Quick-drying tile adhesive: subtleties of choice

Ceramic tiles are one of the most difficult cladding materials to lay. To fix it to a wall or floor, use special types of glue. This product has a composition and properties that increase the level of adhesion and allow the tiles to be kept on a plane with high quality, not allowing it to move away from the main surface. Fast drying glue is essential when work has to be done on a tight schedule. This glue will be needed for those who like to save their time.

For several decades, there was no such question - everyone used a mixture of cement and sand. The composition is durable, but extremely uncomfortable. Its curing time is long, so tiles can often slide, forming irregularities. When using DSP, long-term preparation of the surface for future work is required.

The use of glue makes the task easier: you can immediately glue the tile to the surface. The glue is similar in composition to the cement-sand mixture, but it contains a certain amount of modifiers and special additives. Its main advantage is the correct observance of proportions when creating an adhesive solution.

Advantages of the glue over the old DSP are:

• low hydrophobicity;
• frost resistance;
• heat resistance;
• plasticity;
• durability;
• high adhesion;
• solidification rate.

There are certain factors and parameters that will help you choose the glue you need.

These include:

• the speed and professionalism of the worker;
• working and operating conditions;
• appointment by type of surface;
• speed of adjustment;
• the possibility of dismantling or correction in case of improper installation;
• type of mixture;
• mixture consumption;
• the required layer of glue;

• method of application;
• adhesive characteristics;
• type of tiles.

Fast-drying varieties include those types of glue that allow you to carry out all the work on laying tiles and grouting joints within one daylight hours.

Also, the pluses include:

• a high degree of adhesion to various surfaces;
• moisture resistance;
• ability to withstand temperature amplitudes.

The features of working with a quick-hardening composition include:

• surface preparation, its cleaning from dirt and dust;
• preparation of batches in small volumes;
• the need to work with special glasses and gloves;
• work only at positive temperatures.

When comparing the setting speed of conventional and fast-drying glue, it can be concluded that the working time is reduced by two to three times or more when using fast-drying glue. The primary hardening time differs by 12-15 times, which is noticeable when performing work.

Also, the setting speed is influenced by:

• the nature of the subfloor;
• the size of each element;
• thickness of applied adhesive

The modern construction market offers a lot of varieties of tile glue. The best ones are several:

The main representative of quick-setting glue in the domestic market.

Main properties:

• quick-setting;
• grouting can be done after 180-200 minutes;
• waterproof;
• suitable for a wide range of work and operating conditions;
• high-tech;
• environmentally friendly.

Ceresit CM 14 is used for accelerated laying of ceramic tiles on non-deforming substrates. It can be used only at positive temperatures and relative humidity no higher than 55%. In addition to Ceresit CM 14, you can use a plasticizer created by the same company, which allows you to use it on any surfaces (even cellular and porous). The shelf life is 12 months.

The main representative of fast-hardening glue. This product is composed of cement, mineral sand and polymers. It is used for laying ceramic tiles and stones on flat surfaces. Resistant to temperature extremes, water.

Packed in 25 kg bags. Stored for 12 months if the package is intact. It can be used at low operating temperatures (from 0 to +10 degrees). When using Knauf-Schnelkleber, there is no need to wet the tiles. The seams can be rubbed after 3 - 4 hours.

Fast-setting adhesive for ceramic tiles, which is produced in Germany. Possesses moisture, water and frost resistance. Due to the lack of a large amount of polymers, the curing time is slightly longer than that of other quick-drying analogues, while much faster than that of conventional tile adhesives.

For information on the consistency of the glue for laying tiles, see this video.