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

 December 18, 2020. 7:48 AM

 Slim tiles and large format tiles, as defined by UNI 11493-1, are as follows:
• Slim tiles: up to 5mm thick
• Large format tiles: having one side more than 60cm long


The particularly large format and extremely low absorption rate, typical characteristics of porcelain, means that it is very important to identify the most suitable installation method for this type of tile with extreme care and precision.  As with any floor and wall finishing, the durability and functionality of slim porcelain is highly dependent on precise design parameters, appropriate substrate preparation and correct installation methods using adhesives, grouting mortars and joint sealants chosen according to the type of finishing material and its area of use.

The following chapters provide a series of useful guidelines on the installation of large format porcelain tiles:

Chapter 1: Verifying the type and condition of the substrate  

Large format tiles may be installed on all substrates normally used in the building industry such as concrete, cementitious and anhydrite screeds, old ceramic and stone floors, metal, cement-based and gypsum-based render, plasterboard and so on.

The suitability of a substrate must be checked beforehand. As specified by current standards, substrates must always be:

  • Sound with no cracks;
  • Cured and dimensionally stable;
  • Strong enough to resist expected loads and the area of use;
  • Dry;
  • Clean and free of loose parts (dust, grease, oil, wax, paint and any other material which could affect adhesion);
  • Perfectly flat (recommended tolerance ± 3 mm). If the flatness of the substrate is not within this tolerance, it must be levelled off before installing tiles.

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

 December 18, 2020. 7:48 AM

 Slim tiles and large format tiles, as defined by UNI 11493-1, are as follows:
• Slim tiles: up to 5mm thick
• Large format tiles: having one side more than 60cm long


The particularly large format and extremely low absorption rate, typical characteristics of porcelain, means that it is very important to identify the most suitable installation method for this type of tile with extreme care and precision.  As with any floor and wall finishing, the durability and functionality of slim porcelain is highly dependent on precise design parameters, appropriate substrate preparation and correct installation methods using adhesives, grouting mortars and joint sealants chosen according to the type of finishing material and its area of use.

The following chapters provide a series of useful guidelines on the installation of large format porcelain tiles:

Chapter 1: Verifying the type and condition of the substrate  

Large format tiles may be installed on all substrates normally used in the building industry such as concrete, cementitious and anhydrite screeds, old ceramic and stone floors, metal, cement-based and gypsum-based render, plasterboard and so on.

The suitability of a substrate must be checked beforehand. As specified by current standards, substrates must always be:

  • Sound with no cracks;
  • Cured and dimensionally stable;
  • Strong enough to resist expected loads and the area of use;
  • Dry;
  • Clean and free of loose parts (dust, grease, oil, wax, paint and any other material which could affect adhesion);
  • Perfectly flat (recommended tolerance ± 3 mm). If the flatness of the substrate is not within this tolerance, it must be levelled off before installing tiles.

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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