MYK LATICRETE

The key to a successful tile/stone installation with Tile adhesive mortars is good surface check and proper surface preparation. During the hot season, it is much more critical to keenly observe and do the surface preparation before tile and stone is installed.

Below are the tips:

Cleanliness of surface: Before any tile or stone is installed on a concrete slab, floor screed or plaster, dry wall board, the surface must be clean and free from dirt, dust, oil, grease, curing compounds, sealers, paint, site debris etc. It is imperative that a thorough visual inspection is mandatory to understand the condition of site. Plumb and levels need to be checked and marked in advance.

Curing of substrate and condition for tiling: The concrete or cement-based substrates should have completed curing and need to be dry for resin based adhesive mortar applications.

Strength of substrates: It is important to understand that the surface receiving tile or stone should be strong enough to take the loads like dead loads, loads that arise from traffic, environmental elements etc. Hence it is imperative to ask relevant questions to site engineers, builder or contractors and in case of deficiencies, need to prepare the substrate to fit the installation.

Pre- Wetting of Cement based substrates: Often it is seen that adhesive mortars are applied on cement plaster without wetting it. This results in a weak bond causing failure of tile/stone. The surface should be brought to SSD (Surface Saturated Dry condition) when cement based adhesive mortars are being used for installation.

Pot life, Open time and Adjustment time of mortars: The substrate, which is hot and dry, makes the adhesive mortar’s open time and adjustment time reduced. The pot life of the adhesive mortar also gets reduced with rise in temperature. Necessary measures need to be taken to reduce the surface temperature of the substrates so that the adhesive mortars perform with designed working properties.

Bond Coat / Primer coat for Underlays: It is important to integrate the underlays with the substrates like concrete / screed / Plaster. This would require a primer coat or Bond coat with a suitable material and underlay material must be placed on the surface when the primer coat is still wet and tacky. During hot weather, the primer coats quickly dry and hence fail to integrate the elements. Necessary measures like using cold water for making the primer coats and mixing the cement mortars should be planned.

Suitability of waterproof membrane, adhesive or grout: It is important to understand that many types of tiles and stones with high variation in their characteristics, formats (Sizes) are available. Also the area of application (Floor/wall/interior/exterior/wet area/drywall board/) and functionality of area (High traffic / Medium Traffic/ Low traffic) needs to be evaluated before deciding the type and quality of water proofing, adhesive or grout is chosen for installation. Hot weather conditions demand highly flexible waterproofing membranes, polymer modified adhesive mortars and grouts for successful installations.

As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, it is becoming increasingly important to consider eco-friendly methods of construction. One such method of construction is 3D concrete printing, which has the potential to save tremendous amounts of energy and reduce the need for new construction materials.

We’ll also discuss the various applications of 3D concrete printing and its potential future as a construction method. So, stay tuned!

What is 3D Concrete Printing?

3D Concrete Printing is an innovative technology that uses multiple layers of concrete to create structures and products. It’s a fast, efficient way to create large-scale objects, like buildings or sculptures. The process is like how we make traditional concrete, but with the added ability to print in multiple colours and textures. There are many potential applications for this technology, including the construction industry and hobbyist projects alike! So, if you’re curious about how 3D Concrete Printing works!!!

How is 3D Concrete Printing made?

3D Concrete Printing is a technology that has been making waves in construction and design circles for years. It’s a process that allows for the printing of layers of concrete together to create a three-dimensional object. This technology has several advantages over traditional methods like brick-and-mortar construction. For example, 3D Concrete Printing is environmentally friendly as it doesn’t require the use of any form of cement. Additionally, it’s faster and easier to construct. So, if you’re looking to get creative with your construction projects, or want to explore new design possibilities, 3D Concrete Printing is the perfect technology for us!

What are the major applications for 3D printing in concrete?

In the construction industry, 3D Printing has many applications. The main application is for printing complex structures in one go. This means that the time taken to build a structure can be reduced drastically and it also enables the usage of materials which are not available or not feasible to be used in traditional construction techniques.

There is a lot of potential for 3D Printing to change the traditional building process completely as it allows architects and designers alike to print structures out of any material they choose; in any shape they choose. This means that there is no need to use concrete anymore because it can just be replaced with another material.

3D concrete printing is a cutting-edge technology with great potential for the construction industry. In our case studies, we have demonstrated the feasibility of using 3D concrete printing to create complex structures quickly and efficiently. We believe that this technology has great potential, and we will continue to explore its applications.

Why do we need 3D Concrete Printing ?

There are several reasons why 3D concrete printing is seen as a valuable technology in the construction industry:

Speed and efficiency: 3D concrete printing allows for the rapid construction of complex structures, reducing the time and labour required to build them. This can lead to significant cost savings and faster completion of projects.

Customization: 3D concrete printing allows for the creation of unique and complex architectural designs that would be difficult or impossible to achieve using traditional building methods. This can lead to more visually appealing and functional buildings.

Sustainability: 3D concrete printing can help to reduce waste and improve energy efficiency in the construction process. The technology allows for the precise use of materials, reducing the amount of excess concrete and other materials that would otherwise be discarded.

Flexibility: 3D concrete printing can be used to create structures of various shapes and sizes and can be applied in different environments. This makes it a versatile technology that can be used in a wide range of construction projects.

Remote construction: 3D concrete printing can be used to build structures in remote areas, reducing the need to transport heavy materials and labor. 3D printing technology offers unique opportunities in a variety of fields, Thus, in both construction and entertainment, advanced technology is making convenience and accessibility possible for users by reducing distances and overcoming borders.

When tiling floors and walls in projects like kitchens, washrooms, gyms, swimming pools, restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, and more, water penetration is a crucial factor to consider. Seepage of water through tile joints can cause significant issues, including the debonding of tiles.

The Importance of Grouting

Tiling isn’t complete without thorough grouting. Grouting is the final and most essential step in the tiling process. It not only gives floors and walls a finished look but also prevents water from seeping through the spaces between tiles.

For instance, in washrooms, where tiles endure over 100 footsteps daily and constant exposure to water, proper grouting becomes critical. While fixing tiles securely is essential, using tile grout fillers in the spaces between adjoining tiles is equally important to ensure long-term durability.

Consequences of Water Penetration

When water penetrates through tile joints, it can lead to:

Tile Debonding: The bond between tiles and substrate weakens over time.

Powdering and Cracking: Ordinary grouts fail to withstand constant water exposure.

Accumulation of Dirt and Germs: Pores in the grout can develop an unhygienic environment.

Such issues are more pronounced in areas like washrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone spaces.

Choosing the Right Grout

For areas where water exposure is a concern, using water-resistant tile grouts is non-negotiable. Ordinary grouts simply cannot offer the protection needed to prevent water penetration. Water-resistant grouts help fight:

Powdering and cracking.

Dirt and germ accumulation.

The unhygienic environment caused by water seepage.

MYK LATICRETE SP-100 ™  Tile Joints: The Ideal Solution

SP-100 tile joints by MYK LATICRETE provide a reliable solution for these challenges.

Germ Resistant and Stain-Resistant: Perfect for high-moisture and stain-prone areas like kitchens.

Water and chemical Resistant: Suitable for areas exposed to water and cleaning chemicals such as bathrooms, wash areas. hXX ensuring durability and performance.

Aesthetic Appeal: Available in 40+ colors, SP-100 retains its color over time, keeping tiles joints looking new for years.

Tile sizes are becoming larger, in India. Now we have consumers demanding tiles as large as 12 feet, for installation on interior floors, walls, or external facades. Gone are those days, when the ubiquitous 2 by 2 feet tile were the norm in tiling. The modern-day consumer is willing to pay for tiles that offer functional value but at the same time does demand more bang for the buck.

For the uninitiated, any tile with its largest side greater than 1000 mm is a ‘very large format tile’.

No wonder, having very large format tiles installed in your house is now the ‘in-thing’. But did we say that installing such tiles can be a tricky and messy affair? Or not? Let’s find out… This is a common concern for homeowners considering this stylish option, and understanding the proper installation techniques, including how to tile large format tiles on the wall and how to lay large format floor tiles, is crucial.

Cement or Adhesives?

Over the years, cement slurry was the de facto material of choice to install tiles. But Cement’s chemical composition doesn’t allow it to retain water. In scientific terms, because of Cement’s high heat of hydration, it tends to lose water quickly and shrinks.

So when you use cement slurry to install tiles, cement shrinks by losing water and is, thus, unable to bond with the tile surface. Consequently, the shrinkage also creates unintended hollow spaces below/beside the tile, thereby making the tile susceptible to debonding or cracks

We have established that the installation of tiles with cement slurry is highly problematic. Now, let’s talk about the installation of very large format tiles.

Very large-format tiles undergo heat curing in roller furnaces. Hence, they come with natural warpages and flexibility (slight bend, otherwise not noticeable to the human eye).

Imagine cement slurry losing water and shrinking after the installation of these tiles. The natural warpage of these tiles pronounces the issue of hollow sounds and drastically increases the probability of the following occurrences:

Tenting of tiles

Cracks at the edges (especially when spacers are not used)

De-bonding of tiles

With the tile installation using cement slurry, would you invest so much time and resources, just to witness the tiles of your choice crack and de-bond someday? No, right? That’s what we thought.

It is because of the above reasons that Tile Adhesives make sure the intended bonding with the tile occurs. 

How do we ensure that?

Tile adhesive is a special formulation of various ingredients, dosed with polymers to retain water(self-curing property) during adhesion with the tile. Thus, greatly enhancing the quality and longevity of the tile installation.

More so with very large format tiles, wherein the adhesion must be sustained, allowing for the lateral movement arising due to the natural warpage and flexibility of such tiles.

Presenting MYK LATICRETE 335 Maxi

We designed 335 Maxi with a ‘special and unique’ formulation to flawlessly install very large format tiles, thin bodies, laminate tiles, and stones for both exterior and interior surfaces.

"When we adopt to every situation we win in life"

The festive season is upon us, a time for new clothes, home renovations, and getting our spaces ready for celebrations. Among the many preparations, adorning our homes tops the list. Whether it’s new furniture, a new dining set, fresh paint, or new tiles, we all strive to create a festive ambience. This article focuses on a particularly effective renovation method: fixing tile on tile.

The Impact of Tiling

Tiling significantly impacts the overall look of our interiors. From living rooms to balconies, tiled floors are a common feature in most homes. Tiling enhances a room’s aesthetic appeal and is a popular choice for home renovations. Today’s market offers a vast selection of trendy tiles to choose from.

Tile-on-Tile: A Smart Renovation Choice

Choosing to fix tile on tile is an ideal renovation option. It offers several advantages:

Resource Efficiency: Saves on materials and labor.

Time Savings: Faster installation compared to removing old tiles.

Cost-Effectiveness: Reduces overall renovation expenses.

Minimal Mess: Avoids the dust and debris associated with demolition.

Important Considerations for Tile-on-Tile Installation

While tile-on-tile offers numerous benefits, some precautions are essential:

Inspect Existing Tiles: Check for hollow sounds or cracks. Remove any damaged tiles before proceeding.

Adhesive Selection: Use tile adhesives specifically designed for tile-on-tile applications.

Floor Height: Remember that the floor height will increase by 1 to 3 centimetres. Adjust door frames, furniture, and bathroom storage units accordingly.

LATICRETE 325 High Flex: The Ideal Adhesive

MYK LATICRETE’s LATICRETE 325 High Flex is the perfect adhesive for fixing new tiles over existing ones.

Key Features of LATICRETE 325 High Flex:

Suitable for medium and large format tiles and stone.

Compatible with various substrates using the thin-set method.

Designed for floor and wall installations.

Suitable for various tile types: ceramic, vitreous, semi-vitreous, glass mosaic, precast terrazzo, and natural stone.

Can be applied over existing tiles, concrete, and other substrates.

Get Festive-Ready with MYK LATICRETE

Beauty in any form arrests one’s gaze. We live in a world covered with beautiful things. From architecture, hotels, studios, and malls to homes, lobbies and others, everything around is designed to enthral us. Every structure flashes out one particular aspect that makes it stand out.

Let’s focus on a hotel lobby. Have you ever wondered where a hotel lobby gets its charm from? Apart from the fancy couch, what makes a hotel lobby stand out? Keep reading to find out.

Why Are Large Tiles a Smart Choice?

The interior design of a particular place matters most. Unlike homes, hotel lobbies consider a different style of interior design. Fixing of large format/slim tiles is in vogue today. Don’t you agree? Walk by any hotel lobby and you’ll notice most of them have large tiles fixed on their walls, which leaves you in awe. 

Large tiles not only enhance the look of the interior but also make the lobby look spacious and classy. The market offers various types of tiles to complement any type of structure. Fancy tiles are used to design both interiors and exteriors of a particular structure.

Challenges of Fixing Large Format/Slim Tiles

Choosing a tile pattern might seem easy, but installing large format/slim tiles presents unique challenges. Improper installation can lead to many issues such as:  

Chipping

Cracking

Difficulty adhering to various surfaces

What is the Solution?

MYK LATICRETE offers an adhesive specifically designed for installing large format/slim tiles on any substrate. It’s called MYK LATICRETE 335 MAXI. Whether you’re working on a hotel lobby, building facade, or any other structure requiring large or slim tiles, this is the adhesive you need.

Here are the key benefits of Using MYK LATICRETE 335 MAXI:

Reduces traffic congestion: Saves time and fuel

Lowers carbon emissions: Contributes to a cleaner environment

More affordable: Compared to owning and maintaining a private vehicle

To Sum Up 

When renovating or modernizing your house, countless ideas may come to mind. Among these, the gentrification of your interiors stands out as the most critical aspect. Fixing tiles and stones on floors and walls plays a pivotal role in enhancing the appearance of your home. Let’s delve deeper into the requirements for fixing tiles and stones and why the choice of grout matters.

The Role of Grout in Tile Installation

Fixing tiles and stones on walls and floors is only part of the process. The final touch comes from using grout. For those unfamiliar, grout is a filler for joints between tiles and stones after installation, giving your walls and floors a crisp and polished appearance.

Initially, many relied on traditional white cement for this purpose. However, this choice has significant drawbacks:

Cracking and Powdering

Water Penetration

Stain and Dirt Accumulation

Growth of Germs in Joints

Tile Deterioration

Chemical Erosion

Why SP-100 ™  Tile Joint Outshines Ordinary Grout

SP-100™ Tile Joint  addresses all the shortcomings of traditional grout, providing a superior alternative.

Stain-Resistant: White cement allows dirt to accumulate in broken joints, while SP-100 fights all types of stains, keeping your tile joints spotless.

Germ-Resistant: Moisture and steam disintegrate white cement, creating a breeding ground for germs and fungi. SP-100 is germ-resistant, ensuring a hygienic environment.

Water-Resistant: White cement disintegrates over time, allowing water to seep through tile joints. SP-100 prevents water penetration, keeping your tiles intact.

Chemical-Resistant: Cracking and powdering are common with white cement, but SP-100 resists chemicals, ensuring durability.

Color Versatility: Unlike ordinary grouts, SP-100 is available in 40+ colors, retaining its vibrancy over time and giving your home the ideal aesthetic appeal.

Applications and Advantages of SP-100 ™  

SP-100 tile joints are not just resistant to stains, germs, and water; they are also:

Suitable for ceramic tiles, vitrified tiles, marble, and stone.

Perfect for stain-prone areas like kitchens and washrooms.

Ideal for swimming pool tiles, where water resistance is crucial

The Importance of Choosing the Right Tile Joint

Even if you choose the best tiles that complement your home’s aesthetics, the wrong grout can ruin the entire installation. SP-100 ensures your tiles remain intact, enhancing the overall tone and appeal of your walls and floors.

It is a high-strength shear wall adhesive, for bonding tiles and small format natural stones on interior floor and wall and exterior floor installations.

Contemporary design is highly sought after today. We live in an era where we want our surroundings to look top-notch and evoke positive feelings. When considering home improvements, countless ideas often come to mind. But have you considered adding a touch of dazzle to enhance your home’s aesthetics? While completely covering your home in sparkles isn’t the recommendation, strategically placed accents can make a significant impact.

Consider areas like:

Bathrooms

Specific areas of the living room or bedroom

Swimming pools (for villa owners)

A tiled section in your living room, for example, can be beautifully complemented by this dazzling concept.

Introducing Sparkling Grouts

You might wonder how adding sparkles to tiles can enhance their appearance. The solution lies in using specialized sparkling grouts. These grouts can transform a plain, arid tile  floor & wall into a visually appealing feature. From living rooms to any tiled area, adding a touch of sparkling grout from MYK LATICRETE can significantly beautify the space.

A Valuable Idea for Interior Designers

If you’re an interior designer looking for fresh ideas to present to clients, sparkling grout is an excellent way to add value to your services and delight your clients. MYK LATICRETE offers a variety of color options with gold, silve & rcopper variants in sparkling grouts to perfectly complement your design vision. Simply choose the grout that best suits your needs.

LATAPOXY Dazzle: Enhancing Aesthetics and Performance

LATAPOXY Dazzle  is an epoxy grout designed to enhance both aesthetics and performance.

Key Features of LATAPOXY Dazzle:

Suitable for various tile types: Ceramic, vitrified, glass mosaic, designer tiles, and natural stone.

100% stain-free.

Strong and durable.

Available in 10 colors and 3 finishes: gold, copper, and silver.

Where We Can Use LATAPOXY Dazzle

Beauty in any form arrests one’s gaze. We live in a world covered with beautiful things. From architecture, hotels, studios, and malls to homes, lobbies and others, everything around is designed to enthral us. Every structure flashes out one particular aspect that makes it stand out.

Let’s focus on a hotel lobby. Have you ever wondered where a hotel lobby gets its charm from? Apart from the fancy couch, what makes a hotel lobby stand out? Keep reading to find out.

Why Are Large Tiles a Smart Choice?

The interior design of a particular place matters most. Unlike homes, hotel lobbies consider a different style of interior design. Fixing of large format/slim tiles is in vogue today. Don’t you agree? Walk by any hotel lobby and you’ll notice most of them have large tiles fixed on their walls, which leaves you in awe. 

Large tiles not only enhance the look of the interior but also make the lobby look spacious and classy. The market offers various types of tiles to complement any type of structure. Fancy tiles are used to design both interiors and exteriors of a particular structure.

Challenges of Fixing Large Format/Slim Tiles

Choosing a tile pattern might seem easy, but installing large format/slim tiles presents unique challenges. Improper installation can lead to many issues such as:  

Chipping

Cracking

Difficulty adhering to various surfaces

What is the Solution?

MYK LATICRETE offers an adhesive specifically designed for installing large format/slim tiles on any substrate. It’s called MYK LATICRETE 335 MAXI. Whether you’re working on a hotel lobby, building facade, or any other structure requiring large or slim tiles, this is the adhesive you need.

Here are the key benefits of Using MYK LATICRETE 335 MAXI:

Reduces traffic congestion: Saves time and fuel

Lowers carbon emissions: Contributes to a cleaner environment

More affordable: Compared to owning and maintaining a private vehicle

Clenza TS™ Tap and Shower Cleaner is formulated to effectively eliminate hard water stains, limescale stains and stubborn soap scum from taps, showers and CP fittings & stainless steel sinks.

It is essential to accommodate for these movements in tile/stone installation areas to prevent them from pushing against each other, leading to tiles and stones de-bonding or cracking as a result of stress-related factors.

The issue of movements within buildings becomes even more challenging today, as the facial dimensions of tiles and stones being used have become much larger. As a result, the need to accommodate for facial dimension tolerance to maintain tight joints becomes more critical.

Sizes of grout joints

In order to accommodate the facial dimensions of tiles and stones used in a specific project, the actual grout joint sizes may necessarily have to vary significantly from the specified grout joint size – in some cases, by as much as three times.

For example, in the case of a tile having a total variation of 1/16” (1.5 mm) in facial dimensions, a grout joint of 3/16” (4.5 mm) may need to be provided. Under no circumstances should the grout be less than 1/16” (1.5 mm). In all cases, however, the nominal center-line of all joints needs to be straight and of even width, while providing allowance for hand-moulded or rustic tiles.

Comprehensive details of different movement joints in tile and stone installation systems can be found in the EJ 171 document of TCA guidelines.

Grout materials for efficient working of grout joints

It is always better to use flexible grout materials filled into the grout joints in water bodies and swimming pools as well as external facades and floor areas.

Single-component or multi-component polyurethane based flexible grouts, silicone sealants, polyurethane based sealants are most effective for laying tiles and stone in these critical areas. Some grout materials recommended by manufacturers consist of two-component cement-based grouts. With latex addition, these exhibit flexibility in grout joints.

MYK LATICRETE Offerings

MYK LATICRETE offers two cement-based grouts which are to be used with addition of latex admix.

Laticrete 600 series is an unsanded cementitious grout designed for joint width 1mm to 3mm, for porous & absorbent type tiles, non-vitreous clay tiles, and marble & glazed wall tiles.

LATICRETE 500 Series is a sanded cementitious grout designed for joint width of 3mm to 12mm for non-absorbent and vitreous tiles, it is suitable for interior and exterior use. In addition, the soon to be introduced MYK LATICRETE STELLAR™ Grout is a new-age single component grout that addresses the critical areas. With its high flexibility, chemical resistance and ability to perform under water, it works efficiently to protect tile and stone installation systems in both, internal and external environments, as well as high traffic areas.

The MYK LATICRETE products can help absorb stresses caused by building movement, thereby minimizing cracks and tile de-bonding.