SAKRET: Thermoelastic thin-layer system for the demanding installation of ceramic coverings outdoors

Ceramic coverings in outdoor areas are very popular, but also have a few pitfalls when laying them. SAKRET offers a solution for laying materials with minimal installation height with its thermoelastic thin-layer system to ensure that even sophisticated designs are a success.

SAKRET offers customer and problem-oriented solutions, including thermoelastic thin-layer systems. These score points thanks to coordinated installation materials and can offer quality and functionality even with a minimum installation height. This technological development is particularly significant in gardening and landscaping. It provides an optimum connection between ceramic slabs and the substrate.

Terraces designed with tiles look elegant and are also durable and robust. However, especially with large-format, thin-layer ceramic materials, laying tile coverings is often a challenge and requires a professional approach. SAKRET offers a proven system for laying outdoor ceramics using the thin-layer method.

Thin-layer ceramic for outdoor use must be durable and at the same time offer resistance to changing weather conditions. This results in high requirements for the processing method and the materials used. SAKRET offers a solution based on a carefully coordinated combination of specialized products. This enables the company to ensure optimum functionality and aesthetics.

The components of the thermoelastic thin-layer system from SAKRET consist of a primer and mortar resin EPG as a bonding agent, the drainage mortar EPD as a thin-layer bedding, and the coordinated synthetic resin-bonded paving joint mortar PF 1 plus fine. The latter ensures that the coverings are permanently strong and remain flexible at the same time. The coordinated Gutjahr Aquadrain EK drainage mat protects the outdoor construction from risks such as water and frost.

The components of SAKRET’s thin-layer system offer durability, as the high-quality, perfectly matched materials can be laid permanently. The system is also flexible: it compensates for thermal expansion and contraction, which extends the service life and durability of the structure.

Another advantage is the integrated water management when laying the ceramic tiles in thin layers. Drainage and waterproofing are part of the thermoelastic system, which protects the substructure of the tiles from water accumulation and the resulting frost damage.

In addition, laying in the thermoelastic system enhances the aesthetics of the overall appearance of the laid ceramic tiles.

By the way: SAKRET offers a partnership-based service for all questions relating to the installation of the thin-layer system. The company’s experts are available for technical advice and can provide detailed laying instructions.

The following products from SAKRET’s broad product range as a competent building material system manufacturer are used in the implementation of the thermoelastic thin layer system:

1. bonding bridge: The bonding bridge with SAKRET Special Primer SG forms the basic connection between the base layer and the following system components. It improves adhesion and optimizes the basis for further layers by ensuring uniform, effective adhesion. The substrate must be firm, load-bearing and free of cracks.

2. bedding with drainage mortar: The individual components of the thin layer system can be adapted to the requirements of the project. You can choose from SAKRET EP drainage mortar EPD, SAKRET epoxy resin drainage screed EHE Drain and a combination of SAKRET special primer SG and quartz sand. All these materials provide a solid base for ceramic tiles and at the same time have very good drainage properties to effectively drain water and prevent waterlogging and frost damage.

3. drainage mat Gutjahr Aquadrain EK: A drainage mat specially designed for the thermoelastic thin-layer system is located under the bedding, which drains water quickly and effectively. This contributes to the durability and functionality of the installed covering.

• Waterproofing system: To waterproof the covering, SAKRET recommends a combination of SAKRET FDS flexible waterproofing slurries or SAKRET SBA fast-applied waterproofing together with GALA Multi Flexband GMF and NS building and natural stone silicone. The latter also has a fungicidal effect and is UV-resistant. The combination of products provides a reliable water barrier to protect the structure from moisture and make the overall system resistant.
• Paving joint mortar: SAKRET paving joint mortar PF 1 plus fine is a proven joint mortar developed to provide strength and water permeability in thermoelastic thin layer systems. This mortar ensures the longevity of the joints and guarantees that the slabs are laid firmly and permanently. It is also resistant to pressure washers and sweepers.

The thermoelastic thin-layer system is suitable for the demanding laying of ceramic coverings in outdoor areas. The system is particularly suitable for large-format tiles. The result is elegant, durable and robust terraces and outdoor areas of the highest quality. The proven procedure of the thin-layer system is regarded as the ideal connection between ceramic tiles and the substrate.

As a partner to tilers and tradespeople, SAKRET offers a comprehensive service system for the thermoelastic thin-layer bedding of ceramic tiles with expert advice and accompanying information. The aim is to facilitate application and maintain the quality of tile laying at the highest level. The American construction engineer Arthur C. Avis invented the workable ready-mixed dry mortar “Sakret” back in 1936. Since 1967, this has also been available as a ready-mixed dry mortar mixture in Germany and Europe and is offered by the SAKRET Group with its 5 licensed partner companies.

Read more: In September 2023, the print edition of Stein dealt with tiles and slabs.