Ceramic floors have long been the natural choice in public environments - from shopping malls to hotels, airports and car dealerships. It's a material that combines high durability with almost limitless design possibilities. However, behind the elegant surface, the right solutions are essential to ensure long-lasting and durable results. This is where Mapei's tile adhesives, grouts and decoupling membranes play a key role - both to ensure aesthetic quality and to meet technical requirements.
- Today's modern ceramics place extremely high demands on tile adhesives. This requires us as suppliers to work closely with tile manufacturers and develop products that actually hold the tiles in place," says Sindre Dehli Evensen, product specialist at Mapei Norway.
Modern ceramic tiles are available in large formats, with some variants measuring up to three metres in length. They can replicate everything from wood to metal, creating elegant surfaces with few visible grout joints. However, their low absorption means that they require advanced tile adhesives and the right choice of system. Mapei offers a wide range of quick-setting products that ensure that even large tiles fit properly - quickly and securely.
In addition to durability, it's the design possibilities that make tiles a popular choice among architects and interior designers. With Mapei's wide range of grouts - available in a large number of colors - you can highlight or soften patterns and grout lines. A discreet grout in the same color as the tile gives an almost seamless look, while a contrasting colored grout can create dynamics and highlight the direction, or bring greater visual interest to the surface.
- Today, there are tiles to suit every taste. Whether you want the look of wood, metal or marble, there is an option to suit your needs. By combining the tile with the right grout, you can further enhance the look and create something truly unique," says Sindre Dehli Evensen.
With Mapei's decoupling membranes, such as Mapeguard UM 35, ceramic tiles can be laid even on moving surfaces, such as wooden beams or uneven concrete surfaces. This reduces the risk of cracking and makes it possible to minimize the need for movement joints in areas of up to 500 square meters.
- This is a solution that is highly sought after in entrances, hotels and shops where you want a clean and coherent look without visible joints," says Sindre Dehli Evensen.
In addition, decoupling membranes simplify installation, reduce the need for substrate preparation and make it possible to lay tiles on, for example, wooden structures - opening up new applications for ceramic tiles in homes and modern wooden buildings.
Mapei works systematically to minimize the environmental impact of its products. All cement-based adhesives and sealants have Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) and are produced in Norway - with short transportation distances to the Swedish market. The products consist largely of sand and cement, making them reusable as aggregates when the floor is demolished.
- "Our products are what I would call zero-impact products - once they are installed, they have already made their environmental footprint," says Sindre Dehli Evensen.
In addition, Mapei's solutions make it possible to lay new ceramic tiles directly on top of existing tiles - saving time, money and environmental impact during renovation. The products are designed to work in circular building processes where design and function are given new life in the next cycle of use.
Mapei works closely with contractors, customers and manufacturers of ceramic tiles. Whether it's creating a seamless design in a hotel lobby or ensuring footfall sound reduction in a school environment, technical expertise is available.
- We get involved early in projects to ensure that the substrate, adhesive and surface material work together. It's the big picture that determines the final result," says Sindre Dehli Evensen.
The company's strong presence in Italy - home to many of the world's leading ceramic tile manufacturers - allows Mapei to follow developments closely and actively contribute to innovation.
- Through close collaboration with suppliers, we can always deliver the right products - both for substrates and ceramic tiles," concludes Sindre Dehli Evensen.
Ceramic tiles are particularly prevalent in:
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