Introduction to Several Construction Techniques for Vitrified Tiles
Release Time:
2020-06-29
Source:
Introduction to Several Construction Techniques for Vitrified Tiles
1
Traditional wet-setting technique
The traditional tiling method—either the thick-bond or back-bond technique—involves on-site mixing of cement, sand, liquid adhesive, and other materials, making it difficult to control material quality. Factors such as cement grade, sand particle size distribution, and silt content are hard to manage. During the preparation of cement mortar, the appropriateness of the mix ratio, the accuracy of material quantities, and the uniformity of mixing all affect the mortar’s quality, resulting in low bond strength. This method is unsuitable for large-format tiles with low water absorption, as it is prone to hollowing and tile detachment. It also places high demands on the installer’s skill, making it challenging to achieve adequate wall flatness and verticality; efflorescence may easily appear along tile joints, compromising the aesthetic appearance. The main advantage of the traditional wet-setting method is its lower cost.
2
Dry-hanging wall tile installation technique
The dry-hanging method for vitrified tiles involves installing large-format tiles directly onto the wall without using cement mortar. Back-mounted anchor fittings are embedded on the back of the tiles, enabling secure fixation. Compared with traditional wet-setting methods, this technique eliminates the grouting process, thereby shortening the construction schedule and effectively preventing pigment migration—such as salt and alkali leaching—from the grout from staining and contaminating the tile surface. As a result, it enhances the decorative quality and visual appeal of the finish. More importantly, it improves safety by mitigating common drawbacks of wet-setting installation, such as hollow sounds, cracking, and tile detachment. However, this method does have some limitations: the steel framework used indoors can occupy valuable space, side edges are difficult to neatly finish, impact resistance is relatively poor, and the tiles must be at least 12 mm thick. Additionally, the overall cost is higher.
3
Wet-Setting Wall Tile Installation Process
According to the design requirements, pre-drill holes in the base layer surface, embed expansion bolts, or secure copper wires in the holes using hardwood wedges. Prior to installation, drill 5-mm-diameter “ox-nose” holes in the facing panels as specified in the design, and thread the copper wires through these holes. Then use the copper wires to tie and secure the panels to the embedded bolts on the structural surface; the gap between the panels and the base layer (i.e., the grouting thickness) is typically 20–50 mm. The wet-hanging method can prevent wall tiles from falling and causing injury. However, it does not address the issues of hollow sounds and detachment in vitrified tiles, and it results in lower labor productivity and higher construction costs.
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Tile Adhesive Application Process
Tile adhesive is ready to use—simply mix with water—and offers easy-to-control quality standards and high bond strength. It is convenient and straightforward for workers to apply, significantly boosting tiling efficiency. Its bonding power is several times that of cement mortar, effectively securing large-format tiles and stone slabs while minimizing the risk of tile detachment. Its excellent flexibility helps prevent hollow sounds and delamination. There’s no need to soak tiles or wet the substrate, further enhancing construction productivity. Superior water resistance prevents efflorescence and salt staining at grout lines. For installing heavy, large-format tiles, using tile adhesive can reduce costs compared with a dry-hanging system. When renovating existing tile or mosaic finishes, tile adhesive allows direct application over the existing surface without removing the old covering, saving time and labor. It is suitable for special substrates such as gypsum board, fiber-cement board, cement-fiber board, thermal insulation boards, wood panels, and steel sheets. However, the tile-adhesive installation method demands higher levels of wall flatness and verticality, resulting in higher costs than conventional cement mortar.
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Comparative Cost Analysis of Several Construction Techniques
As shown above, tile adhesive boasts excellent processing characteristics and relatively low cost, making it highly suitable for tile installation. It is particularly well-suited for bonding vitrified tile wall surfaces and effectively prevents hollow sounds and tile detachment.
