The desire for larger, heavier tiles, along with increased use of tiles in wet areas, and a growing emphasis on long-lasting installations has necessitated a more robust and versatile solution for adhering tiles to surfaces. Traditionally, cement has been the go-to solution for adhering tiles to surfaces. While it serves its purpose, the limitations of tile cement are manifold. Not only does it require more time and effort for preparation, but handling it can also lead to a lot of mess. This is where tile adhesives emerge as the ideal solution to creating beautiful and long-lasting tiled surfaces in your home.
What is Tile Adhesive?
Tile adhesive is a specially formulated bonding agent used to securely fix tiles to various surfaces like walls, floors, and countertops. Unlike traditional mortar or cement, tile adhesive is stronger, more flexible, and offers superior water resistance. High-quality tile adhesives such as the ones by Hindware, ensure that your tiles stay firmly in place for years to come, even in high-traffic areas or wet environments like bathrooms and kitchens.
How is Tile Adhesive Different from Cement?
Bonding Strength
Although the cement used for tile adhering offers a good bond, it can weaken over time due to shrinkage and limited flexibility. On the other hand, tile adhesives are formulated with high-performing polymers that allow them to withstand heavy foot traffic without compromising the bond with the tiles.
Ease of Use
Working with cement involves mixing dry ingredients with water, which can be messy and time-consuming. Tile adhesives have a pre-mix that needs to be mixed with water in a specified ratio before the application process. These have a smoother consistency for effortless spreading and optimal tile coverage.
Clean Up
Since cement requires mixing of dry and wet ingredients, cleaning up after using cement can be a dusty and laborious task. Tile adhesives are easier to clean due to their smoother consistency and less dust generation as it is premixed.
Setting Time
Cement has a slower setting time, requiring longer drying periods before grouting can begin. Tile adhesives set faster than cement, allowing you to grout sooner and complete your project more efficiently.
Flexibility
As compared to tile adhesives, which possess a degree of flexibility, allowing them to accommodate heavy foot traffic, cement is rigid and inflexible, making it susceptible to cracking in areas prone to heavy movement or vibration.
Resistance to Moisture
Cement is naturally porous thus, susceptible to water damage, making it less suitable for wet environments. Tile adhesives are specifically formulated to be water-resistant, ideal for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and even outdoor areas exposed to moisture.
Where is Tile Adhesive Used?
From adhesive for floor tiles to ceramic tile adhesive, there are many places where tile adhesives can be used. Here are some of the common uses:
Bathrooms
The moisture-resistant properties of tile adhesives make them ideal for bathroom floors and walls. Whether one wants to install mosaic tiles to ceramic ones, adhesive ensures that they stay securely bonded, preventing water from seeping behind the tiles and causing damage. Wall tile adhesive creates a strong foundation for ceramic tiles in showers, vanities, and backsplashes.
Kitchens
Kitchens are another prime location for tile adhesives. From durable adhesive for floor tiles for high-traffic areas to ceramic backsplashes, tile adhesives provide a strong and water-resistant bond that withstands spills, splashes, and frequent cleaning.
Outdoor Areas
For patios, balconies, or pool decks, tile adhesives are the preferred choice. They offer superior bonding strength and weather resistance, ensuring your outdoor tiles remain firmly in place despite exposure to sunlight, rain, and freezing temperatures.
Advantages of Tile Adhesives
Choosing the right tile adhesive is crucial for a successful and long-lasting tile installation. Here's why:
Strength and Durability
Tile adhesives are formulated with high-strength polymers and other additives that create a much stronger bond than traditional mortar. This prevents tiles from loosening, cracking, or falling off over time.
Flexibility
As opposed to rigid cement, tile adhesive offers a degree of flexibility. This is particularly important for areas prone to movement or vibration, as it helps prevent cracks from forming in the tiles or grout.
Water Resistance
Tile adhesives are formulated to be water-resistant, making them ideal for use in wet environments like bathrooms and kitchens. This prevents moisture from seeping behind the tiles and causing damage underneath or promoting mould growth.
Reduced Installation Time
Tile adhesives typically set faster than traditional cement or mortar, allowing you to grout your tiles in significantly less time and complete your project faster.
Easier Clean Up
Tile adhesives are generally easier to clean up than traditional mortar, saving you time and effort during the installation process.
Affordable
Even though it may come at a higher price initially, tile adhesive proves to be more economical in the long run. In addition to eliminating the extra costs of labour and materials such as cement, it is made from highly durable materials which result in lower maintenance, thus translating into long-term savings.
Hindware: Your Trusted Partner for Quality Tile Adhesives
Hindware’s tile adhesives are manufactured using the latest technology and the highest-quality raw materials, ensuring superior performance and long-lasting results. We offer a variety of tile adhesive options at competitive tile adhesive prices to suit your budget and project needs.
Don't settle for anything less than the best! Browse Hindware's extensive selection of high-quality tile adhesives today. Find the perfect adhesive for your project and experience the difference that superior quality and expert craftsmanship can make.