These are precisely defined in European standard EN 12004 (or ISO 13 007 Part 1), which specifies the criteria for the C1 and C2 ratings (for cementitious adhesives), D1 and D2 ratings (for dispersion adhesives) and R1 and R2 (for reaction resin adhesives) along with extra optional parameters. Standard EN 12004 sets out the background to the S1 and S2 ratings for cementitious adhesives. It is important to be aware of performance criteria of adhesives and how they relate to your choice of product.
CEMENTITIOUS ADHESIVES
Tensile adhesion strength – The C1 and C2 ratings (specified in EN 12004) relate to tensile adhesion performance. The Class C1 criteria represent the minimum requirements (min. 0.5 N/mm2) for all cementitious tile adhesives. The performance standards specified for Class C2 are appreciably higher, with a minimum tensile adhesion strength of 1 N/mm2 required of thin-bed adhesives. Tensile adhesion tests for the C1 and C2 ratings are performed for four different storage conditions. For rapid setting tile adhesives, an early tensile adhesion strength of 0.5N/mm2 is requested after 6 hours. Deformability – The deformability of hardened, cementitious thin-bed adhesives is tested using a predefined specimen (strip of material) and rated as S1 or S2 (to EN 12004). While the S1 rating requires a deformability between a minimum of 2.5mm and 5mm, Class S2 is reserved for highly deformable products achieving a minimum value of 5mm – a requirement twice that specified by the German Flexmortar guidelines.
DISPERSION ADHESIVES
The D1 and D2 ratings (specified in EN 12004) relate to shear strength. All dispersion adhesives are required to meet at least Class D1 requirements, i.e. by exhibiting min. 1 N/mm2 shear strength after dry and heat storage. The D2 rating additionally requires a minimum shear bringing european innovation strength of 0.5 N/mm2 after water storage together with a shear strength – 1 N/mm2 at elevated temperatures.
REACTION RESIN ADHESIVES
Like the D1 and D2 ratings for dispersion adhesives, Classes R1 and R2 for reaction resin adhesives (specified in EN 12004) relate to shear strength. All reaction resin adhesives are required to meet at least Class R1 requirements, i.e. by exhibiting min. 2 N/mm2 shear strength after dry and water storage. The R2 rating additionally requires a minimum shear strength of 2 N/mm2 after temperature cycles.
SMET GUIDELINES
With all this in mind, SMET has issued guidelines for tiling onto calcium sulphate screed. It is imperative the correct tile adhesive is used when installing large format floor tiles. The type and size of the tile or stone used determines the type of adhesive required. Floor Screeds in bathrooms and wetrooms must always be tanked, without exception, prior to installing tiles. SMET recommends the following high crystalline water binding adhesives in combination with an acrylic primer for a successful and trouble-free installation of large format (>0.2m2) tiles. For natural stone, terracotta, glass, resin- and cement-bonded tiles, always consult the SMET Technical team.
FLOOR TILING TO BS 5385-3 CERAMIC TILES
When the floor screed is dry (and moisture content is confirmed by conducting a moisture test), ensure the floor screed is clean, laitance free, free of dust, grease, paint, or any other impurities that may prevent adhesion.
- Prime the floor screed using Sopro GD 749 acrylic primer as directed, ensuring screed is fully sealed by proper lm formation.
- Use Sopro VarioFlex® HF 420 or Sopro Vario ex® Silver 419 tile adhesive. Always use the butter and oat method. This ensures 100% adhesive coverage of the large format tile by applying a contact layer of adhesive on the back of the tile – followed by placement of the tile into a prepared combed adhesive bed using a 10mm serrated trowel. Note – movement joints in the screed should always be followed through with a movement joint in the tiles. A proprietary movement joint or soft (silicone) joint should be used.
- Use Sopro DF 10 Designer Grout for tile 1-10mm joints, ensuring brilliantly coloured joints with a lasting appeal.
Smet Building Products Ltd is the agent for German-made, superior quality Sopro Professional Tiling and Tanking Systems which all meet the EU standards requirements without exception. If you would like to avoid mistakes – discuss your tanking, shower room/wet room, swimming pool or tiling project with the experts at SMET.
Smet Building Products Ltd | 93A Belfast Road | Newry | BT34 1QH | Northern Ireland
T: +44 (0) 28 3026 6833 | F: +44 (0) 28 3026 7619 | E: info@smetbuildingproducts.com
www.smetbuildingproducts.com or www.smet.ie
