System for simplifying tile laying with SVP and DLS. Efficient tile leveling system Tile leveling system

As you know, when laying tiles, especially if you do not have much experience working with this material, problems arise with the formation of seams. Fortunately, today a tiling system can come to the rescue. It is precisely such systems that we will talk about. It is very important to know their types and be able to use such devices for laying tiles.

Advantages and disadvantages of devices

First of all, it is worth considering the advantages and disadvantages of SVP for laying tiles, which is a fairly important factor. Let's start with the advantages of such systems:

  1. First of all, this is assistance in styling. Thanks to the use of this kind of device, it becomes possible to immediately set an acceptable floor level, and then, based on it, lay the tiles. This solution allows you to extend the durability of the coating, and in addition significantly improve the quality of work and appearance surfaces.
  2. The second advantage is that at the end we get a tile coating, the seams of which are absolutely identical. This allows you to stop using the usual plastic crosses.
  3. Another undoubted advantage is the uniform distribution of the solution over the entire surface of the material.
  4. Such a floor leveling system ensures the stability of the tiles while the mortar dries, which helps to avoid subsidence.
  5. And the last thing to note is that such a device allows you to fix each individual element in the required position.

But, of course, such a system for laying SVP tiles also has its disadvantages, which also need to be taken into account:

  1. First of all, it takes a lot of time to work. This is due to the need correct installation elements of the system and subsequent removal after the solution has hardened.
  2. The procedure for cleaning seams becomes more complicated.
  3. Of course, the use of additional devices is also additional costs. Especially when arranging large tiles, since they should be laid on a double layer, otherwise the systems will not cope with the task assigned to them.

It is very important to pay attention to the quality of the product when purchasing it, since today there are a lot of fakes on the market that fail even when installation begins.


SVP system

Types of devices

The system for leveling the floor when laying tiles is, of course, not presented in a single copy; accordingly, there are several types of it:

  1. The first option is economical (SVP DLS). In this case, the product is a base, the fastening of which is carried out using a wedge. This type allows you to fix and level the tiles, suitable for use on a surface that does not have significant uneven areas.
  2. The second option (Litolevel Tile Leveling System), more expensive, is a curved system. In turn, it is this feature that makes it unique. Thus, the device adapts to the individual structure of the tile and surface, after which it levels the coating by evenly distributing the glue.

Various systems

Most importantly, do not think that such a design will help the distribution of glue, this is far from the case. Any type, be it a dls or litolevel tile leveling system, is only an additional assistant that can only eliminate some shortcomings, but not do the work for you.

In addition, the material that will be used becomes an important factor. Because the quality of the tiles and adhesive mixture plays a special role.

Application

Now it is worth considering the use of such devices. The technology itself is quite simple, but you still need to familiarize yourself with it, understand it and practice it.


It should be noted that all masonry must be level, and each laid tile is checked. In this way, it is possible to achieve maximum quality of the work performed. After which


Special pliers allow you to speed up the DLS fastening system

Conclusion

Despite the fact that DLS tile fastenings are more convenient to use, but the cost is more expensive than SVP, here the choice is up to the master, and both systems do the job.

So, we looked at what SVP is, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as its method of application. Now all you have to do is decide whether to use such a system at home, when performing work, or not. We hope the information provided will be enough for you to make a decision. We also suggest watching a video that clearly shows how tiles are laid using SVP and DLS. If you still have any questions on this topic, do not hesitate to write in the comments, and our specialists will answer them.

The market for large-format porcelain tiles in Russia is quite young. And as a recommendation, we suggest that all construction and installation organizations use modern and very convenient related products to improve the quality of installation. We are talking about the Tile Leveling System when laying it. SVP is most relevant for large-format porcelain tiles (600x600, 1200x600, 1200x1200).

Professional tilers are somewhat wary of the process of laying large-format tiles, or those of different thicknesses (for example, 600x600 porcelain tiles with a thickness of 10 mm and 1200x600 with a thickness of 11 mm). But such a simple and at the same time effective system, which allows you to obtain a perfectly flat ceramic surface, will greatly facilitate the work with even laying of large-format tiles.

It consists of only two elements: a WEDGE and a CLAMP. Moreover, the WEDGE is used many times (50 or more times).

SVP (Tile Leveling System) allows you to avoid differences in the plane of the tiles at the joints (seams) during the laying process and prevents “sagging” of the tiles during the drying of the adhesive composition due to the tight pressing of adjacent tiles together. The time spent on laying tiles is significantly reduced.

The basic principle of use is to install two points on each side of the tile, departing from the corner of 5 cm. If the side of the tile is more than a meter, an additional point is installed in the center. At the same time, the technology of laying tiles does not change or become more complicated. The SVP CLAMP from below presses two adjacent tiles to the flat surface of the WEDGE, preventing the tiles from moving relative to each other as the glue dries. And a day later after the adhesive layer has dried, by hitting a rubber hammer along the seam, the clamp breaks at the base, which remains under the tile. SVP WEDGES are collected for further use. Read more below and watch a video about using SVP.


As can be seen from the table, the smaller the format, the greater the consumption of SVP per square meter and the final cost of installation is higher. The golden mean is the 600x600 format. With a tile format of 1200x600, SVP is even more profitable, because Without the use of these devices, perfectly even laying of 1200x600 tiles (without differences in the seams) is not an easy task and is almost impossible. To save money, finishers sometimes use one SVP (Tile Leveling System) CLAMP at the joint of four tiles, rather than four CLAMPS - in this case, it is assumed that the tiles should be exactly the same in thickness. But end result may not be the one you need at all. And since we need a perfectly flat floor, the savings here are not justified.


The SVP product consists of two parts: a clamp and a wedge.

Wedge is a reusable piece.

Instructions for using SVP when laying tiles

1. Apply the adhesive solution in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Place two clamps under the tile on each side, spaced about 50mm from the edge of the tile.

2. Lay the next tile

3. Insert a wedge between the tiles and the top of the clamp, secure so that the bottom of the wedge fits snugly against the tiles and the edges (sides) of the tiles are aligned.



Once the adhesive solution has completely dried, to remove the wedge, simply strike the top of the clamp along the tile seam. The lower part of the clamp remains under the tile.


4. Collect the wedges for later use.


Examples of using SVP


SVP is a revolution in tile laying or just another scam.

By the word divorce, I do not mean a 100% scam of money, but a disguised one. Like a new product for which they are trying to come up with a need. And make a business out of it.

SVP system in action

The main question is who will pay for it.

One square of tiles measuring 300 x 300 mm requires about 37 grams of additional costs (the cheapest SVP option). This is without purchasing a tool for clamping the wedges and taking into account the double turnover of the wedges (perhaps it will be more).

The customer does not need such costs. Tales that tiles can be leveled better this way do not impress him. If you can’t lay tiles evenly, there are many who want and know how to do this. Buying for a tiler is expensive. $5 per square meter can sometimes be half the price for this work.

There are other prices for SVP:

SVP consumption for a bathroom

Table of consumption of wedges and bases per square meter depending on the size of the tile

1. The first controversial issue regarding the system. If the screed has a hump in the middle. The system will level anyway. I doubt. Small-sized tiles can still be laid more or less decently. Large size - never. When laying tiles, they have this property - when you press on one edge, the other one rises. And this can continue indefinitely. What would have happened to the lining on the floor in the video below if the master had not removed the excess glue under the tiles ( most likely there is a hump in that place), and leveled it using SVP?

– The tiler would smoothly stretch this hump with wedges into 4-6 tiles.

2. Speed ​​increases (this device is also called a quick tile leveling system). What is the increase in speed??? – Additional time is required to install the tie rods and wedges. Removing the ties and assembling the wedges takes time. Let it be a minute, half a minute. But minutes add up to hours.

How the installation actually happens in time, and not in commercials, can be understood from the video. I agree that over time your hand will get better and everything will go faster.

One more detail in the video. The guys don't wash the spatula. The teeth are filled with glue. It takes a lot of extra time to prepare the adhesive surface. The simple habit of washing their tools could give them 30-40 minutes of time savings every day.

3. With this system There is no way to wash the tiles on the day of installation. Especially around the fasteners. Judging by the dial on the video, the wedges can be removed after two days. During the summer, the glue in the seams will harden well. Cleaning up cured adhesive takes almost as much time as laying tiles.

Glue under the wedges of the SVP system.

The benefits of cleaning tile joints on the day of installation can be seen in my video. This simple step saves 50% of your time when filling seams.

4. Installation of SVP does not allow making seams less than 3 mm. This happens because the tile has an extension from the front (glazed or unglazed) to the back. For some tiles this expansion is significant. A 3 mm seam is a normal seam, but it does not fit everywhere. To get a 1-2 mm seam with the installation of wedges, you have to cut off the extensions at the place of their installation with a grinder:

Perhaps for this reason the tile moves apart when tightened with a wedge:

Many bourgeois videos using similar systems show a double method of spreading tiles. That's fair. With such adhesive thickness, it is possible to correct the tiles using wedges on a large layer of adhesive. Also, double application of glue guarantees that when lifting the tiles during correction with a wedge, there will be no separation from the glue.

But double application does not speed up tile laying. and is not always necessary.

Spreading tiles when using SVP.

The only place where such a system is justified is with a large tile format - more than 60 cm on any side. With this size, it is difficult to achieve smooth convergence of four tiles, even on a relatively flat screed. But with such tiles (especially on warm floors, where high-adhesion glue is used), other problems arise. Perhaps these are quality problems with the plastic fasteners themselves:

Perhaps many of the above-listed disadvantages are absent from the SVP system in the next video. There, disposable plastic fasteners are replaced with metal, reusable ones. They don't tear, so you can wash the tile first and then insert the fastener and clothespin. By removing the fastener on the second day, you can further clean the seam:

Another opinion about the tile leveling system using wedges in the video.

And one more detail on wedges for hovercraft:

A discussion of this topic has opened up on YouTube with renewed vigor.

In the video below, the guys lay 502 x 502 mm tiles on a thick layer of adhesive, without SVP, and don’t worry about how they will behave the next day. There are many such examples.

To be completely honest - one video about the guys who are delighted with the new tile leveling system.

And the most competent comments on this video:

And one more video. I am delighted with the way they use the SVP system. The use of this format on tiles is 100% justified. The tiles are mirror-like and without bevel. The slightest difference becomes noticeable:

An interesting idea is to combine several tiles into one design using a SVP on a rack. And then lay it on glue:

Answers to questions in letters and Skype:

1. What can replace the tile leveling system?

On a flat surface, a tile leveling system is not needed. The question should be how to achieve a flat plane.

Expensive imported mass levels provide a smooth surface on the floor. You can level a not quite “killed” one with the help of a large wedge.

The tile leveling system is becoming increasingly popular. The technology has been used abroad for a long time, but we are trying to understand what it is. Is SVP really a new word in science and technology or just another money scam?

The pros and cons of the technology will be revealed in the article.

The essence of the leveling system

Everything ingenious is simple, and the functionality of the SVP is simple to the point of impossibility.

Devices for laying svp tiles consist of:

  1. clamps;
  2. wedges that can be used up to 50 times;
  3. sometimes an auxiliary tool that allows you to fix the wedges in the clamps. Such a tool is special forceps.

The SVP tile leveling system works using the following technology:

  1. The clamp is inserted under the tile, two sets per fragment.
  2. The wedge is driven into the top of the clamp.
  3. Due to this, the neighboring tiles are adjusted: if one fragment sag in relation to the neighboring tile, then it will rise and there will be no visual differences.
  4. After fixing the tiles, the wedges are knocked down.

System advantages

  • Smooth surface. You can lay tiles over a large area and not worry about differences or unevenness. The SVP tile leveling system will ensure an even surface and a long service life.
  • Reliable fixation of tiles while the glue dries. It is known that sometimes tiles can sag and move a little. The SVP fixes each fragment so that it remains in the same position.
  • Identical seams. The clips are the same thickness, so they act as cross stitches for the seams.

When SVP should not be used

The SVP tile leveling system is used for laying tiles with a thickness of 3 to 20 mm, depending on the SVP manufacturer. It is versatile and can be used for wall and floor tiles. It makes no difference which laying method is used: straight or diagonal.

Watch the video carefully. It is very sensibly and clearly explained why before buying a hovercraft you should pay attention to the quality of the tile itself!

But SVP should not be used for small-format tiles. There are reasons for this:

  • More kits will be required, which will affect the cost of laying tiles.
  • Installation of the systems will require a lot of time, so the SVP, which is designed to speed up the process of laying the cladding, in this case will only distract and take up time.
  • For small format tiles, it is wise to make small seams, and the SVP clamp will provide a seam of at least 2-3 mm.
  • The thickness of the base of the clamp will not allow it to be less than a few mm, but for small formats such a layer will be sufficient and even more.
  • Small tiles can be laid manually; all seams and planes are clearly visible, so no such system is needed to level the tiles.

For laying large tiles, SVP will be a good help, an auxiliary tool that will help create a smooth and beautiful tiled surface.

Pitfalls

The use of SVP has certain pitfalls:

  • It should not be assumed that the SVP evens out all the unevenness and errors of the foundation. If the surface is uneven, the tiles will need to be laid on a layer. You will need to use different combs and different layers of glue. If the adjacent fragment is higher, the tile leveling system will raise the sunken part. But in this case, a void will form underneath if there is not enough glue there. And the voids under the tiles threaten chips and cracks.

    Please note

    Using this method, you first need to prepare the surface: level it, make markings and see where what layer of glue is needed.

  • Buy only high-quality material. If the clamps are made of low-quality plastic, they will break and be difficult to work with. The biggest problem is breakage inside the seam. Then you will have to dig out the remaining plastic from the seam. If there is glue left in the seam, the grout will not hide it, it will be ugly and sloppy.
  • When installing clamps and wedges, it is problematic to clear the seams. Every tiler knows how important it is to clear the joint, that is, to remove any remaining adhesive from it. Once the glue dries, this will be more difficult to do. And the remaining glue in the seam prevents it from being properly rubbed. Therefore, from the very beginning, make sure that no glue gets into the seam.
  • When installing the system, the seams start at 3 mm, which is always practical and beautiful.

Leveling system technology

The whole truth about SVP. Personal opinion of a tiler. Very interesting video I recommend watching!

  1. Decide on the layout method, make markings.
  2. Apply tile adhesive to the base using a comb.
  3. Lay the first fragment, then install 2 clamps on one side of the tile. Step back 5 cm from the edge. The clamp must be bent as shown in the figure below, and then installed under the tile on the base.
  4. Lay adjacent parts, install clamps.
  5. Wedges are inserted after laying adjacent fragments.
  6. Drive the wedges into the clamps, use special pliers. The wedge should fit snugly against the surfaces of both tiles.
  7. The seam may come apart somewhat; it needs to be corrected manually so that nothing visually comes apart.
  8. The set is completed with crosses that are inserted into the seams.
  9. After a day, when you can walk on the tiles, the upper part of the clamp and the wedge need to be knocked down. Use a rubber mallet and use targeted blows to knock down all the excess. Make sure that no plastic particles remain in the seams.
  10. Let's move on to grouting the seams.

The figure below shows step by step what needs to be done and the principle of operation of the clamps and wedges.

What does consumption depend on?

The consumption of the kits depends on:

  • Quality of components. If the clamps are made of low-quality plastic, they may break during operation. Consumption will increase.
  • Tiler skills. If a person is working with the system for the first time, mistakes cannot be avoided.
  • Tile sizes. If the length of one of the sides of the tile is up to a meter, then use an additional kit for better fixation.

Homemade option

Buying clamps and wedges made of high-quality plastic is an additional expense, and many people prefer to make them themselves.

In this video I use clothespins as a homemade hovercraft system, but experts do not recommend doing it yourself

Bent 1.7mm aluminum wire will serve as clamps. It is relatively strong, but bends well. To make it easier to knock down the clamp later, make bites with pliers in the right places.

The bottom stop or base of the clamp will be a piece of fiberboard, a piece of dried polyurethane foam and available materials.

The wire is twisted from above, and a wedge made from a piece of ceramic is inserted. To ensure that the wedge is securely fixed, insert a small piece of fiberboard.

Decide for yourself: is it worth spending time on making homemade devices or spending money on buying quality goods.

Bottom line


SVP is a new tile leveling system; it is reasonable to use it when working with large tile formats. In this case, the installation process will really speed up.
Buy quality systems, their use will pay off in the process. By applying the tips from the article, as well as by training your hand, you will be able to quickly install the hovercraft.

Laying tiles using SVP in recent years has gained great popularity. It allows you to as soon as possible install cladding on the floor and walls. All operations envisaged by the work technology can be carried out with your own hands without the involvement of specialists.

System Features

The tile leveling system is designed to facilitate the entire range of work on arranging a decorative surface. It allows you to bring each element of the coating to one level without additional effort. When using special devices, there is no need to use plastic crosses to form seams.

The tile leveling system includes spacer wedges and clamps. The first element is necessary to adjust the placement of the tiles relative to other parts of the covering. Their position is fixed using special clamps.

When installing a tile covering, a perfectly flat surface is formed, under which a uniform distribution of the adhesive is achieved. At the same time, we must not forget that the larger the size of the decorative panel, the more effort must be made to install it. Experts recommend installing large elements on a double layer of glue, which will achieve optimal quality.

Advantages of the technique

When using special tools for laying tiles, the following advantages are achieved:

  • formation of a perfectly flat floor with minimal effort;
  • the formed coating looks more aesthetically pleasing and has a long service life;
  • in the process of laying tiles using the system, identical seams are obtained over the entire area;
  • the adhesive composition is evenly distributed over the surface of the base, leveling differences in height and filling all cracks and voids;
  • after installing the tiles on the floor there will be no shrinkage, even under significant operating loads;
  • As the glue dries, the tile does not move as a result of shrinkage, which avoids deformation of the coating.

A quick and high-quality way to lay tiles

Disadvantages of the technique

The tile installation system has some disadvantages. First of all, it is high cost. To purchase high-quality devices, you need to invest a decent amount, which is not always advisable.

Many specialists refuse this system due to the long installation of wedges and other devices. This is especially felt when the quality of the base is low, or when the tiles have significant dimensions.

You also need to remember that during the process of forming the floor covering, due to the presence of wedges, it will be quite difficult to clean the seams from mortar residues.

Types of devices for installing tile coverings

Devices for installing tile coverings can be standard (economy option) or advanced. The first option is used for surfaces where there is no significant difference in height.

In this case, the base element has a flat surface and is fixed in in the right place using wedges for laying tiles. The result is high-quality cladding with identical seams.

When purchasing premium devices, you will notice that the seam tab has a concave structure. This feature helps to carry out high-quality installation of the cladding in any conditions, regardless of the condition of the base.

Currently on the market building materials you can find Rubi and SVP products (domestic manufacturer).

They work on the same principle, but have different structures. The domestic version is cheaper, but the quality is no worse than the imported counterpart.

User instructions

Quick laying of tiles using the leveling system is carried out in the following way:

  1. Applying tile adhesive. It is prepared from a dry mixture, according to the instructions from the manufacturer. The glue is applied only to the base in a layer of suitable thickness.
  2. The tiles are laid on the prepared base.
  3. They retreat 5 cm from the corner of the tile and install 2 clamps on each side. In this case, you cannot save money to achieve the desired effect.
  4. After laying the tiles and clamps, it is recommended to install crosses in the corners. They will allow you to maintain the optimal thickness of the seams.
  5. The next cladding element is installed close to the clamp leg.
  6. A clamp is mounted into the previously installed tile laying fixture. It is necessary to ensure that it fits tightly to the surface of the cladding on all sides.
  7. The entire floor covering is installed in this way.
  8. Some of the clamps and wedges are removed after the glue has completely dried. A rubber mallet is used for this.

Everyone who laid the tile floor in this way was satisfied. The technique is not difficult to perform even for a beginner who is not strong in this matter.