- Singapore
Copyright © 2024 Powered by BCI Media Group Pty Ltd
Get in Touch
Confirm Submission
Are you sure want to adding all Products to your Library?
Contact Detail
Large format tiles are those with at least
one side greater than 60cm in length. They
come in various sizes and thicknesses, with some formats reaching dimensions of
up to 3.2m x 1.6m. They are usually made
from porcelain and, as such, have a low rate of absorbency. Slim tiles are
around 3-5mm thick in formats up to 1m x 3m. They may be reinforced with glass fibremesh
backing.
Large-size tiles allow an almost seamless
surface. Handling and moving large
format tiles require more people and the use of tools with special suckers. Particular care must be taken when handling
these tiles to avoid warpage and
chipping the corners.
An advantage of thin tiles is the lower
weight of this type of tile compared to traditional tiles, which means less
impact on the structure, a characteristic which makes it the preferred choice
for installing on vertical surfaces, especially facades. However, their reduced thickness means that
certain precautions need to be taken during handling, when preparing substrates
and bonding of tiles.
Let’s take a look at some points to look out for to ensure successful installation of large format and slim tiles.
How to
install large format and slim tiles
The installation substrate must be as levelled and flat as possible. To install large-size tiles, the flatness and accuracy of the substrate must be within 1.5mm with a 2m straight-edge. Any areas not within this tolerance must be repaired before commencing installation. In addition, the substrate must be sound with no cracks, cured and dimensionally stable and clean.
Choose the right tile adhesive
In addition, improved adhesives under class C2 with deformable properties of Class S1 or S2 in accordance to EN 12004 & ISO 13007-1 are recommended for installing this type of tiles. Refer to our article on Understanding Tile Adhesives and their Standards for more information. The deformability of the adhesive is determined through flexural tests which measures transverse deformation. To achieve Class S1, deformability of the sample must be at least 2.5 mm and for Class S2, it must be at least 5 mm. Ultimately, the type of adhesive depends on the type of substrate material, type and size of the tiles and the area of use.
Double-trowelling & buttering technique during tile installation
Tiles must be installed on a compact bed of
adhesive. It is recommended to use the
double-buttering technique when applying the adhesive. Likewise, for thin porcelain slabs, this
technique is recommended as gaps may form potential weak points in the tiling
that could easily fracture.
Double-buttering technique, that is,
applying the adhesive with a
steel notched trowel on both the substrate and on the back of the tile,
must be used. The adhesive should be spread
on the substrate and back of tile in the same direction. The adhesive must be applied in straight lines
parallel to the short side of the tile to reduce the distance travelled by the
air being pushed out. This will ensure
that gaps are not created that could otherwise affect the soundness and
durability of the bond.
The sheer size of the tiles may lead to the formation of air pockets between the substrate and the back of the tile. This is why it is important to go over the tile surface by tapping them with a rubber spreader or vibro-plate, particularly when installing tiles on external substrates where water may collect in the gaps.
The grout line between each tile must be at least 2 mm wide and must be increased according to the size and type of the tiles, the area of use (floor or wall tiles, internal or external) and the stresses expected when in service. It is recommended to use spacers between the tiles to ensure the correct gap between each tile.
Queries?
Contact Mapei Singapore for consultation or your project needs.
____
About
Mapei:
Founded in Milan since 1937, Mapei is today a world leading producer of adhesives and complementary products for the laying of all types of floor, wall and coating materials. Mapei’s specialty lies in products for ceramics and stone materials, among other product lines. Mapei’s adhesives for tiles and stones are certified according to international standards and are SGBC certified. Experience proven by numerous notable projects worldwide.
Related
articles:
Understanding adhesives and its related standards
Factors affecting tile adhesion during tile installation