Substrates and Fixing Surfaces

Most modular rigid coverings are installed by adhesion on a surface and, generally, a construction element termed the fixing background or substrate.

The nature, characteristics, and performance of the background or substrate condition the materials and installation technique. Even when the installation is performed by mechanical fastening.

It is up to the Building Professional to determine which installation mode is appropriate, based on the modular rigid material to be installed, the service requirements of the covering, the environmental conditions, and the characteristics of the substrate.

When there are neither project design specifications nor specifications supplied by the Construction Manager, it is the installer who assumes the responsibility for deciding on the materials and installation mode in relation to the substrates provided for the finishes phase.

However, on innumerable occasions, neither installers nor managers take the substrate into consideration when it comes to deciding on the installation mode, in detriment to the quality and durability of the covering.

The available literature on the Installation Technology of adhered modular rigid coverings usually breaks down materials and techniques as a function of the types of substrates on which it is intended to install the tiles, with an almost monographic treatment, focusing either on the substrate itself or on the intended use and location of the tiling.

The standards have followed the same monographic approach in terms of intended use/location. No general criteria are available for the characterisation and diagnosis of substrates and fixing surfaces, on a level similar to that of modular rigid materials.

The Reader will find those criteria here, linked to the particular characteristics of the construction elements on which the tiles are installed, which will allow the Reader, in certain cases, to design the tiling system or, at least, to foresee its performance; and, in others, to diagnose the state of the tiling system before installing the tiles and to take the actions required.