Glossary

lesser than or equal 

more than or equal

The capability of a grout surface to resist wear. It is measured according to EN 12808-2

The maximum strength of an adhesive per unit surface area, which can be measured by shear/tensile testing. It is measured following EN 1348 : 1997, EN 1324 or EN 12003 : 1997 depending on the adhesive

The maximum time interval during which the tiles position in the adhesive layer can be adjusted without significant loss of strength

A mixture of cement and sand used to smooth a wall prior to receiving tiles

A mixture of cement and sand used to smooth a floor prior to receiving tiles

A mixture of hydraulic binding agents, aggregates, and organic additives. The adhesives are mixed with water or a liquid admix just before use

A mixture of hydraulic binding agents, aggregates inorganic and organic additives. The grout has to be mixed with water or a liquid admix just before use

A rigid thin decorative material composed of clays that are fired until they form the correct hardness. The surface is then generally glazed but can be left unglazed

The capability of a grout to resist chemical agents. It is measured according to EN 12808-1

A product that is made from resin coated particles of softwood. The particles are evenly spread over a flat plate and heat bonded together under high pressure. The boards are generally weak and easily deflected

The time interval between filling the joints and cleaning the tiles

The maximum value of a grout prism failure determined by exerting a force in compression on two opposite points. It is measured according to EN 12808-3

Any layer of dust, grease or oil etc, that contaminates a substrate or tile fixing surface and interferes with good adhesion

The fine hairline cracking which sometimes appears on the face of a glazed tile

The process of hardening sufficiently prior to usage

The failure of a system at one of the layers building up the construction, often at the interface between them

The capacity of a hardened adhesive to be deformed by stresses between the tile and the fixing surface without damage to the installation

A mixture of organic binding agents in the form of an aqueous polymer dispersion, organic additives and mineral fillers. The mixture is ready for use

A measure of how much a material deflects under load

The formation of a white powder on the sufface dur to the drying of a crystalline hydrate

Glazed, frost-resistant tiles, made from a fine clay body, or by the cast process

Noise or vibration that is transmitted by an indirect path rather than directly through the floor

The maximum value of a grout prism fallured determined by experting a force in flexure at three points. It is measured according to EN 12808-3

Addhesive is applied to the fixing surface and to the reverse of the tiles. The combined layer of adhesive does not exceed the maximum recommended thickness. The tiles are then fixed before a film forms on the surface of the adhesive

A floor above an insulating layer that is not connected to a rigid structure. Normally made from interlocking chipboard with the insulating layer atached to the underside.

A mixer that promotes a shear action e.g. rotating drum with fixed static blades (or vice versa)

A substrate of fixing surface that is soft and can be easily scraped away with a knife

Fully vitrified iles are fired at a higher temperature than ceramic tiles and water absorption levels are lower at < 0.5% making them more difficult to adhere to

The basic characteristics of an adhesive, or characteristics for specific service conditions where enhanced levels of performance are required

A very hard and dense igneous rock that produces a hardwearing natural stone finish

Refers to a cementitious material that has not fully dried or cured

The minimum time interval after installation of tiles, after which the grout can be applied into the joints

High density fibre board, in most cases not suitable to receive ceramic tiling

International Standards Organisation

Generally referring to concrete. A thin cement rich skin of material that has been brought to the surface by trowelling or vibration while placing

A sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcite. Many forms of limestone can be finely ground to a smooth polished finish although a rougher finish is often preferred

Special aqueous polymer dispersions to be mixed with a cementitious adhesive or grout on site

A metamorphosed limestone which can be very aesthetically pleasing, comes in many forms/colours and can be highly polished

The interval of time between when the cementitious adhesive or grout is mixed and the time when it is ready for use

A medium density fibre board only suitable for receiving small tiles on interior walls

Fixing by mechanical methods, such as screws, clips, rails, clamps, etc.

Generally very small tiles that are supplied on sheets for easy fixing. They can be supplied in many forms including natural stone, fully vitrified or ceramic

A stress-relieving joint between different substrates, dividing large bays or corners