Ceramic tiles are able to be installed on all substrates that are typically utilized in the construction industry. Verifying some of these substrates include concrete, cementitious and anhydrite screeds, screeds made from special binders such as TOPCEM PRONTO or MAPECEM PRONTO, heated screeds, old ceramic and stone floors, metal, cement-based and gypsum-based render, expanded cement blocks, aerated concrete blocks, plasterboard, and internal substrates waterproofed Before beginning the installation process, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the substrate's constituent parts. Before beginning this kind of installation, it is necessary to determine whether or not the substrate is suitable for it. (dry; clean and free of loose parts (dust, grease, oil, wax, paint, form-release compound, and any other material which could affect adhesion); perfectly flat. According to the current standards, substrates must always be sound and free of cracks; cured and dimensionally stable; strong (strong and resistant enough for the loads expected and the area of use); strong (strong and resistant enough for the loads expected and the area of use); strong (strong and resistant enough for the loads expected and the area of use Because the tiles that will be put are so long and narrow, ensuring that the substrate is flat is a very crucial component of the preparation process. In point of fact, if the tiles are subjected to intense loads, the presence of voids or gaps in the installation bed could result in the tiles breaking apart. 
The flatness of the substrate can be evaluated using the method described in ISO 7976-1:1989 by placing a straight-edge that is at least 2 meters long on the substrate and seeing how it deviates from the ideal tolerance of 3 millimeters in all directions. In the event that the flatness of the substrate does not fall within this tolerance range, the substrate will need to be leveled off using a leveling agent prior to the installation of tiles. The following is a list of some of the most often seen substrates: CONCRETE: the concrete needs to have properly cured before it can be used (at least three months curing time). It is required that the bend in floor slabs be no greater than 0.3160 of the entire gap. Concrete substrates must be devoid of any loose parts and surface treatments that have the ability to interfere with adhesion (such as an anti-vapour coat, old adhesive, resin, form-release compound, etc.). In order to ensure that the tiling will last for an extended period of time, it is vital to ensure that the floor slabs that will be set on the ground are adequately isolated to prevent issues that may be brought on by rising moisture. TRADITIONAL CEMENTITIOUS SCREEDS: the thickness of the screed needs to be sufficient for the given stratigraphic pattern; at least 4 centimeters in the case of isolated screeds, which need to be evaluated according to the design pressures acting on them. In order to achieve the desired level of mechanical performance, the mix's composition needs to be carefully planned. It is necessary to confirm that the surface in question is as flat as was stated in the preceding paragraph. Any cracks in the screed must be monolithically filled with resins such as EPORIP, EPOJET, or EPORIP TURBO. The screed must be compact and uniform throughout its full thickness. 
Screeds need to be allowed adequate time to cure before tiling can be installed; typically, this takes between seven and ten days for each centimeter of thickness. It is also possible that the curing time required when putting tiles on standard screeds will be particularly lengthy (in certain cases more than one month). SCREEDS MADE FROM SPECIAL BINDERS OR READY-MIXED MORTAR: The amount of time needed to wait before installing tiles can be cut down significantly by utilizing special binders or ready-mixed, normal-setting, quick-drying mortar, such as TOPCEM or TOPCEM PRONTO, or rapid-setting and drying mortar, such as MAPECEM or MAPECEM PRONTO. These types of mortar can be found at most home improvement stores. Without the addition of any other components, any of these goods may also be utilized in the installation of heated screeds. The use of ready-mixed mortars in particular is recommended because it provides a greater assurance on the quality of inert materials, lowers the danger of dosage errors, and is a good option in situations in which the purchase and storage of raw materials is particularly challenging. CE marking is also included on ready-mixed screed mortars, as required by the regulations established by EN 13813. Screeds that are fabricated from MAPECEM or MAPECEM PRONTO are distinguished by the rapid setting and drying capabilities that they possess as well as the regulated shrinkage that they exhibit. 
After installing the substrate, tiles can be glued using this method within three hours after it has been applied. Screeds that are fabricated using TOPCEM or TOPCEM PRONTO are distinguished by their normally occurring setup times, workability qualities that are comparable to those of traditional screeds, rapid drying periods, and controlled shrinkage. After just one day, these different types of substrate are ready to have tiles placed on them. HEATED SCREEDS: in the case of traditional and compact heated screeds, be sure to follow the guidelines that are generally used when installing screeds and make sure to follow the indications supplied by the manufacturer of the heating system. Conventional heated screeds can be fabricated from TOPCEM, TOPCEM PRONTO, MAPECEM, or MAPECEM PRONTO. Other possible materials include MAPECEM. In particular, TOPCEM PRONTO is distinguished by its high thermal conductivity (according to EN 12664, it is specified as having a value of = 2 W/mK). Compact heating systems that are made from pre-formed, self-adhesive plastic, gypsum-fibre or cement-fibre panels that are bonded to the floor or an existing screed have the ability to be embedded and levelled off with NOVOPLAN MAXI mortar when using high conductivity heating systems that meet EN 12664 requirements for a value of = 1.7 W/mK. 
Depending on the nature of the application, NOVOPLAN MAXI can be utilized to create layers with a thickness ranging from 3 to 40 millimeters. Before embedding the panels with NOVOPLAN MAXI and leveling them off, make sure that all traces of dust have been removed from the panels and that you have primed them with ECO PRIM T. It is essential to turn on and run the heating system in accordance with the requirements outlined in the EN 1264-4 standards before laying tiles. The type of material that was used to construct the screed determines the amount of waiting time that occurs throughout the heating cycle. According to the European standard EN 12004, the adhesive that is used on heated screeds needs to have increased performance (C2) and a high degree of deformability (S2). ANHYDRITE SCREEDS: Anhydrite screeds need to be primed, sanded, and de-dusted before tiles can be installed on them (with PRIMER G or ECO PRIM T, for example). In addition to this, they have to be completely devoid of any moisture; the most that can be present is 0.5% for heated screeds and 0.3% for unheated screeds. Always ensure that you are following the guidelines that have been provided by the manufacturer of the anhydrite screed. EXISTING FLOORS: In order to install tiles over older ceramic, terrazzo, or natural stone flooring, you must first ensure that the existing flooring is in good condition, that it is well bonded to the substrate, that it does not have any cracks, and that all traces of oil, wax, and greasy substances have been completely removed using water and caustic soda or a specialized de-waxing product. 
Only then can you install the tiles. On marble, it is necessary to remove any traces of previous paint and leads. If some of the tiles are cracked or are not well bonded to the substrate, then those tiles need to be removed, and the gaps in the surface need to be fixed with a levelling product that is appropriate for the situation. WALLS MADE OF CONCRETE require that the concrete be fully cured (at least three months at normal temperatures). In order to ensure proper adhesion, concrete substrates must be completely free of any signs of laitance or surface treatments (form-release compound, anti-vapour treatment, old paint, etc.). CEMENT-BASED RENDER: the render needs to be cured to the appropriate degree. If a ready-mixed product is used, make sure you follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. When putting tiles on outdoor surfaces, the tearing strength of cement-based render must always be at least 1 N/mm2 in all circumstances. GYPSUM RENDER: Gypsum substrates need to be completely dry (with a maximum residual moisture content of 0.5%), adequately sound, and completely free of any traces of dust before they can be rendered. It is of the utmost significance that this kind of substrate be treated with PRIMER G or ECO PRIM T, and that tile installation wait until the primer has completely dried before proceeding. This particular application is best suited for use within the building's interior. 
WALLS MADE OF AERATED CEMENT BLOCKS: Because there is such a wide selection of products currently available for purchase, the manufacturer needs to be contacted in order to obtain information regarding the product's qualities and whether or not it is appropriate. Tiles can only be laid on this kind of substrate inside of buildings, and only after the surface has been prepared by applying a coat of PRIMER G that has been diluted with water at a ratio of 1:2. Before installing tiles in places that are exposed to the elements, a layer of render that is either composed of NIVOPLAN + PLANICRETE or PLANITOP FAST 330 and is reinforced with galvanized mesh must first be applied. In the event that tiles are to be fitted on extremely malleable substrates, such as metal or wood, MAPEI Technical Services is obligated to examine each and every individual instance in great detail. Our professional exporting team would be glad to cooperate with all traders and importers from anywhere on earth.
💰 Tenfold your income 💎