Which term encompasses the materials used to bond tile to a substrate and to support tile spacing and alignment?

Which term encompasses the materials used to bond tile to a substrate and to support tile spacing and alignment?

• A. Abrasive
• B. Mortars and adhesive
• C. Epoxy mortar
• D. Grout

Answer: (B)

The materials that bond tile to the substrate and hold the tiles in place with proper spacing are mortars and adhesive. Mortars provide the cementitious bed that adheres to the substrate, while adhesives (such as thinset or mastic) are formulated to bond the tile itself to that bed or substrate. This combination lets the installer establish a level, uniform setting bed and keep tiles aligned as they set, often with spacers to maintain even gaps. Grout, by contrast, is only used to fill the joints after the tiles are set, not to bond or support the tiles during installation. Epoxy mortar is a specific type of mortar, but the general term that covers the bonding and alignment-support materials is mortars and adhesive.