ARDEX is recognized around the world as the innovation and performance leader for tile and stone installation.They are leading the advancement of mortar and grout technologies with their revolutionary MicroTec® formulation.
ARDEX delivers proven solutions to the most complex installation problems for concrete repair and resurfacing, substrate preparation, flooring installation or for setting natural stone.
Keep reading to learn how Ardex can make traditional and difficult installations easier and much more efficient for professionals and homeowners!
Ardex offers many great products but for now we are just going to focus on two phenomenal mortar blends that are major game changers!
Ardex X5 Polymer Modified Thin Set Mortar
Ardex X5 is so easy and efficient to use that you will save time and money on every stone veneer, thin brick, and tile job.
Are you tired of mixing your own mortar and the complications that come along with it? Like having to mix too many components, not having enough pot life, or crumbling and making too much of a mess? Are you frustrated when you aren’t able to move stone once its set? Do you want to speed up installation time and save money? Well, Ardex X5 will help solve all your problems.
Ardex X5 is a unique flexible stone mortar that is taking tile and stone installation to the next level. This highly versatile, polymer modified mortar has an easy to apply creamy consistency that is perfect for setting all sizes of porcelain, ceramic, quarry, mosaic and most natural stone tile on both exterior and interior surfaces. You can create the natural concrete look without the heaviness of a thick mortar bed and best of all, anyone can use ARDEX X5 with great success!
Ardex X5 Key Features:
Flexible
Single Component
Sag resistant
Easy to mix and apply
Water and frost resistant
3 hour pot life
15-20 minutes of working time to adjust stone after installation
10 year Warranty
Did you know? Unlike traditional mortars, Ardex X5 can be used in cold temperature! If you are working on an outside job and the temperature drops, you can leave your work and return to it the next day. Ardex X5 will go into “hibernation mode” when the weather drops below a certain temperature and will not be disrupted. Rain will not affect Ardex X5 either! Simply wipe off any excess Ardex and return to the job when it is no longer raining.
To Apply: Cover the substrate with Ardex X5 using a ¼” notch trowel. If you have irregular shaped stone that needs adjusting then you can apply ¼” of Ardex to the back of the stone and then apply to the wall. You may opt to apply a scratch coat or netting to the wall prior to
application but it is not necessary. Ardex X5 will stick to wood, duro wall, and anything else.
Ardex X32 MICROTEC® Fiber Reinforced Rapid Setting Thin-to-Thick Bed Mortar
Ardex X32 is very similar to Ardex X5 but it is made for horizontal application and it works best for moisture sensitive stone. A major issue that many professionals and homeowners are seeing is that their stone tread (whether it be bluestone, granite, etc.) or pool coping is popping off. This is because it is being glued down by either an adhesive or cement mortar. When water seeps in between (and freezes during colder months) the adhesion breaks down and causes the stone to separate.
Ardex X32’s self-drying MICROTEC® formulation is designed to handle the most challenging moisture sensitive natural stone, marble and granite installations, as well as set all other types of tile in exterior or interior applications. It is also ideal for all types of natural stone including ungauged and agglomerate stone.
Ardex X32 Key Features:
Single component
Fiberglass reinforced
Non-shrink
Sag resistant
Waterproof
Great for leveling uneven stone thickness
Easy to mix and apply
Fast setting (walk on after 3 hours)
1 hour pot life
20-30 minutes to adjust stone after installation
No more treads and caps popping off!
You can use Ardex X32 as a thin, medium, or thick bed mortar for installations up to one inch thick over exterior and interior concrete, masonry surfaces, and plywood. Ardex X32 will not stain, warp, or discolor moisture sensitive stone.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The experts at TLC Supply are happy to answer any of your project questions, just give us a shout! Send us an email to info@tlcsupply.com or leave your comments below.