
Cement-based adhesives, especially porcelain adhesives, are considered the best option for installing tiles due to their many advantages. These adhesives are very suitable for installation in wet environments such as bathrooms, swimming pools and kitchens due to their high resistance to moisture, pressure and temperature changes. Also, cement-based adhesives are known as an economical and efficient option for installing heavy and bulky tiles with their reasonable price and excellent adhesion for larger projects.
Choosing the Right Adhesive for Tiling: Tips and Tricks
Choosing the right adhesive for installing tiles depends on several factors. The most important factor is the type of tile that is to be installed. Different tiles differ in weight, size, and material, and these differences require different adhesives for their installation. For example, installing porcelain tiles requires durable adhesives with high adhesion strength. On the other hand, for smaller tiles or walls that are not exposed to moisture, the use of paste or dispersion adhesives may be more appropriate.
Factors affecting the choice of tile adhesive
Sub-surface type:
The surface on which the tile is to be installed has a major impact on the choice of adhesive. For concrete or plaster surfaces, cement-based adhesives are the best option. However, for surfaces that are not clean and smooth, epoxy or resin adhesives may be more suitable.
Environmental conditions:
The environment in which the tile is being installed will determine the type of adhesive. If the tile is to be installed in a high-moisture environment such as a bathroom or swimming pool, cement-based or epoxy adhesives are a good choice. These adhesives have a high resistance to moisture. In dry, indoor spaces, dispersion adhesives may be easily sufficient.
- Tile type: For heavy and porcelain tiles, cement-based adhesives specifically designed for installing heavy tiles are the best choice. However, if you are installing lighter weight and smaller sized tiles, dispersion or paste adhesives can provide good performance.
- Effect of Temperature Conditions: One of the key factors in choosing an adhesive is its tolerance to temperature changes. Cement-based adhesives are resistant to high and low temperatures and, for this reason, are a better choice for projects that are subject to extreme temperature changes.
Advantages and disadvantages of each type of tile adhesive
Cement-based adhesives (porcelain)
Advantages:
- High resistance to moisture: These adhesives are ideal for installation in humid environments such as bathrooms and swimming pools.
- Excellent adhesion for heavy tiles: Due to their high adhesion strength, these adhesives are suitable for installing porcelain, stone, and large tiles.
- Resistance to temperature changes: Cement-based adhesives are resistant to temperature changes and are suitable for use in cold or hot environments.
Disadvantages:
- Need to mix: To use cementitious adhesives, they must be mixed with water or additives, which can be a bit more complicated.
Reactive resin adhesives (epoxy)
Advantages:
- Excellent adhesion: Due to their special chemical structure, epoxy adhesives have very high adhesion and are ideal for installing heavy tiles and natural stones such as marble and granite.
- Chemical resistance: These adhesives have high resistance to chemicals and contaminants.
- Resistance to temperature and pressure: Epoxy adhesives can perform well in high temperatures and high pressure environments.
Disadvantages:
- High price: These adhesives are usually more expensive than other types of adhesives.
- Requires high precision in use: Due to chemical sensitivities, the use of these adhesives requires high precision.
Specific applications of tile adhesives in various projects
- Installing tiles in wet spaces: Cement-based adhesives are the best option for installing porcelain tiles in bathrooms, swimming pools, or restrooms. These adhesives perform well in these conditions due to their high resistance to water and moisture.
- Installing stone tiles: For installing natural stone such as marble or granite, epoxy adhesives are the best choice due to their extremely high adhesion.
- Installing lightweight tiles: For installing small or lightweight tiles, dispersion adhesives can work well. These adhesives are easy to apply and don’t require a lot of time to dry.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Tile glue for installing tiles is one of the most important steps in tiling projects. Tile glue can perform very differently depending on the type of tile, environmental conditions, and project needs. In this article, we will examine the three main categories of tile adhesives: dispersion adhesives (paste), cement-based adhesives (porcelain), and reactive resin adhesives.
Cement-based adhesives are suitable for installing heavy and bulky tiles in wet spaces due to their high resistance to moisture and temperature changes, and are also considered an economical option. Dispersion adhesives are easy to use and are suitable for lightweight tiles in indoor spaces, but they perform poorly in wet environments. Finally, reactive resin adhesives (epoxy adhesives) are recommended for special and industrial projects with harsh conditions.
Choosing the right adhesive for installing porcelain tiles should be done based on the project needs, environmental conditions, and budget. Given the advantages of cement-based adhesives and their positive characteristics, this category of adhesives is considered the best option for installing porcelain tiles in most projects.