Laboratory · Ceramic tile adhesives and tiles
Most tiling failures are bond failures: tiles that sound hollow, lift or fall. The adhesive’s tensile adhesion strength is what separates a C1 from a C2 adhesive and what keeps tiles on façades and pool walls.
Tensile adhesion strength of tile adhesives is accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 (DPA certificate LT 069). The tile tests further down are carried out to BS EN ISO 10545 but are outside the accredited scope.
1accredited tests on this page
ISO/IEC 17025DPA certificate LT 069, valid to 07.06.2029
EN · ISO · ASTMcurrent editions of the referenced standards
In our laboratoryVrrin, Durrës–Tirana motorway, km 29
When you need these tests
- Choosing the right adhesive class for façades, pools, heated floors and large formats.
- Investigating debonded or hollow-sounding tiles.
- Producers and importers declaring C1/C2 performance.
Accredited tests and standards
Ceramic tile adhesives
| Test | What it tells you | Range | Standard | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile adhesion strength of ceramic tile adhesives | Bond strength of tile adhesive (C1/C2 classification) | ≤ 4 MPa | BS EN 12004-2:2017 | Laboratory |
Ceramic tiles (not accredited)
| Test | Standard / method |
|---|---|
| Water absorption | BS EN ISO 10545-3 |
| Breaking strength and modulus of rupture | BS EN ISO 10545-4 |
| Abrasion resistance | BS EN ISO 10545-6 / -7 |
| Thermal shock resistance | BS EN ISO 10545-9 |
| Frost resistance | BS EN ISO 10545-12 |
| Chemical resistance | BS EN ISO 10545-13 |
| Stain resistance | BS EN ISO 10545-14 |
| Dimensions and surface quality | BS EN ISO 10545-2 |
Sampling and what to send us
- Adhesive: a sealed bag of at least 5 kg with the batch number.
- Tiles: at least ten tiles from the same lot.
What your test report contains
- A unique report number, the accredited laboratory’s details and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation mark for accredited tests.
- Sample identification, sampling details and the condition of the sample on receipt.
- The standard and method used for every test, with any deviation stated.
- Results with units, and comparison with the specified limits when you give them to us.
- Signature of the authorised laboratory staff.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between C1 and C2 adhesives?
Both are cementitious; C2 must reach a higher tensile adhesion strength (at least 1 N/mm² against 0.5 N/mm²) after the standard conditionings.
Related testing
Need these tests for your project?
Tell us the material, the quantity of samples and the specification you are working to. We’ll confirm the tests, the sampling and the price.