Factors affecting ceramic tile adhesion for external cladding

Abstract The effect of the exposure temperature during and after the application of a tiling system on the development of bond strength of the adhesive was evaluated. It was shown that adhesive with approximately 50% of the water replaced by a polymer latex has the most consistent performance in the achievement of bond strength. Adhesive with 100% of the water replaced by a polymer latex was found to dry up too rapidly to allow sufficient time for the adhesive to interact with the substrate at the adhesive/substrate interface. The results reflect the importance of a proper mix design especially when works have to be carried out under hot and dry weather. The effects of moisture and movement due to shrinkage and creep are also discussed.