When your contractor is ready to install new tiles in the outdoor or patio of your house, they bond the tiles with a concrete slab, but for this process, they need to use an adhesive suitable for outdoor tiles. If you are doing it yourself, then you also need to know which adhesive to use. There are various types of adhesives we can choose from. Hence it's essential to choose the right one. For any outdoor space or patio, the modified thin-set mortar will be used as an adhesive. 

Buying and using tile adhesive

Many homeowners are terrified of attempting any landscaping project by themselves because they don't have enough information to buy the right products and use them effectively. Hence in this article, we will answer all fundamental questions regarding adhesives. 

What is a modified thin-set mortar? 

This mortar is made of Portland cement, water, fine sand and latex additives. The unmodified thin-set mortar doesn't have latex additives in it. We need the additives for our outdoor patios because they aid in reducing water absorption, improving the power of the bond and keeping movement due to temperature changes to a minimum. 

Where can you purchase this type of tile adhesive? 

Modified thin-set mortar can be purchased at home improvement shops and tile shops like Initial Tiles and Bathware. Before buying, make sure to inform the salesperson that you are going to be using the adhesive for an outdoor project or an indoor project so that they can recommend the correct adhesive products to you. Many people don't suggest mastics and premixed tile adhesives for outdoor usage. 

 

 

How much tile adhesive do you have to buy? 

Thin-set mortar comes in the form of a dry mixture, mainly in 50-pound bags. They are sometimes available in smaller bags. There is a coverage chart at the back of the bag. From there, you can get an idea of how much tile adhesive you need. Usually, a 50-pound bag covers 60 to 100 square feet. 

How to mix thin-set mortar? 

For mixing thin-set mortar, you need to have an electric drill and a paint mixer. These products are often combined with water; however, some can be mixed with latex liquid. Don't forget to check the mixing directions given on the bag. 

Process of mixing with water: 

• Pour 2 inches of clean water into a 22-litre bucket. 
• Pour a small amount of thin-set powder into the bucket at first.
• Rigorously mix the powder and water. 
• Keep adding more powder and water while constantly mixing till you get a paste with the consistency of the icing you would find on a cake. 

Different types of tile adhesive have varied mixing processes. So it's essential to read mixing instructions carefully. They will help you in building your outdoor patio correctly. 

What are the benefits of using thin-set mortar?

Here are some pros of using thin-set mortar adhesive:

• Provides an extremely strong bond
• It is resistant to moisture and therefore is the best adhesive to use when installing tiles in wet areas
• It is resistant to mould growth
• Because it is cement-based, it will not shrink or contract depending on the temperature
• It is heat resistant and therefore will not lose its strength under hot temperatures
• With thin-set adhesive, you have an additional advantage of being able to level mildly uneven surfaces
• The latex-additive in this thin-set prevents it from cracking and provides additional grip

One thing you need to remember about this type of dry mix thin-set is that the mortar will begin setting soon after it is mixed with water. Therefore, carefully calculate the amount you need before you start mixing in order to avoid wastage as you cannot store this mortar for later use.

How do I prepare an exterior wall for tiling?

When you are tiling any wall, you need to make sure that the substrate that you are going to attach your tiles to will be able to bear the load of the tiles you are fixing to it. What is a substrate? It is the underlying material that you will attach your tiles to.

Scrape off any bumps or uneven parts from the wall to make sure you have a flat, level surface to work with. This is essential as tiles will not last long on a surface with imperfections and you will need to replace them very soon.

Prime the substrate if the surface you are working with is plywood, plaster or the like where absorption needs to be reduced.

Sometimes homeowners don't understand all the products and techniques to use them. They shouldn't hesitate to contact an experienced and knowledgeable company or service provider in such a situation. At Initial Tiles and Bathware, we provide a simple online ordering process and delivery across Australia. Our tiles-related services, from outdoor tiles to tile adhesive, are very prominent in Sydney. Contact us today for the best tile deals. 

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Outdoor Tile Adhesives Tiles

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