The duration of repair work will depend on how much tile adhesive dries. If you have to process an impressive area in a short time, you should purchase a special type of adhesive mixture. If you asked the question that was voiced above, then you should understand what should be understood by the terms of the solidification of the composition. In addition, the consumption of tile glue per 1 m2 is also important.
Three stages of solidification
The customer devotes one time for this, while the master - another. In fact, three stages of solidification of the mixture can be distinguished. The stage at which the mixture is recommended for use is called the stage of use of the solution. In this case, the mixture should remain so viscous that the master had the opportunity to apply it to the surface and adjust the position of the tile. Manufacturers quite often mention one time, which is called the viscosity step of the solution after the completion of the kneading step. If the glue is constantly stirred, then it will retain its qualities for up to five hours, but after the composition is applied to the base, it will be unsuitable in half an hour. The master will have 15 minutes left, this is exactly the time allotted to change the position of the product, if necessary.
These figures are relevant for the usual composition, which is based on cement. If you wondered how much tile adhesive dries, then you should know that at the stage of initial hardening the tile will remain in place, but when exposed to it, it can move away from the surface. After completing this stage, a person can move on the surface, for example, for grouting joints and performing other work that does not involve the use of heavy equipment. Many walk on the surface of the cladding after 12 hours, but manufacturers recommend waiting about 24 hours or more - two days.
Furniture Installation Stage
Many home masters mistakenly believe that furniture can be installed after this time, but time should pass, which is equal to the third stage of solidification. When you are faced with the question of how much tile adhesive dries, its final hardening will occur in about 5 days. If the heat is quite strong, then the surface should be additionally moistened, which is especially true for the external cladding, during which time the adhesive composition will gain strength, and the tile can be used to install heavy furniture.
Glue hardening taking into account temperature and humidity
The question of how long after the tile adhesive dries can not be called simple, because it is also important to consider the consumption of tile adhesive per 1 m2. Additional factors must be taken into account in terms of the type of humidity and indoor temperature. Manufacturers mention the curing time of the adhesive, which are designed for normal humidity and temperature within 60% and 20 ° C, respectively. If you lower the temperature or increase the humidity, the solidification period will be automatically extended. An experienced master will never give an exact answer to the above question without knowing the conditions.
When the master solves the question of how much the tile adhesive dries, it also takes into account the composition of the mixture. If we are talking about cement glue, then its use is allowed at a temperature of + 5 ° C or higher. It is important to consider not only the air temperature, but also the surface temperature, as it sometimes happens several degrees lower. It is important to prevent crystallization of moisture in the solution that has not yet solidified, otherwise the mixture can simply be discarded. Therefore, when the temperature drops, experienced builders recommend initially warming up the air and trying to maintain the mark on the thermometer within the same number during installation and hardening of the adhesive composition.
Additional information on temperature and humidity conditions
If you are not in a hurry, then the tile can be laid at the lowest temperature mark. This factor will not affect the quality of the adhesive composition and further strength of the coating, however, it is not worthwhile to start moving on the tile ahead of time. A suitable time will come only in a week, this is especially true for cement mortars, which, with optimal humidity and temperature, freeze in a day. After this time, you can freely move around the surface to grout joints. As for humidity, a direct hit of water can increase the curing time of a mixture, for example, during outdoor work. In this case, the composition will harden twice as long.
Additional terms
The thickness of the tile adhesive also affects the setting time. This parameter will depend on the quality of the surface and the size of the tile. If the floor or walls are even, and the products are large, then very little glue will be needed. For such purposes, thin-layer formulations are used. However, on sale you can find glue, which is used to level surfaces with irregularities up to 30 mm.
Hardening of different brands of glue
Quite often, novice masters wonder how long tile glue dries on the floor. This is influenced not only by the temperature and humidity conditions and the thickness of the strip, but also by the brand of glue. For example, “Cerezit SM 9” can be used for a couple of hours after mixing, but you can correct the tile 15 minutes after installation. After two days, the master can begin to grout.
“Cerezit SM 115” is a composition that allows you to work with it after mixing for two hours, the working time after application is 20 minutes, and you can adjust the tile for 25 minutes, wipe the joints in two days. The composition of UNIS XXI is no less popular, which allows it to be consumed within three hours, whereas after application, the viability of the solution remains for 10 minutes. The same period can be spent on adjusting the product. But you can wipe the seams after 24 hours.
UNIS Belfix is a mixture that can be collected for another 3 hours from the bucket where the preparation was carried out. For 15 minutes, the maximum can go to the adjustment of products and manipulation after application to the surface. While grouting can be done in a day. If after solving the question of how much tile glue should dry, you are not satisfied with the results, then quick-drying compositions may be preferred.
Consumption and instructions for use of glue "Ceresit"
Tile glue "Ceresite" is a fairly common product among consumers. If you choose a variety of Ceresit CM 11 Plus, then its consumption will be 1.7 kg / m 2 if the side length of the tile is 5 cm. The consumption will increase to 4.2 kg / m 2 if the dimensions of the product are 30 cm. Before you start For works where Ceresit tile adhesive is used, you must make sure that the base has sufficient load-bearing capacity. Irregularities up to 5 mm must be leveled, and then prepare the mixture.
Conclusion
Apply glue with a smooth spatula, and level it with a toothed one. If external work is carried out or large-sized tiles are strengthened, then a thin, continuous layer of glue should be additionally applied to the mounting surface. At the next stage, the product is pressed to the surface, but no later than 20 minutes after applying the composition.