For a fixer or contractor, tiling is all about efficiency – efficiency in preparation, product selection and fixing techniques.
Improving efficiency leads to savings in time and money, and increased project frequency – and ultimately this what all fixers and contractors want.
Efficiency in preparation
We all know that preparation of your backgrounds is absolutely crucial to the overall success of your tiling project.
Backgrounds should be dry, flat and free from dirt, debris, or residues. Some people may be tempted to cut corners, but this may lead to an increased risk of failure.
However, there are trusted solutions out there that can get you fixing tiles on that job quicker, without compromising performance.
For example when tiling onto a screed, British Standards specify that a sand:cement screed should be left for a least 3 weeks to dry prior to tiling.
Anhydrite screeds need to dry to no more than 75% relative humidity or 0.5 CM (Water by Weight) before tiling commence.
However you may be able to go onto this quicker – for example with the use of a floating uncoupling system – such as BAL Flexbone 2Easy – which can be used over sand:cement screeds when walkable, or on Anhydrite screeds at 1.5% Carbide Method (usually 0.5% CM).
Another option for anhydrite screeds (not containing underfloor heating) is the use of a moisture control system – such as ARDEX DPM 1C – which can be applied on some surfaces with the highest measurable levels of moisture content (up to 90% RH).
If a floor is already dry and needs to be levelled to SR1 (3mm over a 2m straight edge) – as per British Standards – then there are a number of fast-track levelling compounds available from the ARDEX Group. Ultra-rapid drying levellers such as BAL Level Fast or ARDEX K 55 Fast can have you tiling from 45 minutes to 1 hour after application.
Other levellers – such as BAL Level Max – can be tiled in 4 hours even at depths of 80mm.
If uncoupling is needed then efficiency can be improved with the use of thin, lightweight systems such as BAL Rapid-Mat which can be tiled instantly and is quick to install. Rapid-Mat uses 20% less adhesive when compared to using a cavity-mat systems and is easy to install producing significant cost and time savings.
Even our fleece-backed cavity mat systems, such as Flexbone, need less adhesive on the face of the mat – with 30% faster application.
Faster waterproofing
Tanking can be a laborious task – but is required under British Standards in wet areas.
Efficiency in waterproofing can be achieved with the correct product selection.
The ARDEX Group have fast-track systems that allow fixers and contractors to be tiling the same day.
For example BAL Waterproof 1C – a ready-mixed product – can be applied in one coat on walls (ensuring minimum 0.8mm thickness) and in two-coats on the floor (minimum 1.6mm) and can be tiled in only 2 hours.
ARDEX WPC is a two-part system, but is rapid drying, and can be tiled in only 90 minutes.
Efficiency in tiling and grouting
As with any aspects of tiling, it is crucial to weigh up cost of product v cost of time, when selecting your tile adhesive.
Selecting a traditional standard-set product may reduce the cost of the material, but you maybe stretching out the job an extra day or two.
In fact, even some perceived “premium” standard-set products have extended drying times of anything between 24 and 48 hours – extending the overall project time.
It is crucial to ensure you properly inspect the data sheets to fully understand the drying times of your selected adhesive.
Improved efficiency may be achieved by choosing a rapid-setting tile adhesive with longer open and working times – such as BAL Rapid-Flex One or ARDEX X 7 R S1 which has a pot life of 60 minutes and open time of 30 minutes, and you can still grout in 3 hours.
Alternatively choosing a semi-rapid adhesive such as BAL Flex One or ARDEX X 11 W can improve your efficiency. These semi-rapid products can have you grouting the next morning with setting times of 6-8 hours. They also have super smooth formulations with gel rheology, reducing fixer fatigue and installation times.
If tiling with large format floor tiles, the use of pourable products such as BAL XL Floor One or ARDEX X 325 PTB can reduce the need to back-butter on flat floors – improving efficiency when solid-bed fixing – meaning you fix once, not twice and reducing your labour time.
Efficiency when grouting
The selection of grout can also influence the efficiency of your tiling work. Choosing a rapid-hardening grout, such as BAL Micromax3 ECO or ARDEX FLEX-FL can mean finishing a job sooner.
BAL Micromax3 ECO for example sets in 2 to 3 hours, however initial wash-off can be left up to 30 minutes after application, even on the most textured tiles. So no panic on initial wash-up, but still finish the grouting process in a morning or afternoon. Saving you time and ensuring you get paid sooner.
If you or your client is looking for reduced maintenance and after-care, it may be suitable to select an epoxy grout such as BAL Absolute Grout or ARDEX EG 18 Plus.
Recommended for spas and steam rooms, as well as swimming pools, these systems are also perfect for wet rooms and other areas where total hygienic protection is required – such as commercial kitchens.
These epoxy products also offer efficiency of application, with clean-off from 15 minutes up to 60 minutes after application.
Peace of mind when fixing
At the end of the day, you want products and systems you can trust to perform and ensure that you get no call-backs.
ARDEX Group products – as well as offering efficiency and time savings – come with a 10-year product warranty and applies to installations of brands including: ARDEX, BAL, wedi, Gutjahr, Knopp, Loba, and Wakol.
This gives you peace of mind that our products will perform to a high standard.
For support and guidance on your tiling projects, contact our Technical Support team on 03330 030160 or email info@ardex.co.uk.
To book on an ARDEX Group training course, visit ardexacademy.uk
ARDEX Group UK wins Best Marketing Award for GivBax Rewards!
ARDEX Group have won a prestigious award for Best Marketing Campaign for the launch of GivBax Rewards at the inaugural BASA Awards (British Association of Sealants and Adhesives).
Alex Underwood (right) is presented with the Best Marketing Award by BASA
BASA is the voice of the entire adhesives and sealants industries in the UK, through the provision of legislative guidance, best practice and support services for its members which include ARDEX UK and Building Adhesives.
The Awards Gala took place on Friday (22nd November) at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham, with a judging panel consisting of a team of senior industry professionals, a representative from the sponsor and a past BASA chair.
ARDEX won Best Marketing for the high-impact omni-channel approach to the launch of GivBax Rewards. GivBax was launched as a “stand-alone” brand – similar to other App-based loyalty programmes such as Nectar or Clubcard.
It utilised a colourful and highly visually geometric theme – focusing on the core benefits of the App – whereby you can get Cash directly into your hand, simply by scanning any ARDEX or BAL product receipt.
David Hackett, Managing Director at ARDEX Group UK, said: “Congratulations to the whole marketing team and everyone who helped launch GivBax Rewards.
“GivBax Rewards is a truly innovative loyalty scheme that offers end-users an instant and fully visible in-App programme.
“Since launch, thousands of members have joined the Loyalty App, redeeming cash or merchandise rewards, purely by purchasing BAL or ARDEX products.
“This award is testament to all the hard of everyone over the last 12 to 18 months, setting up and supporting the scheme which has made a real difference in the industry.”
As well as Best Marketing Campaign, ARDEX Group UK were also shortlisted for Best Product Packaging for BAL Micromax3 ECO Grout, Environmental and Sustainability Initiative for Building Tomorrow with the ARDEX Group, Best Innovation for GivBax Rewards and Manufacturer of the Year.
ARDEX returns to SPATEX 2025 pool and wet leisure exhibition
The ARDEX Group are returning to SPATEX 2025 – the UK’s only water leisure exhibition – to showcase their latest rendering, waterproofing and tiling technologies for pools and wet leisure areas.
SPATEX 2025 is being held from the 4th to the 6th February 2025, and is once again taking place at the Coventry Building Society Arenas in Coventry, West Midlands.
Running for 29 years, SPATEX is the first international European water leisure show in the calendar and will feature more than 100 exhibitors is backed by a number of prestigious associations including ISPE (Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers), SPATA (Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association) and BISHTA (British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association).
ARDEX is one of the UK’s leading providers of pool and wet leisure systems from screeding and rendering, to waterproofing, sealing, tiling and grouting and will be showcasing their latest technologies on Stand D1.
Join the ARDEX team of technicians and specification experts to find out why ARDEX are the experts in swimming pool and wet leisure installations – with systems specified on a many prestigious projects including the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympic Games, the Toll Cross International Swimming Centre for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and many, many more!
The team from the ARDEX Group UK will also be demonstrating new BAL Micromax Grout-Effect Silicone Sealant – perfect for seamless movement joints and internal and external corners – providing a grout-like finish in wet areas.
Our experts will also be on hand to deliver advice and guidance on current or future pool projects, as well as handing out some of their famous Red Mixing Buckets and other goodies.
ARDEX and Polypipe Underfloor Heating join forces to offer recommended solutions for underfloor heating systems
ARDEX has partnered with Polypipe Underfloor Heating to provide a trusted solution for their water-fed underfloor heating systems.
ARDEX products have been extensively tested with Polypipe Underfloor Heating’s Overlay® gypsum panels, Overlay® Plus lightweight retro-fit boards, as well as their solid floor systems including the Red Floor Panel System, Clip Rail and Staple systems.
ARDEX and Polypipe Underfloor Heating have joined forces to produce a comprehensive installation guide. Available to download by visiting ARDEX.co.uk and PolypipeUFH.com, the guide covers everything from subfloor preparation and installation of retro-fit board and solid-floor systems to tiling and resilient flooring installation guidance using ARDEX products.
Emma McDonald, ARDEX UK Technical Manager, said: “After a long process involving extensive testing of Polypipe Underfloor Heating’s warm-water systems with our products, we’re delighted to be able to announce this partnership.
“This is one of the first partnerships of its kind in the industry, providing a recommended system when tiling or flooring onto these kinds of retro-fit systems to help ensure problem-free installations.
“The system covers everything from the preparation of subfloors prior to the installation of these systems, right to the products needed to fix tiles or lay resilient flooring. ARDEX solutions have also been tested and are recommended for use with Polypipe Underfloor Heating systems for use in solid or screeded floors.
“Whether you’re installing warm-water UFH or laying a floorcovering over an existing system, our partnership provides clear guidance and will help you overcome common installation problems.”
Stuart Wood, Product Manager – Sustainable Heating from Polypipe Underfloor Heating said: “We are delighted to be working with Ardex, ensuring our customers receive the best advice on floor preparation both before and after the installation of our Underfloor Heating Systems. ARDEX have worked tirelessly with us over the last few months to create a comprehensive guide that really supports best installation practises for the industry.”
ARDEX and Polypipe Underfloor Heating’s Technical Representatives are also available over the phone and in-person for on-site support, training and recommendations. For more information contact the ARDEX team on 01440 714939 or Polypipe Technical on 01709 772200.
ARDEX Group UK shortlisted for prestigious industry awards
The ARDEX Group UK has been shortlisted in 5 categories at the first-ever BASA Awards (British Association of Sealants and Adhesives).
BASA is the voice of the entire adhesives and sealants industries in the UK, through the provision of legislative guidance, best practice and support services for its members which include ARDEX UK and Building Adhesives.
The Awards Gala is taking place on 22nd November at East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham, with the judging panel consisting of a team of senior industry professionals, a representative from the sponsor and a past BASA chair.
The ARDEX Group UK has been shortlisted for the following categories:
Best Product Packaging for BAL Micromax3 ECO Grout
BAL Micromax3 ECO is designed in high-impact, retail-aesthetic packaging which shows the true colour of the grout through transparent bags. This allows retail customers and end-users to see the actual colour of the grout and also how – unlike competitor’s products – pigmented fillers are fully “locked” into the grout mix. As well as being visually appealing with a high on-shelf impact – promoted also on branded bespoke stands – the product packaging is 100% recyclable.
Environment & Sustainability Initiative for Building Tomorrow with the ARDEX Group
The ARDEX Group’s “Building Tomorrow” programme is a series of initiatives designed to reduce the company’s CO2 emissions with a goal of being fully Carbon Neutral by 2045 and being Carbon Neutral for Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2030. The Group has a core objective to reduce its impact on the environment in an evolving market-place through sustainable sourcing of materials, recycling, and waste reduction.
Innovation for GivBax Rewards loyalty app
GivBax Rewards is the first loyalty program in the whole adhesives and sealants industry to offer end-users an instant and fully visible in-App program. Since launch, nearly 3,000 members have joined the Loyalty App, redeeming close to £150,000 in cash or merchandise rewards, purely by purchasing BAL or ARDEX products.
Manufacturer of the Year – ARDEX Group UK
ARDEX Group UK have been shortlisted for its new product development pipeline, research and development, sustainability, training, support and service innovations. Throughout the last year, it has introduced a number of new initiatives in these areas including innovative new products such as BAL Micromax3 ECO and ARDITEX CL Plus, plus leading sustainability initiatives such as the installation of solar panels on its manufacturing plants, and the extended use of recycled raw materials as it works towards Carbon Neutrality by 2045.
Marketing Campaign for the GivBax Rewards launch
The ARDEX Group UK have been shortlisted for their high-impact omni-channel marketing campaign launching GivBax Rewards. ARDEX decided to launch GivBax Rewards as a “stand-alone” brand – similar to other App-based loyalty programmes such as Nectar or ClubCard. It utilised a colourful and highly visually geometric theme – focusing on the core benefits of the App – whereby you can get Cash directly into your hand, simply by scanning any ARDEX or BAL product receipt.
David Hackett, Managing Director at ARDEX Group UK, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be shortlisted in five categories for the inaugural BASA Awards.
“BASA acts as a neutral voice for the whole adhesives and sealants industry and is trusted to provide industry representation to government as well as campaigning on industry standards and involvement in British, European and International Standards.
“Being shortlisted for these awards is no mean feat and is testament to the brilliant work of everyone at ARDEX UK and Building Adhesives Ltd over the last 12 months and longer.
“Staff in all departments have worked tirelessly to deliver key projects which have been recognised by these awards shortlisting.”
ARDEX Group UK Invests in Sustainable Energy
New solar panels have been installed at AUK in Haverhill and Building Adhesives in Stoke-on-Trent
The ARDEX Group UK has commissioned more than 1600 solar panels at its manufacturing facilities in Stoke-on-Trent and Haverhill.
The high-performance photovoltaic (PV) systems have been installed on warehousing and manufacturing units at both sites and will generate approximately 30% of the ARDEX Group UK’s electrical power requirements.
The installation of solar panels is part of a global sustainability initiative in which the company is investing around 3 million euros globally.
Installation of 1332 panels were completed at ARDEX UK in Haverhill in September last year and since commissioning, more than 269,686 kWh of solar energy has been produced – equivalent to the consumption of 100 houses.
A more modest 334 panels were installed at the Group’s Stoke-on-Trent facility – Building Adhesives Ltd in Trentham – with commissioning completing in March this year. This is due to limitations for more panels from the local grid, however plans remain to invest in more panels at Building Adhesives Ltd once the local grid has been updated and allows this to be done.
Since March 50,080 kWh of electricity has been produced – which is the equivalent of taking 9,814.4 kg CO2 out of the atmosphere or planting 594 trees. It meets 14% of total energy needs at Building Adhesives.
David Hackett, Managing Director of the ARDEX Group UK, said: “The installation of solar panels at our two UK manufacturing plants is an important part of our overall commitment to improve our sustainability performance in the UK.
“This has included ensuring our electricity is generated by renewable sources, increasingly adopting LED lighting throughout the facilities (100% completion in 2023), using battery-powered FLT’s (100% completion in 2023) and maximising the use of post-consumer waste in our packaging.
“We continue to look for sustainable solutions to meet our business requirements as we aim to be Carbon Neutral for our Scope-1 & 2 impacts by 2030.
“In addition, the installation of the panels makes us a bit more independent from current energy prices and possible energy shortages.”
EXTRA, EXTRA! Introducing new ARDEX X 7 R S1
ARDEX are delighted to introduce X 7 R S1, a new improved version of their favorite X 7 R rapid-setting flexible tile adhesive.
Advancements developed by ARDEX UK R&D specialists has allowed the company to further improve a trusted technology making it more suitable for the modern demands of tiling.
Superseding X 7 R, ARDEX X 7 R S1 provides a great upgrade for fixers at no extra cost rather than adding more products to the range.
ARDEX X 7 R S1 comes in grey and white (X 7 R S1 W) and the new formula has:
EX7RA flexibility and strength with fibre technology. This provides increased adhesion performance and enhanced performance on problematic substrates with limited movement.
EX7RA Improved consistency with a smooth formulation. Making it easier to mix and apply to help you tile faster as well as being easier on the arms!
EX7RA 50% pot life – now with now with 60 minutes in the bucket. This means there is more time to use the product in the bucket before it goes off. This allows for bigger, less frequent mixes, giving longer to spread the adhesive, saving on time and wastage.
X 7 R S1 is suitable for internal and external areas, without the need for any additional additives. It is classified as C2FES1 with new S1 deformability
This is in addition to current properties including the ability to mix to a semi-pourable consistency for solid bed fixing large format floor tiles, and adjustable water content for the ability to produce a slump-free mix for wall tiles
Alex Underwood, Head of Marketing at ARDEX said: “If you’re already using ARDEX X 7 R, then it’s time to switch to X 7 R S1 today. If you love X 7 R, then you’ll love X 7 R S1 even more with its improved characteristics at no extra cost.
“If you visit your trade counter, you will already find X 7 R S1 available and ready to use. So why wait, get tiling with X 7 R S1 today.”
GivBax Rewards shortlisted for top international award
GivBax Rewards – the new loyalty programme from the ARDEX Group UK – has been named as a finalist for a prestigious international award.
The programme – designed for users of BAL or ARDEX products – has made the shortlist in the Best B2B category at the International Loyalty Awards.
ARDEX Group UK is up against global giants including Budweiser, Ferrero and ExxonMobil which is already proving testament to the success to date of GivBax Rewards and recognition of such a leading programme.
The International Loyalty Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and best practice in the loyalty industry from across the world. This iconic contest celebrates the loyalty industry’s most exceptional projects on a global scale. Testament to the longevity of the awards, is the high esteem in which they are held across the world and the exceptionally high standards adhered to.
All categories are judged by an influential and respected judging panel, which comprises over 25 loyalty experts working in all markets and sectors. They have a wealth of experience working in loyalty and know what it takes to shine and succeed in our ever-changing competitive world. The judging is robust, credible and transparent including shortlisting, pre-scoring and a judging session over three days when the panel discusses each entry in detail to select the winners.
GivBax Rewards has been recognised in this global shortlist due to both the ease-of-use member benefits provided by innovative receipt-scanning technology and cash reward redemption via ATMs, together with its success to benefit so many ARDEX and BAL customers in just 6 months.
Within 6 months of launch 8.8% of ARDEX Group UK sales have been logged within the program, with a 73% member engagement rate.
For the first time ever, the public will also be able to vote for their favourite loyalty programme in a new category – “The 2024 International Loyalty Programme of the Year – As Voted by the Public.” This will be open to all finalists in every category.
Voting opens on 1st March and runs until 31st March, with the winners being announced in Dubai on April 24th.
David Hackett, Managing Director at ARDEX Group UK, said: “Being named as a finalist for this prestigious award is a testament to the innovative forward-thinking nature of the ARDEX Group UK – where we are always looking at ways to add-value to our products and services.
“Despite only being 6 months old, GivBax Rewards has already seen more than 17% of our total customer base signing-up and using the programme, with tens of
thousands of pounds worth of redemptions being made – that is cash back directly into the pockets of fixers and floor layers across the country. GivBax members have been blown away by the programme, which is shown by the numerous positive reviews submitted as part of the award entry.
Check out ARDEX and BAL’s social media accounts to find out how to vote for GivBax Rewards for “The 2024 International Loyalty Programme of the Year – As Voted by the Public.”
To find out more about GivBax Rewards or to sign-up to the program visit:
ARDEX.co.uk/givbax
ARDEX returns to SPATEX 2024
ARDEX UK are once again exhibiting at SPATEX – the UK’s largest pool, spa and wellness show – which is taking place next year from 6th to 8th February at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
At the heart of the pool and leisure industry, SPATEX is backed by a number of prestigious associations including ISPE (Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers), SPATA (Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association) and BISHTA (British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association).
ARDEX will be returning to Stand D1 to showcase their world-class tiling solutions for pool and wet leisure installations – providing an extensive range of products, designed to work as systems – not only for fast-track installation times, but that also produce long-lasting, durable finishes.
Join the ARDEX team of technicians and specification experts to find out why ARDEX are the experts in swimming pool and wet leisure installations – with systems specified on a many prestigious projects including the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympic Games, the Toll Cross International Swimming Centre for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and many, many more!
Visit our stand and talk to our professionals about your pool projects, find out about our products and systems and how we tap into the resources of the ARDEX Group – a global leader of high-performance building products – to provide solutions to a range of situations.
Shaun Howarth, Head of Business Development at ARDEX will also be delivering a RIBA-approved CPD – “Specify Tiling in Swimming Pools and Leisure Centres” at 1.15pm on Tuesday 6th February in the ISPE Workshop Arena.
Shaun will be discussing the latest developments and standards in swimming pool design and tiling and considerations for contractors and architects when selecting and specifying the most appropriate tile fixing solutions for use in swimming pools and leisure centres.
After more than 20 years with ARDEX and over 10 years with BAL, Peter Bell, Managing Director, is passing on the baton to his deputy, David Hackett.
Peter has enjoyed a stellar career with the ARDEX Group underpinned by his leadership of ARDEX and BAL, two highly successful, market-leading UK businesses. Testament to his commitment and legacy, Peter also holds a group steering position as an ARDEX Global Management Committee member as well as roles on various group boards, including India, Ireland, and the Middle East. He will retain these roles until the end of 2023.
As from 1st July 2023, David Hackett will take on the position of UK Managing Director.
Born in Sydney Australia, David’s career with the ARDEX Group began after the acquisition of Australian Building Adhesives (ABA) along with its sister company Building Adhesives Ltd (BAL) in 2001.
Moving to Europe in 2007, David completed MBA studies in international business throughout several countries including Russia, United States, China, India, Romania, and Austria.
David’s career path took him to ARDEX Head Office in Germany where he took on Corporate Unit responsibility of Global Marketing for the ARDEX Group. Working on global brand strategy and the introduction of the ARDEX Academy concept around the world were highlights of this time.
In 2011, David’s next challenge saw him move to BAL in Stoke-on-Trent where he took on the role of Sales & Marketing Director. “Customer First”, innovation and product development are central to David’s business ethos and the success of BAL Micromax 2 , BAL White Star Plus, BAL Rapid-Flex One and BAL Level Max are testimony to his efforts.
In 2016, David became General Manager at Building Adhesives, overseeing all functions in the Stoke business. Alongside his peers in the UK Leadership Team, David has successfully steered the BAL ship for the last six years. The alignment of the ARDEX and BAL Commercial Teams in 2021 has paved the way for a more potent market reach model, and further consolidates the UK management “One-Team” approach.
As commented by Peter Bell: “David’s promotion to UK Managing Director is a great example of how the ARDEX group opens development pathways for its key people. It also demonstrates how we promote from within, and how we encourage people to take on international assignments to open up career progression opportunities.
“As part of passing the baton to David, we expect our UK businesses to continue to thrive under his leadership. His commitment to our people, our customers and our strategic vision make him a great choice to lead our talented team into the future. I am confident that ARDEX & BAL will continue to succeed and achieve new milestones under his leadership.”
According to David: “ARDEX and BAL’s strategic focus areas are strongly aligned to our core values and include a focus on developing our people, accelerating our digital capabilities, the innovative & sustainable solutions we provide customers, and maintaining our customer-centric approach. This is about listening to our customers’ needs and improving the products & services we provide, based on their feedback.”
David continued: “I am excited and honoured to be stepping into the role of Managing Director and look forward to building on Peter’s impressive legacy. ARDEX UK & BAL have a fantastic culture, a tremendous team, and an unparalleled enthusiasm for making a difference. We do this through outstanding products, expert advice and excellent customer service.”
David Hackett’s appointment as Managing Director represents a natural progression in his career. He brings a wealth of experience including tile retailing in Australia, Corporate marketing roles in Germany and manufacturing expertise in the UK along with Board member responsibilities with the UK Tile Association (TTA). Add to this his dedication to firm growth by delivering on the ARDEX and BAL commitment to its people, customers, and community.
Peter Bell will continue with his ARDEX Group responsibilities throughout the remainder of 2023.
