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What is Tile Mastic?
Tile mastic is a type of adhesive used for securing tiles to walls, floors, and countertops. While traditional thin-set mortar is made from primarily organic materials, mastic is made using synthetic polymer compounds. Tile mastic is considered an easy-to-use alternative to mortar, but may be more difficult to work with than peel-and-stick tile products. This material is frequently used when installing new tiles during kitchen or bathroom renovation projects.
This material is typically used with relatively small ceramic or porcelain tiles, but rarely used with stone tiles like granite or mortar. This is because these materials are relatively porous, and may soak up the moisture in the mastic, causing it to fail. Tile mastic is not generally recommended for floors because it is too soft to support foot traffic.
Mastic should only be used in applications where the subfloor is relatively dry and sealed. When tile mastic is used, the tiles must be grouted and sealed to prevent water from seeping through the joints. In bathrooms and other wet areas, mortar is generally used in place of tile mastic.
To use this material, apply it across the installation surface using a notched trowel. The lines in the mastic bed should run across the wall horizontally to help support tiles against the force of gravity while the mastic dries. It may be necessary to add framing or supports when installing heavier tiles, as the mastic may not be sufficient for supporting the weight of the tiles until the adhesive dries.
Tile mastic offers many benefits to users. It is easy to work with, and is generally pre-mixed, unlike mortar. Novice users may find it difficult to mix mortar in the right proportions for effective use, which may cause cracks and maintenance issues over time. Mastic is also very effective for holding small tiles in place on vertical surfaces like bathroom walls and kitchen backsplashes.
In addition to these benefits, there are also a number of potential drawbacks that should be considered when using mastic. While mortar can be used to even out a non-level surface slightly during installation, mastic is not thick enough for this type of use. If tile mastic is used to bring low areas up to the same level as higher ones, the tiles are likely to suffer cracks and other signs of damage over time. Mastic is also not recommended for outdoor use, as it is generally unable to withstand temperature changes and moisture from rain or snow.
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![A tile mastic gun.]()
By: tuja66A tile mastic gun. -
![Tile mastic usually comes premixed.]()
By: tezzstockTile mastic usually comes premixed. -
![Tile mastic is considered easier to work with than grout when installing tiles.]()
By: CandyBox ImagesTile mastic is considered easier to work with than grout when installing tiles.
Discussion Comments
If you do have tile mastic down from the before the 1980s I would say just go for broke and hire a professional team to remove it. While some say don't take it out until it is cracking and unattractive, I say why wait until the asbestos spreads around your home.
Asbestos is a nasty compound, which can cause scarring to the lungs if inhaled and cancer. This kind of damage to your body is just not worth waiting to replace something like your floors.
Asbestos removal, especially in something like tile mastic, can get pricey so it is best to shop around when you do make the move to get it out of your home.
Despite tile mastic being generally unfit for use in flooring, some people still have it done, and usually it has to be taken back up in a few years and replaced. If you find your floor tiles loose and the material around them cracking easily, there is a good chance someone put them down with tile mastic.
Before you start removing the old tile mastic, you should check to see when it was installed. Tile mastic put down prior to 1980 often contained asbestos and it may be safest to have a professional remove it.
For those that are sure their tile mastic is safe, you can pull up the tiles, scrape off excess mastic and buy a commercial solution to clean them. Once this is done, you can reinstall your tiles.
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