The ever-increasing supply of different types of cladding systems determines the wide variety of adhesive materials to be used in their installation. But how to choose the right one for us?
Most of you have probably noticed that there are various acronyms written on their packaging – C1; C2T; C2TE, etc.. The correct reading of the respective acronyms of the adhesive materials will help you to easily recognize, which adhesive material is the one that you need.
A common mistake is to use and apply one and the same tile adhesive, when installing different types of tiles. Using the incorrect tile adhesive can cause the tiles to fall off and spending additional financial resources, time and labor force in the future.
Tile adhesives are classified into several main classes:
Normal setting adhesive type C1: cementitious tile adhesive (to achieve minimum values of ≥ 0.5 N/mm² adhesion strengths). It is suitable for indoor installation of tiles in smaller sizes, which are not subjected to high mechanical loads. Usually, these tile adhesives are untended for use when installing faience and terracotta indoor.
Improved adhesive type C2: cementitious tile adhesives, (to achieve minimum values of ≥ 1.0 N/mm² adhesion strengths). These are upgraded tile adhesives compared to Class C1, as in addition to installing faience and terracotta indoor they can also be used to install granite and patio tiles outdoor. This group also includes “flexible tile adhesives”, which are recommended for use onto the surface of the existing tiles (tile on tile).
Deformable adhesives S1: they are extremely resistant to loads and recommended for tiles in large sizes, for installing slabs on façades, etc..
Highly deformable adhesives S2: they are characterized by exceptional strength and excellent bonding. This Class of adhesives can be used to install slabs in sizes 120x240cm, 100x300cm, etc..
The above Classes can be further supplemented with some of the following properties:
T (thixotropity): no sliding; anti-slip. The adhesive mixture can be used to install tiles on vertical surfaces from top to bottom.
E (extended): with extended open time. The open time is at least 30 min., but it can vary depending on the environment conditions, as well as the adhesive brand.
F (fast): fast curing time; quick bonding.
The following classes of adhesives can be found in the DEKO professional portfolio:
C1 – Cementitious Tiles Adhesive (DEKO professional Universal C1T Adhesive for ceramic tiles and faience);
C1T – Cementitious Tiles Adhesive with no vertical slip (DEKO professional Universal C1T Adhesive for ceramic tiles and faience);
C2T – Cementitious Tiles Adhesive with improved performance, with no vertical slip (DEKO professional DekoFix C2T Adhesive for ceramic tiles, granite and natural stone);
C2TE – Cementitious Tiles Adhesive with improved performance and extended open time, with no vertical slip (DEKO professional DekoFix C2TE Flex Adhesive);
C2 E S1 – Cementitious Tiles Adhesive with improved performance and extended open time, deformable (DEKO professional Traffic Fluid adhesive for tiles in large sizes)
C2 TE S1 – Cementitious Tiles Adhesive with improved performance and extended open time, anti-slip, deformable. Suitable to install new tile over old tile and slabs in size up to 120x120cm (DEKO professional SuperFlex S1 Super elastic tile adhesive)
C2 FT S1 – Cementitious Tiles Adhesive with improved performance, fast curing, slip resistant, deformable (DEKO professional SuperFix C2FTS1 Elastic fast setting tile adhesive).
