Heat-resistant tile adhesive: features of choice

Ceramic tiles are often used for facing modern stoves or fireplaces. This is justified by its appearance, ease of use, and reliability. The tiles are fixed to the surface using a special heat-resistant glue.

Exposure to high temperature leads to a change in the structure of materials, causing deformation, expansion. Therefore, when finishing heating structures, materials that are resistant to temperature extremes are used. The refractory adhesive mixture used for fixing tiles to heating devices is easy to use. The special compound not only bonds the surfaces tightly, but also provides reliable thermal protection, preventing the destruction of the structure.

The composition in the form of a paste is used in places of high humidity. Withstands up to 1100 degrees above zero and up to 50 degrees below zero.

The composition of heat-resistant glue may differ in the presence of certain components. It is produced, depending on the purpose and operating conditions. Therefore, before choosing a tool, you must carefully study all the characteristics.

In order to securely adhere the tiles to the outer surface, it is necessary to use an adhesive that will have:

• Heat resistance. The adhesive can withstand temperatures up to 750 degrees above zero for a long time or more than 1000 degrees for a short time.
• Good adhesion. Firm contact between surfaces will reduce the risk of deformation.
• High elasticity. Due to the high-temperature effect on the heat-resistant material, internal changes in the structural elements of the contacting surfaces occur in different directions. In order to smooth these processes, the heat-resistant adhesive must have sufficient elasticity.
• Resistant to temperature changes. This quality is especially valuable when the heating device is located outside.

• Moisture resistance. The presence of this quality is relevant in conditions of high humidity, for example, if the heating mechanism is located in a bath or sauna.
• Environmentally friendly. High temperatures have a detrimental effect on many of the constituents of the refractory material. In this case, the release of toxic, environmentally hazardous substances can occur.

When facing a stove or fireplace with tiles, all work is carried out in several stages:

• Preparatory. The surface is thoroughly cleaned from dirt, dust, paint, residues of building mixtures. Close up all holes, irregularities. Then moisten with copious amounts of water. The tile is also leveled to size, then moistened with water.
• Fastening tiles. If a dry mixture is used, then it is prepared in advance according to the instructions indicated on the package. However, it should be borne in mind that after about an hour the solution loses its viscosity and becomes unusable.
• Next, the adhesive is applied to the base. The layer thickness can be up to 10 mm. It all depends on the brand of glue used. Put a small amount so that the substance does not have time to solidify. Then they start laying the tiles in the direction from the bottom up.

Next, the adhesive is applied to the base. The layer thickness can be up to 10 mm. It all depends on the brand of glue used.Put a small amount so that the substance does not have time to solidify. Then they start laying the tiles in the direction from the bottom up.

The tiled surface is immediately leveled, and the remaining glue is quickly removed.

• Completion of work. After about four days after facing, grout is performed. The grout composition must also be heat resistant.

Safety regulations:

• The heat-resistant glue contains various synthetic chemical elements. So, when diluting a solution containing cement, alkali is formed. If it gets on the skin or mucous membranes, it can cause serious burn injuries.
• When using a dry mixture in the air, there is an increased content of dust particles, fibers, grains of chemicals. When interacting with such substances, you must follow the safety rules:

1. All work must be carried out in special rubber gloves. To protect the mucous membrane of the eyes, as well as the upper respiratory tract, a respirator and goggles are used.
2. If a hazardous substance gets on the surface of the skin or mucous membranes, they should be washed with copious amounts of water. If signs of deep damage appear, you should immediately seek help from qualified specialists.

The main components of any refractory glue are: sand, cement, fireclay fibers, minerals, additional synthetic components, for example, a plasticizer.

Heat-resistant glue is available in the following form:

• Powder to be diluted with water. It contains cement, plasticizer, heat-resistant artificial components. When preparing the solution, you must follow the instructions on the package.
• Ready-to-use emulsion. The solutions contain clay, quartz sand, artificial, mineral components. Such glue is consumed more economically, however, its cost is much higher.

It should be remembered that the powder composition must be diluted in the strictly required amount immediately before starting work. Ready-made emulsions are more convenient as they do not require preliminary preparation.

Among the most famous brands of adhesive, the most popular are:

• "Terracotta". Heat resistant adhesive is available in dry powder form. It contains kaolin dust, viscous heat-resistant chemical elements. The substance has high adhesive properties, plasticity, resistance to high temperatures. Withstands temperatures up to 400 degrees above zero.

• "Profix". The glue is available as a dry mix. The composition contains additives from the polymer. Possesses high plastic properties. In addition to its heat-resistant characteristics, refractory glue has the property of fast solidification, which significantly reduces the period of surface cladding. Withstands temperatures up to 700 degrees above zero.

• "Hercules". The universal heat-resistant adhesive can be used not only for tiling, but also for laying bricks. For a long time, it can withstand temperatures up to 750 degrees and up to 1200 degrees above zero for a short period of time.

The refractory glue mix can be made at home. This method is considered the most economical and does not pretend to have a high aesthetic result.

This will require dry cement, sand, salt. In a ratio of 1 to 3, cement powder is mixed with sand. Then add a glass of salt.

The clay is diluted with water. Stir until smooth. Next, add it to the dry mix.Stir the adhesive solution thoroughly until a uniform consistency is obtained.

The advantages of this composition are low cost, absence of toxic substances. However, when using a homemade solution, all proportions should be strictly observed. Such work requires certain knowledge and skills.

Selection tips:

• When choosing a heat-resistant adhesive composition, the location of the heating device, operating conditions, and load should be taken into account. With frequent temperature changes, the load on the tile will be greater than with constant temperature mode.
• It is necessary to take into account such features as the type of material from which the stove or fireplace is made, the shape, the presence of irregularities. So, for example, the adhesive properties of ordinary bricks are higher than those of natural stones.

• Veneering ceramics have different densities. When choosing a denser tile material, the glue must be selected with the highest adhesive properties.
• It is also important to take into account the presence of any additional influences on the heating element, for example, physical, the presence of vibrations, moisture.
• Before purchasing an adhesive, it is recommended to carefully study the instructions for use, purpose, characteristics of the composition, date of issue. In a sealed package, hot melt glue is stored for no more than a year.

Knowledge of the intricacies of the choice of material, first of all, is necessary for a specialist stove-maker. They will help a non-professional navigate the work performed and correctly assess the final result.

For an overview of glue for lining stoves and fireplaces, see the following video.