Tile & Stone Installation
How do I choose the correct tile adhesive?
The correct adhesive depends on tile size and type, substrate, indoor or outdoor location, exposure to water, temperature changes and expected movement. For outdoor installations, Sakhat recommends a minimum C2-class adhesive. Higher-performance options include NEOFIL F50 Flex C2TE, NEOFIL F10 Tech S1 C2TE S1 and NEOFIL F20 S2 C2TE S2.
What do C1, C2, T, E, S1 and S2 mean?
These are EN 12004 tile-adhesive classifications. C1 indicates normal cementitious adhesion, while C2 indicates improved adhesion. T means reduced vertical slip, E means extended open time, S1 means deformable and S2 means highly deformable.
Can I use the same tile adhesive indoors and outdoors?
Not necessarily. Sakhat recommends a minimum C2-class adhesive for outdoor installations because exterior areas are exposed to greater temperature variation, moisture and movement. NEOFIL F7 and NEOFIL F8 alone are therefore not part of Sakhat’s standard outdoor recommendations.
Which adhesive should I use for large-format tiles?
Large-format tiles generally require higher adhesion and often greater deformability. NEOFIL F10 Tech S1 is suitable for large formats and slabs up to 300 × 150 cm, while NEOFIL F20 S2 is highly deformable and suitable for particularly demanding large-format installations.
Can NEOFIL F8 be used outdoors?
Although its manufacturer’s TDS describes F8 as suitable for indoor and outdoor applications, it is classified C1TE. Sakhat does not recommend F8 alone for outdoor use and specifies a minimum C2-class adhesive for standard outdoor installations.
Can NEOFIL F8 be upgraded for more demanding applications?
Yes. ELASTOKOL improves compatible cement adhesives in adhesion, deformability and waterproofing performance. According to its TDS, NEOFIL F8 + ELASTOKOL becomes C2 with S2 deformability.
Can tiles be installed over existing tiles?
Yes, provided the existing tiles are sound, securely bonded and properly cleaned. GRIPEX can be used as an adhesion promoter on non-absorbent substrates such as existing ceramic floors.
How should an existing tiled floor be cleaned before installing new tiles over it?
Grease, oils, waxes and other contaminants must first be removed. PULISOL is specifically designed for degreasing compact surfaces and for preparation before overlaying existing flooring.
Which grout should I use for my joint width?
NEOFIL COLOR 0-4 mm is designed for joints from 0 to 4 mm. NEOFIL COLOR 4-20 mm is designed for joints between 4 and 20 mm.
How can I make cement grout more flexible and water resistant?
GIUNTOLASTIC is an elastic polymer latex additive for compatible cement grouts. It improves adhesion and flexibility while reducing water absorption. It is particularly suitable for humid environments, heavy traffic, thermal stress and swimming-pool joints.
When should I use epoxy grout instead of cement grout?
Epoxy grout is suitable where high chemical resistance, stain resistance, abrasion resistance and waterproof performance are required. NEOFIL POXY A+B is a two-component epoxy grout and adhesive classified RG according to EN 13888.
How do I remove cement, adhesive or grout residue from tiles?
PULINET is an acid cleaning detergent for removing cement, lime, cement adhesive, grout residues, efflorescence and limescale from compatible surfaces. It must not be used on marble, limestone or polished surfaces.
Waterproofing
Which waterproofing system should I use for a bathroom or shower?
For bathrooms and showers, Sakhat recommends IDROLASTIC A+B.
IDROLASTIC A+B is a two-component elastic cementitious waterproofing mortar suitable for horizontal and vertical surfaces, including bathrooms and showers.
Sakhat recommendation:
Bathroom / Shower → IDROLASTIC A+B
Which waterproofing system should I use for a swimming pool or water tank?
Sakhat recommends two systems:
Option 1: KRETESIL + KRETESIL FLEX
Option 2: IDROLASTIC A+B
KRETESIL is an osmotic cementitious waterproofing mortar designed for water-containing concrete structures including swimming pools, tanks and channels.
Sakhat recommendation:
Swimming Pool / Water Tank → KRETESIL + KRETESIL FLEX OR IDROLASTIC A+B
How should a waterproofing membrane be protected?
Waterproofing membranes should be protected from mechanical damage caused by construction work and subsequent system layers.
Depending on the Sakhat system, protection can be provided using:
PLYGUARD Protection Board and/or Geotextile.
PLYGUARD creates a physical protective layer over the waterproofing membrane, while geotextile can provide protection and separation within the waterproofing and insulation build-up.
Sakhat system rule:
Waterproofing membrane → PLYGUARD and/or Geotextile according to system build-up.
When should reinforcement mesh be used in waterproofing?
Reinforcement mesh improves mechanical strength and continuity in suitable waterproofing systems. ARMOFLEX 120 can reinforce systems such as MANTOFLEX and ELASTOGUM, while ARMOFLEX 160 is intended for cementitious systems such as IDROLASTIC A+B.
Can MANTOFLEX remain exposed outdoors?
Yes, in the applications specified by its TDS. MANTOFLEX forms an elastic membrane resistant to UV radiation, ageing and atmospheric agents. It is suitable for applications including terraces and balconies without standing water, gutters, chimneys and protection of existing bituminous membranes.
What is the difference between SBS and APP bituminous membranes?
One important difference is low-temperature flexibility.
SBS-modified membranes generally provide better cold flexibility. In the Sakhat range, TECH 500 SBS has a declared cold flexibility of -15°C, while the SINTEC APP membrane has a declared cold flexibility of -5°C under EN 1109. This makes TECH 500 SBS more suitable where greater flexibility at low temperatures is required.
In simple terms:
SBS → better flexibility in cold temperatures
APP → typically selected where greater resistance to elevated temperatures is required
For example, the supplied sheets give a flow resistance of 100°C for TECH 500 SBS and 120°C for SINTEC APP.
What is the difference between a PVC waterstop and a bentonite swelling bar?
PVC waterstops are embedded in concrete joints and are available in different profiles depending on the type of joint and expected movement.
BENTOBAR+ is a hydrophilic bentonite and butyl-rubber swelling bar intended for construction joints. Its technical sheet specifically states that it must not be used in expansion joints.
What should I use for expansion joints?
The correct product depends on the type of joint and expected movement. RESYFLEX 151 ISO is a low-modulus polyurethane sealant for horizontal and vertical joints, while BANDEX is a waterproof thermoplastic joint system for expansion joints and critical connections.
What product can protect exposed mineral facades from rain without changing their appearance?
HYDROFUGE is a colourless siloxane-based water-repellent treatment for concrete, cement plaster, brick and natural stone. It penetrates the surface without forming a visible film.
IDROSIL A provides a water-based option for porous and absorbent exterior masonry.
How can I protect an exposed bituminous membrane from solar heat?
ALLUTEC is an aluminium solvent-based protective coating for polymer-bitumen waterproofing membranes. Its reflective properties help reduce heat build-up at the membrane surface and contribute to protecting the waterproofing system.
Concrete Repair
Which product should I use to repair damaged concrete?
BETOCEM FIBRE is suitable for repairing deteriorated concrete, rebuilding concrete cover, repairing beam and column edges, balconies, steps and parapets. It can be applied vertically from 10 to 40 mm per coat.
What should I use to finish concrete after a repair?
BETOFINISH is a flexible protective smoothing mortar designed for thin layers of approximately 1-4 mm. It can be used after larger concrete repairs to create a smooth protective surface before finishing or painting.
Which product can be used for very fast repairs and fixing?
RAPIDIT is an ultra-rapid-setting mineral mortar. Its TDS gives an initial setting time of approximately 4-5 minutes and includes rapid fixing, small repairs and blocking small water infiltrations among its applications.
What should I use to treat rusted reinforcement before concrete repair?
RUGINET is a one-component treatment for oxidised reinforcement and metal surfaces. It chemically reacts with rust as part of the preparation and protection process.
What can I use for chemical anchoring?
CHEMIFIX is a two-component cartridge resin designed for anchoring reinforcement, steel bars, bolts and similar metal elements in correctly prepared substrates.
Flooring & Surface Preparation
Which product should I use to level an uneven floor?
AUTOLIVELLANTE L10 is designed for levelling from 1 to 10 mm before ceramic, parquet or resilient flooring.
For larger thicknesses, ULTRALIVEL MAXI can be applied from 3 to 40 mm.
Which product should I use to level irregular cementitious surfaces on walls or floors?
RASOTECH G30 can be applied from 1 to 25 mm to level and smooth irregular cementitious substrates.
RASOTECH PLUS 3-30 mm is suitable for thicker applications on horizontal and vertical cementitious surfaces.
What is the difference between NEOCEM LEGANTE and NEOCEM PRONTO?
NEOCEM LEGANTE is a hydraulic binder mixed on site with selected aggregates and water to produce screeds.
NEOCEM PRONTO is a ready-mixed screed mortar requiring only water and is formulated for controlled shrinkage and rapid drying.
Can I install flooring over underfloor heating?
Yes, provided the complete build-up is designed for the substrate, screed, floor finish and expected movement. Products such as NEOFIL F20 S2 are specifically suitable for heated-floor installations.
Epoxy Flooring
What is the difference between solvent-based and solvent-free epoxy flooring?
Product 2910 is a two-component solvent-based epoxy coating for concrete floors and similar surfaces.
Product 2310 SF is a 100% solids, zero-VOC solvent-free epoxy system intended for applications requiring high mechanical and chemical resistance.
Product 2910 is a two-component solvent-based epoxy coating for concrete floors and similar surfaces.
Product 2310 SF is a 100% solids, zero-VOC solvent-free epoxy system intended for applications requiring high mechanical and chemical resistance.
How long does epoxy flooring take before receiving vehicle traffic?
For Product 2910, the supplied technical sheet states full cure and vehicle traffic after approximately 7 days at 25°C following the final coat.
Can epoxy flooring be made non-slip?
Yes. The Product 2910 TDS describes broadcasting silica sand over the wet epoxy layer and subsequently applying the final epoxy coat to create a textured, non-slip surface.
Thermal Insulation
What is the difference between EPS, XPS and rock wool?
EPS is a lightweight thermal and acoustic insulation material used in roofs, walls, floors and cold-storage applications.
XPS combines low thermal conductivity, high resistance to water penetration and good compressive strength.
Rock wool, including FIBROCK LITE and FIBROCK SHIELD, provides thermal and acoustic insulation together with strong fire-resistance characteristics.
Which insulation should I use on a roof?
The correct insulation depends on the required thermal performance, roof build-up, compressive loads, exposure to moisture and waterproofing system.
XPS is particularly useful where moisture resistance and compressive strength are important.
What is geotextile used for?
Non-woven geotextile can provide separation, protection and filtration within waterproofing, insulation and civil-construction systems.
The MAKTEX PS range includes different weights such as 150, 200 and 300 g/m².
Concrete Admixtures
Which concrete admixture should I use?
It depends on the required performance:
AERMAX 23 → air entrainment, improved workability and freeze-thaw durability.
FLUICEM → superplasticizing and reduction of mixing water.
TERMOGEL → chloride-free antifreeze/accelerating admixture for cold-weather applications.
LATEX RIPRESA → improved adhesion, flexibility and reduced water absorption.
What does LATEX RIPRESA do?
LATEX RIPRESA is a polymer latex additive for cement mortars, concrete and cement slurries. It improves adhesion, compactness and flexibility while reducing water absorption.
What is polypropylene fibre used for?
Polypropylene fibres help control shrinkage and surface cracking in mortar and concrete and can improve surface durability.
Which product can help concrete resist freezing conditions?
AERMAX 23 introduces controlled air microbubbles to improve resistance to freeze-thaw cycles.
TERMOGEL is a chloride-free antifreeze and accelerating admixture designed for concrete and mortar applications in cold conditions, including temperatures below 0°C.
Technical Mortars
Which mortar should I use around fireplaces or ovens?
TERMIX is a high-alumina refractory mortar designed for refractory brickwork, fireplaces, ovens, flues, hoods, stoves and other applications requiring high-temperature resistance.
What is NEOFIL BLOCK used for?
NEOFIL BLOCK is designed for bonding and smoothing cellular-concrete and expanded-clay blocks and for compatible thermal blocks and panel systems.
Sakhat Technical Support
Can Sakhat recommend a complete system instead of just one product?
Yes. Sakhat can recommend a compatible complete system based on the application, substrate, dimensions, environmental exposure and required finish.
For example, a roof solution should be considered as a complete build-up rather than simply choosing one waterproofing product.
How do I know how much product I need?
Consumption depends on the product, substrate condition, application thickness, tile dimensions, trowel size, grout-joint dimensions and number of coats.
The Sakhat website should provide calculators for products such as:
Tile Adhesive
Grout
Waterproofing
and other relevant systems.
Can I send Sakhat photos of my project for technical advice?
Yes. Through Ask a Specialist, customers can provide site photos along with information such as application area, substrate, existing materials, dimensions and project conditions.
I don't know which product I need. What should I do?
Use one of the Sakhat technical tools:
Product Finder
Adhesive Selector
System Finder
For complex cases, use Ask a Sakhat Specialist and provide the project details and photos.
Can architects, engineers and contractors request technical support?
Yes. Sakhat provides technical assistance for product selection, system recommendations, specifications, technical documentation and project requirements.
Can I request product samples, catalogues or technical documentation?
Yes. Available product samples, catalogues, technical data sheets, system specifications and supporting documents can be requested from Sakhat.
Does Sakhat provide solutions for residential, commercial and industrial projects?
Yes. Sakhat’s range covers applications including residential buildings, commercial projects, industrial areas, roofs, terraces, pools, tanks, foundations, tile installation, thermal insulation, concrete repair and specialist construction systems.

