"Kreps": reinforced tile adhesive

When facing and operating the coating in extreme conditions, special compounds must be used to fix the tiles to the surface. One of such compositions is the reinforced tile adhesive "Kreps", which has improved characteristics and is able to withstand additional loads.

Reinforced adhesive composition "Kreps" is a dry mixture consisting of particles with a size of 0.63 mm, which includes:

• sand;
• plasticizing additives;
• cement;
• modifying substances.

Before use, the composition is diluted with water, as a result of which a dense elastic mass with the following technical characteristics:

• adhesive strength –1 MPa;
• brand strength - M 75;
• frost resistance - F 35.

All these parameters are an order of magnitude higher than those of compositions labeled "Standard", which can only be used for gluing ordinary ceramic tiles. When using reinforced compounds, the duration of the open work time increases to 20 minutes, during which the masonry can be corrected. At the same time, the compositions have a high resistance to slipping - no more than 5 mm.

In addition, they are able to withstand temperatures in a wider range, which allows the use of reinforced compounds for laying tiles on a heated floor. Kreps mixes are sold in packages of 5 and 25 kg and meet certain technical conditions.

In addition to the improved characteristics, the advantages of the Kreps cladding mixtures include:

• Good frost resistance (up to 35 cycles), which allows them to be used for laying tiles on building facades.
• High moisture resistance, which makes it possible to use them in rooms with high humidity.
• Relatively low material consumption (2-3 kg / m3).
• Fast setting.
• Possibility to use at temperatures from + 5 ° С.

In addition, some formulations additionally include refractory additives and antifreeze, further improving their qualities, increasing strength and wear resistance.

The increased technical characteristics significantly expand the scope of the adhesive composition: from the installation of simple ceramics to the laying of porcelain stoneware and slabs of artificial and natural stone.

Such glue reliably adheres the board material to surfaces made of:

• cement, cement-lime plaster;
• concrete and reinforced concrete;
• drywall;
• tongue-and-groove and gypsum slabs.

It also holds tiles securely on the floor, exterior and interior walls of buildings, fireplaces and stoves, which allows it to be used:

• in corridors and office premises;
• in pools, saunas and bathrooms;
• on open terraces and verandas.

In addition, it is often used for cladding parapets, stairs, plinths.

The improved Kreps glue is produced in several modifications:

• Reinforced. Due to its good ability to bond the surfaces of tiles and substrates, it is used for laying heavy types of cladding.
• Reinforced white. It has the same qualities as the previous modification, but additional dyes are included in its composition, giving the composition a white color. Used for fixing glass tiles and mosaics to floors and walls.

• Express. It hardens faster than other compounds, since special substances are added to it, which accelerate the drying process.You can walk on the tiles glued with such a solution after 4-5 hours.
• Super. Perfectly bonds the facing material to metal, mineral, wood, glass and polymer substrates.

This choice of formulations allows you to choose the most optimal option for each specific case.

In order to prepare a reinforced cool composition, the "Kreps" dry mixture is dissolved in water. This must be done clearly in accordance with the instructions: 1 bag of dry matter will need 6 liters of water.

The cooking process begins with preparing the container and filling it with water. Then the adhesive composition is poured there and thoroughly mixed until all lumps disappear. Mixing can be done manually or using a perforator with a special attachment.

After stirring the composition, it is left to stand for 10-15 minutes and mixed again. The ready-made adhesive mixture must be used within 4 hours. After that, it loses its properties.

Before applying the adhesive, the base on which the tiles will be laid must be prepared for tiling. For this, the surface is pre-leveled and cleaned. At the same time, it is important to minimize the risk of possible shrinkage and deformation of the base.

When all preparations are complete, the Kreps reinforced glue is applied to the work surface using a notched trowel. The area of ​​application must be calculated in such a way as to completely lay the tiles on it in 20 minutes and have time to correct inaccuracies.

When decorating the flooring with massive slab material, the adhesive should be applied not only to the base, but also to the tile itself.

After installing the floor covering (until the adhesive is completely dry), it is not recommended to subject it to mechanical stress. For the same period, it is worth protecting the coating from water penetration.

High-quality tiling of the floor and walls with tiles using reinforced glue "Kreps" will help recommendations of professional craftsmen:

• The grouting of the joints on the walls is carried out no earlier than 48 hours after laying the tiles. For the floor, the waiting time should be at least 72 hours.
• The choice of trowel should depend on the size of the tile. So, with a facing material size of 15x15 cm, a tool with 6 mm teeth is required. If the tile is larger, then the spatula must be taken with teeth of 8 mm.

• When applying glue, it is necessary to monitor the thickness of the layer. The optimal layer is considered to be no more than 4 mm. However, in the case when the size of the facing tile exceeds 30x30 cm, the adhesive layer can increase up to 7 mm. On an insufficiently even subfloor, glue can be applied in layers up to 9 mm, but it is necessary to carefully monitor the evenness of the surface using a level.

In addition, when working with the adhesive, it is necessary to observe safety precautions, use personal protective equipment.

Reinforced glue for tiles "Kreps" has been popular for a long time both among professional builders and those who make repairs on their own. Numerous reviews of Kreps dry mixes can serve as evidence of this.

In their reviews, users note the ease of use of the mixtures, as well as the convenience of their use: when applied to the wall, the glue does not crumble, does not creep and does not allow even heavy tiles to slide down.

The process of operation of the coating laid with the help of this adhesive composition deserves no less positive feedback. Even in conditions of high humidity and strong temperature changes, the tiles do not lag behind the surface even after a long time.

And one more important point that attracts buyers is the optimal combination of price and quality of reinforced Kreps glue.And also its varied assortment, allowing you to choose the composition best suited for each individual case.

See the following video for the process of laying tiles using Kreps glue.