Granite adhesive for bathroom tiles
Granite tiles are becoming more common in bathroom remodeling because they’re attractive, durable and scratch-resistant; however, as different types of granite (e.g., dense/low-water absorption) have different properties since their density affects how well the adhesive used for installation will hold in wet/humid conditions commonly associated with bathrooms, using the proper adhesives for granite tile installs is vital in order to prevent sagging, hollowing, and delamination due to moisture erosion and/or fluctuating temperatures caused by heating/cooling units (i.e., air conditioners, furnaces) occasionally malfunctioning. Currently, two categories of adhesive exist to install granite tiles in a bathroom; these two categories include polymer-modified (C2TE) cement-based adhesives and 2-part epoxy adhesives.
Polymer-modified cement-based adhesives that comply with the EN 12004 C2TE standard offers the most economical method for installing granite tile on an ongoing basis (as wall and/or floor coverings) in a bathroom. Some of the unique characteristics of polymer-modified cement-based adhesives include exceptional-slip resistance; no vertical sagging using flexible polymers; and ability to conform to the very dense nature of the granite while providing excellent moisture and water resistance and will therefore withstand the long-term conditions typical of a bathroom with a large amount of moisture present.
The use of 2-part epoxy adhesives to install granite tile provides superior heavy-duty bonding characteristics with respect to both chemical resistance and water degradation compared with polymer-modified cement-based adhesives, and therefore, 2-part epoxy adhesive is generally recommended for use in the areas where high humidity exists, including areas around bathtubs and showers. Moreover, because 2-part epoxy adhesives use a chemical bond with the granite tile surface where they are applied, they will provide excellent protection against the effects of constant splashing from water and humidity erosion while retaining the aesthetic characteristics of the granite tile.
The ability to successfully install granite tiles in a bathroom primarily involves a qualified professional properly applying the appropriate adhesive for the application at hand. First, prior to installing granite tiles, the substrate surface must be flat; clean; and dry; free of any type of dust or oil residues. Next, spread the adhesive across the substrate using a notched trowel to create a complete layer of void-free adhesive on the surface. The adhesive below the larger format granite tiles must be consistent across the entire area of application to prevent creating unbalanced stresses leading to displacement of the tiles during the adhesive-cure period. Finally, during the installation process, it is important for the installer to account for both the ambient temperature and level of humidity present within the bathroom when determining the open time for the tiles to create desired initial bond and long-term durability.
In general, when selecting the ideal adhesive for granite tiles in a bathroom, the adhesive must possess the following properties: water-resistance; slip-resistance; bond-strength; flexibility; and all adhesives constructed according to the proper standard application methods. When selected appropriately based on the location of the bathroom, the numerous issues experienced post installation would be eliminated, and granite tiles will enjoy the greatest possible service life.
