When choosing the right adhesive for ceramic tiles, it’s essential to understand the labels that indicate the properties of the adhesive. For example, how can you tell if an adhesive has extended open time or reduced slip? What about adhesives that are deformable or highly deformable for large-format tiles?
You’ve chosen high-quality, possibly expensive tiles, expecting them to enhance your home or outdoor space for years to come. In addition to the quality of the tiles themselves, the expertise of the installation is crucial. Moreover, if you’ve invested in quality tiles, it doesn’t make sense to skimp on the adhesive.
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In the past, the choice was simpler, with tiles often being laid using cement mortar. Today, a wide range of specialized ceramic adhesives is available, offering better bonding quality and longer-lasting results—provided you choose not just a high-quality adhesive but the right one for your specific needs.
Here’s how to decode the labels on cement-based ceramic adhesives commonly used in the U.S. market:
Note: This list covers only cement-based adhesives, not epoxy or dispersion adhesives.
- C1 – Standard cement-based adhesive.
- C2 – Improved cement-based adhesive.
- F – Fast-setting adhesive.
- T – Adhesive with reduced slip.
- E – Adhesive with extended open time.
- S1 – Deformable adhesive.
- S2 – Highly deformable adhesive.
Different combinations of these labels indicate specific adhesive properties, making it easier to select the ideal adhesive for your project, depending on the type of tile, substrate, and environmental factors.
C1TE – A standard cement-based adhesive with reduced slip and extended open time. Recommended for small to medium-sized tiles. Suitable for both interior and exterior use.
C2TE – An improved cement-based adhesive with reduced slip and extended open time. This adhesive has enhanced bonding strength and offers a longer-lasting bond to the substrate. It’s suitable for both interior and exterior applications and is ideal for small to medium-sized tiles.
C2TES1 – An improved, deformable cement-based adhesive with reduced slip and extended open time. Adhesives labeled as S1 are more flexible, making them ideal for tiles exposed to frequent temperature changes, such as outdoor tiles that experience significant temperature fluctuations due to sun exposure. They can also be used for “tile-on-tile” installations and are suitable for substrates with underfloor heating. They support tiles up to 32×32 inches and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
C2TES2 – An improved, highly deformable cement-based adhesive with reduced slip and extended open time. S2 adhesives offer exceptional flexibility and are recommended for tiles that are constantly exposed to water, such as in swimming pools. They are also ideal for tiles exposed to significant thermal expansion due to sunlight or those subject to heavy static and dynamic loads. These adhesives are suitable for large-format tiles and can be used on substrates with underfloor heating.
Info: Custom Building Products