SikaCeram® FLX 441

SikaCeram® FLX 441 conforms to the requirements of EN 12004 for class C2FTS1

Cement mortar mix with additives.
Does not contain asbestos or other mineral fibres. No injurious silica dust during the application.

6 months from date of production

Store in undamaged, unopened, original sealed packaging in dry conditions at temperatures between +5°C and +35°C. Protect from direct sunlight, heat and moisture.

~1.7 kg/l (mixed, at 25°C)

12

In normal conditions, no primer is required. However, for very high absorbent substrates or non-absorbent substrates, please contact Sika Technical Service Department for recommendation.

-20°C min. / +80°C max.

Min. 5 mm / Max. 20 mm

~5.5 L of gauging liquid per 25 kg bag

~3 min. (Slake time)

Values determined in laboratory conditions: +23°C ± 2°C, R.H. 50 % ± 5 %.
Higher temperatures will reduce the indicated waiting times, lower temperatures will increase the indicated waiting time.

Powder consumption and coverage depends on the surface profile and roughness of the substrate, size and reverse profile of the tiles and the placing technique (simple placing "floating" or back to back “buttering-floating”).

As a guide for solid bed application:
For 1 mm thickness over 1 m² area approximately ~1.7 kg of freshly mixed adhesive is required.

This figure is theoretical and does not allow for any additional material due to surface porosity, surface profile, variations in level, wastage or any other variations. Apply product to a test area to calculate the exact consumption for the specific substrate conditions and proposed application equipment.
Above consumption indications refer to the installation of slightly profiled, non-vitrified or vitrified tiles on flat substrate e.g. render or cement
screed.
For small sized tiles (side ≤30 cm), use small squared notch size trowel (4 - 6 mm) and progressively increas for medium tiles (side ≤45 cm, trowel 6 - 8 mm) or large tiles (side ≤60 cm, trowel 8 - 10 mm).

Select the most appropriate equipment required for the project:
Substrate preparation equipment:

• Grinding equipment
• Abrading equipment
• Power washing equipment
• Sandblasting equipment

Mixing equipment:

• Low speed electric single or double paddle mixer (300–400 rpm) with a spiral mixing paddle.

Application equipment:

• Notched trowel, various sizes

Minimum age of the substrate:

• SikaLevel® range – 3 days
• Cement screed - 28 days

Note: The screed drying time is subject to the screed thickness and site conditions. For applications before 28d please contact Sikas Technical Service Department.

Newly applied cement screeds must not have a residual moisture content over 4%, anhydrite and/or gypsum-based screeds not more than 0.5% (measured with a CM meter).

• Cementitious substrates must be sufficiently cured and dried.
• All substrates must be structurally sound, able to support the weight of the new tiling and provide a firm and securely fixed background.
• The substrate must be flat, tight and free from easily removable parts, non-deformable and correctly aged.
• Substrates must be clean, dry, free of any loose or friable particles, contaminants such as dust, dirt, oil, wax polish, grease, cement laitance or efflorescence.
• Use adequate mechanical preparation techniques to remove from the substrate, all traces of any materials that could reduce the product's adhesion to the substrate.
• The substrate must be plumb and flush in accordance with BS 5385. Plaster substrates should be approved by the plaster manufacturer for fixing ceramic tiles and must be suitable for the intended area of use.
• Smooth surfaces must be roughened lightly to improve adhesion.
• To confirm adequate surface preparation and adhesion, carry out a small trial before full application.
• For larger and thicker areas of substrate re-profiling, use suitable mortars from the Sika MonoTop® or SikaEmaco® range. Level concrete floors with SikaScreed® range or SikaLevel® range.
• For any repairs of the substrate materials of SikaEmaco®, SikaRep® or Sika MonoTop® range should be used, applied at least 24 hours before laying the ceramic tiles.
• Identify cracks in the substrate and seal appropriately with Sikadur® epoxy resins.
• For applications in hot climates / environments, or on absorbent substrates, thoroughly pre-dampen (saturate) the substrate before product application. Avoid any ponding / standing water on the substrate. Surface must not be damp to touch.
• For tiling in constantly damp or wet rooms, a suitable Sika® waterproofing product / system must be applied to the substrate before tiling.

• Mix a bag (Part A) with gauging liquid (Part B), using an electric blender with a suitable mixing spiral at low speed, in a clean bucket, to obtain a smooth paste free of lumps.
• Use a blender at 400 rpm maximum; do not mix at faster rate because of mechanical strength decay of the cured product.
• Allow a maturing time (slake time) of approx. 3 minutes for SikaCeram® FLX 441 in the mixing container, then remix briefly prior to application.
• The obtained mix results should be very creamy, easily spreadable and thixotropic.
• Do not mix more material than can be used within 45 minutes.

INSTALATION OF NATURAL STONE TILES

Medium-bed method

• Apply SikaCeram® FLX 441 as a scratch coat onto the substrate, section by section.
• Spread as much mortar as can be covered with natural stones within the open time using a medium-bed trowel or any other suitable notched trowel which enables almost full bedding.
• Check the open time with your fingertip.
• Position tiles with a twist and slide motion to obtain almost full bedding.

Bedding method

• Apply SikaCeram® FLX 441 to the required thickness with a medium-bed or flat trowel both to the substrate and the reverse side of the tile.
• Press down and align the natural stone tile and wedge if necessary.
• Apply only as much mortar as can be covered with tiles within the open time.
• Check the open time with your fingertip. The application of SikaCeram® FLX 441 to the reverse side of the tile prevents staining from the adhesive bed and enables an almost void free adhesive bed.

Grouting

• For joints from 1 to 8 mm width, use one of Sika® epoxy or cementitious grouts.
• Seal corner joints (floor/wall, wall/wall, wall/soffit) and connection joints (fixtures/tiling, wood/tiling) with a suitable elastomeric sealant from Sika® range.

Clean all tools and application equipment with water immediately after use. Hardened / cured material can only be removed mechanically.