We care about making tile installation quick, easy and hassle free
Ezee Tile has put together a collection of some of the most frequently asked questions about tiling and grouting, including choosing the right product for your needs and installation basics to help make your tiling project go that much smoother.
How does the application area affect the choice of Ezee Tile products required for my tiling installation?
There are 7 critical questions to consider before choosing your adhesive system for your tiling application. They are as follows:
-
- What tiles are selected for the installation?
- What is the existing surface to be tiled?
- Is the tiling installation on walls or floors?
- Is the tiling installation interior or exterior?
- Is the tiling installation often exposed to water?
- Is the tiling installation above ground floor level?
- Is the installation exposed to temperature changes?
What Ezee Tile product do I require for a tiling installation?
There are many key factors in selecting the correct Ezee Tile product for your project. Please feel free to call us on 011 872 0627 for our advice. For a quick reference, refer to the Ezee Tile.
How does cement work in a tile adhesive?
When water and cement are mixed together, the cement reacts with the water to form crystals which interlink and bond with the sand. These crystals also grow into the tile and into the substrate, locking the two together. This is called mechanical bonding.
The ratio between the sand and the cement are important in determining the strength of the adhesive. Too much or too little cement will weaken the adhesive, i.e. adding extra cement or sand will disrupt the balance and weaken the bond strength.
The mixing water is critical to the bonding reaction, too little or too much and the bond will be weaker.
How do additives improve a tile adhesive?
Working with cement and sand alone is quite difficult. Additives are used to improve the constancy of the tile adhesive. The additives thicken the adhesive, making them sticky which helps to stop tiles from slipping off the wall. The additives are also used to keep the water in the tile adhesive, which helps the cement form crystals and strengthens the bond. Tile adhesives that dry very quickly (< 5 mins) is a sure sign of a poor quality. The surface to be tiled must be clean and hard. A layer of dirt, paint, glue or wax will stop the cement crystals from growing into the concrete floor or wall and result in a weak bond. Because of this, any and all surface contaminants must be removed. Tiling onto a soft crumbling or cracked surface is like building a house onto sand. Eventually, the tiles will come loose. The cost to repair can be up to three times that of the initial cost if the correct procedure for surface preparation is not followed. During the curing process, an ordinary cement mortar (concrete, screed or render) undergoes a process known as hydration, which is the reaction between cement and water. During this process, there will be a certain degree of movement in the substrate as a result of shrinkage caused by the hydration reaction as well as evaporation of the water from the mix. The majority of this reaction occurs within 28 days. If the tiles are fixed before hydration has fully taken place, there will be differential movement between the tiles and substrate, resulting in a tile failure (i.e. the tiles cracking or lifting or both). A further factor to be considered is that, should the moisture content of the substrate be too high, this could adversely affect the curing of the tile adhesive, weaken the strength of the tile adhesive and/or cause the tiles to delaminate from the substrate. Ezee Tile material specifications are based on SABS 10107: 2011 – the design and installation of ceramic tiles. New walls and floors must be allowed to cure for minimum periods as listed below to ensure that movement due to shrinkage does not affect the installation.
-
- Direct bedding onto new brick walls and concrete surfaces: 6 weeks
-
- New plaster walls: 2 weeks
-
- New screeded floors: 4 weeks
Why do I require a primer prior to tiling?
Ezee Tile Basecoat was specially formulated to be used in combination with Ezee Tile Keycoat for surface preparation prior to the installation of tiles. It is particularly recommended for the priming of the following types of substrates:
- Extremely smooth, dense surfaces, e.g. Power floated screeds
- Excessively porous surfaces, e.g. Concrete bricks
- Non-porous surfaces, e.g. Concrete bricks
- Flexible surfaces, e.g. Wood
- Surfaces that have been previously coated by paint or bitumen
Should these critical surface preparation products not be used, it could result in failure.
When should I use Ezee Tile Keycoat and Ezee Tile Basecoat?
The mixture of these two products should be applied whenever the surface to be tiled is excessively porous or excessively dense. Examples would be:
- Steel, wood or gypsum based surfaces
- Steel floated concrete surfaces
- Concrete bricks
- Surfaces that have glue or paint on them (these surfaces must be chipped)
- Tiling on top of previously laid tiles
Click here to find out more about Ezee Tile Keycoat & Ezee Tile Basecoat
How do I mix and apply Ezee Tile Basecoat and Ezee Tile Keycoat?
Slowly add two parts of Ezee Tile Basecoat into one part of Ezee Tile Keycoat and mix thoroughly. The thick slurry should be painted onto the surface with a block brush. The entire surface must be covered and be at least 2-3 mm thick. The material must dry completely before tiling can begin.
Click here to find out more about Ezee Tile Keycoat & Ezee Tile Basecoat
How effective is the Ezee Tile Basecoat and Keycoat for waterproofing?
The mixture found in these products is waterproof after it has dried provided it is applied properly with no gaps or holes. However, the coating is relatively hard and may crack if there is excessive movement in the surface which may result in seepage of moisture. This system is therefore not recommended for flexible systems like waterproofing suspended balconies, etc.
Click here to find out more about Ezee Tile Keycoat & Ezee Tile Basecoat
What are the key factors that determine the bond strength?
There are two main factors that determine the strength of the bond, namely the quality of the adhesive and the area of contact between the adhesive and tile. The more the adhesive covers the back of the tiles, the stronger the bond. To ensure the area of contact is high, tiles must be applied with a twisting motion and pressure, and tapped with a rubber mallet to ensure a solid adhesive bed.
How does the ambient temperature affect a tile adhesive?
Temperature affects the speed that the cement forms crystals when mixed with water. Cold weather will make the adhesive take longer to set, while hot weather will speed up the setting time.
Why do I need Ezee Tile Bonding Liquid?
Ezee Tile bonding liquid is a modified latex additive which, when used as a total water replacement in the mix, enhances the bond strength, flexibility and water resistance of cementitious adhesives and grouts (refer to the packaging instructions for the correct mix ratios).
Why can’t I use cement as grout?
When installing tiles, it is important that the correct products are used for the correct applications. Ezee Tile Grouts are formulated with plasticising agents which allow the grout to accommodate movements in the tile panel. A sand/cement mix is very rigid and therefore cannot allow for these small movements which could result in failure within the tile panel. Grouts are designed to be softer than adhesives which helps to release the stress in a tiled surface. All of the excess adhesive in between the tiles must be removed before adding the grout. If not, the hard adhesive will not release the stress and the tiles may fail.
What is the correct procedure to apply grouts?
Before grouting, all of the excess tile adhesive must be removed from the grout joints before commencing with grouting. If not, the hard adhesive will not release the stress and tiles may fail. Apply grout with a rubber squeegee. Allow approximately 1-2 hours before removing the excess grout residue from the tiles, use a damp, not wet, sponge.
How much tile grout will I need?
To help ascertain how much Ezee Tile Grout you will need to order, use the following calculation:
Kg of grout per square metre
(A+B)⁄(A x B) x C x D x 1.7
A = Length of tile in mm
B = Width of tile in mm
C = Thickness of tile in mm
D = Average width join in mm
As a guide, on average, a 5kg bag of grout will grout an area of 8-10 m².
Alternatively, click here to use our handy Grout Calculator Tool
Why can’t I butt joint my tiles?
Grout joints are required between tiles for two main reasons – one being that they serve as ‘vents’ for the adhesive to cure and the other being that the joints between the tiles allow the individual tiles to move with respect to each other and thus avoid a compressive stress build-up. Therefore, by butt joining the tiles, it would result in tile problems such as tenting of tiles.
Why can’t I tile over bitumen based waterproofing systems?
Ezee Tile does not recommend tiling directly onto bitumen, or any bitumen-based surfaces. Due to the thermoplastic nature of bitumen, it tends to have ‘flow’ characteristics. This reduces support to the tile adhesive layer and results in failure of the adhesive. In some cases, the tiles are damaged due to inadequate support.
Why are movement joints necessary in my tile installations?
It should be noted that the lack of movement in a tile panel is a major cause of tile failure.
To ensure a long lasting, durable application, Ezee Tile recommends movement joints to be located in both directions at maximum 5m centres for interior tiling applications and a minimum of 3m centres for exterior applications, along all perimeter walls and along all obstructions; for example, columns and sanitary ware.
Ezee Tile Flexible Expansion Joint is recommended, which is a two part, cement-based product.
What tile adhesive is recommended for porcelain tiles?
Porcelain tiles are classified as a fully vitrified tile characterised by a very impervious body and an impervious, dense back. Therefore, it requires an adhesive with far stronger bonding characteristics than a conventional cementitious adhesive.
We recommend the use of Ezee Tile Quickfix 6, a rapid setting adhesive which has a higher bond strength than conventional adhesives. It is also recommended for porcelain wall cladding.
We can alternatively recommend Ezee Tile Porcelain Fix at a 24 hour set.
What tile adhesive must I use with natural stone (sandstone/slate) tiles?
Natural stone tiles show varying mineralogy depending on the source and metamorphic conditions of that particular environment. This impacts the porosity of the natural stone.
Due to the nature of natural stone products being heavier in weight and varying thicknesses compared to ceramic tiles, Ezee Tile Cladding Adhesive is recommended for natural stone cladding which also has superior anti-slip properties.
What tile adhesive must I use with light coloured marble tiles?
Light coloured marble and travertine products, due to their porous nature, should be installed using a light coloured adhesive, as a grey adhesive might show through the tile in the form of ‘staining’. Ezee Tile recommends a light coloured, rapid setting adhesive such as Ezee Tile Marble Fix 6 hour set, which has been specially developed for these types of tiles.
What tile adhesives should I use for cladding?
Cladding is a beautiful, decorative feature that enhances any tiling installation. For example, natural stone cladding around a fireplace can create a rustic, earthy feel.
For natural stone products, we recommend Ezee Tile Cladding Adhesive, which has excellent anti-slip properties. For porcelain tiles (vitrified and semi-vitrified), we recommend using Ezee Tile Quickfix 6 Adhesive for its improved bond strength. For ceramic tiles, we recommend using Ezee Tile Flexibond Adhesive.
What tile adhesive must I use with stone, glass, reconstituted stone, and glass and ceramic mosaics?
Ezee Tile recommends using our specially formulated, dual purpose adhesive and grout, Ezee Tile Stone and Glass Mosaic. Suitable for wall and floor applications, intermittently wet conditions as well as underwater conditions. This product also includes a “Mildew Block” which actively protects against the growth of mildew and algae. Due to the fine nature of this adhesive, it is ideal for showers, bathrooms and swimming pools.
How do I waterproof my shower or balcony?
Ezee Tile recommends using Ezee Tile Aquaseal. This is a ready to use, quick drying polymer based product designed to form a waterproofing layer under ceramic, porcelain, stone and mosaic tiles. This product is highly flexible, and resistant to water and common cleaning products. Tiles must be installed onto the waterproofed surface with a high quality Ezee Tile polymer modified adhesive such as, Ezee Tile Porcelain Fix, Ezee Tile Tile on Tile or Ezee Tile Flexibond.
How do I tile onto wooden panels or dry walling?
Due to the inherent flexibility of these systems, Ezee Tile recommends tiling only if the walls are firmly braced. Wooden panels need to be sanded down to remove all traces of polish, wax, etc. Clean the surface to remove any dust. This procedure is also recommended for chipboard, hardboard, rhino board, nucrete boards and fibreglass.
Gypsum dry walling is a difficult surface to tile, but it is possible to create a durable tiled finish with proper care. Problems will be experienced if excessively heavy tiles are used or if there is excessive movement in the dry wall.
As with all installations, the gypsum dry walls must be properly prepared. Previously painted wall must be well sanded and cleaned. Wallpaper must be removed and the wall sanded to remove the wallpaper adhesive. The surface must then primed using a mixture of Ezee Tile Basecoat and Ezee Tile Keycoat. The recommended adhesive for these applications is Ezee Tile Flex. This is a ready mixed product suitable for lightweight ceramic wall tiles.
How do I tile onto a wooden floor?
Due to the inherent flexibility of wood, Ezee Tile recommends tiling onto wooden floor boards only if they are well braced at maximum of 300mm intervals.
With parquet floors, check that the wooden tiles are securely bonded to the substrate and remove any loose or hollow units. Repair any gaps with Ezee Tile Self Levelling Screed.
Once it has been established that the wooden floor is firm, the surface needs to be sanded down to remove all traces of polish, wax, etc. Clean the surface to remove any dust.
The surface must then primed using a mixture of Ezee Tile Basecoat and Ezee Tile Keycoat. The recommended adhesive for this application is a flexible polymer cement based tile adhesive such as Ezee Tile Porcelain Fix Adhesive or Ezee Tile Flexibond Adhesive.
How do I prepare a power floated floor before tiling?
Power floated (and steel floated) surfaces are very smooth and dense and therefore it is imperative that the surface is correctly prepared prior to the adhesive application to ensure a good bond onto the substrate.
Ensure that the surfaces are clean and free of all traces of shutter release, curing agents, laitance and any other surface contaminants, by acid washing and rinsing thoroughly with clean, cold water.
The surface must then be primed using a mixture of Ezee Tile Basecoat and Ezee Tile Keycoat prior to applying the tile adhesive.
Can I tile over existing tiles?
It is possible to tile over existing tiles. Before starting the installation, check that the existing tiles are firmly bonded to the substrate by lightly tapping the tiles with a broom handle. Any hollow or loose tiles must be removed and the resultant gap filled with screed or re-tiled. Allow sufficient time for any repairs to completely set before continuing.
To ensure a good bond, Ezee Tile recommends acid washing and then neutralising the existing tiles by rinsing with clean, cold, water to remove all traces of dirt, grime, etc. Check for any residual polish, grease or oil residues and remove with a suitable degreasing compound if necessary.
The recommended adhesive for this application is Ezee Tile Tile on Tile.
What are the requirements when tiling exterior walls and floors?
Exterior tile installations have certain demands that interior tile installations do not have. Over and above normal building movement, exterior tile installations will also be exposed to thermal expansion and contraction and inclement weather conditions (including frost and snow in some regions).
Polymer modified adhesives and waterproof grouts are also recommended.
A solid bed of adhesive must be achieved for each tile to prevent water collecting behind the tiles.
What tile adhesive should I use when tiling onto swimming pool walls?
With new pools, the concrete shell must be allowed to fully cure before tiling (i.e. allow for at least 6 weeks before tiling).
When tiling over cementitious rendering (e.g. marblelite), allow at least 3 weeks for curing.
Ensure that the surfaces are clean and free of all traces of laitance, efflorescence and any other surface contaminants, i.e. oil, dust, etc.
For previously painted surfaces, completely remove all traces of the paint.
In the case of concrete shells, the surface must then be primed using a mixture of Ezee Tile Basecoat and Ezee Tile Keycoat prior to applying the tile adhesive.
The recommended adhesive for swimming pools is Ezee Tile Tile on Tile adhesive. Replace the water in the mix with Ezee Tile Bonding Liquid in heavy duty installations
The recommended adhesive for pool mosaics and for grouting is Ezee Tile Stone and Glass Mosaic Adhesive. Replace the water in the mix with Ezee Tile Bonding Liquid in heavy duty installations.
What tile adhesive should I use when tiling onto steel?
Due to the inherent flexibility of steel panels, Ezee Tile only recommends tiling if the panels are well braced at a maximum of 300mm intervals.
Prior to tiling, the panels must be sanded or wire-brushed to remove any surface contaminants and to roughen the surface. Prime the surface with a suitable anti-corrosive primer and allow to dry completely before proceeding.
The surface must then be primed using a mixture of Ezee Tile Basecoat and Ezee Tile Keycoat prior to applying the tile adhesive.
The recommended adhesive for this application is Ezee Tile Tile on Tile.
Can I tile onto existing painted surface?
It is not recommended to tile onto existing painted surfaces. Ezee Tile recommends the following when tiling onto painted surfaces: chip the surface at least 80% for PVA paint. Remove 100% of the paint for Enamel paint. Clean all dust and loose paint from the surface and prime with a mixture of Ezee Tile Basecoat and Ezee Tile Keycoat prior to tiling.
Can I tile directly onto Bitumen, Glue from Vinyl and Marley Tiles, Gypsum Plaster?
It is not recommended to tile onto these surfaces. The procedure will be as follows:
- Remove the excess glue
- Chip the surface 80%
- Clean all dust and loose paint from the surface
- Prime with a mixture of Ezee Tile Keycoat and Ezee Tile Basecoat
How do I prepare new cement plastered walls?
Before tiling can commence onto new walls and concrete surfaces, allow to cure for 6 weeks. New plaster walls: allow to cure for 2 weeks. Plastered rendering should be true to +/- 3mm over 2.5 metres in any direction. Wood floated finishes require no preparation prior to tiling. Steel floated finishes are very smooth and very dense and need to be treated with an Ezee Tile Basecoat and Ezee Tile Keycoat slurry.
How do I prepare new brick walls and screeded floors?
Ensure that surfaces to be tiled are sound. The surface must have no cracks (or crumbling), and must be clean, free of dust, release agent, fungi or any dampness. Fungi must be removed and the spores killed using an effective fungicide. New walls and floors must be allowed to cure as follows:
- New brick walls or concrete surfaces: 6 weeks
- New plaster walls: 2 weeks
- New screeded floors (wood floated, power floated and steel trowelled): 4 weeks
Very smooth surfaces such as steel trowelled floors must be acid washed, neutralised with clean, cold water and primed with a mixture consisting of 2 parts Ezee Tile Basecoat mixed with 1 part Ezee Tile Keycoat and allowed to dry before tiling.
Why are modern adhesives polymer modified?
Polymers are added to adhesives to improve the bond strength, add water resistance and make the adhesive more flexible. Porcelain or vitrified tiles are very dense and hard. As a result, the cement crystals cannot penetrate into the tile and the bond strength is low. Polymer modified adhesives chemically bond to these types of difficult tiles. The polymers also improve the bond between the cement and sand and the substrate. Consequently these types of product should always be recommended for difficult applications.