Whats the difference between ANSI A118.1, A118.4 and A118.11 mortars?
ANSI (American Standard Specifications for the Installation of Ceramic Tile) is an organization that sets-up performance standards for mortars designed to set ceramic tile. A mortar meeting A118.1 is an unmodified, dryset mortar that doesn’t contain a polymer. Unmodified mortars are adequate for basic tile jobs such as a residential floor over concrete or a wall tile job when setting ceramic tile. For more demanding installations a polymer-modified mortar is required. Polymer-modified mortars meet ANSI A118.4 standards. You can use a mortar that is already polymer-modified (latex is in the powder) or an unmodified mortar and a liquid latex additive that is used in place of the water requirement. Installations requiring a polymer-modified mortar are when setting porcelain tile or large tile over 12″ x 12″, in wet areas, high traffic areas, exterior installations, commercial installations, surfaces that could be subject to minor movement, installing tile over vinyl flooring, plastic lami
