For some years now, cork has been making a comeback as a versatile material. The renewable resource`s natural properties have led to numerous new applications in design and architecture. Cork is impermeable to liquids and gases, elastic, compressible, hypoallergenic, durable and lightweight.

The DryTile technology now uses a cork layer to enable the glue-free installation of ceramic tiles. The installation is dry and with a time saving of more than 50%.

The tile’s own weight presses the cork layer to the floor, which adheres firmly to it. Mortar beds and adhesive systems thus become obsolete. Slipping isn`t possible. Another advantage of DryTile technology is the acoustic and mechanical decoupling from the subfloor. It has integrated impact sound insulation and minimises the risk of subfloor damage.

The technology is based on a polyolefin-based cork composite material. This is free of PVC, chlorine and plasticisers.[1] The cork material is only sintered onto the back of the tile using heat and pressure. This stable bond is necessary to stabilise the ceramic tile and achieve a high level of usability.

The tile surface is additionally stabilised by a water- and dirt-repellent mineral grout with flexible plastic components. The grout is not applied by slurry over the entire tiling surface, but by selective application with a rubber bending board. The surface can be walked on as early as 6 hours later and is fully loadable after 24 hours.

The deconstruction options are particularly interesting with regard to environmentally friendly construction. The tiles can be removed quickly and easily without leaving any residue, without being destroyed and without generating dust. The joints are cut open in advance for this purpose. The remains of the grout can be put to cascade use. The tile can then be lifted by means of a suction lifter and reinserted at another location.

This ensures dust-free and noise-free work both during installation and removal. This is to the benefit of both the craftsman carrying out the work and the client.

The product was developed in a collaboration between the tile manufacturer Agrob Buchtal and the company Trison, which manufactures the cork backing. The polymer binders in the cork composite material are supplied by Wacker Chemie AG.

[1] DryTile Ceramics GmbH (2020). DryTile, file:///Users/nachhaltigesbauen/Downloads/1053_drytile_katalog_de.pdf, Accessed on March 5^th, 2021