Ardex X 11 W – Enhanced Flexible S1 Semi-Rapid Tile Adhesive WHITE – Pallet Deals and Bulk Buy

Ardex X11 W Extended Information

Coverage: A 20kg bag of ARDEX X 11 W will yield approximately 15.26 litres of mortar, using approximately 1.31kg of powder per m² per mm thickness of adhesive bed.

The actual coverage achieved in practice will depend on the back profile of the tile and notched trowel and technique used to bed the tiles. A 20kg bag will be sufficient for approximately 5m2 at 3mm thick.

What are the uses of Ardex X 11 W?

ARDEX X 11 W is ideal for fixing ceramic or fully vitrified tiles and other tiles with low porosity, as well as glass and porcelain mosaics, non- moisture sensitive natural stone and terrazzo. It adheres strongly to most construction materials including concrete, cement and sand renders and screeds, heated subfloors, brickwork and blockwork, gypsum plaster, tile backer board plasterboard and existing ceramic tiled surfaces.

The BS EN 12004 C2 TE S1 designation for ARDEX X 11 W classifies the adhesive as ‘Improved deformable cementitious adhesive with reduced slip and extended open time.’

How to prepare the surface?

The backgrounds and surfaces to receive the tiles must be clean, firm, free of dust, dirt, oil, grease and other barriers to adhesion, as well as being strong enough to support the weight of the tiles being fixed. Ensure that the background has adequate drying time, as given in the relevant part of BS 5385, and correctly primed, where required, prior to fixing the tiles.

Install tiles in accordance with the relevant parts of BS 5385 and BS 8000 : Part 11 Workmanship on Building Sites. Backgrounds to receive ceramic tiles should be finished to Surface
Regularity 1 i.e. so any gap under a 2m straight edge does not exceed 3mm.

ARDEX X 11 W can be applied to dry or moist surfaces, but moisture sensitive materials must be dry and remain dry after fixing.

ARDEX WPC Waterproof Protection System can be used in showers prior to tiling to create a waterproof protective coating that guarantees the prevention of water damage to floors and walls, by protecting moisture sensitive backgrounds in wet locations.

How to mix Ardex X 11 W?

ARDEX X 11 W powder is added to clean water in a clean container whilst stirring, and mixed thoroughly to give a slump free, easily worked mortar. The use of an ARDEX mixing paddle with a 10mm chuck, variable speed electric drill makes light work of mixing.

The mix proportions by volume are approximately: 3.5 to 4 parts ARDEX X 11 W powder to 1 part water.

A 20kg bag of ARDEX X 11 W requires approximately 5.4 litres of water. DO NOT EXCEED the maximum water content. Allow mixed adhesive to stand for 2 minutes before re-mixing for 30 seconds. If using electric drill mixer, blend at slow speed (i.e. under 300rpm). The mixed adhesive should be applied at temperatures above 5°C. The pot life of the mixed mortar is approximately 2 1/2 hours at 20°C.

How to apply Ardex X 11 W?

The mixed mortar is applied to the prepared surface with a trowel and then combed through with a suitably sized notched trowel in straight ribs to give a ribbed mortar bed. The tiles should be fixed within the open time of the applied adhesive and pressed into place with a twisting and sliding action to achieve the required contact. For tiling to walls in dry internal locations the adhesive contact should be such that maximum practical contact between the tile and the adhesive is achieved. Tiles with a surface area of less than 0.1 m2 , but which weigh more per square metre than 70% of the background’s capacity to carry the weight, should be solidly bedded. Tiles with a surface area of 0.1 m2 or greater, should be solidly bedded.

When tiling to floors, wet areas such as showers and swimming pools, or in external locations achieving a solid bed usually requires the back of the tiles to be buttered immediately prior to placing into the ribbed bed so no voids are left beneath the tiles.

The size of notched trowel chosen depends on the tile size, the surface being tiled, the profile on the back of the tile and the degree of coverage required. The adhesive can be applied to floor surfaces up to 8mm thick when fixing uncalibrated stone to either concrete or cement and sand screeds the adhesive can be used up to 15mm thick, in isolated areas up to 0.5m2.

ARDEX X 11 W is classified as having an open time of up to 45 minutes with freshly mixed material, when used in accordance with EN BS 12004. For optimum performance, tiles should be fixed within 30 minutes, and can be adjusted for up to 15 minutes at 20°C.

How to grout when using Ardex X 11 W?

Grouting can proceed once the tile bed has hardened sufficiently so that the tiles will not be dislodged.

When grouting wall tiles, ARDEX is normally hard enough after 6-8 hours at 20°C, depending on the porosity of the tile and the background.

When grouting floor tiles ARDEX X 11 W is normally hard enough after 6-8 hours at 20°C to accept foot traffic depending on the porosity of the tile and the background. Higher temperatures will shorten and lower temperatures will lengthen these times.

The tile joints should be grouted with the appropriate ARDEX-FLEX Tile Grout or the appropriate ARDEX Epoxy Grout for areas where chemical resistance and hygienic joints are required i.e. commercial food preparation areas.

What Primers to use with Ardex X 11 W?

ARDEX P 51

Concentrated Water-Based Primer and Bonding Agent for use on absorbent backgrounds, concrete and anhydrite/calcium sulphate screeds prior to the use of ARDEX X 11 W Dilute ARDEX P 51 1:3 with water.

ARDEX P 4

Ready Mixed, Multipurpose, Rapid Drying Primer for use on ceramic and porcelain tiles, concrete and terrazzo. ARDEX P 4 Primer is solvent free, and dries after 30 minutes. It is suitable for use in dry, damp or wet (not submerged) internal and external locations.

ARDEX P 82

Non-Flammable, Water-Based Synthetic Primer for use on smooth, impervious surfaces including existing ceramic tiling, internal asphalt, terrazzo, sound and well adhered paint coatings and old adhesive residues, prior to the use of ARDEX X 11 W.

GUIDANCE NOTES ON BACKGROUNDS TO BE TILED

Concrete Allow at least 6 weeks, preferably at least 12 weeks drying time prior to fixing tiles onto new concrete. Mechanically prepare concrete and ensure mould oil and curing agents are removed.

Cement/sand render and screed

Wood float finish and prevent rapid drying of the surface for 3 days (renders) or 7 days (screeds). Allow render to air dry in good conditions for at least 2 weeks prior to tiling or at least 3 weeks for screeds prior to tiling.

Note for Screeds:

With an ARDEX A 38 cement/sand screed, tiles can be fixed after only 4 hours.

Note for Renders:

With ARDEX AM 100 Rapid Hardening One Coat Tile Render tiles can be fixed only 2 hours after application.

Gypsum Plaster

Do not use in wet or damp conditions. Gypsum plaster must be dry and at least 4 weeks old prior to tiling. Wire brush plaster to remove dust. Use ARDEX P 51 primer. Tiling weight should
not exceed 20kg /m2.

Plasterboard

Ensure boards are rigidly braced and adequately supported. Fix directly to the paper facing. Do not skim with plaster. Tiling weight should not exceed 32kg /m2. Fibre-reinforced cement boards and lightweight tile backer boards Install boards to BS 5385 i.e. moisture-resistant boards screwed to seasoned framework at maximum 300mm centres vertically and horizontally. Important note: Obtain manufacturer’s confirmation that boards are suitable for tiling and for relevant fixing instructions.

Wood-based sheets and boards

NOTE: As of May 2024 Plywood/Timber is not a suitable base for tiling directly to on walls or floors
– BS 5385 -3: 2024

Option 1 – Overlay with a suitable tilebacker board of appropriate thickness and fixed as per manufacturers instructions.

Option 2 – An uncoupling matting such as ARDEX Flexbone VA/2E* can be selected providing that the plywood/timber floor is:

• the correct grade
• sufficiently dry, rigid and stable
• able to carry all anticipated static and dynamic loads without deflection
• have adequate ventilation below
• flat and level (SR1)
• securely fixed (screwed to joists at 300mm centres, including any cross noggins, if necessary)

When installing bonded uncoupling mattings down to the surface of the timber with AF 200 Plus*, it should be prepared to receive the adhesive. Sanding of the timber surface may be required to ensure any surface coatings are removed, e.g. varnish, lacquers, etc. *Refer to the relevant product data sheet for further advice.

NOTE: BS 5385-1 advises that plywood and other wood-based sheets or boards should not be used for direct tiling to walls. Timber-based sheets or boards should be replaced or over sheeted with plasterboard, or suitable tile backer board.

Painted surfaces

ARDEX’s advice is always to remove the painted finish to reveal a sound substrate without barriers to adhesion. Where the contractor deems the painted finish as sound, it should be primed with ARDEX P 82 primer before tiling with ARDEX X 11 W commences. A trial application is recommended first. Internal, dry areas only.

Calcium Sulfate-based screeds i.e. Anhydrite

Ensure they have been laid and prepared in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations. Generally they require sanding and must have a moisture content of 0.5% or less measured using the carbide method. Prime with ARDEX P 51, diluted with 3 parts of water or dependent of the information from the gypsum screed manufacturer, a suitably sand blinded coat of an epoxy based primer such as ARDEX R 3 E may be required.

Existing glazed ceramic tiling

Ensure existing tiling is well adhered and can support the new tile bed. Thorough cleaning and rinsing off is essential. Prime tiles with ARDEX P82 (Internal dry areas only), or ARDEX P 4 (external locations).

Asphalt sanded

With well adhered sand key no primer is required. Internal areas only. If sand key is poor or worn off, proceed as for smooth asphalt.

Asphalt smooth

Priming with ARDEX P 82 recommended. Internal dry areas.

Underfloor heating

ARDEX X 11 W is suitable for fixing ceramic tiles to concrete or cement and sand screeds with fully commissioned underfloor heating. The cured adhesive is suitable for temperatures between -30°C to 100°C.

PACKAGING

ARDEX X 11 W is packed in paper sacks incorporating a polyethylene liner – net weight 20kg.

STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

ARDEX X 11 W contains a reducing agent to control the level of Chromium VI when mixed prior to use.

ARDEX X 11 W must be stored in unopened packaging, clear of the ground in cool dry conditions and protected from excessive draught. If stored correctly, as detailed above, and used within 12 months of the date shown on the packaging, the activity of the reducing agent (added to control the level of soluble Chromium VI) will be maintained and this product will contain, when mixed with water, no more than 0.0002% (2ppm) soluble Chromium VI of the total dry weight of the cement content of this product. Use of the product after the end of the declared storage period may increase the risk of allergic reaction.

ARDEX X 11 W must not be used after the end of the declared storage period.

PRECAUTIONS

ARDEX X 11 W contains more than 20 %Portland cement and, therefore, in line with current legislation, is classified as irritating to eyes and skin.

For this reason the following precautions should be observed:- Avoid contact with skin and eyes; in case of contact with the eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice; wear suitable gloves and keep the product out of the reach of children.

Avoid generation of airborne dust during mixing.

Ardex X 11 W TECHNICAL DATA

Bulk density of powder: approximately 1.1kg/litre

Weight of fresh mortar: approximately 1.67kg/litre

Working time (20°C): approximately 2 1/2 hours

Fixing time (20°C): approximately 45 minutes

Adjusting time (20°C): approximately 15 minutes Tensile

Adhesion Strength: Greater than: 1 N/mm2

PROPERTIES TESTED TO BS EN 12004

Open Time: approximately 45 minutes

Slip Resistance: Slip – less than 0.5mm

PROPERTIES TESTED TO BS EN 12004

Transverse

Deformation: Classification S1 , (Deformation greater than or equal to 2.5mm and less than 5mm)

NOTE: For the latest technical or health and safety data on this product, consult the current technical or health and safety data sheet online at www.ardex.co.uk