Composition of tile adhesive: GOST for tiles, shelf life, technical characteristics, what the moment consists of. Expiration date of tile adhesive, can I use expired tile adhesive? Expired

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Tile adhesive is the second most important material, the quality and properties of which determine the final result when tiling surfaces. The range of adhesive compositions offered by modern manufacturers is wide, so without knowing the specific characteristics of various types of adhesives and comparing them with GOST requirements, it is difficult to make a choice in favor of a specific material.

In order for the tile adhesive to reliably hold the cladding, it is important to maintain the technical characteristics of the mixture in accordance with GOST

To choose the right mixture, consider the following questions:

general requirements for adhesive mixtures;
groups of tile adhesives;
properties and areas of application.

General requirements for tile adhesive

All types of adhesive mixtures for laying tiles must have a certain set of necessary technical characteristics, which, depending on the type of adhesive, may differ in value. Let us list these properties.

Groups of tile adhesives

Based on the material of their components, all adhesive mixtures for ceramics are divided into 3 groups:

cement-based compositions;
water-dispersed solutions;
polyurethane adhesives;
adhesives based on epoxy reactive resins.

Let's look at these groups and their subgroups.

Cement-based compositions

Cement-based adhesives are a dry mixture of cement, sand and certain chemical components, the set of which may vary. The requirements for the technical characteristics of cement adhesive mixtures are set out in GOST 31357-2007 “Dry building mixtures with a cement binder. General technical conditions", GOST 31358-2007 "Dry construction floor mixtures with cement binder. Technical conditions" and GOST 4.233-86 "Building mortars. Nomenclature of indicators".

Tile cement adhesive is a dry mortar

Characteristics

These adhesives, depending on the variety, are intended for finishing external and internal surfaces with tiles made from natural and artificial materials. Standard packaging of the mixture is 25 kg bags.

The specific gravity of the dry material is on average 1.3 g/cm3, the density of the ready-to-use solution is 1.8 g/cm3.

The compressive strength of fully cured adhesive, according to GOST, must be more than 10 MPa for universal compositions and at least 15 MPa for materials marked “Elastic”, “With increased fixation” and “For floors”.

The composition of the tile adhesive is mixed with water according to the instructions clearly stated on the packaging and used in two ways - by applying it to ceramics and laying it on the surface of the base. The cement in the solution is used in gray or white (for glass tiles and smalt mosaics) colors.

Cement-based adhesive solutions retain water during the hardening process, allowing the joints to be grouted within 24 hours, while the adhesive gains full strength within up to 2-3 weeks.

Shelf life

When purchasing such mixtures, you should pay attention to the release date of the material, since after the expiration date, lumps form in the composition due to hygroscopicity. The shelf life of such mixtures in the manufacturer's packaging ranges from 6 to 9 months, so when purchasing, you must take into account that this period must expire before the repair is completed - each overdue month deprives the cement of 5% of its activity, and the polymer components may generally lose their properties.

Cement adhesive mixtures, in turn, are divided into 2 subgroups:

thick-layer (leveling);
thin-layer.

Thick-layer cement adhesive mixtures

These mixtures are used to level the base under the tiles if the differences in surface levels are 1-3 cm. The use of such compositions allows you to avoid plastering the base and reduce repair time.

To ensure a long service life, it is important to choose the right adhesive composition

The composition of the leveling adhesive, which includes cement, sand of various fractions and a set of polymers, ensures the strength of laying tiles made of any material. Material of the “reinforced” brand is even used for the installation of cladding made of natural stone and porcelain stoneware, the specific gravity of which, due to their high density, is one and a half to two times the weight of conventional ceramics. Varieties of thick-layer adhesives are also produced for external and internal work, for rooms with high humidity and high air temperatures.

The compressive strength of thick-layer adhesives after complete drying must be at least 10 MPa.

The disadvantage of leveling mixtures is their strong shrinkage, which makes it difficult to calculate the need for material and does not make this method of leveling surfaces economical.

Thin-layer cement-based adhesives

Thin-layer cement-based adhesives are used for laying tiles on surfaces whose level differences do not exceed 1 cm.

The layer of glue applied to the back side of the ceramic must be at least 5 mm. As in leveling mixtures, special additives are used in thin-layer compositions to increase the individual characteristics of the material necessary for its use in specific conditions, but the specific gravity of the adhesive changes slightly. Varieties of such adhesives with enhanced adhesion and strength for laying heavy tiles also exist.

The compressive strength of thin-layer compositions after drying should not be lower than 10 MPa.

The advantages of thin-layer mixtures are low consumption (1-1.5 kg per 1 square meter) and shorter drying times than thick-layer mixtures.

The disadvantage is low moisture resistance and there is no “moisture resistant” marking, which forces the use of only moisture-resistant mixtures.

Water-dispersion (polymer) adhesives are one-component aqueous solutions of polymer particles based on acrylic, latex or polyvinyl acetate (PVA). They are used for covering leveled concrete, plastered and plasterboard bases with ceramic tiles, forming a waterproof shell. Sold in sealed plastic containers of various sizes. The specific gravity of the ready-to-use solution is approximately equal to the weight of the cement-based adhesive and is 1.3 g/cm3; the same value is taken as the density.

The technical characteristics of such adhesive compositions are regulated by the requirements of GOST 28780-2004 “Polymer adhesives. Technical conditions" and GOST 12172-74 "Phenol-polyvinyl acetal adhesives. Technical conditions".

Dispersion adhesive is a water-based tile adhesive composition that includes acrylic or cellulose-glycolic acid and special additives - chalk, latex

These materials are produced in the form of thick white, colored solutions and pastes. Glue particles suspended in water when the water evaporates or goes into the base are connected to each other and form an adhesive film.

Instructions for use are usually presented on the container in an accessible form.

Advantages:

ease of preparation for use;
ease of application;
connection strength;
high moisture resistance;
heat resistance;
low consumption;
absence of flammable components in the material;
long shelf life when stored in airtight containers;
environmental friendliness.

Flaws:

impossibility of use for leveling surfaces;
high price compared to cement adhesives.

Water-based adhesive is the most common on the market

Polyurethane adhesives

Polyurethane-based adhesives are one- or two-component compositions. The technical characteristics of these adhesives must meet the requirements of GOST 30535-97 “Polymer adhesives. Nomenclature of indicators".

Curing of one-component compositions occurs due to environmental moisture reacting with the components of the solution. Two-component substances harden when the components are mixed in a certain ratio.

It must be taken into account that some types of polyurethane adhesive expand during curing and are therefore unsuitable for laying tiles.

The material has high strength, sufficient elasticity and resistance to chemicals. Effectively bonds surfaces of even dissimilar materials (metal - glass, stone - wood), has almost zero moisture absorption, and is insensitive to large changes in temperature (from -50 to +120 degrees Celsius) and pressure. The composition, in addition to a strong connection of materials in a short time, provides waterproofing of the base.

Industrially produced one-component and two-component polyurethane adhesive

The adhesive solution is applied with a brush or roller not to the tile, but to the base. A necessary condition for the polymer adhesive to gain strength when used is thorough mixing of the solution and precise adherence to the proportions of the components in a two-component design.

Advantages of the material:

strength and durability of the connection;
high adhesion to any surfaces;
moisture and heat resistance (suitable for underfloor heating);
resistance to chemicals;
rapid strength gain (possibility of repairs in a short time);
the ability to choose a variety of glue for specific conditions without overpaying for versatility;
low consumption and no shrinkage;
environmental friendliness after hardening.

Flaws:

The need to have skills in using this glue;
The presence of a pungent odor in some varieties;
Relatively high price.

When working with polyurethane glue, you should wear protective gloves, and if the solution gets on your skin, wash it off immediately with warm water and soap.

Epoxy adhesives are divided into two- and multi-component. Solvent-free epoxy adhesive consists of a resin (the main binder) and a hardener (a liquid or powder activator). The binder is mixed in a certain proportion with the hardener, after which the mixture is applied to the grease-free surfaces of the tile or base, and the product is glued in place.

A mixture of synthetic resin, mineral fillers and organic additives, hardening due to a chemical reaction

The setting time of the adhesive is approximately 20 minutes, and complete curing occurs after a few hours. The surfaces to be bonded must not be porous. In difficult cases, to increase strength, epoxy adhesive is reinforced with dry powdered fiberglass.

These adhesives have high technical characteristics, and therefore are used in critical places and in industries with aggressive finishing operating conditions.

The compressive strength of compositions based on reactive resins must be at least 15 MPa.

Advantages:

high strength with low demands on the thickness of the adhesive layer;
elasticity and high adhesion;
waterproof;
frost resistance;
long shelf life;
low specific gravity (1300-1500 kg/m3);
no shrinkage.

Flaws:

flammability;
high price.

Correct grouting of tile joints

When the main work on laying the tiles is completed, you can take the work to its logical conclusion - grout the joints.

Important: you cannot start this stage of work until the glue has completely dried. The instructions for tile adhesive always indicate the time for complete drying. Be sure to review this information. As a rule, you should wait at least a day.

After 24 hours it is usually possible to carry out grouting work.

Important: first you must thoroughly clean all seams from any remaining tile adhesive.

After the glue has completely dried, it will be difficult to do this, so it is advisable to carry out this type of work in advance. This is usually done 6 - 8 hours after gluing the tiles. During this time, the material has already managed to gain a foothold, but the glue can be easily removed.

This stage of work should not be neglected, since glue residues can interfere with high-quality grouting in the future. This will lead to poor sealing of the seams, penetration of water and air, and subsequently fungi and mold will begin to develop.

Tile adhesive (release date).

Although, it would seem, what could spoil so quickly in a powder mixture?

Sand does not lose its properties over time, nor do polymer additives. Cement is susceptible to moisture and over time, absorbing it even from the air, forms lumps in the mixture, and then a dense monolithic piece, which is absolutely unsuitable for use.

The shelf life of the prepared cement-sand mortar does not exceed 4 hours, after which it sets and hardens.

Tile adhesive sold ready-made can be used for finishing work within two months from the moment the can is opened. After which it hardens greatly and becomes unsuitable for laying cladding.

The shelf life of glue for each type is set separately by the manufacturer and you need to carefully follow the instructions on the packaging. When carrying out repair work, it is better not to purchase such perishable building material for future use, but to purchase it as needed. After all, it’s no secret that repairs are a rather lengthy and troublesome process. If you choose the right glue, the tiles will be in loft style

will last a long time on your floor.

You can take a closer look at the second Monopole Decape collection mentioned in the article on the series page.

Optimal composition of tile adhesive (video)

Regardless of the difficulties that may accompany your renovation process, you need to choose the best adhesive for ceramic tiles. After all, this will determine how well the material will be glued, as well as how durable your finish will be. Do not rush to rush to extremes and purchase a universal type of glue, because it also has its limits; no one can guarantee ideal quality. Think through everything down to the smallest detail, because the final result depends on everything, even on the room in which the work will be carried out.

Topic: Tile adhesive has expired

There have been five bags of tile adhesive lying around for about a year; we already bought them for repairs, but the repairs took too long and we can’t get to the tiles. It says on the bag that the expiration date is six months from the date of manufacture. If you still use this “expired” bathroom adhesive, what do you think? Well what can we say? It's expired!!! Although I did such experiments at home with Unis, the tiles have not yet fallen off. But I still won’t advise anything, you know, anything can happen.