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Installation of large format tiles

A prerequisite for the installation of large format tiles is a flat substrate. The larger the tiles, the flatter the substrate needs to be.
A substrate, which conforms to the requirements of DIN 18 202 for producing surfaces, is not always adequate for the installation of large format tiles. Levelling of uneven areas and irregularities during tile installation is almost impossible with large format tiles. Render and screeds must therefore be largely flat. If this is not the case then a levelling coat will be needed. Various levelling materials are suitable such as SOLOPLAN-30-PLUS, SOLOPLAN-30-CA (self-levelling) or SOLOCRET-15 (non sag).
Above a format of 40/40 cm, apply a contact layer to the rear of the tiles. If this contact coat is not adequate to fully cover the rear of the tile, then use the floating buttering method. When an adequate bond between the material installed and the substrate is achieved, then any stresses, which occur can be reliably dispelled and cracks in the finsh prevented.
Any residual moisture present beneath the tiling e.g. from the concrete slab, screed and adhesive, can only very slowly dry out through the small number of joints. Where substrates are sensitive to moisture, this can lead to damage. The appropriate primer should be used to afford adequate protection.

1) With cement-based thin-bed adhesives we recommend the addition of polymer dispersions such as UNIFLEX-F to compensate for stresses between substrate and ceramic tile.

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PRIMING

Calcium sulphate screeds: universal epoxy based primer

Cement-based screeds: solvent free primer for interior and exterior use

LEVELLING

Calcium sulphate screed: levelling compound up to 30 mm

Cement-based screed: smoothing compound from 2 – 30 mm for interior and exterior use

Non-slump, rapid hardening levelling compound up to 50 mm

WATERPROOFING

Flexible, mineral-based, vapour permeable waterproof slurry for areas with increased demands in interior and exterior areas

TILE INSTALLATION

Lightweight, low dust flexible adhesive for thin, medium and thick bed installation techniques 1)

Grey, highly flexible adhesive for interior and exterior use 1)

Accelerated hardening flow bed flexible mortar 1)

Highly deformable flexible adhesive for heavy duty areas

Deformable, rapid hardening flexible adhesive for heavy duty areas, also for natural stone, with FAST TECHNOLOGY

Flexible natural stone adhesive 1)

GROUTING

Mineral-based multi-function flexible grout for tiles, natural stone and other finishes from 1-10 mm joint widths with FAST TECHNOLOGY

Rapid hardening flexible grout, 3 – 20 mm joint width