For quick-turnaround wall and floor tiling on substrates subject to movement, ARDEX X56 is a fast-setting, polymer-modified adhesive that permits grouting after 4 hours. It accommodates thermal and shrinkage movement without additional liquid additives, allowing direct application over internal sheet timber, early-age concrete, and compressed fibre-cement sheets.
ARDEX X56 achieves an ISO 13007 classification of C1 E S2. The S2 rating denotes a highly flexible adhesive capable of transverse deformation of 5mm or more. This high deformation capacity absorbs structural deflection and thermal expansion, preventing tile shear failures on critical substrates such as internal particleboard, plywood, and Scyon Secura sheets. Its rapid hydration chemistry accelerates drying times, letting installers tile over 7-day-old early-age concrete and 16-hour-old screeds or renders, reducing standard builder wait times.
Suitable for internal and external, residential and commercial applications including wall and floor tiling in shower recesses with correct falls to drainage. Compatible tile types and substrates include:
Substrates must be clean, dry, firm, and free of laitance, curing compounds, and sealers. Smooth surfaces or dense concrete greater than 35 MPa must be mechanically prepared to establish a mechanical key. Prime porous substrates with ARDEX Multiprime before application.
When tiling over internal sheet timber, ensure the floor is structurally sound with a maximum deflection not exceeding 1/360 of the span. Timber must have stable moisture levels and adequate underfloor ventilation. Tape joints of sheeted materials with PVC ducting tape and prime with ARDEX P9 or ARDEX Optima slurry. Strip timber floors must be sheeted with fibre-cement before tiling.
Tiles with ribbed or keyed back profiles, or large format tiles measuring 400mm or more in any direction, must be back-buttered to ensure complete coverage and eliminate voids. Do not spot fix.
Yes, ARDEX X56 is engineered for internal sheet timber floors (particleboard and plywood), provided they are structurally sound with a maximum deflection of 1/360 span and good ventilation. Strip timber floors must be fibre-cement sheeted first.
Grouting can proceed after approximately 4 hours at 23°C and 50% relative humidity. For dense tiles, humid conditions, or lower temperatures, allow additional cure time before grouting or foot traffic.
No, ARDEX X56 is not suitable for use in or around swimming pools. Specific systems are required for submerged applications to ensure long-term performance and prevent failures.
The C1 E S2 classification (ISO 13007) indicates a cementitious, standard-strength, extended open time, and highly deformable (S2) adhesive. The S2 rating signifies its high flexibility, making it suitable for substrates subject to significant thermal or shrinkage movement.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| Tiling over internal timber floors (particleboard, plywood) | Accommodates movement in timber substrates, preventing cracking and delamination (S2 classified). | Tilers, Carpenters, Builders |
| Fast-track residential or commercial projects | Allows grouting in 4 hours and tiling over 7-day old concrete, speeding up project completion. | Builders, Project Managers, Tilers |
| Tiling over early age screeds or renders | Suitable for tiling after 16 hours, reducing waiting times on site. | Tilers, Floor Preppers |
| Tiling over Ardex liquid applied waterproofing membranes | Ensures system compatibility and robust bond in shower recesses and other wet areas. | Waterproofers, Tilers |
| External wall and floor tiling (non-ponding areas) | Manages thermal and shrinkage movement with high flexibility (S2), maintaining bond integrity. | Tilers, Landscapers |
| Tiling over existing ceramic or vinyl tiles | Reduces demolition work and prep time for internal dry area renovations, provided existing substrate is stable. | Renovators, Tilers |
Danger: This product causes skin irritation, may cause an allergic skin reaction, causes serious eye damage, and may cause respiratory irritation. Suspected of causing genetic defects. May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
Wear safety glasses with side shields or chemical goggles, protective gloves, overalls, and a PVC apron. Ensure an eyewash unit is readily available. If dust risk exists, use an approved respirator with a Type-P filter (P1 or P2).
Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Do not breathe dust or fumes.
Store locked up in original, unopened packaging in a dry place at 23°C and 50% relative humidity. Dispose of contents and container at an authorised hazardous or special waste collection point in accordance with local regulations.
Proper substrate preparation and priming are critical for ensuring adhesive performance and preventing tile system failure.
Surface prep: Allow concrete to cure for at least 7 days. Remove all surface laitance, sealers, curing compounds, and contaminants. Mechanically roughen steel trowel finished or dense concrete (>35 MPa) to provide a mechanical key.
Primer: Prime porous concrete with ARDEX Multiprime.
Surface prep: Ensure floors are structurally sound with maximum load deflection not exceeding 1/360 of the span. Maintain good underfloor ventilation and stable moisture levels. Sand contaminated timber with 40-grit (or 24-grit if coated) sandpaper to achieve a suitable profile. Tape all sheet joints with PVC ducting tape. Strip timber floors require fibre-cement sheeting prior to tiling.
Primer: Priming with ARDEX Optima or ARDEX P9 is required. For ARDEX Optima, vacuum clean, then apply a thick slurry coat (2 parts powder to 1 part liquid) with a 15mm nap roller, allowing 40 minutes to dry before tiling.
Surface prep: Ensure existing tiles are firm and stable. Mechanically roughen the surface, ensuring at least 80% of the glaze is removed. Clean off all contamination and dust.
Primer: Prime with ARDEX Multiprime or ARDEX P9.
Surface prep: Mechanically remove rust and mill scale. Clean oil and grease with methylated spirits. For galvanised metal, use high-pressure water and a stiff broom to clean.
Primer: Prime with an appropriate epoxy type metal primer before using ARDEX P9 or P82.
Surface prep: Remove all loose particles from the surface.
Primer: Apply two coats of ARDEX Multiprime before tiling.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Colour | Light Grey |
| Tensile Adhesion Strength (28 Days Dry) | ≥0.5 MPa |
| Tensile Adhesion Strength (Water Immersion) | ≥0.5 MPa |
| Tensile Adhesion Strength (Heat) | ≥0.5 MPa |
| Tensile Adhesion Strength (Freeze Thaw) | ≥0.5 MPa |
| Classification | C1 E S2 (ISO 13007) |
| Mixing Ratio | 6.75 litres water per 15kg powder |
| Open Time | 30 minutes approx. (at 23°C and 50% RH) |
| Adjustment Time | 30 - 45 minutes approx. (at 23°C and 50% RH) |
| Pot Life | 45 minutes (at 23°C and 50% RH) |
| Underfloor Heating Compatibility | Yes |
| Grouting Time | 4 hours approx. (at 23°C and 50% RH) |
| Coverage Walls (6mm trowel) | 12m² - 14m² per 15kg |
| Coverage Floors (10mm trowel) | 8m² - 10m² per 15kg |
| Shelf Life | 12 months |
Here are some common examples on where Ardex X56 Tile Adhesive used by our customers.
