Why the tiling system you use is just as important as your tile choice

Across the globe, tiles have been the flooring of choice for centuries, but it was only 60 years ago when American Construction Solutions company Laticrete was founded on an innovative idea. That idea was a flexible, lightweight, latex-based alternative to old fashioned cement, commonly known today as a thin set adhesive. It revolutionised the ceramic tile and stone installation industry.

Laticrete’s innovations didn’t stop there however and they’ve been leading the way ever since. We spoke to exclusive New Zealand distributor Global Tile about what you need to know before you tile and why your tiling system is as important as your tile choice.

How to achieve up to a lifetime tiling warranty

A tiling system includes adhesives, grouts, acoustic membranes, waterproofing membranes, self-levelling underlayments, silicons and sealants. Global Tile’s Jared Caldwell says the first thing to know about tiling systems is that when you choose a single-source system, such as the Laticrete brand, then your warranty can be extended up to a lifetime. In other words, if installed correctly your tiling system should last as long as the tile will.The specific combination of products you use dictates whether your tiling job can achieve a warranty of five years, ten-years or more.

Conversely, if you use a range of different products from different manufacturers, then it’s unlikely anyone will put their hand up to take responsibility if for some reason the job fails.

“You don’t want someone’s waterproofing, mixed with someone else’s adhesive, mixed with someone else’s grout.”

A tiling system includes adhesives, grouts, acoustic membranes, waterproofing membranes, self-levelling underlayments, silicons and sealants.

Another project that required failsafe tiling was the 258,000m2 ofcladding on the 440 metre high Al Hamra Tower in Kuwait City.

“A good portion of the outside of the building is clad in limestone. Normally you would mechanically anchor those pieces of stone to the building, however Laticrete 254 Platinum, a one-step polymer fortified adhesive, with incredibly high shear bond strength and shear modulus properties, backed with a tailored warranty program had the client sold. This sped things up and also gave them a product where the end result will last forever.”

Easier for your tiler, cheaper for you

As with any job “time is money”. And with such innovations as Laticrete’s 125 Sound and Crack Adhesive, you can turn time into money. This single-step Laticrete acoustic adhesive means that instead of having to put down a traditional rubber sound reduction underlayment onto a concrete slab onto which the tiles would normally be adhered, the tile can be bonded directly to the concrete slab in a single step.

“It gives you the acoustics and the bonding in one – it speeds up productivity and in some cases it gives an even better acoustic result than the traditional rubber matting system used by other manufacturers.”

Another reduction in the contractor’s hours on the job comes in the form of Laticrete’s Hydro Ban which is a liquid applied waterproofing membrane applied to floors or walls indoors or out.

“It is incredibly fast, you can start flood testing Hydro Ban in as little as two hours at 21°C or higher.”

Many other membranes on the market recommend 24 - 72 hours for drying and this means tilers must return several times to site before starting flood testing which is both time-consuming and expensive. 

Laticrete products are also environmentally friendly and can be used in Green-Star buildings.

Jared says the company’s continuing innovations mean a better result for installations, tilers and consumers.

Laticrete is a family-owned, customer focused, worldwide manufacturer marketer of green flooring and facade materials, used in residential, commercial and industrial applications. For over 60 years, Laticrete has provided the technology, products and service making innovative, permanent installations and repairs for the construction market. Architecturally specified and professionally endorsed, Laticrete offers a dedication to quality that results in globally proven solutions for virtually every flooring, waterproofing and facade application.

Want to know more about single-source tiling systems? Be sure to visit Global Tile on ArchiPro today or drop into their Auckland office to learn more.