There are 3 basic types of adhesive:

1. Dispersion Adhesives manufactured from a combination of a water based polymer dispersion together with mineral fillers and organic additives. These products are pre-mixed and ready to use.
2. Cement based Adhesives which are powder based and contain cement, aggregates and organic additives including powdered polymers. These products are mixed with water in order to ‘hydrate' or set the cement.
3. Reaction Resin Adhesives which consist of two (or more) components supplied in separate packaging which are designed to be ‘mixed together' in the recommended proportions to produce the adhesive.

Basically the majority of substrates will move or expand and contract and as tiles are rigid a space is needed to take up that movement. The space needs to be filled for aesthetic reasons and to stop ingress of water and dirt.

As with adhesives there are three main types of grouts dispersion, cementitious and reaction resin based.

The Tile Association has prepared the paper "Adhesives and Grouts in Internal Tiling" which covers this subject in depth and includes a overview of the tools needed to apply the products successfully. The document will be published in Spring 2008 and can be purchased via the TTA website at http://www.tiles.org.uk/about/publications.shtml or by telephoning TTA on 020 8663 0946. Your nearest TTA member tile supplier will have trained and experienced staff who can advise you on adhesive and grout selection.

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