Has the supplier sent me the wrong adhesive for quartz tiles?

[Futuregrout]

Hi all,

I recently ordered my kitchen floor tiles from an internet supplier that advertises prominently on this board. (I actually used them because of comments on this board). I ordered black starlight quartz tiles. I also spent a good 20 minutes on the phone to their sales staff, to make sure I had absolutely everything I needed to get the job finished. In particular, I wanted to make sure that I had the right adhesive, grout and sealer. I was told to use Mapei Keraquick fast setting flexible single part adhesive. I challenged the sales rep on this and asked him to check that I didn't need a two part product or a more expensive . He checked with his colleagues and said that the keraquick is the product I should use, mixed with water.

I was having a look at the tiles today (I plan to install them on the weekend), and I can see that the instructions on the back of the box clearly state that they should only be used with a latex-based adhesive. As far as I can tell, the keraquick is not a latex based adhesive. I can see that it can be mixed with latex, but I don't have any as the supplier told me I didn't need any. So my questions are:

1) Am I missing something - is the product I've ordered latex-based?

2) Is it OK to use with the quartz tiles, or should I follow the manufacturer's instructions and use a latex adhesive?

If it turns out they've sent me the wrong stuff despite me asking them to double-check that they were sending me everything I needed, I'll be a bit annoyed because it may mean I can't get the tiles down this weekend and I need to get them down in order to get my kitchen installed on time! What is more, I was not planning on mixing up 20kg bags in one go. I can get the right consistency with water when mixing up in batches, but I suspect that it is more difficult with latex, so I'd have to mix up the whole bag at once... and I will struggle to use all of it in the 30 minutes it takes to set.

 

[Ian]

Two part adhesive is what I would be using. Also, you are right about the adhesive pot life, I struggle to use a full bag in the time given so always resort to getting the scales and a measuring jug out and splitting the powder and liquid in half.

 

[Futuregrout]

Thanks.

Looks like an angry call to Tile HQ in the morning then, and a dash around some local tile suppliers on Saturday morning to find a suitable adhesive.

 

[jwatson]

two part is correct, when i have used these tiles mapei recommended, mapei granirapid.
It is the company that provide's the guarantees on there adhesive and not the supplier, so it is always worth giving the supplier a quick bell; then if anything goes wrong, you know you have done everything right and the guarantees will be upheld.

 

[turnip]

This is interesting, what about if you have Ditra as an intermediate substrate? S2 adhesive also in this case?

 

[Dan]

I'd give them a call and see if they can next-day you some additive.

 

[Futuregrout]

Tile HQ say that despite the tile manufacturer's instructions, Keraquick with water will be fine as I've got a solid floor to work off (aquapanel)... although they also acknowledge that this will void any guarantee on the tiles because I'm deviating from the manufacturer's instructions.

Does this sound sensible, or should I try to get hold of some latex plus to use with it?

 

[Gazzer]

For peace of mind I would use Latex plus.

 

[Futuregrout]

Top, top response from Tile HQ. They say that the wording on the back of the box has changed recently and they were not made aware of the change by the manufacturer. They have spoken to the manufacturer who says that I'd probably be OK with water-based adhesive, but as a goodwill gesture Tile HQ are sending me some latex for next day delivery.

Great response, great customer service - dealt with it brilliantly. Well done Tile HQ! Thanks also to people on here for the advice.

 

[Dan]

See, they're not bad them lot 🙂

 

[Gazzer]

A happy ending then !

 

[kilty55]

good result ,

 

[Futuregrout]

Yep, very happy. Tiles down, grouting to go. I was a bit miffed because when I laid them, they were nigh-on perfect - all level. However I left them to set overnight and when I came down the following morning, two of the tiles appear to have sunk a bit and created a bit of a lip - about 2mm on one side. My own handiwork to blame, but it is galling when I spent so long getting it as good as I could!

Anyway, they are now laid and sealed (I know plenty of people say that quartz tiles don't need sealing, but just as many seem to think they do. The manufacturer doesn't specify that sealing is necessary, but the supplier recommended it, so I did it - presumably it can do no harm! Bloody hard work though). Just grouting to go. The supplier recommended Kerapoxy design so I've got that, but I'm thinking of chickening out and going for a normal grout instead. I've only got 5m2 to cover, but reading the stories on here it may take me days to do that with epoxy!