Have you ever joined a paper with glue? A sticky situation, isn’t it? Well, that’s how an adhesive also function: It merges the material with the base (floor, wall, etc.). With regards to tiles, the paste or tile adhesive is applied on materials like mosaic, ceramic, and clay. It is a ready-to-use mixture with high strength; tile adhesives are composed of Portland cement, chemicals, aggregate particles, and additives.
Types of Tile Cement
Type 1: This binder is suitable for cement-based surfaces, such as cement plaster, cement screed, cement concrete, and others. Its characteristics include:
- Porosity: >3%
- Tiles of small dimensions: <300mm x 300mm
- Used for ceramic and clay tiles
Type 2: Type 2 adhesive is used for vitrified, glass mosaic, and stone tiles. It is applied in wet or under-water areas. Its properties include:
- Porosity: >3%
- Tiles of large dimensions: > 300mm x 300mm
Type 3: This paste is applied on exterior substrates like concrete or plaster. It is applied with clay, ceramic, basalt, glass mosaic, porcelain, and stone.
Type 4: This binder is used with wallboard substrates. It is suitable for stone and tiles, except engineered stones or metal tiles.
Type 5: Type 5 adhesive is suited for different types of tiles that are applied on metal or glass substrates like mild steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, etc.
Read More
How Difficult It Is to Apply Water Leakage Solutions for Roof?
Different Types of Sheets Used for Roofing in Karachi
Is There Any Trick for Concrete Tank Waterproofing?
How to Tile Bathrooms with Cement?
- Substrate Preparation
Check substrate for any inconsistencies (crevices, potholes, thickness variation, etc.) and inadequate waterproofing material attachment.
Remove any loose material (dust and particulates) and check the resistance of the substrate. Heavy tiles cannot stay on weak substrates for long.
- Tile Adhesive
Mix the adhesive according to the ratios. Consider the following factors too:
- Time needed to manage the tiles
- Substrate’s absorption and porosity
- Varying temperatures and moisture conditions
Apply the adhesive on the back of the tile.
- Fixing the Tiles
- Drag the tiles to their original position instead of picking and pasting them.
- Ensure that the adhesive is bonded well with the tiles. Use a rubber hammer if necessary.
- Allow the tile to rest, cure, and adhere to the surface.
- Joints Preparation
- Remove the excessive tile adhesive from the joints for leveling. Moreover, the tiles will get set properly.
- Clean the areas around the joints or on the tile surface to reduce discoloration and contamination.
- Dust the joints with a vacuum and ensure no moisture, water, or other residues are present.
- Cleaning and Maintenance
After the tiles are fixed onto their place, you can walk or use the surface accordingly. However, make sure that you clean the tiles regularly. You can use soap and water with a light scrub.
Read More
Which Damages Does Waterproofing Products in Pakistan Fixes?
How is Cooling Paint Different From Regular Paint?
Importance To Perform All Types Of Roof Waterproofing in Pakistan
Benefits of Tile Adhesives
- Easy to Apply
- Efficient
- Low Thickness
- Low Wastage
- Cost-Effective
- Provides Insulation
Is Tile Adhesive Better than Cement?
Yes! Tile adhesion is a smarter choice than cement. Following are some reasons:
- Cement mix is a time-consuming process while tile adhesion is quick and effective.
- In terms of adhesion, tile adhesives are stronger than cement.
- Cement mixes create a dirty environment, whereas tile adhesives render a clean space.
- Adhesives can be used on different surfaces while the use of cement is limited.
- Tile adhesive is more flexible than cement.
Compared to other materials, the use of tile adhesives is higher for residential and commercial purposes. It is a flexible material that can work on different surfaces, such as concrete, metal, etc. If your washroom is tiled and needs renovation, contact Lakhwa Chemical Services, the best company for tile application in Karachi, Pakistan.
Our experts are renowned for attaining optimal results in due time. We offer a wide range of services, such as waterproofing (roofs, basements, foundation, etc.), heat proofing, and fumigation services.
Contact us to book an appointment or get a quote!