Installation of Large Format Tiles
WHAT IS A LARGE FORMAT OR HEAVY STONE TILE?
Due to fashion considerations, tile size has continued to grow requiring particular attention to fixing techniques that may not have been required with traditional tile sizes. Today tiles can be defined as large format when one side is at least 400mm in length. Typically, a large format tile is 400mm x 400mm although we are now seeing the trend towards tiles in the size range 300mm x 600mm to 600mm x 1000mm tiles, and even larger sizes have become available (though large sheet tiles are not as heavy on a square metre basis). Rectangular shape tiles (400 x 100mm & 600 x 150mm) are also becoming increasingly popular.
Heavy stone or ceramic tiles are defined as those that exceed 32 kg/sqm in weight, although an often-used guide when fixing with adhesive is a maximum weight of 4 kg per individual tile. Some of the new, extra-large tiles have more in common with fascia or facade cladding elements than traditional tiles, for example so called ‘stacked stone’ tiles which are commonly 400mm – 600mm long, 100mm – 150mm wide and 15mm – 30mm thick.
Benefits of Using Large-Format Tiles
Large format tiles come in an array of sizes and shapes, starting with 16-inch by 16-inch square tiles and including ranging up to huge rectangular tiles and tile panels that measure 5 feet by 10 feet. Many of these tiles are also thin porcelain tiles. These large tiles are desired for a variety of reasons, including:
- Minimal Grout Lines
Naturally, large tiles require fewer grout lines because the tile itself provides more coverage.
- Enhanced Coverage
Because they are so large in shape, these tiles provide greater coverage in less installation time, making it easy to achieve a huge install without creating a visually busy or disruptive look.
- Less Maintenance
Fewer grout lines can result in a lower-maintenance wall or floor installation. Grout has a tendency to chip away or crack over time and minimizing those grout lines make it easier to maintain.
- Create a Modern Look
The large and sleek design of these tiles results in a modern look for the space, especially when the same tiles used for the floor are extended to the wall. Before you extend wall tiles to the floor or floor tiles to the wall it is important to understand what makes tiles suitable for wall or floor application.
Tile Adhesive
If the tile area is large, stress will be higher and amount of work of installation will be more.
Adhesive selected should have properties such as deformable which accommodates differential movement of the covering, Good slip resistance required for fixing large format wall tiles, extended open time which gives enough time to fix large format tiles.
Ardex Endura has Platinum Star Plus which is grey/white coloured adhesive formulated with enhanced properties of slip resistance, flexibility and extended open time of 30 – 35 mins necessary for fixing large format tiles, slim tiles and stable natural stones on wall/floor in interior/exterior situations.
It is also fibre reinforced to increase the flexural and bond strength of the adhesive and to impede the crack propagation in the composite material.
- Conforms with the requirements of EN 12004: 2017 and is a deformable (S1), improved (2), slip resistant (T), cementitious adhesive (C) with extended open time (E) of class C2TES1
- Complies with the requirements of IS 15477: 2004 Type 2
Fixing Large format tile on Walls
- Mix and apply recommended adhesive as per manufacturer’s specification.
- Clamps must be used when installing tile / stone at height above 20 feet as per safety concern.
- Leave movement joints at every 3m vertical interval and fill with a flexible sealant as per BS 5385.
Details at the base of a wall or overhung area. The bracket must extend beyond the maximum thickness of the stone.
Typical layout for clamping system on a concrete / render wall. If the stone size is big, use clamps per stone at bottom and at top.
ARDEX ENDURA ACADEMY
Our industry, like any other, requires on-going training to keep up with the changes in legislation/standards and materials. Our purpose-built training facility enables us to offer a range of demonstrations and seminars that can be tailored to your specific needs, ensuring total confidence in the specification and subsequent on-site application. The academy allows you to learn about new technologies including ‘Industry best practices for Tiling, Waterproofing, Concrete Repair and Flooring’ along with Technical guidance and product information.
For the latest and most up to date information and advice, visit the ARDEXENDURAacademy centres across India (Bangalore, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, etc.,). For Tiling Contractors and applicators committed to providing a high level of workmanship, ARDEX ENDURA helps them to increase both their professionalism and productivity.
For our other Tile and Stone Installations, please visit to www.ardexendura.com