Clinker tiles are very popular today. It has a number of distinctive characteristics and advantages that make it popular among modern buyers. However, you need to responsibly choose not only tiles, but also tile adhesive. We will talk about him today.
Features of the
Clinker tiles have been used since the 19th century in Holland. It is widely used today due to its strength, rather long service life and absolute harmlessness to health. However, this material has one drawback - by weight it is one of the heavy ones, because it is made of natural clay, which is heat treated at a high temperature. But the use of good glue will help to solve the problem when facing.
The bulk of the facing work is carried out using various mixtures and clinker is no exception. For this there is a special glue, but when carrying out work, both the type of material and the place of application are taken into account. This is a necessary factor when choosing a specific brand of adhesive mixture.
Using a grout with added sand can deform the coating, which will shorten the life of the finish. This tile has a moisture absorption of 2%, and the coefficient of expansion and wall material is different, which leads to a violation of the coating.
The problem can be solved with the right approach to the selected adhesive mixtures. It is necessary to take into account the peculiarity of the tile itself, the place of work and the installation conditions.
The most suitable are adhesive mixtures with the best elasticity, and the use of rigid ones is not recommended by specialists.
Varieties
One of the main qualities of the glue is its viscosity and the ability to set quickly. This prevents the material from sliding down the wall. Also, the glue must have good frost resistance, as well as the ability to withstand temperature extremes. If the tile cannot withstand frost, it will fall off after the first winter. Adhesives are divided into three main groups: one-component, cement and epoxy.
Cement
They were popular at a time when there was a shortage of building materials and there was practically nothing to replace them. Although many such mixtures are still used today, they use various additives: plasticizers are mixed in to improve elasticity, water-retaining compositions help to apply a smaller thickness of the solution, and dispersion additives are mixed in to increase adhesion and frost resistance.
One-component
This glue is a homogeneous composition. It is offered to the buyer in the form of a ready-to-use paste. But such a composition has a serious drawback - a long hardening period. This can cause heavy tiles to “run” over the substrate.
Polyurethane or epoxy
These mixtures consist of two components, which are mixed before use until a strong and elastic composition is obtained. They are considered the most popular, although they are more expensive than the previous ones, but when using them, the quality of the cladding is very good. On the market, they are presented in the form of a ready-made and dry mix.
Such products are characterized by the following parameters:
- Frost resistance.
- Short setting time.
- Wide range of applications (external or internal work).
Popular brands
The use of products from the same manufacturer can have a better effect on the quality of work. When clinker cladding is performed, grout is additionally purchased. It is important that these components are manufactured by the same company. Different materials will have similar components, which will positively affect operational reliability. Among the adhesives on the market, the most popular are:
- "Extrabond" is a product of a domestic manufacturer. Designed for interior work and for facades. Possesses the qualities of frost resistance up to 50 cycles.
- RKS - this adhesive can be used in rooms with high levels of humidity, has excellent adhesion and moisture-repellent properties. It is used for interior and exterior decoration.
- Ceresit CM Is the most widespread and popular brand. This composition has medium elasticity. It is great for indoor use, for cladding facades, steps and even swimming pools.
- Quick mix Baumacol - the adhesive composition from this manufacturer has a high level of elasticity. It is intended for cladding coatings with elevated temperatures, such as stoves and fireplaces.
- Knauf - produces glue in two versions, one for outdoor use, the second for indoor use.
How to choose?
The main requirement when working with clinker tiles is determined by the compliance of the mixture with the conditions in which it will be used. For example, interior glue cannot be used for facade work, and exterior glue cannot be used indoors.
According to its performance, it is divided into categories:
- For interior work under normal conditions.
- For cladding surfaces heated during operation.
- For rooms with high humidity.
- For facades.
- Universal.
On the packaging you can find detailed instructions on the use of the composition, as well as information on what type of premises it is suitable for.
Many firms produce more than one type of frost-resistant clinker adhesive. One of them is the budget mix. It has a slight difference in quality, but is cheaper in price.
When choosing such an adhesive, pay attention to the following parameters:
- Elasticity.
- Moisture resistance.
- Adhesion.
- Viscosity.
- Drying out.
- Frost resistance.
- Range of application.
- Antifungal protection.
By adhering to the listed properties in the selected adhesive mixture, you will get reliability and high quality of work when cladding with clinker. The adhesive base for such tiles must withstand any climatic conditions. Preference should be given to those types that are enriched with elastic components.
Elasticity is one of the main characteristics that the composition must comply with when working with clinker tiles. Such adhesive mixtures are not affected by the shrinkage of the building, they are not afraid of humidity and temperature changes. With the wrong choice, the composition may freeze, and then its subsequent destruction or deformation of the lining.
For more details about the RKS Quick Mix glue, which is used for clinker tiles, see below.