The most perplexing step in the purchasing process for many DIY tilers is deciding on the adhesive and grout. Many would-be tilers simply grab the first bag or bucket of adhesive or grout on their way to the checkout after spending hours agonizing over tile color, pattern, size, and performance. Others agonize over the fine print and arrive at the point of purchase only after much deliberation.Also check Sponsored Post
However, unless you are embarking on a truly ambitious project, such as tiling a swimming pool tank or a walk-in wetroom with power showers, choosing the right adhesive and grout is straightforward.
Adhesive selection should be straightforward. The same as the job itself.
Let's take a look at an actual adhesive from BAL, one of the UK's market leaders. Single Part Fastflex is described on the label as a "one-part elastomeric tile adhesive for floors and walls." "Featuring sound-reduction properties, BAL Single Part Fastflex is highly flexible and can also be used as an isolating, anti-fracture underlay for ceramic tiles," the blurb continues. BAL Single Part Fastflex is water/frost resistant and suitable for fixing ceramics, porcelain and vitrified tiles, mosaics, slate, and certain natural stones including marble and terrazzo in dry or wet interior and exterior environments."
However, all you really needed to know was contained in a single line in the Technical Data, which states the classification as BS EN 12004 C1S2 for BAL Single Part Fastflex.
Adhesives
In all cases, the best tile adhesive is selected based on the type of tile, the location of the tiling, and the nature of the substrate. The European Standard EN 12004 is used to classify tile adhesives. The following are the definitions of products:
Adhesive based on cement
D: Adhesive dispersion (ready-mixed)
R stands for reaction resin adhesive.
S1: Flexible (deformable) adhesive
S2: Adhesive that is highly deformable (flexible).
Adhesive Types
1: Ordinary adhesive
2: Better adhesion (usually with higher bond strength)
F: Adhesive that cures quickly
T: Adhesive with low slip
E: Adhesive with a long open time.
Consumers should read the label on the container/packaging before purchasing an adhesive product. All high-quality products will have a classification rating similar to this. There should also be a CE Mark and a reference to BS EN 12004 on the label, as well as substantiated data. In inferior adhesives with questionable performance, this data is frequently missing, particularly for the classification rating.
In reality, all you need is one line in the Technical Data, which states the classification as BS EN 12004 C1S2 for BAL Single Part Fastflex. This provides a quick, high-level overview of performance. C1S2 indicates that this is a highly flexible cement-based formulation with average adhesive properties. In most cases, the blurb will include information on additional factors that may influence your purchasing decision, such as pot life or adjustability.
Grout
Following that, grout selection is determined by tile type, tiling location, service condition of the installation, and color preference. Products are described and classified once more in accordance with the current European Standard EN 13888:
Type
CG1: Standard cementitious grout
CG2: Improved performance cementitious grout
RG stands for reaction resin grout.
Additional Characteristics
A: Greater abrasion resistance
W: Greater water resistance
So let's take a look at one of the most popular groups in the UK: Tilemaster Adhesives' Grout 3000. The product is described as "a premium, highly versatile, flexible, efflorescence-free, fast-setting wall and floor grout." Grout 3000 is further described in the literature as "specially formulated using hybrid thickening systems and polarised fillers and additives alongside carefully selected cement and additives to produce a smooth and controlled workability with superior ease of mixing and application properties."
The key sentence, however, is found when you reach the technical data: "Conforms to EN 13888 Class CG2 WA." This indicates that it is a high-performance cementitious grout with improved water and abrasion resistance. In summary, this is a high-end product that will meet the majority of site requirements.
So, at Porcelain Superstore, we advise you not to be distracted by flowery descriptions and ambiguous wording. Examine the hard data, paying special attention to the classification according to EN 13888, and then, once you've found a set of products that are suitable for your specific application, make a decision based on price, performance, and practicality.
Before we forget, remember to thoroughly clean your tiles before the grout has fully cured!
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