What kind of adhesive should I use?

There are many kinds of adhesive, which makes choosing between them somewhat difficult,

How to choose?

What are the specifications of the best kind of adhesive that give the best results?

Why are there so many kinds of adhesives on the market? 

kinds of adhesives

kinds of adhesives

Because of technical and commercial considerations, there are various adhesives available. However, from a technical standpoint, the best kind of adhesive system should be chosen based on the installation conditions and requirements. Let us begin by looking at how adhesives for ceramic materials are eper classified according to Euronorm EN 12004 before delving deinto a typical application example

What is the classification of tiling adhesives (EN 12004)? 

  1. Based on the chemical composition of their binder:
  • Cementitious adhesives 
  •  Resin-based adhesives 
  •  Ready-mixed water-based adhesives
  1. Based on their performance characteristics: 
  • Adhesion strength of 0.5 N/mm2 (5 Kg/cm2) in class 1
  • Adhesion strength of 1 N/mm2 (10 Kg/cm2) in class 2.
  •  F = Quick-setting
  1. Other characteristics (optional): 
  • F = quick-setting
  • E = stands for extended open time
  • T stands for non-slip  
  • S stands for deformability (only for cementitious adhesives)

Taking the above into consideration, an adhesive classified as C2 T E S1 by EN 12004 standards is cement-based (C) with improved adhesion (2), non-slip (T) with extended open time (E), and deformable (S). These characteristics are easily identifiable, regardless of the product’s trade name or the information provided by the manufacturer or retailer, because they are provided on the Technical Data Sheet and, in many cases, on the material’s packaging. 

Here are just a few examples of Mapei products:

mapei adhesives Isolastic (C2ES2)

mapei adhesives Isolastic (C2ES2)

  •  Ultralite S1 (C2TES1)
mapei adhesives Ultralite S1 (C2TES1)

mapei adhesives Ultralite S1 (C2TES1)

mapei adhesives Keralastic T (R2T)

mapei adhesives Keralastic T (R2T)

  • Ultramastic 3 (D2T)
mapei adhesives Ultramastic 3 (D2T)

mapei adhesives Ultramastic 3 (D2T)

  • Elastorapid (C2FS1) (C2TEFS2). 
mapei adhesives Elastorapid (C2FS1)

mapei adhesives Elastorapid (C2FS1)

Will we be able to identify the properties and performance of these adhesives simply by reading their classification? 

What do they represent to us?

Consider the following example.

Assume we need to install ceramic tiles on the facade of a building, a common practice in Italy. The tiles will be 400 x 400 mm x 8 mm thick and will be bonded to the render.

What kind of adhesive should I use? 

I could draw on my years of experience and select an adhesive that I had previously used for similar work. Alternatively, I could use an adhesive recommended by a reputable retailer or an industry expert.

It is obvious that the successful installation of ceramic materials is not solely dependent on the adhesive system; other factors must be considered (the double-buttering method, adequate grout lines, UNI 11493 – Substrate preparation and characteristics). However, during the design phase, as well as the purchasing and application phases, the category of the most suitable adhesive required for that specific type of installation can be identified by a correct interpretation of the adhesive documentation available. Having this knowledge reduces the risk of indecision or selecting the incorrect product, protects consumers, and raises the skill level of professionals working in this sector.

What about Alio-Mar 

Alio-Mar is the authorized distributor of the Italian company Mapei, the world leader in providing the best kind of adhesives in the world.

You can through Alio-Mar obtain all Mapei products, as well as all related products

 all you have to do is contact us and we are always with you to hear from you to give you our best products so that you get the best results.

Read abut Tile adhesive

Tile Adhesive selector

How to choose tile grout

Read about Wall coatings

Microcement

Common Questions 

What is the best kind of adhesive should I use? 

  • Kerabond + Isolastic (C2ES2)
  •  Ultralite S1 (C2TES1)
  •  Keralastic T (R2T)
  • Ultramastic 3 (D2T)
  • Elastorapid (C2FS1) (C2TEFS2).

 

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