Flooring for Each and Every Home

All water-resistant flooring adhesives are not the same. Although all these products have built-in water protection measures, they vary in a variety of different ways. As a result, you want to ensure that the adhesive you select is the right option for your tile project. To ensure you have a successful flooring application, you need to know what to look for in a water-resistant adhesive; here are some details to get you started.

1. Subflooring 

The type of subflooring that is, or will be, installed on the underside of the tile is very important. The reason this element is so important is that certain adhesives adhere to certain types of subflooring better. For example, an adhesive suited for use on wood might not adhere as securely to a concrete subfloor, and as a result, the lifespan of the adhesive and tile installation will be limited. Make sure the water-resistant adhesive is intended for the type of subfloor you have installed.  

2. Drying Time

When it comes to an adhesive for tile installation, it's also important to be mindful of the products' drying time, especially if you plan to install the tile in a complex design. For an intricate tile pattern, it's helpful to choose an adhesive with extended drying time. If the adhesive dries too quickly, you might not be able to move any misplaced tile without causing damage to them. A slower drying adhesive gives you greater flexibility. 

3. Coloring

It's also a good idea to be mindful of the coloring of the adhesive. Tile is typically installed with grout to ensure a more professional finish. If you choose a very dark adhesive in comparison to the color of the tile, it might be visible through the grout. For example, if you have beige tile and sandstone grout, you would not want to apply a black adhesive to the floor, as its color would likely bleed through. 

4. Tile

The dimension of the tile is another factor to consider as you select an adhesive. The reason this factor is important is that some water-resistant floor adhesives have a thicker consistency than others. In the event you use a thicker adhesive and a thicker tile, there is a chance that the finish flooring will rest higher than you had originally planned. It's generally best to pair adhesives with a thinner consistency with thicker tiles. Make certain you keep these tips in mind as you choose a floor adhesive for your flooring application. 

To learn more about choosing a water-resistant flooring adhesive, contact a flooring company near you.