Our Technical Support Manager, Chris Pratt, recently advised on thin XL format tiles. Read what he had to say below.
In recent years the increasing size of tiles has resulted in a move to thinner porcelain. This is most evident in XL format tiles but is now seen in many tiles with a surface area greater than 1m2.
XL format tiles (or slabs as we refer to them in the trade) can come in sizes up to 3200x1600mm and are commonly used for their aesthetic appeal in many wall and floor applications. As their size results in less grout joints and this combined with many designs offering the ability to book-match and “chain” the tiles (allowing the design to flow seamlessly from one tile to the next) they are favoured by designers looking for a striking, seamless, contemporary look.
However, to drive this trend, a degree of specialisation among tiling contractors is needed. The equipment and techniques required to handle, cut and fix them are significantly different from those that were seen historically in the tiling industry. That said, many of the tools and techniques that were introduced to fix these tiles are now being utilised across the wider industry; levelling clips and lifting tools (such as suction cups) and resin-filled mitres are no longer exclusive to fixing this size of tile.
Having specialised in this aspect of tile-fixing for many years prior to joining Kelmore, I speak from experience when I say that the investment in the equipment required to fabricate and install the XL tiles should not be underestimated; cutting tables, lifting frames, rail cutters, vibrating tile beaters, polishers, grinders and suction cups are just some of the things needed and can run into many thousands of pounds. However, as the overall cost and transportation of the slabs is also significant, having the correct tools is money well spent – especially when factoring in the risk of breakage and the resultant cost to the tiler.
To mitigate this risk, handling, cutting and fixing require care, precision and confidence, and when niches and flush plates land fully within a tile, it’s sometimes deemed less risky to undertake these cuts when the slab has been fixed in place. The reason for this is that after having a significant amount of the material removed from its centre, sometimes lifting the tile from the table can cause it to fracture. Either way, when fixing these tiles the phrase of “measure twice” has never been so apt.
Many tilers who specialise in XL tiles also complete their own preparation, as they can ensure backgrounds are flat, plumb and rigid. Having control of the preparation also enables the adjustment of niches and fixtures to give the best possible aesthetic result once tiled.
When it comes to fixing the tiles, adhesive selection is key. Understanding this, at Kelmore, we ensured that our adhesives were rigorously field-tested with XL tiles prior to coming to market. As these tiles require sufficient working time, MoreFlex Standard S1 and MoreFlex Semi-Rapid S1 are our recommendations. Both adhesives are available in grey and white and offer a smooth, creamy, slump-free consistency. This easily compresses to create a solid bed of adhesive once the tiles are vibrated. With a pot life of 4 hours, and an open time of 40 minutes, MoreFlex Standard S1 allows grouting after 16 hours, whilst MoreFlex Semi-Rapid S1 is quicker setting, but still offers sufficient working time. Having a pot life of 2 hours and an open time of 30 minutes, tiles are still able to be grouted after 6 hours.
As if not challenging enough, the introduction of thin porcelain has also offered up fabrication opportunities for experienced installers to further test and showcase their skills. Sanitary ware,
such as basins and baths, are now being formed with these tiles as customers, designers and architects seek to blend these objects perfectly with the rest of a tiled bathroom.
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