| Product Classification | High | Confirm whether the product is cementitious tile adhesive, dispersion adhesive, or reaction-resin adhesive. The intended application should match the adhesive class. | Request the technical data sheet, product classification, recommended substrate, tile type, indoor or outdoor use, and wet-area limitations. | 5: Clear classification and application limits
3: Partial information
1: Unclear product identity |
| Relevant Standard Compliance | High | For cementitious tile adhesives, EN 12004-1 commonly uses classifications such as C1 or C2, with additional designations including T, E, F, and S1/S2 where applicable. | Check the test standard, laboratory report, certificate scope, product code, testing date, and whether the tested formulation matches the supplied product. | 5: Relevant, traceable test evidence
3: Certificate supplied but limited traceability
1: Marketing claim only |
| Bond Strength | High | Review tensile adhesion values for the specific curing conditions, such as dry, water immersion, heat aging, or freeze-thaw exposure. Do not compare isolated values without test conditions. | Ask for the complete test method, substrate type, tile type, curing period, test temperature, and minimum versus average results. | 5: Results cover the intended use
3: Basic dry adhesion data only
1: No quantitative test data |
| Open Time and Adjustability | Medium | Open time and adjustment time should be stated in minutes under defined laboratory conditions. Actual working time changes with temperature, humidity, mixing, and substrate absorption. | Request the stated open time, adjustment time, pot life where applicable, test temperature, and application thickness. | 5: Clear values with conditions
3: General application guidance
1: No working-time information |
| Slip Resistance | Medium | For wall tile installations, review the product's slip classification or measured slip value where required by the applicable standard. | Check test results for vertical application and confirm the data applies to the intended tile size and substrate. | 5: Verified slip data for the use case
3: General claim with limited evidence
1: No slip information |
| Deformability and Flexibility | High | Flexible or deformable adhesive may be needed for large-format tiles, heated floors, exterior areas, or substrates subject to movement. S1 and S2 classifications indicate different deformability levels under EN 12004-1. | Match the stated deformability classification to the project conditions, substrate movement, tile format, and environmental exposure. | 5: Appropriate classification and evidence
3: Flexibility claimed without full data
1: Not suitable for the project |
| Raw Material and Formula Control | High | Consistent cement, graded aggregate, polymer, cellulose ether, and additive quality supports stable workability and bond performance. Formula changes can affect test results and production consistency. | Request a controlled raw-material specification, incoming inspection procedure, batch formula control, and change-notification process. | 5: Documented control system
3: Basic inspection only
1: No evidence of formula control |
| Factory and Batch Quality Control | High | A reliable supplier should be able to trace production batches, retain samples, control moisture, and perform routine checks for packaging, setting behavior, and adhesion-related properties. | Request a sample quality-control report, batch number format, retained-sample policy, calibration records, and factory audit access. | 5: Traceable and repeatable QC process
3: Some records available
1: No batch-level documentation |
| Packaging and Shelf Life | High | Dry powder adhesive must be protected from moisture. The label should state batch identification, net weight, production date, expiry or recommended use period, storage conditions, and mixing instructions. | Inspect packaging samples, pallet protection, bag strength, storage requirements, shelf-life statement, and labeling compliance for the destination market. | 5: Complete and consistent labeling
3: Minor information gaps
1: Poor moisture protection or traceability |
| Technical Support | Medium | Application guidance should cover water dosage, mixing time, maturation time, trowel selection, coverage, open time, curing, substrate preparation, and limitations. | Evaluate the technical data sheet, safety data sheet, installation guide, response time, and ability to provide troubleshooting support. | 5: Complete, usable technical support
3: Basic documents only
1: Sales information without installation guidance |
| Sample and Field Validation | High | Laboratory data should be supplemented by testing with the actual tile, substrate, climate, mixing equipment, and installation method. A small trial order reduces commercial risk. | Run a controlled sample test, record water addition and coverage, inspect workability, and perform adhesion checks after the required curing period. | 5: Successful project-specific validation
3: Sample tested under limited conditions
1: No sample or field testing |
| Export and Documentation Capability | Medium | Export documentation should be consistent with the destination market and shipment terms. Product documents, carton marks, packing lists, and shipping documents should identify the same product and batch information. | Check commercial invoice, packing list, safety data sheet, certificate requirements, loading photos, and experience with the destination's labeling rules. | 5: Accurate and complete documentation
3: Documentation requires buyer correction
1: Frequent inconsistencies |
| Total Cost of Ownership | High | Compare landed cost rather than unit price alone. Include adhesive consumption, coverage, packaging loss, freight, duties, testing, storage, claims, and replacement risk. | Request a quotation based on the same product class, bag weight, pallet quantity, delivery term, destination, and estimated consumption per square metre. | 5: Transparent landed-cost comparison
3: Unit price only
1: Costs or assumptions are unclear |
| Communication and Corrective Action | Medium | A dependable supplier should respond to technical questions, identify batch-related issues, document corrective actions, and communicate formulation or packaging changes before shipment. | Use a pre-order questionnaire and assess response accuracy, response time, complaint procedure, replacement policy, and escalation contact. | 5: Structured and responsive process
3: Informal but workable process
1: Slow or incomplete responses |
