The forces that bind

Everybody loves attractive tiles for their homes. But the charm is often short-lived. Ashish Prasad tells you how to preserve the beauty of those tiles.

Ever wondered why the shiny and glinting wall tiles in the showroom look so dull and lifeless in your home? Also, why do those white gaps between your bathroom tiles seem to crack or look discoloured? 

Moreover, the tiles you fit just last year seem to have loosened or yellowed already. The main reason behind all these problems is the kind of material used by your contractor to lay those tiles.

Usage of low-quality bonding agents often leads to such problems. No matter how expensive and stylish your tiles are, a poor tile and stone laying job will definitely affect their longevity, strength and beauty. 

But it is now time to change all that. We need to look at modern tiles fixing adhesives and grouts. Here are some tips to make your tiles look as fabulous as they look in the showrooms: 

Technology does it

Just as our cell phones and tablets are often replaced with their latest models, clay and ceramic tiles are also being replaced by larger, smoother, vitrified tiles in the most exquisite designs and textures.

When it comes to tile and stone fixing, most of us are only involved till the selection stage, leaving the choice of the method and technique of tile-laying to someone else. Most of us aren’t even aware of these new techniques.

If we can devote so much time researching for the latest gadgets, why not spend some time to find the right tile-fixing solutions to keep the beauty of our tiles forever? 

Yes, interior designers and contractors do have a better knowledge of the best tile- laying methods and materials. But a little bit of personal research about the same will help you get better acquainted with the process and also help you in the long run.

The great advantage about the modern methods of tile-laying is that they promote longevity and an enhanced turnaround time. There are many long-lasting, 

maintenance-free tile and stone-fixing solutions available in the market, that offer state-of-the-art adhesive factor. For instance, Roff White Adhesive is a blended polymer, modified white cement-based stone adhesive, which can be used for fixing all types of surfaces like marble, glass, granite, stone and others. 

Prevention is better than cure, they say. Instead of spending years evaluating the poor job done by your contractor or scrubbing the yellow dirt-filled gaps between the stone helplessly, it is better to be in tune with the times. Start by asking some key questions to your interior designer or contractor before fixing tiles in your bathroom and kitchen.

Some of the areas you should discuss are:

Tile-laying material: White cement is no longer the right bonding agent for your expensive marble and tiles. Over time, white cement leads to cracks in tiles, debonding and dirt in the grouts.

In comparison, white adhesive can be used for fixing all types of stones on internal walls or floors, external floors and kitchens. This adhesive also reflects light. In all, white adhesive helps retain the original shine of your expensive tiles.

Yellow factor: Over time, exposure to water and temperature variations causes damage to the tiles. The conventional method of using white cement to fix marbles and light-coloured stones results in seepage of water. Moreover, the dripping water leads to yellowing of stones. 

Discolouring of stones is also common when they are exposed to rough weather conditions. But there are solutions for such problems. New-age blended polymer, white-cement-based stone adhesives are ideal for usage in binding marbles and light-coloured stones.

These kind of products are three times stronger than white cement and help in overcoming hollowness. The product, when added to cement, also accommodates physical and thermal movements. Besides, the hassles of putting white cement slurry beneath grey bedding of mortar can also be avoided. 

Water percolation: White adhesives exhibit excellent water-resistant characteristics and durable adhesion, even during high temperature variations. Therefore, it works perfectly for bathroom tiles or on all surfaces exposed to water. It has anti-shrink properties for a crack-free, firm surface ensuring extended durability. It is apt for usage in showers and swimming pools.

Time consumed: Say yes to blended polymer stone adhesives as they need no curing, soaking of tiles or backing of surfaces. This product is ready to use and only needs to be mixed with water. What’s more, it only needs 24 hours to set completely.

All in all, because of its high aesthetic appeal, longevity, durability, ease of use, white adhesive is fast replacing the conventional use of ordinary white cement. So, get going and with these modern methods, make sure that you are a step ahead, when it comes to fixing your tiles.

(The author is president – sales, marketing, construction chemicals at Pidilite)