thin set mortar or ready to use glue
#1
09-10-02, 12:58 PM
thin set mortar or ready to use glue
I have all the floor prep work done and would like to know if I should be using thin set mortar, the dry mix with water kind, or the already prepared floor glue(for ceramic) that can be purchased by the bucket. Is either one OK? The tiles are 12 x 12 porcelan and I'll be putting them on cement board.
#3
09-11-02, 07:10 PM
I'd like to add my two-cents here as a fairly accomplished do-it-yourselfer. I am not a tile mechanic, but I have tiled about 8 - 10 bathrooms. I hate thin-set (especially for wall-tile). It's either too wet and the tiles slide around or it's too dry and the tiles fall off the wall. In my experience, when using the mastic on the floor, just make sure the mastic is spread evenly. A lot of times as you spread the mastic, it doesn't adhere to the concrete and will leave a dry spot. That's what causes the tile to crack. I'd like to here what other folks think about the mastic vs. thinset debate.
#4
09-11-02, 08:45 PM
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thin set mortar or ready to use glue
fin man,
I guess I'll give my quarters worth just to make things interesting. fmv0 make a good point as well as RichD.
First and foremost, the substrate must be sound and solid. Bonding agents should be used in certain applications i.e. concrete floor overlay. Any movement can cause problems and most tiling projects fail after a time when the prep work was not up to standards. Sometimes grout popping out is evidence of some substrate movement or poor mixing of the grout material. Bear in mind there are additives for the grout as well that also enhance performance.
Second, the ability to use the tools properly effects the final outcome. Notched trowels that are too big/too small and not holding the trowel properly all effect the process. The one item that get's overlooked is trying to use less adhesive material than required just because you don't want to go back to the store!
Thinset mortar is always used on floors due to its ability to withstand foot traffic, prevents lateral movement and potential fractures that may appear on tiled floors. It can also be used on walls as long as you don't let the product dry out. Usually, a helper will eliminate this problem so you can install tile as soon as a batch is mixd up. Ready-mix thinset is also a good product and creates less problems for most DIY's. Grout is not the method which holds the tiles in place but rather the enhancement of the appearance when finished.
Mastic should only be used on walls and ceilings, as it's ability to "keep tiles in place" is excellent. Using this on floors can be a real problem in high traffic areas but also in bathrooms. It is like an adhesive caulk - it is pliable, not much but it does flex and heavy weight will effect it. It doesn't have the solid structure as thinset when cured and thus if it is used on floors where we use a solid material, problems will be evident. Mastics for vinyl sheet goods is OK because the product for which it is adhering is also flexible. This is especially true if there is any movement near the tub or toilet locations. Again the substrate is also a major contributing factor, regardless of the floor or walls.
That's it for me, who else can comment?
I guess I'll give my quarters worth just to make things interesting. fmv0 make a good point as well as RichD.
First and foremost, the substrate must be sound and solid. Bonding agents should be used in certain applications i.e. concrete floor overlay. Any movement can cause problems and most tiling projects fail after a time when the prep work was not up to standards. Sometimes grout popping out is evidence of some substrate movement or poor mixing of the grout material. Bear in mind there are additives for the grout as well that also enhance performance.
Second, the ability to use the tools properly effects the final outcome. Notched trowels that are too big/too small and not holding the trowel properly all effect the process. The one item that get's overlooked is trying to use less adhesive material than required just because you don't want to go back to the store!
Thinset mortar is always used on floors due to its ability to withstand foot traffic, prevents lateral movement and potential fractures that may appear on tiled floors. It can also be used on walls as long as you don't let the product dry out. Usually, a helper will eliminate this problem so you can install tile as soon as a batch is mixd up. Ready-mix thinset is also a good product and creates less problems for most DIY's. Grout is not the method which holds the tiles in place but rather the enhancement of the appearance when finished.
Mastic should only be used on walls and ceilings, as it's ability to "keep tiles in place" is excellent. Using this on floors can be a real problem in high traffic areas but also in bathrooms. It is like an adhesive caulk - it is pliable, not much but it does flex and heavy weight will effect it. It doesn't have the solid structure as thinset when cured and thus if it is used on floors where we use a solid material, problems will be evident. Mastics for vinyl sheet goods is OK because the product for which it is adhering is also flexible. This is especially true if there is any movement near the tub or toilet locations. Again the substrate is also a major contributing factor, regardless of the floor or walls.
That's it for me, who else can comment?
#5
09-11-02, 08:53 PM
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Tile Installation Notice
fin man,
Just a quick note, review this link regarding your tile installation project - good technical bulletin;
http://www.c-cure.com/servref/techsupp/f301.htm
Good Luck!
Just a quick note, review this link regarding your tile installation project - good technical bulletin;
http://www.c-cure.com/servref/techsupp/f301.htm
Good Luck!
#6
09-26-02, 01:02 PM
Re: thin set mortar or ready to use glue
Originally posted by fin man
I have all the floor prep work done and would like to know if I should be using thin set mortar, the dry mix with water kind, or the already prepared floor glue(for ceramic) that can be purchased by the bucket. Is either one OK? The tiles are 12 x 12 porcelan and I'll be putting them on cement board.
I have all the floor prep work done and would like to know if I should be using thin set mortar, the dry mix with water kind, or the already prepared floor glue(for ceramic) that can be purchased by the bucket. Is either one OK? The tiles are 12 x 12 porcelan and I'll be putting them on cement board.
#7
09-26-02, 01:06 PM
Re: thin set mortar or ready to use glue
The this set motar is what you want to use. Ensure though, that you follow the directions for the right mixure. The best way to achieve this is to add a littel water at a time until you have the right firmness. It should be like peanut butter feel and look.
Also the make sure you use a sanded grout for extra strength
Also the make sure you use a sanded grout for extra strength
