Surfaces

It should always be borne in mind that no two surfaces are the same. Each type of surface has its own characteristics, such as rate of expansion and contraction, moisture absorption, dimensional stability etc. This must be considered when recommending the right adhesive for the job. All surfaces must be clean, dry and free from all contaminations and existing surface coatings.

The most common surfaces encountered in ceramic tiling are:

Concrete, light-weight concrete, cement render, brickwork, cement blockwork, calcium silicate bricks, plasterboard, set plaster, F/C sheet, W.R. board, existing tiles, painted surfaces, timber floors, particle board flooring, waterproof membranes, early age concrete may also be encountered.

Concrete

For best results, the concrete must be allowed to cure for a minimum of 28 days. Steel trowelled concrete must be mechanically roughened prior to tiling and then thoroughly washed with clean water prior to tiling. For suspect concrete with hairline cracks, apply AGA Ceramic Tile Underlay prior to tiling, alternatively, use Barrierflex, Abaflex or Isoflex. All concrete release agents and curing compounds must be removed by mechanical means. For cracks greater than 1.5 mm contact your local suppliers.

Compressed Fibre Cement Sheets

Fibre cement sheets should be fixed according to the Fibre Cement manufacturer's instructions. Ensure surface is clean and dry. Prime with ABA Multiprime prior to tiling. Apply Barrierflex with reinforcement mat over the joints between the sheets.

Cement Render

It is usually a 3:1 or 4:1 sand/cement mix and may be very porous. Because of the high sand content, the surface may contain a layer of sand particles which should be removed.

Brickwork

Brickwork should be rendered.

Plasterboard

In this situation, the tiles are being adhered to a paper surface. In dry areas this will present little problem, however, if the wallboard is subject to moisture, it may deteriorate causing failure. Therefore, plasterboard must be waterproofed with Barrierflex or AGA Superflex prior to tiling.

Set Plaster

Gypsum is a highly absorbent surface and must be primed. (Cement based adhesives must be avoided). If set plaster is over brickwork, the plaster should be removed.

Fibre-Cement Sheets

This covers a wide variety of wallboards:

• Hardiflex - is an interior/exterior sheet
• Versilux - is suitable for interior walls only
• Villaboard - is suitable for interior walls only
• CSR Board - is suitable for interior walls only

In all cases, the manufacturer's recommendations must be followed.

Most of these sheets have a surface layer of dust which should be removed by using a damp sponge/cloth or ABA Multiprime as recommended by the board manufacturer. It is vital that fixing and support be strictly to the board manufacturer's instructions. Always tape joints with PVC duct tape.

Existing Tiles

Should be sound, clean, dry and free from all contamination. If existing tiles are glazed, roughen the tile surface by mechanical means.

Painted Surfaces

Remove flaking paint. Roughen surface of oil based paints by mechanical means. Water based or PVA paint must be removed prior to tiling.

Timber Floors

It is never recommended to adhere ceramic tiles directly onto timber floor in any situation (due to expansion and contraction of the timber). Untreated floors should be primed with ABA Multiprime. Apply AGA Ceramic Tile Underlay at 6mm minimum bed thickness. Allow to dry prior to tiling, or use the Isoflex system.

Particle Board

If used as a counter top, adhesive may be used directly onto the surface. If, however, particle board is used as a flooring material, then it should be prepared in the same manner as timber floor.

Fibreglass

There is no adhesive which will bond to fibreglass to our complete satisfaction. Check with adhesive manufacturer. ABA Optima may be suitable in some situations.

Lightweight Concrete Cement Blockwork and Calcium Silicate Bricks

These surfaces should be rendered. Allow at least 7 days for render to cure.

One important note when considering surfaces is that two dissimilar surfaces should not be bridged with ceramic tiles.

Download Adhesive Technical Specification Guide (pdf file).