Tile adhesives

Tile adhesives are adhesive agents — either cementitious, epoxy-based, or polymer-based that bond tiles to walls, floors, and various other types of surfaces. It is important to choose the right type because there are different tile types (ceramic, natural stone, porcelain) as well as substrates (concrete or drywall) as well as exposure conditions (wet areas, walls and swimming pools) all require adhesives that have certain characteristics of bond strength, flexibility water resistance, as well as chemical resistance characteristics. Incorrectly applied adhesives lead to the failure of the tile.

Complete Tile Adhesive Systems By Application

Every application requires an individual tiling solution. Choose the tiling system that best suits the project you are working on to discover the entire process of building up your product.

Large-Format Ceramic Tiles

Leveling technology, modified adhesive polymer, and Flexible grout

Porcelain Stoneware

Non-absorbent surfaces requiring high-grip deformable adhesives

Drywall (Dry Areas)

Priming substrates using cementitious adhesive as well as flexible grout

Marble, Granite & Natural Stone

Low-modulus epoxy + non-staining grout system

Balconies (New & Renovation)

High-moving adhesive and weather-resistant waterproofing.

Building Facades

High-quality polymer adhesive that can withstand extreme thermal movements

Swimming Pools

Waterproofing with fiber-reinforced and epoxy grout

Useful link: Adhesive suppliers in UAE

Types Of Tile Adhesive: Which One Do You Need?

Tile adhesives are classified globally in accordance with EN 12004 standards as performance classes (C1, C2) and deformability classes (S1 and S2).

1. Standard Cement Based Tile Adhesive (C1)

C1 adhesives are general-purpose cement-based mortars that are suitable for normal indoor applications that have adequate conditions for the substrate. They’re ideal for use with ceramic floor and wall tiles that are used in conditions of low or no-humidity, like living spaces, hallways, offices, and corridors. This Salina Tile Adhesive Mortar (White as well as Gray) is a product of the Salina Group that falls in this premium standard class, and provides the most reliable bonding of ceramic as well as similar tile types for interior floors and walls.

2. Improved Cement-Based Adhesive (C2)

C2 adhesives have superior performance over C1, with larger initial grab, more effective adhesion to hard substrates. C2 adhesives are the most popular choice for tiles with large dimensions (600×600 millimeters and more) as well as porcelain and vitrified tiles, which are not absorbent and heavier. This SALI Tile adhesive mortar made by the Salina Group is specifically designed to ensure seamless installations of massive ceramic tiles, both on floors and walls. This makes it the ideal choice for contemporary big-format tile designs that are popular in UAE hotel and residential constructions.

3. Waterproof / Flexible Tile Adhesive

In wet zones, a waterproof adhesive for tiles is vital. ATLAS Tile Waterproof Adhesive by Salina Group is a high-grade formula that’s waterproof and designed to be used in small and large commercial construction projects in which tiles will be exposed to moisture, water, and temperature changes. The high strength of the product ensures that tiles are bonded securely in any dry-area environment.

How To Choose The Right Tile Adhesive

1. Tile Type and Size

Ceramic tile: Standard C1 adhesive or C2 adhesive. SALI and Salina Tile Adhesive Mortar are great alternatives.

Large-format, porcelain (600mm+): Use C2 adhesive with a prolonged open time. SALI Tile adhesive is perfect for use with back buttering to give total coverage.

Natural stones (marble or granite): Use white adhesive to avoid staining the lighter stone. The Salina Tile adhesive Mortar White is a good selection.

Glass mosaic. Use the white, non-slump adhesive that has high flexibility to allow for the smallest amount of Telegraphing.

2. Location -- Indoor vs Outdoor

Indoor installations in dry zones can be made using general-purpose adhesives. Outdoor applications within the UAE should use a waterproof adhesive with a higher polymer component to be able to handle extreme temperatures (surface temperatures may exceed 60 degrees Celsius during summer), as well as UV exposure, the occurrence of sandstorms, and temperature fluctuations from day to night. ATLAS Tile Waterproof Adhesive is specially designed to withstand the harsh outdoor conditions.

3. Wet Areas And Water Exposure

Shower enclosures and kitchen splash backs, as well as pools and other water features, need tiles that are waterproof. The standard cement based adhesives absorb moisture that weakens the bonds over the course of time. Select ATLAS Tile Waterproof Adhesive to use for all applications that are frequently in contact with water.

4. Substrate Type

The substrate (the area you’re applying the tile to) is the basis for choosing an adhesive. Concrete screed and cement are compatible with all types of adhesives. The smooth, non absorbent surfaces (like the tiles that are already glazed) need a high polymer bond adhesive. Drywall and plasterboards require an easier adhesive with a lower level of water in order to minimize the damage caused by moisture.

5. Traffic And Load

Flooring tiles that are in highly-trafficked areas like malls and airports, hotel lobby areas, hotels, or hospitals — suffer substantial mechanical strain. Utilize a C2 adhesive that is strong and durable to make sure tiles don’t slide off when a person walks over them or when a wheeled load is applied.

Salina Group Tile Adhesive Products: The Sabaco Range

Sabaco is a building material supplier in Dubai that provides a wide range of tile adhesives that cover all tiling scenarios encountered during UAE construction sites. The range is offered in White and Gray versions as well as in convenient 20kg and 25kg packaging.

Salina Tile Adhesive Mortar -- White & Gray

The top product of the line, Salina Tile Adhesive, is a high-end cement-based tile mortar that provides solid and efficient solutions for floor and wall tile installation. It has excellent initial grab consistency, steady workability, and high bond strength, making it suitable for residential or commercial tile projects. It is available in 25 kg sizes.

GTIN White: 990312374503 | Gray: 990312374572
The best for ceramic flooring and wall tiles, for normal interior uses
Available in White and Gray; 25 kg bags

SALI Tile Adhesive Mortar -- White & Gray

SALI Tile Adhesive is a high quality cement based tile adhesive made for the seamless installation of huge ceramic tiles both on flooring and walls. Whether for renovations to the interior or landscaping design for outdoor areas, SALI delivers outstanding performance and extraordinary outcomes. The enhanced polymer content of SALI provides more coverage and longer open times compared to conventional adhesives.

GTIN White: 990312374510 | Gray: 990312374541
Ideal for large format tiles in indoor renovations, exterior landscaping tiling
Available in white and Gray

ATLAS Tile Adhesive Mortar -- White & Gray (Waterproof)

ATLAS Tile water-proof Adhesive is the best solution for difficult installation conditions. It can be used on surfaces, in wet areas, in commercial kitchens, as well as in large-scale projects in which reliability and water resistance are not a matter of debate.

GTIN White: 990312374657 | Gray: 990312374671
Ideal for bathrooms as well as external facades and commercial construction
Available in white and Gray

Why Choose Salina Group For Tile Adhesives In UAE?

Since 1993, the company has been in operation, with more than 30 years of construction chemicals expertise within the GCC.
Specially designed products to be used specifically for the UAE climate include extreme temperature resistance in addition to UV stability, humidity control.
Three lines of complementary products (Salina, SALI, ATLAS) cover every kind of project that includes standard domestic tile to large-scale commercial and waterproofing projects.
It is available in White and Gray versions that will suit any tile type and style.
The convenient 20 and 25 kg packaging for all projects.
A complete construction chemicals system that includes Rush Coat, Plasters, Mortars, Screeds, Grouts, and many more.

Conclusion

Tiling is among the most prominent and long lasting components in any building or renovation project. The glue that is used beneath the tiles will determine how long they stay beautiful, as well as secure and efficient. With the challenging conditions in the United Arab Emirates, with extreme heat, high humidity in the coastal zone, and massive design ambition, the only tile adhesives specifically engineered for this purpose can provide the dependability that architects and projects need.

Contact SABACO today to find the perfect tile adhesive solution for your project. This will ensure strong bonding, long lasting durability, and a flawless finish for your tiles.

You may also like to read, How to choose the best cement for your construction project

FAQ

1. What's the top tile adhesive that works for floorings across the UAE?

When it comes to floor tiles in the UAE, the best tile adhesive to use is cement based polymer modified mortar, which offers high bonds along with water resistance, as well as temperature tolerance. The Salina Group’s Tile Adhesive Mortar will be the ideal choice for tiles that are large in size, and ATLAS Tile Waterproof Adhesive will be ideal for bathrooms and pool surrounds.

2. What's the main difference between C1 and Tile adhesives C2?

C1 is a common cement based adhesive that is suitable for ceramic tiles under normal indoor circumstances. C2 provides better adhesion and a stronger bond and is therefore ideal for large format or non absorbent tiles. The climate in the United Arab Emirates is extremely demanding. C2 adhesives are generally used for all applications that require a lot of attention.

3. Are tile adhesives waterproof?

Traditional tile adhesives made of cement have a certain amount of water resistance after they have dried; however, they’re not completely waterproof. In wet environments like the bathrooms of swimming pools, as well as outdoor use, it is recommended to use a specially formulated waterproof tile adhesive like the ATLAS Tile Waterproof Adhesive made by the Salina Group — it must be employed to avoid the infiltration of water, weakening bond, and damage to the substrate in the course of time.