Ranking of the 10 best frost-resistant tile adhesives for outdoor use
The properties of a universal glue for street tile coatings are associated with the frost resistance of the resulting solution. It's no secret that "external" and "internal" building mixtures for tiles are not the same. Their aim is to work in different environments, under specific conditions. An error in the choice of glue threatens sad consequences: the tile will begin to lag, and it will become dangerous to walk on such a surface. We approach the question of buying a mixture in depth.
Usage characteristics and requirements
The glue for the exterior should be such that tiles, porcelain stoneware or clinker molding will also adhere well to it. Briefly, the main indicators by which a ready-made building mixture is selected are:
- the strength of the resulting stone;
- strong adhesion (adhesion to the base);
- resistance to additional loads during operation.
It is better to immediately refuse the "weak" adhesive mixture with unsatisfactory adhesion properties, unstable to deformations. This will lead to loss of time as well as financial costs.
High Strength Indicators
The durability of the entire coating depends on the strength of the layer formed during the solidification of the mixture, its resistance to temperature changes, high humidity. In the external environment, there is no constant and unchanging microclimate (like indoors).
Therefore, manufacturers pay maximum attention to this indicator.
Ability to fit together
Another important criteria. It is characterized by the ability of the mixture to create strong bonds with the base and coating that can withstand external factors. It comes with special additives, grinding the building mix into a dust-like fraction. In full-fledged formulations, the components are evenly distributed in the solution, forming a strong, even layer.
Resistance to deformation
This characteristic is associated with the ability of the adhesive mixture to withstand loads in the solid state. In addition, these impacts result from fluctuations in temperature, pressure and seasonal changes in the atmosphere. Heat, rain, snow, wind - all this the created coating must successfully withstand, while maintaining its integrity.
Varieties of adhesive mixtures for outdoor use
Adhesive for street tiles differs not only in brands, but also in composition. Among the variety of mixtures, the following are distinguished:
- Cement based mortar. The most widespread, it is considered universal. In fact, it is a composite construction mixture consisting of crushed sand, plasticizers, binder (cement). Affordable, inexpensive and commonly used by tilers.
- Scattered. The consistency is close to thick sour cream. Practical to work with, easy to apply (no need to knead). Also suitable for torn or sawn stone, mosaics, various tiling materials. They have a high adhesion and are recommended for uneven or insufficiently cleaned substrates.
- Polyurethane solutions. The strong point of this group is the elasticity. Designed to create complex volumetric compositions with an abundance of curved surfaces.
- Epoxy. Two-component (less often mono) mixtures based on resin and hardener. They are characterized by increased strength and water resistance. Can be modified with plasticizers which improve the structure of the mixture.
Often in the composition of adhesives, in addition to the basic components, additional components are included. These include colorants, modifiers. Thus, the scope of application of the adhesive mixture is expanded: the construction of durable coatings in swimming pools, saunas, in harsh climatic conditions.
Universal
A general-purpose mortar is rightfully recognized as a composition based on a cement mixture. It is used by both professionals and amateurs. Cerezit, Knauf, Eunis and other domestic and foreign manufacturers supply the market with dry building mixtures for laying tiling materials.These solutions are versatile because they are easy to pack, deliver and store. Preparing the glue by diluting it with water according to the instructions is also not difficult.
Reinforced
In case of imposing "biased" requirements for the solution in terms of strength, it is necessary to use a specially modified glue. Among these additional requirements are increased adhesion, resistance to applied loads, temperature (cold) resistance. Adding PVA emulsion to an ordinary dry mix improves its quality, makes it more plastic and stronger.
For pool cladding
The adhesive for laying ceramic tiles on the bottom and walls of the pool cannot be replaced with a composition for cladding the bathroom, and vice versa. In contact with water, the coating should not collapse, change its characteristics, in particular its adhesion to the base.
heat resistant
Compounds resistant to hot air will be necessary for the repair or construction of a sauna, technological rooms and hot climates. Among the destructive factors affecting the tile, the solution is pressure and temperature drops, a humid environment. And none of them should affect the operation of the coating, its integrity.
white
Formed by adding a coloring pigment to the main composition. Used to hide the seam when gluing marble, white mosaic. Except for the color, this is the standard cement mix that every manufacturer has in their arsenal.
Frost resistant
Insidious temperature fluctuations, repeated cycles of thawing and defrosting are all elements that have a destructive effect on mortars and materials.The use, instead of a special antifreeze glue for interior work when arranging the facing of the veranda, even in the suburbs, will manifest itself very quickly. And the savings will translate into significant costs for repairs, restoration of the coating. And the "winter" glue can easily withstand spring thaws, frosts and sleet.
Compound
Manufacturers pay attention to the selection of components as much as to the production technology. The purpose of the glue, the characteristics and the degree of suitability for the selected type of work depend on their ratio.
The quality of cement is not inferior to M-400
In a high quality glue that gives a strong seam, everything is important. Even the brand of cement is an indicator that affects the characteristics of the mortar stone when changing from a liquid phase to a solid phase. Low grades are used in mortars for which there are no special requirements. For high quality tile adhesive you need M400 cement, no other will work.
Lime
Lime is the second most popular astringent, which is widely used to this day. In solution, this component provides protection against fungus and resistance to moisture. Experienced builders add lime to ready-made solutions, thereby increasing their quality.
Cellulose thickener
Cellulose additives have a beneficial effect on plasticity and are used in dispersed mixtures. They help not to pay attention to the thickness of the layer, which is important when working with uneven substrates, torn stone.
Excipients
Other components that allow you to modify the solution, increase frost resistance, plasticity, adhesion and others. Each manufacturer has their own.
Antifreeze additives
This position is necessary for the glue you intend to use for the exterior siding. Its presence is indicated by a mark on the packaging of the glue.
Plasticizers
Plasticity enhancing additives improve adhesive handling. This facilitates the laying of the mixture, the application on the base and the coating.
If there is no such mixture, then the artist will have to try to make it convenient to work with the mixture.
Tuning adjusters
These impurities slow down the process of hardening of the mixture, its transition from the liquid phase to the solid phase. If it is for a short period of time, the glue will be difficult to work with. The slow-curing composition is also uncomfortable, slows down the speed of laying the tiles.
Water repellents
The water-repellent component contributes to an increase in frost resistance, inertia to the effects of corrosive liquids. In addition, such glue tightly closes the pores of the coating, prevents moisture from entering the body of the mortar stone.
How to choose
Healthy competition between manufacturers allows the end consumer to choose the formulation they want. Expensive or not, ready-to-use dry mix in a plastic container or maximally suitable for quick use. At the same time, do not forget what exactly the glue was used for - for paving slabs, clinker or porcelain stoneware. And for special working conditions, a special solution is needed.
Scope
Exterior coating adhesive is different from others. This is the main condition that should be taken into account when choosing a mixture. In addition, important nuances are taken into account: the material of the coating and the base, the structure, even the straightness of the surfaces.
Compound
The exact ratio of components, their selection is a trade secret of the manufacturer, the secret of his success. Most dry mixes contain Portland cement - dusty sand, adhesives and plasticizers. And already their ratio in a certain proportion allows you to make a high-quality coating of a porch or a platform.
Liquid mixtures contain polymer additives, a complex set of additional additives that ensure their safety and, at the same time, fast adhesion after laying.
Membership
Adhesion to the facing material, the base is a necessary requirement for the glue, regardless of its composition. Otherwise, the laid tiles will begin to “cluster” underfoot or the solution will peel off the surface along with the tiles.
Basic material
These are usually concrete surfaces, less often - metal structures, stone platforms, drywall. The type of base influences the choice of glue, as relatively flat and straight sections can reduce mortar consumption. And a universal mixture is suitable for them. And for specific surfaces - concave or convex, complex shapes - you need a special glue.
Mix the recipe
Fans of experimentation can try to do a DIY styling mix. The main components for this are known: Portland cement grade M400 and above, slaked lime, fine sand (preferably dusty). You also need water repellent (bought at a hardware store). Injected into the PVA solution, wallpaper glue (CMC) will increase the plasticity of the mixture. The proportions for the approximate composition are as follows (in parts):
- cement - 1;
- sand - 3;
- CMC-0.2.
Homemade glue will save you time and money to buy a ready-made one, but in terms of quality it can seriously lose.And it is not so easy to mix all the components well at home.
Setting time
It directly depends on the manufacturer, on the working conditions - temperature, humidity. On average, it varies from one day to several days. This indicator is influenced by the presence of additional components in the glue, plasticizers or frost-resistant additives.
Setting time
This indicator is important in order to be able to correct the situation in the event of a problem. Depending on the technology for laying tiles, regardless of the facing material, a margin of time is required for adjustments. This is necessary to expose the gaps, to decide on the cut of the seams.
Sometimes the tile "floats", which is completely normal when the adhesive sets.
The extended adjustment time allows required changes to be made over a long period of time without catastrophic consequences. At the same time, the slowly hardening glue makes it difficult to complete the work quickly.
Rating and features
The rating of brands and solutions takes into account different indicators: the versatility of the solution, its price and its ease of use. In addition to the general characteristics, the different mixtures also have characteristics associated with the specifics of their application.
Ceresit CM 17
A popular composition based on a polymer-cement mixture with reinforcing components. It adapts equally well to the dressing of premises inside and outside buildings. Designed for swimming pools, underfloor heating, can be used for problematic substrates, porcelain stoneware. Differs in strong adhesion, allows the cladding to be laid on old tiles. Frost resistant. The frozen solution works in the range of minus 50 to plus 80 degrees Celsius.
Weber-Vetonit
The company produces compounds for bathroom cladding, facades, swimming pools and garages. Has experience using adhesives to create curved surfaces, produces mixes for waterproofing. The range includes universal and modified formulations. Suitable for ceramic tiles, white stone, mosaics, composite materials.
Vetonit Ultra fix winter
Specific "winter" composition for facing in negative temperature conditions. The peculiarity of the glue is that it retains its plasticity, is easy to prepare and is resistant to vibration loads. Slippage of the tiles is excluded. Provides fungi inertia, humid environment.
Litokol
The company manufactures products for tiling, cladding maintenance, construction chemicals and porcelain stoneware. Conventional cementitious dry mixes, disperse adhesives and grouting materials are available to the consumer.
Benefit of Ivsil
Adhesives for tiles, porcelain stoneware coverings, suitable for difficult substrates, lumpy materials. When used on decks, balconies, railings, they are recommended for areas with increased foot traffic. They are not afraid of temperature changes, withstand thawing-freezing cycles.
Mixonit F15 CV
Ready-to-cook mix in a plastic container. It is positioned as a universal polymer-cement composition for clinker, various facade coatings, mosaics, flooring. Allows to ration the consumption of glue without reducing the resistance of the joint.
United 2000
A dry composition useful for mosaic, ceramic, natural materials and artificial molding flooring. Differs the elasticity of the seam, allows the smoothing of drops up to 15 millimeters. Frost resistant, versatile.
The manufacturer guarantees the strength of the seam in 1 Megapascal, the possibility of using the facing in one day.
Ceresit CM 117
Dry construction mix with guaranteed plasticity. Recommended for outdoor use, it is a universal adhesive. Compatible with other company products (to create a waterproofing layer). It is characterized by increased adhesion and frost resistance.
Ceresit CM 9
"Ordinary" tiling solution. Allows the laying of porcelain stoneware slabs, water resistant. Holds siding well (without slipping), not recommended for outdoor use.
Flexible Knauf
Dry mix with increased elasticity. Working conditions - indoors and outdoors, fixing ceramics, natural or artificial stone. Can be used for pool lining.
Knauf flyssen
Another “universal soldier” for repair work related to tiling is porcelain stoneware cladding. The surface must be solid and solid, concrete or plasterboard. But only for interior work.
Application rules
The standard rules boil down to scrupulous observance of the instructions. This applies to the temperature regime, the preparation of the base, the materials used. There is no remark in the description of the glue that it can be used in facade cladding - it is better not to risk it. Practice shows that all mixtures, both dry and ready-made, are guaranteed to cope with most tasks in the field of their application. But not more.
Answers to questions
The consumer is naturally interested in the best glue. But first you need to know what the mixture is for.For ordinary coatings, without imposing special requirements, universal compounds are suitable. It is supposed to perform work in extreme conditions - you need "winter" glue.If the base cannot be leveled, a torn stone or a special clinker molding will be used, then a dispersed polymer composite mortar cannot be dispensed with.Do not forget that each additional option (elasticity, frost resistance) often affects the cost of glue.