Ceramic Roof Tile Repair Adhesive

Thinset

• Although several types of ceramic tile adhesives are available on the market today, thinset mortar is the one most frequently used by roofers and carpenters. Thinset comes only as a powder and must be mixed with water, epoxy or latex until it has the consistency of peanut butter. It is one of the stronger and more flexible adhesives, comes in a variety of colors and can be used for both wet and dry installations. However, it does not create a waterproof barrier and should therefore be coupled with some type of sealant when used on roofs. A dust mask should be worn during the application process.

Acrylic

• Acrylic adhesive is stronger than thinset mixed with water but still does not create a waterproof barrier and, as such, should also be coupled with a sealant. Many professionals like acrylic because it has a fast setting time and provides excellent resistance to environmental agents such as wind, rain, frost and snow. While redispersible acrylic powders are sometimes sold as one-component cement-based dry mortars, roofers should use two-component acrylic dispersions that are meant for mixing with water or epoxy. One benefit of an epoxy mixture is that it adheres to just about any surface. Be sure to use a dust mask during application.

Organic Mastic

• The American National Standard Specifications for the Installation of Ceramic Tile (ANSI) defines organic mastic as a viscous material that uses a polymer as the bonding agent, contrasted with inorganic adhesives such as thinset that are cement-based mortars. Organic mastic is the fastest-setting adhesive but is also weaker and less durable than thinset over the long term. Although organic mastic is generally more expensive, amateur roofers find it easier to work with since it comes premixed. Only a select handful of mastics provide effective waterproofing capabilities, so customers should read the packaging carefully prior to making a purchase.

Flexim

• Flexim is a Dutch adhesive made of linseed oil, fibers and polystyrene. It stays permanently flexible (hence the name), is noncorrosive, nontoxic and instantly creates a waterproof barrier. It is effective in both humid tropical climates and temperate zones that alternate between cold winters and hot summers. Flexim is very lightweight, can be applied in a wide range of temperatures and requires no water for mixing. Like thinset, Flexim also comes in a variety of colors. However, Flexim is also the most costly option, gives off a slight odor and is harder to find than traditional mortars.