Technical Advice Note 4 Tiles and Service Conditions PDF

Technical Advice Note No. 4

TILES AND SERVICE CONDITIONS- EN 12004 CLASSIFICATION
The publication of BS EN 12004, “Adhesives for tiles – Definitions and specifications” has seen the
introduction of a new classification system for ceramic tile adhesives, based on a series of standard
tests to measure performance of key properties.
Adhesives are put into three categories by chemical type, dispersion (ready mixed), cementitious
(including modified cementitious) and reaction resin (generally epoxy resin based). These
categories are designated a pre-fix letter, D for dispersion, C for cementitious and R for reaction
resin.
Certain performance characteristics are deemed to be fundamental for each type and hence these
are made mandatory. Other characteristics are optional, some being performance enhancement
over standard, in which case they are said to be “Additional Characteristics”, whilst others are for
different properties which are classed as “Special Characteristics”.
This classification system replaces the Types 1 -5 classes in BS 5980 and does away with the
Classes AA, A and B for water resistance.
The new system enables adhesive performance to be broken down into much more detail, enabling
the specifier to be more specific in his specifications.
How can the specifier, distributor, contractor and client understand the link between adhesive
classification and suitability for end use?
With reference to tile type it can be said that all types of adhesives will be suitable for use with BIII
porous body tiles. For porcelain tiles (BIa) and vitrified tiles (BI) enhanced adhesion and the
drying/setting characteristics will need to be taken into consideration, additionally so for large
format tiles (greater than 300mm x 300mm). For these tiles dispersion adhesives will be very slow
to dry, even on a porous background, and cementitious adhesives will require a C2 classified
product to achieve the necessary levels of adhesion.
We can take a look in more detail at the links between tile type and service conditions and the
classification of adhesives in each of the three classes.
Dispersion Adhesives
In simple terms we can say that D1 adhesives in the new Standard are essentially those which
would be Class B adhesives in BS 5980, ie they would not claim to be water resistant. Thus, D1
adhesives may be specified for dry internal wall tiling where standard size porous body tiles are
being fixed. On the other hand, D2 adhesives are those which would be classed as Class AA
products in BS 5980. They would generally be suitable for use in wet areas, eg showers, but not for
total immersion conditions. Again, the tiles should have a reasonable degree of porosity (BII or B
III) and should be standard size.

The classification allows for products with an open time greater than 30 minutes, such products
receiving an “E” classification to signify this. Slip (initial grab) is an optional characteristic
designated by the letter “T”.
Taking a D2TE classification as an example, this signifies a water resistant dispersion adhesive
having good non -slip properties and an extended open time.
Cementitious Adhesives
Again, in simple terms, a C1 cementitious adhesive is equivalent to a standard, traditional

cementitious adhesive whereas to achieve C2 the product would need to be a highly polymer
modified adhesive.
The latter are often branded as “flexible” adhesives. All tile types may be fixed with cementitious
adhesives but for porcelain and fully vitrified tiles a C2 adhesives should be specified to ensure that
the necessary level of adhesion is attained. Similarly, large format tiles should be fixed with
cementitious adhesives (C1 or C2) but if they are also of low porosity a C2 product should be used.
The fundamental characteristics of cementitious adhesives include tensile adhesion in the dry, total
immersion in water, heat ageing and freeze -thaw cycling as well as a minimum 20 minutes open
time (10 mins for rapid setting adhesives). Slip is an optional special characteristic as the pourable
cementitious adhesives used on floors have no requirement for high grab properties on a vertical
surface.
The C2 classification calls for twice the level of minimum tensile strength (1N/mm2) compared to
C1 and has the option of an extended open time (> 30 mins).
The increased use of porcelain tiles has seen the demand for C2 adhesives rise dramatically whilst
the popularity of natural stone tiles has also seen a need to use white cementitious adhesives
rather than grey, to avoid the possibility of staining.
In general, we can say that the more arduous the service conditions, whether they be under water,
external, at elevated or sub-zero temperatures, the greater the need to specify C2 adhesives.
An additional optional classification has been brought into the cementitious adhesives ratings. This
relates to performance in the “Transverse Deformation Test”, which is a measure of the adhesive’s
ability to deform under stress, ie to accommodate limited movement. The classification is S1 and
S2. Adhesives which deform between 2.5mm and 5mm in the test are classed as S1, those that
achieve greater than 5mm are S2; any adhesive below 2.5mm is not classified.
In practice, highly polymer modified, single component cementitious adhesives may just reach the
2.5mm threshold and adhesives modified with a liquid polymer additive should achieve an S1
rating. To attain an S2 rating it is normally necessary to have a rubber modified cementitious
adhesive, with a liquid polymer component.

If the ability to accommodate some early movement stresses is deemed important then an S1
adhesive could be specified. It should be noted that ultimately these adhesives achieve high levels
of tensile and compressive strengths. For movement stresses which are likely to be continuous eg
vibration or deflection of a timber floor, an S2 adhesive should be considered as it is likely that
adhesives in this category will have the ability to deform or flex slightly on a permanent basis.
Reaction Resin Adhesives
This classification is equivalent to Type 5 in BS 5980 and usually consists of epoxide resin based
products, although polyurethanes may also fall into this category. These products are not widely
used but if there is a requirement for a bedding and grouting system needing a high level of
chemical resistance, or if the tile and/or substrate are difficult bonding surfaces, then this type of
adhesive may be specified. There are R1 and R2 classes, the latter possessing a high level of
adhesion after thermal shock.
All of these classification symbols described above are now beginning to appear on manufacturer’s
packaging and in their literature so that the distributor and contractor can clearly see exactly what
rating of adhesive he is purchasing. For further guidance on the suitability of products for specific
applications it is recommended that the manufacturer’s advice is sought.

Technical Advice Note 4 Tiles and Service Conditions PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Technical Advice Note 4 Tiles and Service Conditions PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Technical Advice Note 4 Tiles and Service Conditions PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Technical Advice Note No. 4

Again, in simple terms, a C1 cementitious adhesive is equivalent to a standard, traditional

Reaction Resin Adhesives

You might also like