Which tile adhesive is better - an overview of the types and brands of adhesive
At the moment, the assortment of construction stores includes hundreds of tile glue names, which are combined into separate categories. Each manufacturer is in a hurry to offer their products and actively advertises it. From this article you will learn which tile adhesive is best used in a particular case, as well as which brands of tile adhesive have proven themselves best for use in various conditions.
How to determine the type of adhesive for ceramic tiles
Modern tile adhesives come in two forms:
1. Ready mixes sold in buckets.
2. Dry mixtures sold in bags.
They differ not only in their consistency, but also in composition. In dry mixes, the main component is cement, and in finished mixtures, a polyurethane base. The second option is several times more expensive than the first, but this does not mean that dry mixes will perform their functions worse.
The advantages of using dry mixes:
- with the help of a dry mixture, tiles can be laid even on surfaces with small irregularities;
- adhesive composition in the form of a dry mixture has a long service life,
- cement-based adhesives are easily knocked down with a punch, unlike ready-mixes, where more effort is needed to remove old tiles.
Before you buy tile glue, you must understand that in addition to universal compositions, there are adhesive compositions with certain features and characteristics. Next, we will consider what types of tile adhesive are and under what conditions they are used.
Quick hardening adhesive
Due to its composition, this adhesive quickly sets and hardens. Its complete solidification occurs in three hours, when in others this process lasts about 24 hours. This property allows you to do all the work of laying tiles and grouting seams within one day. In addition to quick drying, this adhesive has good adhesion to any surface.
However, quick drying also carries inverse, negative properties. So, you can work with a quick-drying composition in just 30 minutes, otherwise the mass will become solid and it will become impossible to apply it to the walls.
As for the field of application, the rapidly hardening composition is used for both internal and external cladding. Most often it is used when making an apron in the kitchen.
Leveling adhesive
This composition can be applied to walls without prior preparation. It copes with irregularities up to 5 mm, smoothing them. This saves time and money - there is no need to buy additional compounds for leveling.
With irregularities of more than 5 mm, this composition will not cope. In this case, for high-quality finish it is necessary to carry out additional processing of the walls.
Highly elastic adhesive
This glue incorporates additional plasticizers and modified additives. It is advisable to use it when there is a risk of cracking of the tile as a result of deformation of the base on which it was laid.This composition is quite elastic, therefore, it is able to prevent damage to expensive material.
It is used when tiling the following surfaces:
- a tree;
- drywall;
- foam concrete;
- cement screed.
Most often it is chosen when arranging swimming pools, underfloor heating, bathrooms and showers. In addition to tiles, this composition can be used when laying clinker tiles, glass and porcelain tiles.
Heat resistant adhesive
This composition was created for facilities where a significant increase in temperature is provided. It is also suitable for hot surfaces and underfloor heating. Certain grades of this glue are able to withstand up to 600 ° C, while maintaining all their original properties. Heat-resistant compounds have good elasticity, which allows you to create an even coating. The glue is resistant to temperature extremes.
There are two varieties of this glue:
- for facing stoves and fireplaces, where the maximum temperature can reach 600 ° C;
- for installing a warm floor.
Frost resistant adhesive
As the name implies, this glue is able to withstand prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. Therefore, it is characterized by increased moisture resistance. He does not care about temperature extremes and severe frosts.
It is used in the arrangement of facades of houses, balconies, terraces and basement floors. Despite its properties, this glue can also be used indoors - this is a universal option.
Thick glue
The main purpose of this glue is to lay ceramic tiles of large sizes. This composition allows you to form a layer of glue with a thickness of 10 - 12 mm, which is necessary for laying large tiles. This glue is suitable only for indoor use.
Universal adhesive
Adhesive with average characteristics, used for indoor and outdoor use. Used for laying medium-sized ceramic tiles.
However, such a glue is not always universal, and its name can mislead an inexperienced builder. Before you make a purchase, you need to carefully study the composition and information on the package.
Reinforced adhesive
It is used when installing heavy and bulky tiles. The main feature of this adhesive is enhanced adhesion to the surface, and the ability to withstand dynamic and statistical loads. Resistant to moisture and has a high elasticity of the seam. Some brands may have a fast drying speed.
This is the best solution for installing large slabs of marble, porcelain. Suitable for both vertical and horizontal surfaces.
Areas of application for various adhesives for ceramic tiles
| Quickly- hardening | Align- bending | Elas tic | High- elastic | Thermo- persistent | Frost persistent | Thick layered | University- greasy | Reinforced fixation | |
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| Wet areas - bathroom, toilet |  |
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| Walls | |
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| Kitchen apron | |
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| Floor | |
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| Heating floor | |
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| Bulk floor | |
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| Pool | |
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| Facing stoves and fireplaces | |
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| TYPES OF FOUNDATIONS | |||||||||
| Heated screeds | |
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| Deforming substrates (drywall, particleboard, OSB) | |
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| Strong paint bases (plaster, putty) | |
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| Concrete | |
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| Lightweight concrete | |
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| Aerated concrete and slag concrete | |
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| Surfaces with old tiles. | |
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| Tree | |
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| Plywood | |
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| Glass | |
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| Metal | |
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So, for the choice of glue you first need to decide what conditions the operation will take place, and to make it easier for you to navigate, we selected the best brands of glue. To compile the rating of tile adhesives, we analyzed the reviews and opinions of users who had previously used these compounds in the repair work.
The best adhesive for fixing tiles to the floor or wall
Ceresit CM 14 - universal composition
Universal brand used for any room and outdoor use. It is used for laying any tiles up to size 45 × 45 cm.This glue adheres well and quickly to surfaces, prevents material from slipping, is compatible with waterproofing, and does not respond to temperature changes and moisture.
It can be used on non-deformable substrates such as concrete or cement. This brand is used for cladding walls and floors of any premises, basement floors and floors with heating functions.
Ceresit CM 12 - for large tiles
Adhesive from the same manufacturer, but suitable for gluing large tiles, porcelain stoneware and stone slabs except for heavy marble. With its help it is possible to work with material up to 65 × 65 cm in size. The plastic consistency does not leave empty space under the tile and does not allow its sliding during operation.
Glue can be used on non-deformable concrete and cement substrates. The modified formula allows you to use it both indoors and outdoors. It is resistant to frost, moisture, compatible with waterproofing CR 65. With the additional addition of CC 83 elasticizer to the adhesive, it can be used on particleboard, fiberboard, gypsum fiberboard, but only indoors, as well as on young concrete and anhydrite screeds.
Litokol Litoplus K55 - for tiles and mosaics
This is a multi-component dry mix designed for mosaics and tiles. It is made on the basis of high-quality white cement and in the finished state is an elastic paste that is easy to work with. The working time with the diluted composition is 30 minutes, and the time of complete drying is 20 - 24 hours.
This brand is suitable for laying small and medium tiles indoors and outdoors. She is not afraid of moisture and heat, so she is used to equip baths, saunas, SPA centers. For laying on a surface that is constantly in contact with water, a waterproofing compound must be applied to the base before starting work. Gypsum and plaster substrates must also be prepared by applying a primer layer to them.
Knauf Fliesen Plus - reinforced fixation
Glue reinforced fixation for working with tiles, natural stone or porcelain tiles with a size not exceeding 40 × 40 cm for walls and 60 × 60 cm for the floor. In this case, the weight of the cladding on the walls should not exceed 60 kg / sq. m. High adhesion, low consumption and a popular manufacturer make this brand very popular for simple finishing work.
It is used for laying ceramic tiles on a flat, non-deformable base indoors. It is possible to use when installing a warm floor.
Knauf Flex - High Elasticity
Tile adhesive with high elasticity, able to withstand thermal and dynamic loads. It has high strength and is compatible with various non-absorbent substrates.
This glue is used to work with light and heavy tiles made of various materials. Designed for laying tiles on flat surfaces that do not deform over time and do not shrink. Adhesive may be used in the arrangement of underfloor heating, balconies, terraces, indoor pools and ordinary rooms inside the house.
Weber Vetonit Easy Fix - drywall cladding without preparation
This glue is used for fixing porcelain tiles or ceramic tiles. The composition of this adhesive mixture allows facing gypsum boards without additional processing, so it is often used just for these purposes. They can even out surfaces with minor defects. The glue has frost resistance and moisture resistance.
This option is used for arranging vertical and horizontal surfaces both indoors and outdoors. It can be laid on concrete slabs, drywall sheets, masonry, cellular concrete, on various screed and plaster.
Litokol X11 - universal composition
Gray Portland cement with the addition of various esters acts as the basis of this adhesive composition, and quartz sand is used as a filler.It does not contain asbestos fibers, therefore it is considered safe and environmentally friendly.
Glue has a high adhesion to the tile and to the base, so this brand is considered universal for the arrangement of walls or floors. The recommended grounds for using this adhesive are brick, concrete, aerated concrete, gypsum panels and partitions made of light blocks.
The best tile adhesive in the bathroom and other wet areas
Ceresit CM 11 Plus
Water-resistant composition used for the installation of any mineral tiles during internal and external work on non-deformable substrates. With the addition of a compatible elasticizer, it becomes possible to use heated waterproofing substrates and screeds.
This option is especially popular when arranging pools and other surfaces that often come in contact with water.
Knauf Fliesen
Suitable for working with ceramic tiles with a water absorption level of at least 3%. Designed for facing work on walls and floors in constant humidity. High and instant adhesion of the material with the tile facilitates laying, as it prevents it from slipping during operation.
The mixture can only be applied on a flat, non-deformable base, such as concrete, cement, drywall or plaster.
Litokol Litoflex K80
Tile adhesive with synthetic resins and chemical additives, which has high elasticity, adhesion and good ductility. High water retention capacity allows you to use this composition wherever there is moisture and evaporation. It reliably fixes the masonry and retains its properties in such difficult operating conditions for many years.
It is laid on all types of substrates and is used to install any, even heavy tiles of any material.
Ceresit CM 9 Plus
It is used for work with tiles having a water absorption level of 3%. Provides good adhesion of materials both on the floor and on the walls. It is suitable for indoor use only. The size of the tile should not be more than 30 cm × 30 cm. A good composition and a dense, viscous texture spreads well on the wall and provides a strong adhesion of surfaces.
Compatible with a high rigidity mineral base, i.e. concrete, cement screeds and plasters. It will serve for a long time in rooms with a high level of humidity and constant contact with steam and water.
Weber Vetonit Optima
Just like the previous version, it is suitable for indoor use only. It fits well with mosaics and tiles of both horizontal and vertical surfaces. It is used for wall and floor cladding in the bathroom or in the kitchen. It hardens evenly and has a strong grip, which facilitates the installation process.
It is recommended to work with such glue only on concrete, brick or cement substrates that have passed the stage of shrinkage, otherwise the tile glue will not be able to withstand deformations, and the tile will fall off.
Litokol Litoplus K47
It is a good, reliable and moisture resistant composition without asbestos. It is also noteworthy that the diluted composition can be effective for 8 hours. He is chosen for facing work in saunas, pools, bathrooms and showers of public use. When laying glue does not spread on the wall, so the cladding process can be carried out from top to bottom without the use of backups. Suitable for interior use only.
It is laid on brick walls, cement screeds, concrete blocks and various plasters after preliminary processing with special primers. The base for laying should be flat, so before work it is better to level the surface with special compounds.
Litokol Litolight K16
Tile adhesive with advanced properties and good adhesive characteristics.Used for porcelain stoneware, clinker, tile and natural stone. Ideal for indoor and outdoor cladding. The ability to withstand water and its fumes allows it to be used in any place where there is constant contact with moisture.
Suitable for all kinds of substrates. It can be applied on drywall, concrete, cement, plaster, on an old ceramic coating and various screeds. Before drawing on porous structures it is necessary to carry out a primer.
The best glue for mounting tiles on stoves and fireplaces
Unis Uniflex U-100
Highly elastic and heat-resistant adhesive, able to withstand temperatures up to 120 ° C. It is universal for facing with any format of tiles and is able to withstand even large, dimensional models. Suitable for fireplaces, stoves and barbecue.
Using this glue, you can lay tiles on aligned deformable and stable substrates. Installation work should be carried out only in conditions of positive temperatures and air humidity of not more than 70%.
Prospectors Premium
A universal option for any type of cladding outdoors or indoors. Suitable for arranging bowls of pools, and for fireplaces and stoves. Suitable for facing surfaces with a maximum temperature of no more than 100 ° C. Not recommended for surfaces in direct contact with food and drinking water. Does not respond to negative temperatures.
Suitable for freezing substrates, underfloor heating systems and for places with high traffic.
The selection of goods was carried out on the basis of reviews, opinions and ratings of users posted on various resources on the Internet. All information is taken from public sources. We do not cooperate with manufacturers and trademarks and do not call for the purchase of certain products. The article is for informational purposes only.
