BS Codes of Practice Updates
Adhesive coverage has been addressed, due to the increase in large format and heavy tiles. Previously 50% coverage was required, however the new standard states “Tiles with a surface area of less than 0.1m², but which weigh more per square metre than 70% of the background’s capacity to carry the weight, should be solidly bedded e.g. the maximum weight of tile that can be supported by Gypsum plaster = 20kg; whereas 9mm thick porcelain tiles, which weigh approximately 18kg/m², weigh more than 70% of 20kg (14kg) therefore, they should be solidly bedded regardless of their size.”
Grout joints have also seen an update thanks to the increase in the size of tiles. Tiles with a facial area of less than 0.1m² with no side more than 600mm in length require a minimum grout joint of 2mm, while those with a facial area 0.1m² to 1m² and up to 1200mm now need a minimum width of 3mm. For extra large tiles and panels, the grout joint increases relative to the size of the tile. In the case of ceramic panels, the grout width needs to be increased relative to the size of the panel, for example a 3m panel must have a joint width of 5mm.
