Fixing large format ceramic tiles on pavements

Fixing large format ceramic tiles on pavements is increasingly more common.
The special characteristics of this type of tile, like its size over 2000 cm2, low water absorption and often having a curvature or warping typical of manufacturing, make it necessary to use the floating and buttering technique for fixing, which consists of spreading the material with the notched trowel onto the substrate and then applying a layer of adhesive onto the reverse side of the tile.

An alternative technical solution is to use VAT® FLUID, that is, a quick hardening adhesive mortar of fluid consistency, which guarantees both optimum adherence and allows fast implementation time before normal transit is allowed, without having to use the floating and buttering method.

Solution

PREPARING THE SUPPORT

Check that the support is resistant, perfectly set, clean of any dust,
paint, oil…

Check the smoothness of the support with a 2 m long ruler; any differences must be less than 5 mm.

APPLICATION

Mix with a slow electric mixer (500 rpm), leave to stand for 2 minutes and spread VAT® FLUID onto the support using the semicircular notched trowel, without having to use the Floating and buttering method.

Check that the adhesive has not formed a superficial film that prevents it from adhering, particularly in very hot or windy weather conditions. If this is the case, re-comb with the help of the notched trowel.

Press the tiles so that they form a solid surface, thus avoiding any gaps between the tile and support.

Leave a minimum grouting joint width of 2 mm indoors, and 5 mm outdoors; regrout after 8 hours using the grouting range BORADA® by PROPAMSA.

Recommendations

Do not apply in wet weather, or at temperatures <5ºC or >30ºC.
With poor absorbency supports, open the pore with water and hydrochloric acid at 50%.
If there are any significant smoothness defects, levelling can be done up to 10 mm with VAT® FLUID, between 3 and 6 hours before fixing the coating.
Treat the movement joints appropriately, respecting the structural joints, perimetral joints (in spaces over 7 m2) and intermediate spaces (indoors every 40 m2 and outdoors every 10 to 25 m2).