Products

Renovation tiling made simple

20 March 2019

Placing new, modern tiles over
existing ones has just become easier with the introduction of Mapei’s
innovative Eco Prim Grip, a ready-to-use bond-promoting primer that prepares an
existing tile or stone surface to receive a new installation without the time,
labour or dust of scarification.

This synthetic-resin-based primer
enhances the performance of mortars and their adhesion to existing ceramics and
other difficult substrates, and it can be applied with a roller in just one
coat. A surface coated with Eco Prim Grip is ready for new tile installation
within 15-60 minutes. Low odour and VOC compliance make the product safe for
use in occupied interior environments.

“In the current market environment,
the most critical requirements for installations are that they be quick and
have reduced environmental impact,” says Zamaswazi Ntobela product manager for
ceramics tile & stone installation systems. Mapei provides solutions for
repairs and renovations in residential and commercial markets at a lower
overall cost.

For quick and simple installation
Mapei has developed a wide range of polymer modified adhesive that does not
require latex or bonding liquid during installation. High strength, fast
setting and non-slip cementitious adhesive range from Adesilex and Keraflex is
ideal for internal and external application of all tile types including large
format tiles.

“Mapei is looking at ways to
improve products whilst minimising our impact on the environment. We have
developed products that use less water, are rapid setting with lower volatile
emissions than most available on the market and adapted for specific usage.”

Preparation

Proper checking and preparing of
the substrate is always important before installing new flooring. Detached or
cracked tiles must be removed whereafter any gaps should be filled with a
skimming product. After cleaning the floor thoroughly it can be primed. The
“old” floor is then ready for new tiles.

Choosing the adhesive depends on
the type and format of the tile, the type of substrate and the final use of the
new floor.

Two ranges of adhesives, Keraflex
and Adesilex are available depending on the application requirement. Keraflex
range is deformable cementitious adhesives with extended open time while the
Adesilex offers a full contact cementitious adhesive with extended open time.
Keraflex and Adesilex range can be used for bonding when installing ceramic or
porcelain tiles, mosaics and stone material.

The benefits of the Keraflex and
Adesilex range are many, especially to builders including the renovation of
heavily trafficked areas that need to be brought quickly back in service such
as supermarkets or showrooms. In addition, the layman would find no problem
with renovating bathrooms, showers, kitchens, balconies and terraces.

One of the Adesilex range benefits
are its versatility in different scenarios, not only with porcelain tiles but
also natural stone as well as terracotta and terrazzo applications. Not only is
it used for setting quarry tiles and clinker it is also used for setting tiles
over under-floor heating installations. It can also be used as a suitable
skimming product, filling any gaps formed when damaged tiles were removed after
cleaning the surface,” explains Zamaswazi.

Backing up Mapei’s quality products
are its distribution network. “We have recently secured several well-known
distributors/resellers, who are market leaders in their own right, and who will
be stocking the Mapei range and ensuring availability to all customers,” she
concludes.

For more information contact Geoffrey
Green, Tel: 011 552 8476, Cell: +27 82 726 6830 E-mail: g.green@mapei.co.za

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