Tiling - Sealing explained simply!

The Underground

Nothing works without the right substrate. It forms the basis for the final result. Whether it's about aesthetics or preventing damage from moisture. Theoretically, you can lay tiles on any substrate. But beware! Different floors = different properties. This means that the preparatory work must be individually adapted to the respective substrate.

Generally speaking: The substrate must be firm, load-bearing, dust-free and dry. The surface should be even and any cracks must be filled.

Possible problems that may occur

A tiled surface itself is not waterproof. Water can seep under the tiles, particularly at the connections of built-in components and wall connections, as well as in the area of joints and cracks, damaging the substrate. Especially in wet rooms, but also in certain commercial businesses such as breweries, floors and walls are exposed to high levels of moisture.

Depending on the stress, the risk of damage varies greatly, which is why the standard DIN 18534-5 defines four stress classes. Starting with W0-1 "Low = Areas with infrequent impact" up to W3-1 "Very high = Areas with very frequent or prolonged impact".

Cracks in the subsoil

When renovating old surfaces, cracks in the substrate may be present, making it impossible to lay a new tile covering securely and in a way that is resistant to moisture.

The solution

With DURABASE ET-S We have a sealing system in the shop that meets all requirements, regardless of which water exposure class is defined for the respective area.

Tiles – whether large-format or colorful mosaics – are the ideal covering for walls and floors in the bathroom. Areas around the shower, bathtub, and sink are particularly exposed to splashing water and moisture. In walk-in showers, water flows directly over the bathroom tiles to the drain. To prevent moisture damage, sealing is crucial. We'll show you how to lay wall tiles in the bathroom and shower yourself – from preparing the substrate to sealing, laying, and grouting the tiles.

The system

The sealing system consists of the following components, which cover all situations simply and safely:

1. ET-S membrane: Roll material with a width of 100 cm and a printed grid for easy, precise cutting.
2. Sealing tape ET-S: Tape with a width of 120 mm for covering joints and wall and floor connections in accordance with standards.
3. Standard external or internal corners: Specifically for sealing around bathtubs
4. 3D Corners ET-S: For flexible connection in the shower area.
5. Sealing cuffs ET-S FM 120/150/200: With flexible conduit in three different sizes for pipes from 10 – 80 mm
6. Cut-resistant tape: For protecting the seal in the shower area.
7. Sound insulation strip ET-S D: For reducing noise transmission in the wall connection area of showers and bathtubs.

Each of these components is approved for all water exposure classes from W0-1 "low" up to and including W3-1 "very high".

System components

ETAG 022-2 Certified

As part of European harmonization, the Europe-wide valid ETAG certificate was introduced, raising the requirements. The abbreviation ET-S stands for ETAG-SYSTEM. After extensive testing, it was confirmed that DURABASE ET-S passed all tests and meets the high requirements.

To ensure the effectiveness of the sealing, the sealing membrane should be laid first, followed by the accessory components. It doesn't matter whether the wall or floor is worked on first.

Installation instructions for membrane waterproofing

The following tools are required: scissors, trapezoidal knife, 4 x 4 notched trowel, smoothing trowel, trowel, fine-toothed spatula, spirit level, pencil, folding rule and pressure roller.

1. The substrate must be dry, clean, dust-free, load-bearing and even.
2. Apply a suitable primer to the substrate according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Use a spirit level and pencil to divide and mark out the area.
4. Mix the tile adhesive according to the manufacturer's recommendations and apply it in sections, row by row, with a notched trowel (4 x 4 mm).
5. Place the cut-to-size strips on the adhesive bed and press firmly. It doesn't matter which side of the strip is up or down. Remove any air bubbles from under the strip. Observe the open time of the adhesive.
6. Adjacent strips should be laid with a minimum overlap of 5 cm. Alternatively, the strips can also be laid butt-to-butt and the joints covered with ET-S 120 -50 sealing tape. The overlapping/covering areas must be sealed/bonded with Flex 310 M Classic adhesive sealant. For this purpose, apply Flex 310 M Classic with a cartridge gun and spread evenly with a fine-toothed trowel. Press the sealing strip/sealing tape firmly and smooth out without bubbles.
7. The tiles can then be laid directly onto the mat using the thin-bed method without any waiting time. It is not necessary for the adhesive sealant Flex 310 M Classic to be completely dry.

Installation instructions for components

For the sealing to be effective, start with the sheets and then immediately lay the components directly onto the respective sealing sheet.

Use of the individual components:

• Wall/floor transition: sealing tape
• Pipe penetrations: sealing cuffs with expansion zone
• Corners: Inside/outside corner – Shower corner 3D left/right – Bathtub corner inside/outside

1. The overlap area between the component and the sealing membrane must be at least 5 cm on each side and must be fully coated with Flex 310 M Classic adhesive sealant. Apply Flex 310 M Classic with a cartridge gun and spread evenly with a fine-toothed trowel.
2. Press the components firmly (e.g. with a narrow pressure roller) and spread them out without bubbles.
3. The tiles can then be laid directly onto the mat using the thin-bed method without any waiting time. It is not necessary for the adhesive sealant Flex 310 M Classic to be completely dry.

Notes:

In general, the generally accepted rules of technology must be observed!

For all products/materials: The suitability for mechanical and chemical stress must be carefully checked in each individual case before laying the mat. Protect material from prolonged exposure to sunlight.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.

Best of luck!

The team from Everything for Tiles