Guide To Installing Large Format Ceramic Tiles

Dec 18, 2020, 07:48 by Cynthia Chong
Over the last few years, the range of large format tiles have extended, with some formats reaching dimensions of up to 3.2m x 1.6m and tiles with thicknesses ranging from as thin as 3mm up to 12mm.

Chapter 2: Choosing the Right Adhesive

When installing large format tiles, the most appropriate adhesive must be chosen in order to ensure they remain perfectly bonded over the years, prevent deformation in the tiles and ensure maximum reliability wherever they are installed. It depends on the following factors:

  • Type of tiles to be installed
  • Dimensions of the tiles
  • Type of substrate on which they are to be installed
  • Area of use and surrounding conditions

 

Type of tiles to be installed

It is necessary to take into consideration that the almost zero absorption rate of porcelain, along with the inclusion of strengthening mesh where prescribed, imposes the use of class C2 adhesives according to EN 12004 standards.

 

 

Dimensions of the tiles

For medium formats, it is recommended to use deformable adhesives from Class S1 according to EN 12004.

For large formats, it is strongly recommended to use highly deformable products from class S2 according to EN 12004.

The deformability of adhesive is determined through flexural tests (the method described in EN 12004 – ISO 13307) which measures transversal deformation. A sample of adhesive is subjected to a load test as shown in diagrams 1 to 3 below. To achieve class S1, the deformability of the sample must be at least 2.5mm and for class S2, it must be at least 5mm.

Deformability 

 

Area of use and surrounding conditions

When working in hot climates, it is recommended to use class “E” adhesives (with extended open time) according to EN 12004. In all cases, tiles must be installed while the adhesive is still wet, or within its “open time”, in order to ensure sufficient transfer of adhesive onto the back of the tile.

Chapter 3: Handling large format tiles
Current standards prescribe handling large format tiles with great care: at least two people are required and special tools and equipment
should be used.


Chapter 3: Handling large format tiles
Find out more details by clicking this link: Installing Large Format Ceramic Tiles - Chapter 3


Chapter 4: Installation technique, Grouting and Sealing of joints
Find out more details by clicking this link: Installing Large Format Ceramic Tiles - Chapter 4

Chapter 2: Choosing the Right Adhesive

When installing large format tiles, the most appropriate adhesive must be chosen in order to ensure they remain perfectly bonded over the years, prevent deformation in the tiles and ensure maximum reliability wherever they are installed. It depends on the following factors:

  • Type of tiles to be installed
  • Dimensions of the tiles
  • Type of substrate on which they are to be installed
  • Area of use and surrounding conditions

 

Type of tiles to be installed

It is necessary to take into consideration that the almost zero absorption rate of porcelain, along with the inclusion of strengthening mesh where prescribed, imposes the use of class C2 adhesives according to EN 12004 standards.

 

 

Dimensions of the tiles

For medium formats, it is recommended to use deformable adhesives from Class S1 according to EN 12004.

For large formats, it is strongly recommended to use highly deformable products from class S2 according to EN 12004.

The deformability of adhesive is determined through flexural tests (the method described in EN 12004 – ISO 13307) which measures transversal deformation. A sample of adhesive is subjected to a load test as shown in diagrams 1 to 3 below. To achieve class S1, the deformability of the sample must be at least 2.5mm and for class S2, it must be at least 5mm.

Deformability 

 

Area of use and surrounding conditions

When working in hot climates, it is recommended to use class “E” adhesives (with extended open time) according to EN 12004. In all cases, tiles must be installed while the adhesive is still wet, or within its “open time”, in order to ensure sufficient transfer of adhesive onto the back of the tile.

Chapter 3: Handling large format tiles
Current standards prescribe handling large format tiles with great care: at least two people are required and special tools and equipment
should be used.


Chapter 3: Handling large format tiles
Find out more details by clicking this link: Installing Large Format Ceramic Tiles - Chapter 3


Chapter 4: Installation technique, Grouting and Sealing of joints
Find out more details by clicking this link: Installing Large Format Ceramic Tiles - Chapter 4

Guide To Installing Large Format Ceramic Tiles

Dec 18, 2020, 07:48 by Cynthia Chong
Over the last few years, the range of large format tiles have extended, with some formats reaching dimensions of up to 3.2m x 1.6m and tiles with thicknesses ranging from as thin as 3mm up to 12mm.

Guide To Installing Large Format Ceramic Tiles

Dec 18, 2020, 07:48 by Cynthia Chong
Over the last few years, the range of large format tiles have extended, with some formats reaching dimensions of up to 3.2m x 1.6m and tiles with thicknesses ranging from as thin as 3mm up to 12mm.

Guide To Installing Large Format Ceramic Tiles

Dec 18, 2020, 07:48 by Cynthia Chong
Over the last few years, the range of large format tiles have extended, with some formats reaching dimensions of up to 3.2m x 1.6m and tiles with thicknesses ranging from as thin as 3mm up to 12mm.

Guide To Installing Large Format Ceramic Tiles

Dec 18, 2020, 07:48 by Cynthia Chong
Over the last few years, the range of large format tiles have extended, with some formats reaching dimensions of up to 3.2m x 1.6m and tiles with thicknesses ranging from as thin as 3mm up to 12mm.

Guide To Installing Large Format Ceramic Tiles

Dec 18, 2020, 07:48 by Cynthia Chong
Over the last few years, the range of large format tiles have extended, with some formats reaching dimensions of up to 3.2m x 1.6m and tiles with thicknesses ranging from as thin as 3mm up to 12mm.

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