Overview
ISO/TR 17870-1:2015 - Ceramic tiles - Guidelines for installation - Part 1: Installation of ceramic wall and floor tiles provides guidance to achieve required levels of quality and performance for ceramic tiling. It covers materials selection, specification, installation techniques and post‑installation treatment for internal and external floor and wall ceramic tiling, installed by cement mortar or other adhesive methods. The standard emphasizes three general quality characteristics: regularity, durability, and safety.
Keywords: ISO/TR 17870-1:2015, ceramic tiles, tile installation guidelines, tile installation standard, adhesives, grouts.
Key Topics and Technical Requirements
- Scope and terminology: Definitions for components (backgrounds, tile bed, movement joint, primer, waterproofing membrane) and tiling techniques (bonded, floating, buttering, direct bedding).
- Exchange of information: Requirements for clear communication among designers, specifiers, manufacturers and installers to ensure correct materials and conditions for tile installation.
- Materials: Guidance on selection, storage and compatibility of basic materials - ceramic tiles, adhesives, grouts and ancillary products (primers, membranes).
- Specification: How to specify project data, backgrounds, performance criteria, compatibility and safety considerations for the tiling system.
- Installation procedures: Planning, control of environmental conditions, substrate preparation, bedding application, tile fixing methods and movement joint installation.
- Quality characteristics: Guidance on achieving and specifying tolerances for regularity (flatness, levelness, plumbness), lipping, slip resistance and durability.
- Initial cleaning, protection and maintenance: Recommendations for initial cleaning, temporary sealers, surface treatments and ongoing maintenance to extend service life.
Note: ISO/TR 17870-1 is a technical report; it provides guidance rather than mandatory performance values. It references related product standards for tiles, adhesives and grouts.
Practical Applications and Who Uses It
- Architects and specifiers: Use the guidance to select compatible tiles, adhesives, jointing systems and to write clear installation specifications.
- Tile contractors and installers: Reference practical installation methods, substrate preparation and movement joint placement to meet quality expectations.
- Manufacturers and suppliers: Ensure product guidance (adhesives, grouts, backer boards, membranes) aligns with installation practices.
- Facility managers and building owners: Understand maintenance, protection and durability factors that affect life‑cycle performance.
- Inspectors and quality assurance personnel: Assess tiling projects against recommended tolerances and installation practices.
Benefits: reduces installation defects, improves durability and safety, and supports coordinated project delivery for ceramic tile installations.
Related Standards
- ISO standards for ceramic tiles and for adhesives/grouts (see ISO 13007 family).
- ISO/TR 17870-2: Installation of thin ceramic wall and floor tiles and panels (companion document).