These days, ultra-large tiles are the format of choice for most up-market installations, and laying them can feel daunting. They are all very heavy and hard to handle, and the thin variety are also fragile and can crack if not laid correctly.
Kerakoll says its H40 Gel can take the strain out of the installation. It uses the latest Gel-Technology, which reportedly makes the adhesive super easy to mix and apply, as well as performing excellently. The built-in S1 deformability allows you to be confident that it will absorb any substrate movement without cracking, the manufacturer says.
You can use this multi-purpose adhesive with multiple tile types on most common substrates whether you are tiling walls or floors, bathrooms, kitchens or external areas, making it a simple, easy choice.
First, make sure that the substrate is totally level and stable. Use tile backer board on walls if the substrate is at all flexible.
Once you have prepared the substrate, mix and apply the adhesive. H40 Gel thoroughly wets the back of the tile and has an open time of up to 60 mins at 23°C, so you can take your time to spread it both on the floor and on the back of the tile ensuring that there are no air cavities, without worrying about skinning.
Kerakoll says H40 Gel does not shrink and it holds its shape, fully supporting the tile’s weight on the floor, preventing slumping and lipping. It’s said to be also high-grab with no vertical slip making it suitable for use on walls.
Make sure that you leave adequate grout joints. 3m long tiles need at least 5mm to allow adequate room for potential movement and avoid damaging fragile edges and corners. Do not butt joint the tiles as this prevents them moving if there is shrinkage of, or movement in the substrate. Kerakoll’s Fugabella Color is a suitable grout for use with this sort of tile. It can be used on joints from 2 – 12mm, and is extremely durable, waterproof and colourfast with low VOCs (GEV-Emicode 1). Movement joints should be built in for the same reason, and filled with Silicone Color which is available in the same colour range as Fugabella Color.
01772 456831 • info@kerakoll.co.uk • www.kerakoll.co.uk
