Wedges for laying tiles: features of use

Ceramic tiles are very popular among many private house owners. Such material is durable, durable, and that is why many people choose it.

However, such coatings must also be used correctly: in order to obtain a beautiful surface, the elements should be carefully aligned. Tile wedges will help make this task easier. After reading this article, you will learn about the peculiarities of using such elements, about their pros and cons.

Previously, plastic crosses were used for laying tiles, which were inserted between adjacent elements. The disadvantage of this system is that the crosses only affect the seam distance, but they do not allow the products to be aligned horizontally.

Today this problem is solved with the help of special wedges, which are included in the tile leveling systems. Technically, these elements themselves cannot act on the material, so they are used together with special clamps. Wedges resemble a kind of pitchfork, which consists of two guides.

Depending on the material used for manufacturing, these elements can be divided into 2 types:

• Plastic. Wedges of this type are made from various types of polymers. This makes them strong and durable. Quality products are great for reusable use.
• Metallic. They are not so common as they are charged higher prices. They are used by professionals who are constantly laying tiles. Metal withstands loads much better and can serve as long as possible.

Tile alignment is a laborious process that requires a certain amount of experience. With a set of wedges and clamps, even beginners can mount products.

Such elements have certain advantages:

• Elements with almost any horizontal slope can be used. The main thing here is to accurately align the first few plates, which you will then be guided by when carrying out installation work.

• Clamps used in conjunction with wedges act as crosses. They also line up the seams. If you need to increase the distance, additionally insert auxiliary plastic crosses of the required size between the elements.
• The use of a tile leveling system allows you to evenly distribute the adhesive under the surface of the products. This advantage is noticeable on substrates that have not been specially leveled for tiling.
• Minimal subsidence of elements. The material is securely fixed, which allows the glue to cure in the desired position. For this reason, the tiles will not sag or break during use.
• The wedges securely hold the elements together, which prevents them from shifting when the glue dries.

However, the use of such products is not always justified.

This is due to several of their disadvantages:

• Placing the wedges takes a long time. The same can be said about removing these elements from the surface.

• Wedges take up a relatively large amount of space, so cleaning the seams during installation is much more difficult.
• The cost of such systems is much higher than the price of ordinary crosses.If wedges are needed only for some installation work, it is impractical to purchase them.
• Such leveling systems are used only in rooms where the temperature exceeds +10 degrees.

Another disadvantage is the inability to remove the clamps. After removing the wedges, they are broken, which also takes time.

Leveling systems are quite widespread today.

There are several types of wedges on the market:

1. Serrated bevel wedges. These are the simplest options and give you good control over the alignment process (with minimal effort). To simplify the work, manufacturers can supplement them with special tools.
2. Wedges with screw tensioner. The alignment is carried out using a special nut that tightens the upper and lower supports under the tiles.
3. Snap wedges. The principle of their work is quite simple. They combine a clamp and a wedge, and the side supports are used as the last element. When they are combined, the structure shrinks, which leads to the leveling of the tiled surface.

And the next video examines a comparison of SVP systems for tiling.

The technology for laying tiles using a leveling system is quite simple.

It is necessary to take into account certain rules and perform the following sequential actions:

• First you need to prepare the base for the tiles. To do this, use a screed, primer and other standard options.
• After that, an adhesive is applied to the surface of the wall or floor with a notched trowel. Its thickness depends only on the material of the tile.
• Then you should put the tiles on the mortar and level them horizontally. This applies to the first few elements, which you will then be guided by when carrying out installation work.

• After that, you need to install clamps under all sides of the tile, which will be used during installation. They are placed at a distance of about 5 cm from each of the corners. Do not mount one piece at a time in the corner itself, as this will not give the desired effect. The best option is 2 clips on each side.
• The second tile should be carefully placed over the clamps. At the same time, it is aligned using crosses and a level. When everything is ready, wedges are inserted into the clamps.

Installation of all other elements follows the same principle. When the glue is dry, you will need to remove the wedges. Some experts recommend using a mallet for this, which you just need to beat on the clamp itself so that it breaks off. Then it will be much easier to get the fixing element itself.

The technology of using wedges when laying tiles is relatively simple, this process requires only accuracy, as well as adherence to simple rules.