Tile Adhesive details-MAPEI

PAM NC Half-day Seminar
“Understanding the ISO Standards &

QLASSIC for Tiles Adhesives”
Yong Wai Kit

Specification Manager
Mapei Malaysia Sdn Bhd
012-335 2318
Topics
a. Brief video introduction to MAPEI (~ 4.5 mins)
b. The basic tiling system & its components
c. Standards for adhesives & tile grouts

 How to use the Standards for your material selection
 1-component and 2-component cementitious adhesives
d. Properties & testing of adhesives
e. Good practice in tile installation works
f. Tile joints & movement joints
g. Common complaints in tiling works

Topics
a. Brief video introduction to MAPEI (~ 4.5 mins)


03 Apr 2014
Founded in 1937, in Milan-Italy
MAPEI is today the largest producer worldwide of adhesives
for ceramics & stone materials.
70 Subsidiaries 64 Plants
MAPEI World of Adhesives

Topics
a. Brief video introduction to MAPEI (~ 7mins)


The Tiling System & Its Components
Levelling mortar
(render for wall or
 All the components are screed for floor)
equally important as they are
inter-related tile adhesive
(bedding material)
 Adequate compatibility
must exist between them for
the system to function finishing tile or stone
collectively
 The system can only be as

strong as the weakest
component (or, in some tile grout
cases, worse)
The Bedding Material
Materials used for bedding:
1. Site-mixed leveling mortar  cement +
sand (1:3)
2. Pre-bagged adhesives
a)“Unregulated” products  cement + sand + additive for water retention

-No compliance with performance standards
b) “Regulated” products  cements + sand + polymers + additives

- Compliance with performance standards eg ISO 13007
- Performance-coded
The Bedding Material (Cementitious adhesives)
“Regulated” adhesives, formulated & pre-bagged with:
 Polymers for performance enhancement  increased cohesion,

adhesion, toughness, flexibility, water-resistance, ...
 Additives for modified working properties  water retention, setting time,
thixotropy
Working & final properties tested to ISO 13007 Standards & coded for
identification and selection eg...
Types of Adhesives for Tile & Stone works
C, Cementitious Type D, Dispersion Type R, Reaction-resin Type

Paste Adhesive
(No mixing required)
Topics


Standards for Adhesives & Tile Grouts
ISO 13007-1
Part 1: Adhesives – Definitions and Specifications for Adhesives
ISO 13007-2
Part 2: Adhesives – Test Methods for Determining Characteristics of Adhesives
ISO 13007-3
Part 3: Grouts – Definitions and Specifications for Grouts
ISO 13007-4
Part 4: Grouts – Test Methods for Determining Characteristics of Grouts
How do the Standards benefit the building
industry?
 Architects & designers are able to identify and specify the installation
products best fitting the application
 Project tenders are evaluated according to product performance

without fear of inferior substitutions
What is the right product for the job?
residential floors 24-hour deadlines intricate patterns 110-storey high-rise

ISO 13007 Classifications
Cementitious Adhesives
Type Classes Special characteristics
C = Cementitious 1 = Normal F = Fast-setting

(Thin-set mortars) performance
2 = Improved T = Slip-resistant
performance
E = Extended open time
S1 = Deformable
S2 = Highly deformable
Specifications for cementitious adhesives - fundamental characteristics
From ISO 13007-1, Section 5.2, Table 2:

Test
Type Characteristic Requirement
method
Normal-setting Tensile adhesion strength ≥ 0.5N/mm2 ISO 13007-2
adhesives C1 4.4.4.2
Open time: tensile adhesion ≥ 0.5N/mm2 ISO 13007-2

strength After no less than 20 min 4.1
Fast-setting Tensile adhesion strength ≥ 0.5N/mm2 ISO 13007-2

adhesives F After no more than 24 h 4.4.4.2
Open time: tensile adhesion ≥ 0.5N/mm2 ISO 13007-2

strength After no less than 10 min 4.1
Specifications for cementitious adhesives – special / additional
characteristics
From ISO 13007-1, Section 5.2, Table 3:
Test
Characteristic Description Requirement
method
Slip T Slip ≤ 0.5 mm ISO 13007-2
4.2
characteristics
Special
Deformable adhesive S1 ≥ 2.5 mm, < 5 mm ISO 13007-2

4.5
Transverse
deformation S Highly deformable adhesive ≥ 5 mm ISO 13007-2
S2 4.5
Improved adhesive High tensile adhesion strength ≥ 1 N/mm2 ISO 13007-2

characteristics
Additional
C2 4.4.4.2
Extended open time Extended open time: tensile ≥ 0.5N/mm2 ISO 13007-2
E adhesion strength After not less than 30 4.1
min
Cementitious adhesives
C1: Where normal adhesion strengths are acceptable
Where to use?
 Concrete & masonry surfaces
 Other rigid surfaces
What types of tiles?

 Ceramic & Glazed Tiles
C1:
Tensile adhesion strength of
0.5 N/mm2 (72.5 psi)
at 28-d
C2: Where higher performance is required
Where to use?
 Concrete & masonry surfaces
 Other rigid surfaces
 High-use areas
What types of tiles?

 Porcelain tiles & low-absorbent tiles
 Glass mosaics & larger formats
 Natural stones
C2:
1.0 N/mm2 (145 psi) Airports, Malls, Industrial Projects
at 28-d
(compared to 0.5 N/mm2 for C1 adhesives)
F: Fast-setting & Fast-drying
When would you use this?
When time is critical
(for completion and opening to traffic)
When moisture-sensitive stones

are selected
Class F:
Fast-setting adhesives.
 0.5 N/mm² (72.5 psi)
▪ after no more than 24 hours
▪ with an open-time of no less than 10 mins
When time is critical, fast-track projects

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - Milano
E: Extended open time
With porous tiles or when the substrate is porous
Intricate laying patterns
Applications at higher temperatures

Intricate patterns
Applications in exposed windy conditions
(the mortar dries out more quickly)
Class E:
Extended open-time.
0.5 N /mm2 (72.5 psi) Applications in direct sunlight
with an open time of not less than 30 mins
T: Slip-resistant (on vertical installations)
For installing:
 Tiles and stones on vertical or high-slope
faces
 Large format tiles
 Exterior facades
 Ungauged stones (uneven thickness)
 Glass tiles
Class T:
Slip-resistant.
Adhesive must not allow a tile applied on a
vertical surface to slip more than 0.5 mm
(based on test conditions)
S: The ability of the mortar to accomodate
movements between the tile and the substrate
Class S1:
Deformable adhesives deflect
 2.5 mm (0.1”) and < 5 mm (0.2”)
Class S2:
Highly deformable adhesives deflect
 5 mm (0.2”)
The importance of using S1 & S2 deformable
adhesives for suspended slabs
Slab deflection (curvature)
 When the entire installation is
subject to deformation due to
loading, movement or deflection
 S1 & S2 classications identify the

correct adhesives to suit the
deformation that will occur (within
acceptable limits)
Which to use: S1 or S2?
S1 - Deformable
 Required when installing large profile ceramic or porcelain tiles or
stones over areas subject to movement
 Areas subject to thermal stresses and expansion/contraction over time;

deflection within acceptable limits where curvature is expected
Which to use: S1 or S2?
S2 - Highly Deformable
 Exterior installations subject to high movements due to sharp
temperature fluctuations and dynamic loading
exterior facades
 Suspended slabs; engineered wood-framed

construction; multi-floor building facades
ISO 13007-1 Classifications
...enable quick identification of product’s chemical nature & performance
and matching it to the project’s requirements
examples...
 1st Floor: with 300x300mm Porcelain tiles
Classification C2FS1
C2 : Cementious, Improved Adhesive Performance
F : Fast-setting & -drying
S1 : Deformable
 Suspended 2nd Floor with 600x600mm Porcelain tiles
Classification C2FS2
C2 : Cementious, Improved Adhesive Performance Shopping mall with a suspended
F : Fast-setting & -drying second floor
S2 : Highly Deformable
Microstructure of Ceramic Tiles
GLAZE
GLAZE GLAZE
ENGOBE ENGOBE
ENGOBE
BODY
BODY BODY BODY
Glazed wall tile with Glazed floor tile with Porcelain tile with
14% water absorption 6% water absorption 0.1% water absorption
Porous Compact
Types of Ceramic Tiles –
ISO/ASTM Terminology
WATER
Grouping TYPE OF TILES Glazed or Unglazed?
ABSORPTION (%)
BIa ≤ 0.5 PORCELAIN GL / UGL

(Annex G)
(Impervious)
BIb 0.5 to ≤ 3 GRES TILES GL

(Annex H)
(Vitreous)
BIIa SEMI GRES TILES

(Annex J)
3 to ≤ 6 (Semi-Vitreous)
GL
BIIb SEMI POROUS TILES

(Annex K)
6 to ≤10 (Semi-Vitreous)
GL
BIII POROUS TILES

(Annex L)
>10 (Non-Vitreous)
GL
GL-Glazed
(ASTM Classification)
UGL-Unglazed
Stone installations
By adhesion - similar to tile installation
For Wall Applications:
Select a cementitious adhesive that belongs

to the C2 classification
 Improved performance for high tensile

adhesion strength
Stone installations
Natural marble and granite
 These stones are naturally formed under varying conditions
 No two pieces will bear the same composition or sensitivity to moisture
Stone installations
Options for overcoming moisture-staining of highly porous marble &
granite. Select:
 Two-component adhesives  less

water in the mix & better water
retentivity characteristic, or
 “F” Fast-setting adhesives  rapid

hydration property, or
 “R” type reaction-resin products

 do not contain water
Stone installations
Installation of 1000 x 300 x 20mm
Serpeggiante Marble
with MAPEI’s Kerabond T +
Isolastic
Improved performance &

highly deformable adhesive, C2/S2
“Serpeggiante Marble has been valued for thousands of years for its
rich palette of beautiful colors and appearance... It is often irregularly
colored by impurities and used especially in architecture and
sculpture.”
Stone installations
Volakas white marble installation with
MAPEI’s Granirapid, a fast-set
adhesive with rapid hydration
properties
Volakas, from which the stone takes its name, is a remote village in
the Drama area of North Greece. The white backround of the stone,
with light grey veining corresponds with nearly everyone's perception
of the most beautiful marble and it is specified by architects for many
of the world's most important buildings.
Stone installations
Cluster housing exterior walls.
Installation with MAPEI’s Keraflex
Maxi S1, C2TE/S1
Stone installations on walls
Tile Size / Requirement Adhesive Selections
Keraflex Maxi S1, C2TE/S1 or

< 600 x 600 x 20mm
Kerabond T + Isolastic 50, C2/S1
> 600 x 600 x 20mm Kerabond T + Isolastic, C2/S2
< 600 x 600mm x 20mm

Fast-setting Granirapid, C2F/S1
> 600 x 600mm x 20mm

Fast-setting Elastorapid, C2FTE/S2
Stone installations
All stones are natural products.
When in doubt, trials are advised...
to establish the stone’s

sensitivity to moisture, and
to compare the stone’s reaction

to the water present in
normal-setting vs. fast-setting
adhesives
Agglomerates & artificial marble installations
 Commonly referred to as Compressed
Marble, Reconstituted Marble, etc
 Thickness normally 12mm or 15mm
 Depending on sensitivity, marble may be

subject to curling and warping when in
contact with water in the cementitious
adhesive during installation
Dimensional stability testing apparatus

Dimensional Deformation Adhesive MAPEI Adhesive Selections
Stability Type
increasing sensitivity to moisture
Class
Class A d < 0.3mm Normal-setting Keraflex Maxi S1
or Fast-setting Kerabond T + Isolastic/Isolastic 50
Granirapid
Elastorapid
Class B 0.3 ≤ d < 0.6 Fast-setting Granirapid

mm Elastorapid
Class C d  0.6 mm Reaction-resin Kerapoxy, epoxy adhesive

Keralastic, polyurethane adhesive
Swimming pool installations
Tile type/ Waiting time
Adhesive
requirement to fill pools
Keracrete + Keracrete powder ,C2T 21 days

Ceramic
Kerabond T + Isolastic 50, C2/S1 21 days
Glass mosaic Kerabond T + Isolastic 50, C2/S1 21 days
Rapid
Granirapid , C2F/S1 3 days
installations
ISO 13007 Standards & product selection
Summary
Selection criteria: Match with adhesive:
characteristics and physical
dimensions of tile/stone
substrate type
Type: C / D / R
horizontal or vertical installation
stability of substrate structure
Class: 1 / 2
floor design
application conditions Special Characteristic: F
criticality of time / T / E / S1 / S2
exposure to aggressive agents
Contents


1-component or 2-component
Which is better?
Classification of Cementitious Adhesives
Fundamental Characteristics
The C1 adhesives (normal adhesives) must have

tensile adhesion strength at 28 days:  0.5 N/mm2
after heat ageing
after water immersion
after freeze-thaw cycles
...and open-time of no less than 20 mins,
with tensile adhesion strength  0.5 N /mm2
C2 adhesives (improved adhesives) must have

tensile adhesion strength :  1 N/mm2
...under the same conditions
Adhesives Choices, Cementitious Type
Product Classification Deformable Classification Product Type
Kerabond T C1T No 1 component
Keraflex C2 TE Medium flexible 1 component
Keraflex Maxi S1 C2 TE/S1 S1 – Deformable 1 component
Keracrete + Keracrete Powder C2 T No 2 component
Kerabond T + Isolastic C2 /S2 S2 – Highly Deformable 2 component
Kerabond T + Isolastic 50 C2/S1 S1 – Deformable 2 component
Adesilex P10 + Isolastic 50 C2TE/S1 S1 – Deformable 2 component
2 component
Granirapid C2 F/S1 S1 – Deformable
Fast-set
2 component
Elastorapid C2 FTE/S2 S2 – Highly Deformable
Fast-set
Kerabond T: One-component adhesive
C1T – Normal performance,
when mixed with water
Tensile adhesion strength:

min. > 0.5 N/mm2
Kerabond T + Isolastic: Two-component adhesive
C2/S2 – Improved performance
High tensile adhesion strength:

2.4 N/mm2 (after 28 days)
With additional property:

Highly deformable (S2)
Keraflex: One-component adhesive with medium flexibility
C2TE - Improved performance
Tensile Adhesion Strength:

1.8 N/mm2 after 28 days
With additional properties :

 No vertical slip
 Extended open time
Mixing: with water only

Keraflex Maxi: One-component adhesive
C2TE/S1 – Improved performance
High tensile adhesion strength:

2.5 N/mm²
With additional properties:

 Deformable (S1)
Mixing: with water only

Keracrete + Keracrete Powder: Two-component adhesive
C2T – Improved performance
Tensile adhesion strength:

>1.5 N/mm²
With additional property:

No vertical slip
Suitable for installation of :

 Tiles and marble
 Interiors and exteriors
 Swimming pools
Granirapid: Two-component adhesive
C2F/S1 – Improved performance
Meets the requirements of EN12004 (6

hours) & ISO 13007-1 (24 hours) for early
tensile adhesion strength: > 0.5 N/mm²
High tensile adhesion strength at 28

days: 2.5 N/mm²

 Fast-setting
 Deformable (S1)
Elastorapid: Two-component adhesive
C2FTE/S2 – Improved, fast-setting
Meets the requirements of EN 12004 &

ISO 13007-1 for early tensile adhesion
strength: > 0.5 N/mm² (tested at 6 hrs)
High tensile adhesion strength at 28 days:

2.5 N/mm²

 Highly deformable (S2)
1-component vs 2-component
Which is better?
 Before the development of current adhesives technology, addition of a

2nd component was necessary for performance enhancement (limited)
 Today, 1-component adhesives are formulated and prebagged with

polymers and additives to provide a range of enhancement options
and working properties to suit project requirements
 The Standards classifications do not differentiate between 1-

component and 2-component adhesives as long as the product
meets the performance criteria for the respective C1, C2 & Special
Characteristic classes.
Topics


Topics


ISO 13007 – Part 1
Classification Characteristic Requirement
C1 - Normal Tensile Adhesion Strength  0.5 N/mm2
Open Time at 20 mins.  0.5 N/mm2
C2 – Improved High Tensile Adhesion Strength  1.0 N/mm2
Open Time at 20 mins.  0.5 N/mm2
F – Fast setting Early Tensile Adhesion Strength after  0.5 N/mm2
24 hours
(EN 12004 – Aug 2007: Requirement
changed to 6 hrs)
T – No vertical slip Slip  0.5 mm
S1 – Deformable Transverse deformation  2.5 mm < 5 mm
S2 – Highly deformable (special deformable characteristic for  5 mm
cementitious adhesives only)
E – Extended open Extended Open Time : Tensile  0.5 N/mm2
time Adhesion Strength after no less than 30
mins
Final Properties: Tensile adhesion strength
In ISO 13007-2, The tensile adhesion strength test is an essential
test to determine the following properties of cementitious adhesives:
4.1 Determination of open time

 C1/C2, tested at 28-d, after open time of at least 20 mins
 E, tested at 28-d, after open time of at least 30 mins
 F, tested at 24-h, after open time of at least 10 mins
4.4 Determination of tensile adhesion strength at 28 days...

4.4.4.2 ...under standard conditions
4.4.4.3 ...after water immersion
4.4.4.4 ...after heat aging
4.4.4.5 ...after freeze-thaw cycle
Final Properties: Tensile adhesion strength
ISO 13007-2: Test methods for adhesives
“C1” 28  0.5 N/mm2
“C2” 28  1.0 N/mm2
Job-site use possible (results will not

match lab tests due to varying ambient
conditions i.e. temp, humidity, air movement)
Test method specifies use of

50x50mm tiles
Tensile adhesion strength: test failure modes
pullhead plate
tile
substrate
X
adhesive
X
a) Adhesive failure between adhesive b) Adhesive failure between tile and

and substrate (AF-S) adhesive (AF-T)
pullhead plate
tile
X
adhesive X
c) Adhesive failure between tile and d) Cohesive failure within the adhesive
pullhead plate (BF) (CF-A)
if failure load is below target

load, test is considered aborted
pullhead plate
tile
adhesive X
X
e) Cohesive failure within the f) Cohesive failure within the tile (CF-T)
substrate (CF-S)
if failure load is below target if failure load is below target

load, test is considered aborted load, test is considered aborted
The failure may be a combination of the above modes.

Final Properties: Open Time
Open Time is defined as the “maximum time interval after application at
which tiles can be embedded in the applied adhesive and meet the specified
tensile adhesion strength requirement.”
The impact of Open Time

The open time can have significant impact
on the tiling system
When open time has lapsed, skinning will

occur on adhesive surface and cause reduced
adhesion
 X
Final Properties: Open Time
Test methods for adhesives, ISO 13007-2: Clause 4.1
All C1 and C2 cementitious adhesives will have to meet the fundamental

criteria of Open Time,  0.5 MPa “after no less than 20 mins”
place tile
on
substrate
adhesive at 5 mins at 10 mins at 15 mins at 20 mins at 25 mins at 30 mins
placed on test
substrate
C1 & C2 adhesives
Under standard lab conditions
Temp: 23±2 0C
Relative humidity: 50±5%
Air circulation: <0.2 m/s
Final Properties: E, Extended Open Time
Test methods for adhesives, ISO 13007-2: Clause 4.1
All “E” adhesives will have to meet the criteria of Open Time,  0.5 MPa
“after no less than 30 mins”
place tile
on
substrate
adhesive at 5 mins at 10 mins at 15 mins at 20 mins at 25 mins at 30 mins
placed on test
substrate
E adhesives
Under standard lab conditions
Temp: 23±2 0C
Relative humidity: 50±5%
Air circulation: <0.2 m/s
Final Properties: S, Deformability
Deformability is defined as “the capacity of a hardened adhesive to be
deformed by stresses between the tile and the fixing surface without
damage to the installed surface”.
This characteristic is tested by Transverse Deformation: “the

deflection recorded at the centre, when a beam is subjected to three-
point loading”...
d
Final Properties: S, Deformability
S1 deformable adhesives:
Must achieve a deflection of  2,5 mm and < 5 mm
S2 highly deformable adhesives:

Must achieve a deflection of  5 mm
Final Properties: T, No vertical slip ISO 13007-2,
4.2
Slip is defined as the “downward movement of a tile applied to a combed
adhesive layer on a vertical surface”.
steel straight edge

spacers x1 x2
x2, measured
Bia tile after 20 mins
100mm x 100mm,
200g
vertically combed
adhesive
concrete test substrate
slip = x2 – x1 ≤ 0.5mm
Final Properties: T, No vertical slip
T adhesives, requirement: slip ≤ 0.5 mm
Important Properties to look for in tile adhesives
 Tensile Adhesion Strength
 Open Time
 Flexibility….
Why is Flexibility important...?
Flexibility improves resistance to movements in substrates
due to:
 deflection from dead and live loads (out-of-plane)
 impact / dynamic loads (out-of-plane)
 thermal expansion and contraction (in-plane)
out-of-plane movement
in-plane movement
Contents


Substrate quality & preparation
 Solid, stable & structurally sound
 Fully cured
 Free of laitance, loose particles & contamination

eg. dirt, oil, coatings
Substrate quality & preparation
Surface repairs
 Remove and repair all broken parts
 Repair and seal all cracks

Receiving substrates for thin bed adhesives
Traditional thick-bedding mortars
(cement/sand mix) are of min. 20 mm
thickness.
Formulated and pre-bagged

adhesives are designed for thin-bed
applications, 2-15 mm
Thin-bed applications require substrate accuracy (level-ness).

This is normally achieved by applying a leveling screed/render
Substrate preparation
Floor screed : apply bonding
slurry coat - eg. PLANICRETE latex
+ cement (no sand).
Lay screed mortar, wet-on-wet on
the bonding slurry coat.
Wall render: apply spatter dash

coat - eg. PLANICRETE latex +
cement + sand.
Allow to dry for 24 hours before
applying wall render.
Substrate preparation
X
Wrong use of latex as bonding agent for screed mortar applications
Use good screed & render mortar mixes
Use latex admixtures for improved adhesion, cohesion & strength
Comparison between mortar mixes (typical results):

Cement + Sand +
Performance Cement + Sand
PLANICRETE SP
Adhesion strength at 28 day 0.3 MPa 2.6 MPa
Compressive strength at 28 day 2.8 MPa 30 MPa
Flexural strength at 28 day Poor 7 MPa
Impact resistance Poor Good
generally 3x sand
Minimum thickness > 20 mm
size*
* subject to designer’s requirements for service conditions / slab condition
Semi-dry Method
Not recommended.
Curing of floor screeds & wall renders
Allow curing to take place: 7 days for every 10mm thickness of mortar.
- When tiles are laid before the required curing period:

Screeds & renders will shrink as they continue to dry out and may produce
sufficient forces to break the adhesion between the tile and the bedding mortar.
- Allow mortar to achieve the equilibrium (stable) level of residual moisture

content.
When a rapid-drying screed is necessary...
TOPCEM PRONTO, a formulated, pre-bagged, screeding mortar
Residual moisture content :

Install tiles after 1 days (<4%)
Install marble after 2 days (<3.5%)
for TOPCEM PRONTO bonded screeds up to
40 mm thick.
(c/w Site-mixed screeds which require 7 days
curing for each 10 mm thickness)
Compressive strength:
30 N/mm2 @ 28 days
Semi-Dry screed mortar

Quick-drying with controlled shrinkage
Mixing of adhesive
Good mixing practice / use of mixed material
 Use a mechanical mixer (drill with

mixing paddle)
 Allow sufficient bucket space to move

paddle in circular motion
 Observe “pot life” of the mix
 Use freshly mixed material – do not mix

more than can be used up within the
working period
Adhesive application
1st Coat : Scratch Coat 2nd Coat : Notch Coat 3rd Coat : Coat Tile / Back of Stone
 follow application steps to achieve high percentage adhesive

contact between tile and substrate
Adhesive application
 Spread as much as you can cover within arm’s length only
X
 Ensure that the adhesive has not formed a “skin”
If it has, re-notch it and place tiles with firm pressure (within the open time)
Use the correct tools
Select the correct trowel for the required bedding adhesive thickness.
Why use notched trowels ?
for controlling adhesive thickness

for even distribution of adhesive across the whole surface
Protection – refer to the Manufacturer’s data sheet
 Prevent access during “no-
traffic” curing period eg...
for Keraflex Maxi S1
 Protect exterior installations

from weather during curing
period (direct sunlight and
rainwater) eg...

Protection – refer to the Manufacturer’s data sheet
 Grout tile joints as soon as
permitted eg...
...in order to prevent easy

water penetration into the
adhesive and interfering
with curing.
Protection
Swimming pools !!!
 Protect the working area from rain and direct sunshine

during the installation.
 Erect tentage and maintain a temporary drainage system.
 Allow installation to cure properly in a

dry environment.
Curing
Swimming pools & water features
Before filling pool with water,
Normal Setting Adhesives :

At least 3 weeks curing
Rapid Setting Adhesives :

At least 3 days curing
Topics


Classifications of Joint Grouts
Grouts are divided into 2 types according to their chemical composition:
Cementitious = CG
Reaction Resin = RG
Classification & designation of Tile Grouts
ISO 13007-3, Clause 4, Table 1
Type Class Charact- Description
eristic
CG 1 Normal cementitious grout
CG 1 F Normal cementitious grout, fast setting
CG 2 W Improved cementitious grout with additional characteristic of reduced

water adsorption
CG 2 A Improved cementitious grout with additional characteristic of high
abrasion resistance
CG 2 WA Improved cementitious grout with additional characteristic of reduced
water adsorption and high abrasion resistance
CG 2 WF Improved cementitious grout, fast setting with additional characteristic
of reduced water adsorption
CG 2 AF Improved cementitious grout, fast setting with additional characteristic
of high abrasion resistance
CG 2 WAF Improved cementitious grout, fast setting with additional characteristic
of reduced water absorption and high abrasion resistance
RG 1 Reaction resin grout
Tile Grouts, ISO 13007-3
Type KERACOLOR SF KERACOLOR FF KERACOLOR GG
water or FUGOLASTIC*
Mix with •mix with Fugolastic for swimming pool and other exterior applications
Formulation unsanded fine sanded coarse sanded
Joint width up to 4 mm up to 6 mm up to 15mm

ULTRACOLOR PLUS
CG2WA (improved cementitious grout with high
resistance to abrasion and reduced water absorption)
Formulated with Drop-Effect® and BioBlock® Technology
Fast-setting and rapid drying
Does not produce calcium hydroxide crystals (which lead to

efflorescence)
Grouting in swimming pools  48-hour curing (normal 21

days)
*Available in 26 colors
KERAPOXY
RG/R2T (reaction resin grout)
Suitable for use in both adhesive &

grouting applications
Chemical-resistant
Stain-resistant
*Available in 26 colours
Tile Joints
 Designer’s preference (aesthetics)
 Always refer to Manufacturer’s recommendations

- for tiles (tolerance based on characteristics eg. square-ness)
- for stones (tolerance based on cutting accuracy)
General guidelines: extracted from BCA’s Good Industrial Practice Guide
Area/Material Min. Joint Width
Dry pressed 1.5 mm

Wall Tiles
Extruded 6 mm
Dry pressed 3 mm
Floor Tiles
Extruded 6 ~10 mm
Smooth finish 1.5 mm

Stones
Rough texture 6 mm
Grouting on porous or rough surfaces...
 Dampen surface before grouting
 Apply sealer or impregnator on tile surface
 Use a scrubbing pad to loosen mortar trapped on

the rough surface of tile/stone
Cementitious Grouts
CG1: Normal cement grout
Where would you use this?
Ceramic & porcelain installations
Installations not exposed to extreme changes
Residential & commercial buildings
Shower walls & floors

Cementitious Grouts
CG2: Improved Cement Grout
Where would you use this?
Ceramic & porcelain installations
Areas subject to prolonged moisture exposure
Areas subject to thermal shocks
High traffic areas, eg: Malls
High traffic areas
F: Fast Setting
Commercial & industrial applications Quick turn around projects
A: High Abrasion Resistance

Constant foot and cart traffic on the
Pools & Fountains grout surface
A: High Abrasion Resistance
Constant water flow over
grouted surface
W: Reduced Water Absorption

Intermittent & continuous water
immersion applications
Classification of Cementitious Tile Grout
Improved grouts (class CG2) must have:
Abrasion resistance < 1000 mm3
Reduced water absorption < 2 g (after 30 min.)
Reduced water absorption < 5 g (after 240 min.)
The values required for flexural and compressive strength and for
shrinkage are the same as for normal CG1 grouts.
Grouting Materials
ISO 13007-3
Keracolor SF, Keracolor FF, Keracolor GG
mix with water or mix with Fugolastic (for swimming pool & other exterior
applications)
Ultracolor Plus
CG2 / A / W (improved cementitious grout with high resistance to
abrasion and reduced water absorption)
Kerapoxy
RG (reaction resin grout - chemical and stain resistant)
Movement Joints
Movement joints
Divide large continuous tiling areas
Extracted from BCA’s Good Industrial Practice Guide
Location Joint spacing Joint width
Interior walls 56m 3  5 mm

Interior floors 57m  5 mm
Interiors exposed to sun 3.6  7 m  5 mm
3m 10 mm
Exterior walls & floors
5m 12 mm
Movement Joints
Sealant selection:
Adequate movement accommodation factor

Material durability to match exposure
conditions
Movement Joints
Sealant s:
Self-levelling (horizontal)
Gun-grade (vertical)
Use closed-cell backer-rod for depth control

(maintain sealant width/depth ratio)
or
Or bond-breaker tape for shallow joints (avoid
3-sided joints)
Backer-rod
Sealants for movement joints
Sealant Chemical Application areas Features Colours
base
Mapesil AC Silicon damp environments eg. low-modulus, mould- 26 colours &
kitchens, bathrooms & resistant, high thermal & transparent
swimming pools chemical resistance
Mapesil LM Silicon natural stones & tiles on non-staining, weathering- white, grey,
facades & ageing-resistant black, beige,
transparent
Sealants for movement joints
Sealant Chemical Application areas Features Colours
base
Mapeflex PU 20 2-C, carparks, garages, high modulus, high grey
Epoxy-PU commercial areas, strength & chemical
warehouses, production resistance
areas
(self-levelling for horizontal

applications)
Mapeflex PU 21 2-C, internal joints in covered high modulus, high grey

Epoxy-PU carparks, supermarkets, strength & surface
warehouses, store-rooms hardness, resistant to
vehicle traffic
(thixotropic for horizontal
and vertical applications)
Mapeflex PU 30 2-C, carparks, garages, high modulus, high grey

Epoxy-PU commercial areas, strength & chemical
warehouses, production resistance
areas
(thixotropic for horizontal

and vertical applications)
Topics


Efflorescence, causes of & prevention
a common and unsightly problem...

Efflorescence, causes of
 OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) contains
 soluble salts
 calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2, aka “free lime” (soluble)
 Passage of water into and out of porous substrates

(eg. weak plasters) and open surfaces (eg. cracks,
honeycombs) - carry the salts and calcium hydroxide
to the surface ...
 The soluble salts dry out, leaving whitish, crystalline

deposits
 The calcium hydroxide reacts with carbon dioxide in the

atmosphere to form calcium carbonate - a hard, whitish,
insoluble salt
Efflorescence, control & prevention
 Efflorescence can be prevented or controlled by restricting the passage
of water in and out of cementitious materials
 repair and seal all cracks and broken surfaces

during surface preparation and anytime they occur
(allow repair materials to cure)
 seal all joints
 using dense mixes for screeds

and renders  reduced porosity
 By restricting the passage of water in and out of cementitious materials
 applying the correct layering build-up
tile grout
adhesive
X levelling render
waterproofing
WP layer beneath render

common industry practice
 ...restricting the passage of water in and out of cementitious materials
 applying the correct layering build-up
tile grout
adhesive
levelling render
waterproofing
WP layer over render
direct tiling on WP
 By selection of materials  the adhesive
GRANIRAPID KERAPOXY
formulated with special cement reaction-resin type
binder (very low in OPC)
 By selection of materials  tile grouts
ULTRACOLOR PLUS KERAPOXY

reaction-resin type
Buckling / tenting of tiles
Movement of substrate due to:
 Thermal expansion & contraction
 Structural...
- Deflection due to loading
- Dynamic loading/vibrations
Solutions:
a)Design tile joints to suit manufacturer’s tolerances
b)Design & construct movement joints
c)Select adhesive to match the expected deformation

Adhesion failure
Many possible reasons, including...
Tiles placed after expiry of adhesive’s open time

- adhesive spread over too big an area
- harsh installation environment (direct sun and wind)
- intricate patterns  slow placing of tiles
 Wrong adhesive selected for harsh installation environment
 Traffic on installed tiles before recommended curing period
 Water immersion before recommended curing period eg. installations for

swimming pools, water features, outdoor areas
Adhesion failure: stone installations
Problem with “back-sealing” of stones  interference with adhesion

Contaminant on the back of the granite tiles, subsequently

transferred onto the adhesive surface and interfering with
adhesion
Different types of back-netting & risk of “interfering” layers
Check:
Compatibility of cementitious adhesive to resin layer. (There is no direct
contact between the adhesive and stone back.)
Integrity of bond between resin/netting layer and marble back

Cracks & crazing
 Cracks due to structural vibrations and...
 Butt jointing of tiles
 No movement joints provided
 Use of rigid adhesive
 Crazing of glazed tiles

Due to high moisture absorption and rapid
wetting/drying cycles
 Check by soaking/drying before

installation
crazing pattern
Hollow-sounding tiles
May indicate:
a)air voids created during installation
b)failure to bond
c)debonding after installation & curing
d)weak or de-bonded screed
a) Air voids created during installation, caused by:
 Spot-bonding
 Buttering application
 Insufficient compaction
 ...
b) Failure to bond, tile-to-adhesive or adhesive-to-substrate, caused by:
 Dirty, dusty substrate/tiles

 De-bonding layer on substrate eg. oil-based curing compounds
 Laying of tiles past open time of adhesive
 Interference by back-netting or back-sealing of stones
 Adhesive not matching characteristics of tile/stone
 Traffic on installed areas before recommended curing period
 ...
c) De-bonding after installation & curing, caused by:
 Excessive movement or deflection
 Adhesive not selected to suit expected deformation
 Lack of movement joints
 ...
d) Weak, porous screed or screed de-bonding, caused by:

 Poor substrate preparation
 Bonding agent not applied/wrongly applied
 Poor screed mix
 ...
Photo of Defects
Severe lippage on the floor tiles.

Photo of Defects
Lippage on the wall tiles.

MAPEI’s strong commitment to the Environment and ECO-
Sustainable Buildings has also led the company to provide
products which:
have an extremely low level of VOC for installing ceramic

tiles and natural stone
are GEV-certified,
carry the EMICODE EC1 seal of approval.

...with you from start to finish
Thank you!

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PAM NC Half-day Seminar

“Understanding the ISO Standards &

Yong Wai Kit

b. The basic tiling system & its components

c. Standards for adhesives & tile grouts

d. Properties & testing of adhesives

e. Good practice in tile installation works

f. Tile joints & movement joints

g. Common complaints in tiling works

b. The basic tiling system & its components

c. Standards for adhesives & tile grouts

d. Properties & testing of adhesives

e. Good practice in tile installation works

f. Tile joints & movement joints

g. Common complaints in tiling works

MAPEI World of Adhesives

b. The basic tiling system & its components

c. Standards for adhesives & tile grouts

d. Properties & testing of adhesives

e. Good practice in tile installation works

f. Tile joints & movement joints

g. Common complaints in tiling works

 The system can only be as

a)“Unregulated” products  cement + sand + additive for water retention

b) “Regulated” products  cements + sand + polymers + additives

 Polymers for performance enhancement  increased cohesion,

C, Cementitious Type D, Dispersion Type R, Reaction-resin Type

b. The basic tiling system & its components

c. Standards for adhesives & tile grouts

d. Properties & testing of adhesives

e. Good practice in tile installation works

f. Tile joints & movement joints

g. Common complaints in tiling works

 Project tenders are evaluated according to product performance

residential floors 24-hour deadlines intricate patterns 110-storey high-rise

Type Classes Special characteristics

C = Cementitious 1 = Normal F = Fast-setting

From ISO 13007-1, Section 5.2, Table 2:

Open time: tensile adhesion ≥ 0.5N/mm2 ISO 13007-2

Fast-setting Tensile adhesion strength ≥ 0.5N/mm2 ISO 13007-2

Open time: tensile adhesion ≥ 0.5N/mm2 ISO 13007-2

Deformable adhesive S1 ≥ 2.5 mm, < 5 mm ISO 13007-2

Improved adhesive High tensile adhesion strength ≥ 1 N/mm2 ISO 13007-2

What types of tiles?

What types of tiles?

When moisture-sensitive stones

When time is critical, fast-track projects

Intricate laying patterns

Applications at higher temperatures

 S1 & S2 classications identify the

 Areas subject to thermal stresses and expansion/contraction over time;

 Suspended slabs; engineered wood-framed

 1st Floor: with 300x300mm Porcelain tiles

 Suspended 2nd Floor with 600x600mm Porcelain tiles

BODY BODY BODY

14% water absorption 6% water absorption 0.1% water absorption

BIa ≤ 0.5 PORCELAIN GL / UGL

BIb 0.5 to ≤ 3 GRES TILES GL

BIIa SEMI GRES TILES