APPOINTMENTS & NEWS 3
NEWS FEATURE
A case for tiles T
New technical developments are adding even more versatility to tiled surfaces. One of the latest design trends is the move towards large format tiles. These are an architect’s dream, as they minimise the presence of grout lines and allow the design of the tile to be fully maximised and appreciated.
The arrival on the market of the new generation of large format tiles and panels is now accompanied by new digital printing technology. This can give the tiles the appearance of natural stone, and there are many other new design opportunities. However it is important to understand the technical aspects of tile installation, particularly when it comes to adhesives. The correct adhesive should be used for each application, and the substrate should also be considered. For example skimmed plaster walls can only accommodate 20 kg of weight and bespoke tile backer boards are by far the preferable type of substrate to use. When fixing large format tiles at height (or any tiles above 3 metres), British Standards specify that mechanical fixing systems should be used. A further example that we still come across very regularly is that of anhydrite screeds. Although they have been around for nearly 40 years, and are popular with specifiers because of the speed with which they can be poured and their sustainability credentials, they do have a downside, namely that curing times can be very much extended compared to sand:cement screeds. There are solutions on the market, such as Palace’s own Pro Gyp-Base, which provides a sealing system to enable earlier application of tiled finishes, fixed with cement based adhesives. These topics and more are covered in RIBA-approved CPD presentations, such as the one we have introduced this year, and I would urge any architects working with tiles to familiarise themselves with these resources.
Supplied by Nick Bratt, national technical sales manager for Palace Chemicals
WWW.BUILDINGCONSTRUCTIONDESIGN.CO.UK ADF
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iled surfaces offer enormous aesthetic and practical opportunities for building designers. Product innovation and regulatory advances ensure that this product sector remains dynamic and exciting, meaning that specifiers need to be aware of the technical issues around tiling. On many projects, tiles remain the best option for finishing walls and floors. If tiling is carried out correctly, it can last a lifetime. You can’t say that about many of the alternatives. Consider for example, the tiling in London’s underground stations, some of which goes back to the Victorian era. In terms of functionality, ease of cleaning, durability and timeless aesthetic design, tiles just cannot be beaten.
BUILDING INSIGHTS
A PODCAST FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
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18/11/2024 09:53
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