What to Keep in Mind When Choosing Tile Adhesive for Renovations

Due to regular traffic, floor and wall finishes such as wood and concrete tend to wear out with time. Protective coatings such as epoxy and regular paint tend to peel off and expose the underlying material. In such a case, flooring and wall tiles are a good alternative that will provide a durable and aesthetically appealing finish. When fitting the tiles, two methods can be used to set them in place. The first one is the cementitious method where a mixture of sand, cement and water is smeared carefully on the tile before setting it up on the surface. The second method replaces the cementitious mixture with manufactured adhesives. Here are some of the things that you should consider when choosing tile adhesives for your renovation project:

Are You Working on a Wall or Floor?

The first thing that you should keep in mind is the angle of inclination that you are working with. Walls and ramps (in some cases) generally have steep angles of inclination, and they require adhesives that will bind the tile to the surface very fast. This will minimise the possibility of tiles sliding downwards out of the positon that they have been set. In such cases, pre-mixed tile adhesives are ideal because they start to cure immediately the tile is set on the walls. When working on the floor, you can either use pre-mixed adhesive or thin set mortars since there is no risk of the tiles shifting out of position.

What Are the Qualities of the Adhesive?

When buying a tile adhesive, look out for qualities that make it stand out from the other alternatives. You should consider some of the things that you'd like the adhesive to do for you besides providing a strong bond between the tile and the underlying surface. Check the chemical composition of the adhesive for additives such as fire retarders and emulsifiers. Retarders will keep a fire from spreading rapidly in case of a break out while emulsifiers guarantee against chemical reactions between the adhesive and the surrounding material. Moreover, make sure that the tile adhesive has a high elongation percentage after curing (as high as six hundred percent).

What are the Surrounding Conditions of the Area?

Consider the overall prevailing conditions of the area that you want to tile. Moisture-laden areas such as balconies and bathrooms, areas where the floor is subjected to underfloor heating, and thermal stress will require you to use latex based adhesives for good, durable bonds.