Properties and application of two-component adhesives for ceramic tiles

In construction and repair, one of the main roles is reserved for tiles. It is used for exterior and interior use - in cladding, decoration and decoration. Glue for tiles affects the quality and durability of the final result, so it should be used in strict accordance with its purpose.

Tile adhesive composition

Ceramic tiles have no competitors in terms of high consumer and operational characteristics. It is durable, durable, beautiful and affordable. This is ideal for finishing bathrooms and toilets. Indoors, tiles are often laid on the floor and walls - it can withstand any load and does not require careful maintenance. As an external decoration, tiles are widely used for facing the basement and building facades. Here she also shows herself perfectly - she is not afraid of sudden temperature changes, is inert to the effects of moisture and wind, serves for a long time and does not lose her attractive appearance.

Each type of tile requires a special adhesive to work. The choice of tile adhesive depends on the following factors:

where it will fit - inside or outside,
on which surface - flat or curved,
tile format - standard or non-standard,
conditions of work and operation in the future.

Tip
When working with large-format tiles, heavy porcelain stoneware or natural stone, outside and inside buildings, reinforced adhesives should be used.
For laying tiles on a flat surface, tile glue with a simple composition is suitable. For facing geometrically complex structures, it is better to use a special elastic mortar that can withstand extreme conditions of compression and expansion.

Porcelain stoneware or heavy tiles are laid out using special types of glue, which have a two-component composition that increases adhesion, heat resistance and moisture resistance of the lining. For baths, saunas and pools, a waterproof adhesive solution is used, which ensures a long service life and strength of the material under the condition of constant contact with water.

Tip
The most famous is cement tile adhesive. Its composition guarantees high adhesion and ductility, it is available in powder form.

Properties and characteristics

The consumer makes the highest demands on tiles. It must be strong and durable, resistant to frost and heat, moisture, microorganisms and chemicals, temperature extremes, frequent washing and sun exposure. For many years, the tiled coating should maintain a flawless appearance and excellent quality, without requiring careful care. Glue for ceramic tiles should maintain and improve all these properties, extend the life of the finished tile coating.

Tile adhesive - the main characteristics:

slip prevention: the adhesive mixture must be resistant to tile displacement after laying,
shelf life: on average, it is from 1 to 3 hours, during which the solution fully retains all its properties and qualities,
working time: with ordinary glue this interval is from 10 minutes to half an hour, the quick-drying composition gives only 5-10 minutes to lay the tile,
correction time: this is the time interval during which you can correct the position of the tiles relative to each other.

The scope of application of specialized adhesives is extensive. Heat-resistant compounds are indispensable for facing warm floors, stoves and fireplaces. With constant contact with water, highly elastic moisture resistant adhesives are used. White glue is ideal for working with translucent and transparent mosaics. A glue-leveling agent is needed for laying tiles on an uneven base.

Varieties

Cement. This is a universal adhesive suitable for tiles of any size for walls and floors. It is very simple to dilute it - 1 part of glue and 3 parts of water are taken. It is distinguished by its multifunctionality, impeccable quality and favorable price.
Polymeric. This type of glue is divided into two groups - acrylic and epoxy. Acrylic based adhesive is immediately ready for use, it is used in areas subject to severe mechanical stress. Epoxy compounds require an accelerated pace of work, as they instantly set in the open air. This property is regarded by consumers as both a virtue and a disadvantage.
Polyurethane. The adhesive for tiles based on polyurethane is firmly attached to any surface, easy to apply and has an economical expense. It is plastic and moisture resistant, retains its characteristics for a long time and can be used on complex surfaces made of metal, wood, drywall and plywood.
Mosaic.For mosaics, use only special glue. It is distinguished by its flexible and plastic structure, as well as its white color, which creates an excellent background for glass or smalt decorative mosaics.

Tip
A modern manufacturer relies on cement adhesive for tiles. Compared to polymer and special adhesives, its price is much lower. The finished composition will always be more expensive than glue, which requires preliminary mixing and aging.

Right choice

The choice of glue for the tile largely depends on which room is being renovated. For the street it will be appropriate polymer adhesive, cement-based glue - an excellent base for the kitchen and bathroom. Which glue to choose from a wide range of ceramic tiles?

Before visiting a hardware store, you should decide on the following important aspects:

The basis for laying tiles. It can be concrete, plaster, brick, cement screed, drywall, plywood, paint, wood, metal and so on.
The degree of roughness. On uneven surfaces, a special adhesive for ceramic tiles should be used, which at the same time is an adhesive, sealant and leveling agent.
Tile manufacturing material. Small lightweight wall tiles require a minimal adhesive layer. The heavier the tile, the greater the consumption of adhesive.
Sizes of tiles and decor. Deviation from the standard requires correction of the volume of glue used. Larger tiles require a thicker adhesive layer.
Terms of Use. What temperature and humidity range will be present in the room, what kind of load the tile must withstand, what care will be taken during its service life.
Required amount of glue: calculate the total surface area to be finished and multiply by the estimated consumption of the substance. The average values are given on the packaging. Usually this figure varies in the range of 5-6 kg per 1 m².
Features For the design of underfloor heating, a special glue is required that is resistant to heating and cooling. Reinforced tile adhesive is the best choice for porcelain stoneware and stone in the cladding.

Tip
The cheapest option, suitable for laying tiles on a concrete base, is a home-made cement-sand mortar. The necessary consistency is achieved by diluting the dry base with water. For greater strength, PVA glue should be added to the mixture.

Professionals recommend choosing a tile adhesive for the bathroom that is well spreading and plastic, with fungicidal and antibacterial additives that prevent the formation of mold and mildew. This is necessary for rooms with high humidity. Strictly following the instructions from the manufacturer will allow you to prepare the right solution, providing a strong and durable fastening of the tile in a vertical and horizontal position to any base.

How to breed and use

Glue for tiles exists in two factory versions: in dry form, requiring preliminary preparation, and as a finished mixture. With the finished composition, everything is simple - you can open the packaging and immediately start working. It is recommended to use the finished mass to the end - without residue, since it has a limited shelf life. Ready-made adhesives can be sold in the form of a paste or mastic.

Tip
If work with tiles is done with your own hands, it is better to choose adhesives with a high degree of plasticity and optimal flowability. Such tile adhesives are qualitatively distributed over the surface of the tile, filling the cracks and penetrating into all the voids under it.

The basis of dry adhesives is sand and Portland cement, which give the adhesive layer strength and reliability. The main technical characteristics are provided by modifying additives. Dry tile adhesive is used as necessary, the composition is kneaded and consumed gradually. The correct method of use is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. The solutions penetrate well into the structure of the material, give reliable adhesion of the tile to the surface. After dry formulations, the dismantling of the tile coating is much easier.

Important points - cost, manufacturer, expiration date

The quality of the masonry determines what type of adhesive for the tile the builder plans to use. The generally accepted standards for tiled adhesive are high plasticity and adhesion, uniform consistency and moderate drying time. The optimal flow rate is always indicated in the instructions, but in fact, adjusted due to the characteristics of the foundation and in accordance with the level of professionalism of the master.

Tip
From practice - 5 kg of dry matter is enough to surface a surface of 1 m². The laying technology slightly changes the glue consumption in the direction of decreasing or increasing.

At cost, tile glue is divided into 3 groups:

Economy These mixtures consist of a minimum amount of ingredients that provide the required specifications.
Standard. These adhesives include components that give it elasticity and flexibility, heat and moisture resistance, prolonging the service life and preserving external qualities.
Elite They contain substances that justify themselves during use on surfaces subject to deformation.

Manufacturers offer tile glue that meets the most varied requirements and wishes of consumers, designed for a budget of any level. Among the most popular brands are Ceresit, Polimin, Bergauf, Henkel, Vetonit, Knauf. They guarantee high quality of the manufactured product, suitable technical and operational characteristics. This factor ensures the durability and reliability of the final result.

Two-component adhesive - description

Tile two-component adhesive is a high-strength composition, which is represented by hardener and polyester or epoxy resin. Also, binders of synthetic origin that improve the properties of the adhesive joint are necessarily introduced into the mixture. These include plasticizers, modifiers, minerals that optimize the plasticity of the mass.

After the two components are combined, the polycondensation reaction begins, as a result of which the solution hardens. Until this moment, they can glue tiles, ceramics, artificial and natural stone, boards, mosaics. Most adhesives are also suitable for other floor coverings - laminate, linoleum, parquet.

The composition is used for exterior and interior use. Equally popular is a waterproofing agent in rooms with high humidity. Most brands are suitable not only for tiling, but also for work on deformable and vibrating substrates. Other surface materials with which two-component adhesives have good adhesion:

concrete, brick, aerated concrete,
cement screeds,
plasters
drywall, gypsum fiber, plaster,
metal,
OSB, plywood, chipboard,
old tiled wall coverings.

Two-component polyurethane adhesives are used for gluing PVC tiles, ceramics, earthenware, concrete, metal, wood, polystyrene on absorbent and non-absorbent substrates, as well as on industrial and sports floors

Two-component adhesives are used for high-strength bonding both indoors and outdoors on horizontal and vertical surfaces.

Properties of adhesive for two-component tiles

After curing, the two-component tile adhesive forms a moisture- and frost-resistant coating, can be used on underfloor heating, has high mechanical resistance, for example, to wheels of chairs and chairs, shock, vibration and excellent protection against chemically aggressive effects (alkalis, oils and solvents) . Two-component tile adhesives are characterized by a high drying rate.

Two-component polyurethane adhesives are used for gluing PVC tiles, ceramics, earthenware, concrete, metal, wood, polystyrene on absorbent and non-absorbent substrates, as well as on industrial and sports floors. These adhesives are an ideal solution if you want to quickly put an object into action or simply do not have time for a long drying surface. When adding different modifiers, the properties of adhesives change in the direction of higher chemical resistance, heat resistance, frost resistance.

Two-component adhesives are characterized by high thixotropy and zero creep from vertical surfaces.

Laying is carried out at air temperature from +15 to + 25 degrees. The bases on which two-component adhesives are applied must be even, clean, smooth, strong, with cracks embedded. Coarse rough surfaces must be leveled or sanded. For external work, in order to exclude access to soil moisture, it is necessary to prime the base. Before laying the adhesive on underfloor heating, heating should be turned on for about 10 days, and during installation, the temperature of the base should be 18 degrees.

Features of use

The two-component tile adhesive must be opened, the hardener must be poured into the resin and thoroughly mixed for 2 minutes with a construction mixer at a speed of 400-800 rpm. then you need to take a break of 2-3 minutes and mix again. Glue must be selected within the time specified on the instructions, usually 20-25 minutes. The coating must be laid within 40-45 minutes.

Glue should be applied with a notched trowel with a layer of up to 2 mm on the base and on the reverse side of the tile. Stacked tiles must be pressed firmly to the surface, tapping, even loading if necessary. Tiles must be rolled in with a pressure roller to completely remove any air from under the tile. After 3 hours, you can grout and seal the joints, and after 3-8 hours, surfaces can begin to operate.

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MODERN BUILDING CHEMISTRY

Polyurethane Composition

This material is the most popular for laying tiles in dry and wet rooms, suitable for facing interiors and facades. The composition includes fillers for increasing viscosity - surfactants, polyester resins, as well as composite materials, hydroxyl-containing compounds, oligoesters, isocyanates. The main active ingredient is polyurethane, which is formed by combining other components.Aminoamides are additionally introduced into the composition of waterproof adhesives.

Two-component polyurethane adhesive is characterized by the following properties:

excellent adhesion to various surfaces,
lack of shrinkage
thixotropy - the ability to recover,
heat resistance
high strength of the seam,
frost resistance
water resistance,
lack of sliding from vertical surfaces.

The composition can be used to adhere porous products, to process highly absorbent surfaces. The polyurethane material is ideal for ceramic tiles, they can work on wooden substrates. Polyurethane adhesive is also suitable for underfloor heating, for example, when sticking tiles in the kitchen.

Epoxy adhesive

Epoxy glue is a reactive composition for gluing tiles. Distinctive properties are acid resistance and resistance to alkalis and other chemical components. Epoxy is heavy-duty, waterproof, frost-resistant, does not shrink, does not collapse over time.

The cost of laying tiles using epoxy is quite high, because such materials are expensive. Therefore, it is not practical to use them at home, but at the airports, on ships, in elevators, workshops and in production, glue is in great demand. With it, you can fix the tile on plywood, particleboard, metal, concrete, brick and other materials.

Epoxy Polyurethane Adhesive

These products combine polyurethane and epoxy in the composition, therefore, include all the properties of such compounds. Adhesives are highly elastic, high strength, and are resistant to moisture, temperature extremes and other atmospheric factors.

Pros and cons of two-component formulations

The high efficiency of two-component adhesives is not in doubt. The advantages include:

the ability to glue all known materials,
maximum tensile strength
the ability to use in any room, regardless of environmental conditions,
long service life.

The disadvantages include the high cost, although this is more true for epoxy compounds. Most adhesives require strict adherence to the instructions for mixing the components - otherwise the properties change for the worse.

Also, the disadvantages include the difficulty of removing glue from the tile, other materials after complete curing, although this is not surprising for a material of such strength.

LITOELASTIC

Glue Litoelastic refers to epoxy-polyurethane compositions, is a two-component reactive tile material. It provides the most reliable adhesion with the base, so it is most famous among builders and finishers. Using glue, they attach the tile to all possible types of substrates. It is also ideal for waterproofing in humid buildings. Litoelastic does not shrink after final hardening.

The specifics of the use of glue is as follows:

lime and cement should not be added to the product,
temperature for application should be within + 10 ... + 35 degrees,
the mixing ratio is 4.6 parts of component A, 0.4 parts of component B, a different proportion will spoil the glue,
stains must be removed immediately before solidification with denatured alcohol.

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Litokol

Glue "Litokol" based on polyurethane and polyester resins additionally contains mineral bases (cement), a number of chemical additives. It is widely used for stickers on bricks, blocks, plaster, underfloor heating systems. The adhesive quickly hardens after contact with air; it is resistant to mechanical stress and temperature changes. The tool can be used to sticker any type of tile and tile, mosaic.

Mapei

The composition of Mapei Keralastic is a white polyurethane adhesive that allows you to glue tiles in a professional manner. The composition of the two-component emulsion contains synthetic fillers, isocyanate hardener.

Mapei Keralastic is suitable for application on plaster, asphalt, concrete, wood, metal, gypsum, asbestos concrete. A distinctive feature of the glue is its fast curing - it is possible to operate the tile glued to the floor after 12 hours. The material can reliably fix heavy large format tiles even on the walls, it has a very high resistance to slipping.

Ceresit

Ceresite is one of the most famous companies that produces building mixtures. Adhesives with a two-component composition are frost and moisture resistant. The products contain polymeric and mineral compounds that give them maximum durability. An example of tile adhesive can be called Ceresit CU-22 - it is applied even to deformed bases, work with it at a humidity of more than 70%.

Kiilto

Kiilto PL 250 polyurethane-based Russian adhesive is solvent-free and environmentally friendly. It is used for gluing all types of tiles, including those with an unusual composition. You can use a tool for fixing PVC, extruded polystyrene, insulation. Glue forms a strong, elastic seam. You can work with it even at low temperatures - from + 5 ... + 10 degrees.

Laying tiles on two-component adhesive

Before using the product, you need to properly prepare the base. It must be dry, mechanically strong, not crumbling. Oil stains, paints, dirt are completely removed from the base. After pouring the concrete screed, the base should be kept for at least a week for every centimeter of layer thickness. It is important to remove rust from metal surfaces, which is done manually or by sandblasting machines. Porous substrates must first be primed.

Two-component glue is bred strictly as specified in the instructions. A pasty or dry composition is combined with a liquid component. It is important to use high-precision scales, for example, kitchen. It is forbidden to add water to the glue! Mixing is carried out with a stick, but it is better to do this with a construction mixer for 3 minutes. Usually, it takes 20-40 minutes to work with the finished composition, depending on the brand.

Apply the tool with a notched trowel with a layer of 2 mm, after the tile is pressed to the base. Be sure to leave dividing and expansion joints. They should be 5 mm along the walls. Roll the coating with a roller to remove the remaining air. After 3 hours, grouting can be done, although for some formulations it is recommended to wait a pause of 24 hours.

Errors during operation

Do not work at too high or low temperatures - this may reduce grip. It is also important to apply glue only on dry surfaces - if they are wet, the life of the masonry will be reduced. The mistake is to measure the components “by eye”, which leads to a violation of technology and a drop in the quality of the adhesive composition.

Classification and types of tile adhesive

Depending on the consistency of a commercial product, adhesive tile mixtures are divided into finished (pasty) and dry. The former are sold in small volume buckets and are notable for good adhesion and uniformity. They are suitable for working out problem areas, providing low material consumption. Dry mixes, usually based on cement, are cheaper than pasty. Sold in bags or bags, requiring final preparation according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The composition of tile adhesives is divided into the following categories:

Based on cement (thin and thick).

They consist of Portland cement, modifying additives (up to 5% by weight) and fine sand. A set of modifiers determines the properties of a mixture of a particular brand. In particular, plasticizers give the solution plasticity and fluidity, antifreeze additives make the composition cold-resistant, and water-holding agents help the solution keep moisture longer and make it stronger. Thick and thin-layer cement adhesives differ in their ability to hold the tile at a layer thickness of 1-3 cm and up to 1 cm, respectively. Moreover, the former can also be used as leveling compounds.

They consist of hardener and epoxy, which are mixed before use. The main advantage of such adhesives is high adhesion, which allows them to be glued to ceramic metal or wooden base.

They are offered to consumers in the form of finished pastes with a thick consistency and homogeneous composition. Suitable for gluing wall and floor tiles when laying it on drywall, plastered and concrete surfaces. They are an aqueous dispersion based on polyvinyl acetate, latex or acrylic.

They are notable for their enviable elasticity, allowing them to glue surfaces of almost any type with a high degree of waterproofing. They work well in complex geometries. These mixtures are offered to consumers in one and two-component versions. In the first case, the composition gains strength due to atmospheric moisture, in the second - due to the correct ratio of the mixed components.

Cement-based tile adhesives are widely used in mass construction, mainly due to the low price and the optimal combination of performance. Their main disadvantage is a significant consumption of material.

Technical requirements for tile adhesive solutions

In order for tile adhesive to provide the required quality of the cladding, it must have the following performance characteristics:

elasticity
long life after cooking,
sufficient adhesion to fix the tiles on the base,
low fluidity to avoid sliding tiles.

The cured mortar must be resistant to attempts to shear and compress the lining.

In accordance with GOST R, the strength of solidified universal compositions must be at least 10 MPa, and for mixtures of elastic consistency and marked on the marking "For reliable fixation" - 15 MPa or more.

Separation of tile adhesives by application

In the field of main use, adhesive mixtures for tiles are divided into:

Suitable for exterior and interior use under normal conditions, coping with porcelain stoneware and ceramics.

They have increased moisture resistance, strength and elasticity. They are used for laying large-format floor porcelain tiles at objects with heavy traffic or with heavy furniture.

They included modifiers that increase the moisture resistance of the material and make it immune to the effects of fungus or mold. They are used to equip bath rooms, showers and bathrooms.

They are necessary for laying transparent or mirror mosaics. They are made on the basis of white cement, so as not to appear through the laid material.

They include anti-frost additives. They are used primarily for outdoor work, including step lining, facade decoration and park paths.

The approximate consumption of glue is indicated on the factory packaging, although it can vary depending on the geometry of the base, climatic conditions, type of tile and the professionalism of the tiler.

Among the specific characteristics of tile adhesives given by the manufacturer, consumers are also particularly interested in the following:

adjustment time within which correction of the laid tile is allowed,
open working time (the period from application of the mixture to its setting) - the larger it is, the larger the area can be treated one-time,
availability time - the period from the preparation of the composition to the setting thereof.

Dry tile adhesive should be stored in a dry room or outside it under the condition of warm weather and the presence of a canopy above the storage area.

Tile Adhesive

Glue mixtures for tiles are prepared with a mixer or by manual mixing. The finished mass should be extremely homogeneous and not have lumps.

When preparing cement glue for tiles yourself, it is recommended to adhere to the following recommendations:

mix cement and fine sieved sand in a ratio of 1/3,
for 10 kg of the mixture you need to add 500 ml of PVA glue (wood glue),
it is useful to add liquid soap to the composition as a plasticizer.

Glue prepared with one's own hand can be used as part of a universal category. However, for laying porcelain stoneware, during outdoor work and in conditions of high humidity, proven brand names with guaranteed consumer qualities should be used.

What is two-component adhesive

Two-component tile adhesive is a high-strength composition, usually consisting of hardener and polyester. Without fail, the formula of such adhesives contains improving synthetic additives. They are mineral compounds and plasticizers that give the compositions special physical and mechanical properties, due to which the degree of plasticity of the mass increases, as well as the shelf life of the solution for work. During the mixing of the components, a polycondensation reaction is carried out, the result of which is the solidification of the solution. This composition is applicable for indoor and outdoor tile work..

There are polyurethane, epoxy and epoxy-polyurethane adhesives for tiles. Polyurethane compounds are considered the most elastic - they retain elasticity in any conditions. Epoxy glue is ideally suited for finishing industrial premises using various chemicals. Epoxy-polyurethane compounds are similar to polyurethane, but have increased strength.

Basic properties and characteristics

High adhesion, i.e. bonding quality. The adhesion is measured by the ability to withstand the load at separation.
High content of binders and, as a result, excellent frost resistance, as well as a good degree of resistance to high temperatures. This property allows the use of tile glue in unheated rooms, on the street and in places with high temperature.
Water tightness and, as a result, long service life of a tile laying.
It is possible to use glue in vibration, that is, on stairs, in elevator cabins, on columns.
Two-component adhesive can be applied to materials of different structure, for example, plywood or cement-bonded particleboard (DSP).
Double shear strength compared to conventional formulations.

The main principles of work with two-component glue

It is not difficult to work with a two-component composition. For high-quality masonry, you need a special spatula.

The procedure is as follows:

The working surface must first be cleaned of dust, dirt, debris, remove burrs and roughness, and also dry.
Before application, the composition must be carefully moved until a homogeneous consistency is obtained.
The elasticity of the mixture should be such that it can be stretched without the formation of cracks, hiding small deformation errors of the base.
Glue on the work surface is applied with a spatula. The layer should not exceed 10 mm. Also, for perfect tile laying, it is necessary to observe the uniformity of the applied adhesive layer.
Excess solution at the joints is removed with a soft cloth previously moistened with alcohol.
It takes 1-2 days to solidify the glue.

It is important to clean the tools and clothes soiled in two-component glue before the solution solidifies.

Possible errors when working with two-component adhesive

Application of the composition on a wet surface. In this case, there is a high probability of a capillary rise in moisture, which is destructive for masonry.
Packaged components have an optimal ratio to each other. Self-measuring and weighing of ingredients can lead to a violation of technology.
It is not recommended to work with two-component adhesives at too low temperatures.