Laying tiles using SVP has gained great popularity in recent years. It allows you to quickly install the cladding on the floor and walls. The performance of all operations foreseen by the technology of work 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 complex of works on the installation of 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 tiles relative to other parts of the coating. Their position is fixed with special clamps.

When installing a tile coating, a perfectly flat surface is formed, under which a uniform distribution of the adhesive is achieved. At the same time, one 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 devices for laying tiles, the following advantages are achieved:

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

Fast and high quality tiling

Disadvantages of the technique

The tiling system has some drawbacks. First of all, it is a high cost. To buy quality fixtures, you need to invest a decent amount, which is not always advisable.

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

You also need to remember that in the process of forming the floor covering, due to the presence of wedges, it will be quite difficult to clean the joints from the remnants of the solution.

Varieties of fixtures for mounting tiles

Devices for mounting tiles can be standard (economy option) or improved. 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 place with tile wedges. The result is a high-quality cladding with identical seams.

When buying premium fixtures, you will notice that the intersuture tab has a concave structure. This feature helps to make high-quality installation of the cladding in any conditions, regardless of the state of the base.

Today, Rubi and SVP products (domestic manufacturer) can be found on the building materials market.

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

User manual

Fast laying of tiles using the leveling system is done in the following way:

1. Application of tile adhesive. It is prepared from a dry mixture, according to the instructions from the manufacturer. Glue is applied only on the base with a layer of suitable thickness.
2. Tiles are laid on the prepared base.
3. 5 cm retreat from the corner of the tile and 2 clamps are installed on each side. In this case, it is impossible to save in order to achieve the desired effect.
4. After the tiles and clamps have been laid, it is recommended to install crosses in the corners. They will help maintain the optimal thickness of the seams.
5. Close to the leg of the clamp, the next cladding element is installed.
6. A clamp is mounted in a previously installed tile laying fixture. It must be ensured that it fits snugly to the surface of the cladding on all sides.
7. In this way, the installation of the entire floor covering is carried out.
8. Part of the clamps and wedges are removed after the adhesive has completely dried. For this, a rubber mallet is used.

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

SVP is an innovative scheme for leveling tiles when laying on walls and floors. It came to us from the West, where it has been successfully used for a long time. It is suitable for laying ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware with a thickness of 3 to 20 mm (depending on the manufacturer).

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Benefits of using

• The main advantage of using the system is the automatic alignment of two adjacent elements at the same level, so there will be no height differences between them. The horizontal plane is perfectly flat.
• If the tile adhesive shrinks when it dries, the cladding will not lead.
• The gaps are uniform. In some cases, you additionally need to use .
• The laying speed is greatly simplified and even an inexperienced tiler gets a professional result. But you still need to have straight arms.

Comparison of domestic and foreign analogues

The domestic leveling system consists of two elements: a wedge and a clamp. The wedges can be reused, and the clamps are consumables, since after laying some of them will remain inside the seam.


Foreign options are more difficult - special tongs are required for their installation and removal. The clamps are made in a different way, sometimes they are the same wedges, sometimes they are flexible petals.

In my experience, I tested the Spanish Rubi Tile Level tile leveling system and the domestic SVP. Each of them has its pros and cons, which are discussed below.

Raimondi also has similar devices (called a leveling system).

Ruby

• Quality plastic, well made. Position the system as a separate laying technology;
• A well-thought-out design of the support platform, flexible petals allow you to securely fix tiles with a thickness of 3 to 20 mm;
• Nylon ties should be soaked in water for 30 minutes before use. This increases their tensile strength. After drying, they are easily removed with pliers;
• Convenient tie loosening design, almost always breaks in the right place;
• The thickness of the tie is 0.8 mm, this allows you to make thin seams and adjust them with crosses.

• The latches are not securely fastened, if glue gets in, they stop holding;
• Weak clamping force. If you try to make it bigger, the ties are easy to break;
• It is difficult to continue working after a night break. If you immediately insert the ties, they dry out overnight and break off easily. Inserting them into dried glue is also difficult, since the site is large. It will take a long time to poke with a spatula or screwdriver;
• Reusable caps are only enough for 5-7 times;
• High price.

SVP

• Robust and simple design. Wedges are more reliable than caps, and are also useful in tile work in their own right;
• Good fixation, ties are not torn;
• Screeds do not need to be soaked, the support platforms are small. Therefore, it is easy to continue working after a night break: you can put them right away or easily make a small recess under the hat.

• Mediocre workmanship;
• To remove the ties, they must be hit with a mallet or simply kicked with your foot. But if the blow comes at an angle to the seam, or the glue is clogged there, it will tear in the wrong place.

Instructions for use

Rubi has a slightly different instruction (see photo):

Consumption

The table shows the approximate consumption of the tile leveling system depending on the dimensions (number of clamps per square meter):

Dimensions, mm	1200	1000	900	800	600	500	450	400	330	300	250	200	150	100
1200	6
1000	7	8
900	6	8	7
800	7	9	8	9
600	8	10	9	10	11
500	10	12	11	12	13	16
450	11	13	12	14	15	18	20
400	13	15	14	16	17	20	22	25
330	15	18	17	19	20	24	27	30	37
300	17	20	19	21	22	27	30	33	40	44
250	17	20	18	20	20	24	27	30	36	40
200	21	22	22	25	25	30	33	37	45	50
150	28	33	30	33	33	40	44	50	61	67
100	42	50	44	50	50	60	67	75	91	100

Price

It is difficult to find SVP in ordinary hardware stores, but it can be purchased via the Internet. A set of 250 wedges and 250 clamps costs about 1000 rubles.

As a result, the cost of using the leveling system goes from 24 to 400 rubles per square meter. If you buy them in batches of 500 pieces, you can reduce the price to 20-334 rubles.

A complete set from Rubi (forceps, 100 disposable clamps and 100 reusable caps) costs more than 3,800 rubles.

Homemade option

For those who are sorry to give more than 1000 rubles, you can try to easily implement a similar tile alignment system yourself. In 30 minutes, you can easily make 170 homemade clamps.

Outcome

It is obvious that using SVP is advantageous in terms of price and time only with large-format tiles.

Is it worth it to bother looking for and overpaying for a tile leveling system? For professional tilers - no, but for people without experience, SVP can greatly simplify the installation process and improve the result. But is it worth spending that kind of money for laying 5-20 squares, everyone will decide for himself.

Share your opinions and results in the comments.

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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 Tiling Alignment 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 tiles of different thicknesses (for example, porcelain stoneware 600x600 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 will greatly facilitate the work with even laying of large-format tiles, which allows you to get a perfectly flat ceramic surface.

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

SVP (Tile Leveling System) allows to avoid tile drops in the plane at the joints (seams) during laying and prevents tiles from “sagging” during the drying of the adhesive composition due to the tight pressing of adjacent tiles between them. Significantly reduces the time spent on laying tiles.

The basic principle of use is to install the SVP on each side of the tile with two points, retreating from the corner of 5 cm. If the side of the tile is more than a meter, an additional SVP point is installed in the center. At the same time, the technology of laying tiles does not change and does not become more complicated. The SVP CLAMP from below presses two adjacent tiles to the even surface of the WEDGE, preventing the tiles from moving relative to each other during the glue drying process. And a day after the adhesive layer has dried, with a blow of a rubber hammer along the seam, the clamp breaks at the base, which remains under the tile. SVP WEDGES are assembled 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 SVP consumption per square meter and the higher the final laying cost. The golden mean is 600x600 format. With a tile format of 1200x600, SVP is even more profitable, because. without the use of these devices, perfectly even laying of tiles 1200x600 (without drops at the seams) is not an easy task and is almost impossible. To save money, finishers sometimes use one SVP (Tile Alignment System) CLAMP per four tile joint, rather than four CLAMPS - in which case the tiles are supposed to be exactly the same thickness. But the end result may not be exactly what you want. 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.

The wedge is a reusable item.

Instructions for using SVP when laying tiles

1. Apply the adhesive solution according to the manufacturer's instructions. Install two clamps under the tile on each side, stepping back from the edge of the tile about 50mm.

2. Lay the next tile

3. Insert the wedge between the tiles and the top of the clamp, fix so that the bottom of the wedge fits snugly against the tiles and the edges (sides) of the tiles line up.

After the adhesive has completely dried, to remove the wedge, simply tap the top of the clip along the tile seam. The bottom of the clip remains under the tile.

4. Collect wedges for later use.

Examples of using SVP

As you know, when laying tiles, especially if there is not much experience with this material, problems arise with the formation of seams. Fortunately, today a tiling system can come to the rescue. We are talking about such systems. 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 quite an important factor. Let's start with the advantages of such systems:

1. First of all, it is a help in laying. Through the use of such devices, 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 also significantly improve the quality of work and the appearance of the surface.
2. The second advantage is that at the output we get a coating of tiles, the seams of which are absolutely identical. This allows you to abandon the use of 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 during the drying of the mortar, which helps to avoid subsidence.
5. And the last thing that is noted 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 has its drawbacks, which must also be taken into account:

1. First of all, it takes a lot of time to work. This is due to the need for proper installation of the elements of the system and subsequent removal after the solution has solidified.
2. Complicates the procedure for cleaning the seams.
3. Of course, the use of additional devices is an additional cost. 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 buying it, since today there are a lot of fakes on the market that already fail during the start of laying.

SVP system

Types of fixtures

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

1. The first option refers to economical (SVP DLS). In this case, the product is a base, the fastening of which is carried out by means of a wedge. This type allows you to fix and level the tiles, let's say 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 shaped 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 evenly distributing the adhesive.

Miscellaneous systems

Most importantly, do not think that such a design will help the distribution of glue, this is far from the case. Any kind, whether it be a dls tile leveling system or litolevel, is just an additional helper that can only fix some shortcomings, but does not do the job for you.

In addition, the material to be used becomes an important factor. Since the quality of the tiles and the 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 get acquainted with it, understand and practice.

It should be noted that without fail, all masonry is carried out according to the level, and each laid tile is checked. Thus, it is possible to achieve the maximum quality of the work performed. Then

Special pliers allow you to speed up the DLS attachment system

Conclusion

Despite the fact that fixing DLS tiles is more convenient to use, but the cost is more expensive than SVP, here the choice is already up to the master, and both systems do their job.

So, we examined what SVP is, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as the method of application. Now it's up to you to decide whether to use such a system at home, when doing work, or not. We hope that the information provided will be enough for you to make a decision. We also suggest watching a video that clearly shows how the 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 experts will answer them.

Today, a simple prefabricated structure is proposed that allows you to get a flat surface of the decorative finish layer. They call it SVP, or the tile leveling system. Due to the rigid fixation, the lining does not move when laid on the floor. As a result, the need for the constant use of the building level disappears. When using such a system, there are some subtleties, for example, the structure is completely assembled, otherwise it will not perform its function.

This device is designed for laying tiles of any type: tiles, porcelain stoneware, clinker. This type of system is designed to facilitate installation. It also performs another function - it evens out the coating, and there is no level difference. For comparison: self-assembly is accompanied by the appearance of minor errors. These can be almost invisible differences in height, irregularities that have appeared due to an imperfect screed.

SVP for laying tiles is used instead of cross-shaped marks, which are widely used. The design of such a system is much more complicated than that of limiters. However, this resulted in an improvement in quality. The system consists of wedges with clamps. The first elements are used to adjust the distance between the tiles. For comparison: if a cruciform limiter is used when facing the bases, the number of options for the width of the seam connection is significantly reduced.

Clamps are provided to hold the strut wedges in position. These elements are installed in special grooves provided by the design. The number of such slots is quite large, and the distance is minimal. As a result, the position of the devices can be adjusted with a small error.

Using the system requires the installation of wedges with clamps on each side of the tile. These elements fit tightly to the cladding, which allows you to create enough force to promote even distribution of the adhesive under the decorative coating. As a result, the adhesion of the adhesive and the subfloor improves, since the mixture fills all the leaks and pores under the cladding.

Advantages and disadvantages

When using SVP, the tile leveling system simultaneously performs several functions, which is the main advantage over analogues (cross-shaped limiters).

Other advantages:

1. creating a flat surface, this is achieved by leveling the tiles;
2. the level of attractiveness of the decorative coating increases, which is due to the absence of obvious errors in the laying process;
3. the same width of the seam joints is achieved due to the precise fixation of the wedges, the cruciform marks do not always correspond to the distance between the tiles, the seams often exceed the limiters in width;
4. filling with an adhesive mixture of all leaks on the rough surface, which allows to extend the life of the coating;
5. the risk of subsidence of the finishing material is excluded, this possibility is due to the uniform distribution of the adhesive composition over the surface of the subfloor / tile;
6. the clamp-based design is used for a long period, during which each cladding product is in a state of rigid fixation, which eliminates the possibility of deformations during the drying of the adhesive solution;
7. fast laying of tiles - the use of cross-shaped marks requires considerable time costs, while multiple checks of the position of individual cladding products and the quality of the entire newly laid decorative coating area are carried out using a building level.

There are few disadvantages of such structures. First of all, the restrictions on the application are noted. Thus, such wedges should not be installed on the cladding when laying is carried out at temperatures below +10°C. For example, if cross-shaped limits are used, the range of values ​​for this parameter is somewhat expanded. It is possible to do repair of the room at a temperature above +5 °C.

This limitation is due to the fact that the wedges fix the facing more rigidly. If the room is cool, when the solution dries, its properties change. This affects the quality of the lining. Other disadvantages:

• the cost of such a design is higher compared to cruciform limiters;
• it is recommended to use wedges when installing large tiles;
• if the user has opted for a special wedge-based device, it will be more difficult to clean the seams between the tiles, because the leveling system is larger.

Varieties of designs

Clamp for SVP exists in two versions:

1. Standard devices that are positioned as economy class products. Their disadvantage is the need for preliminary leveling of the surface. Such structures are not able to level the cladding in the presence of significant level differences. There is an alignment of the coating, which has minor flaws. The clamps are installed according to the standard scheme - wedges are inserted into them.
2. Premium products. They can be used to level tiles in conditions where there are more significant level differences. The main difference between such structures is the curved base. In this case, the wedge takes the desired position when installed on the cladding and laying the clamps. Such fasteners for tiles, upon initial contact with the finishing material, displace the products that will be connected. Then there is a self-levelling of the cladding.

At first, it may seem that the second option is inconvenient to use. However, only due to the unusual shape, an excellent result is achieved when installing the cladding. For comparison: cruciform beacons for laying tiles on the floor are represented by several options that differ in width.

How to use tile wedges

Leveling structures consist of reusable elements (wedges) and consumables (clamps). When installing the cladding, high fixation strength is not always ensured. This is due to the low quality of the plastic from which the system is made. SVP tile leveling:

• Mix the working solution. Moreover, the quality of its manufacture depends on whether the manufacturer's recommendations were followed. The use of an adhesive mixture that is too thin may cause the lining to warp in the future.
• Glue is distributed over the surface of the subfloor. Fixatives can be used in cases where the thickness of the mixture layer is 3-20 mm.
• Lay tiles. If there are significant differences, the position of the products is regulated using the building level.
• Install clamps. Each side should have 2 pieces.
• Adjacent tiles are laid close to the installed product.
• A wedge must be inserted into the clamp. This is done until the moment when this element fits snugly against two adjacent tiles.
• Seam joints are cleaned from excess mixture.
• After the glue has completely dried, the upper part of the structure is removed with a rubber mallet. It is necessary to hit the clamp without applying significant force. Wedges are previously removed.

DIY tile leveling system

In terms of attractiveness, this option loses to the finished one. The laying system is created using aluminum wire, hardboard (hardboard), mounting tape. The wire should bend well, so it is better to use a material close in diameter to the value of 1.7 mm. Instruction:

1. using a wire, a rectangle of 9x15 mm is made, on the one hand, the material is slightly bitten with a special tool (nippers), on the other hand, the ends are twisted;
2. a small piece of metal mounting tape / profile is inserted into the finished product, this part will be located in a layer of tile adhesive;
3. from above, the facing material is fixed with a piece of fiberboard, in width it must correspond to a wire rectangle, a plastic wedge is also used, with which the fixing material will be rigidly fixed.

When installing tiles on a wall, first level with tile adhesive.

Peculiarities

Homemade devices are used according to a similar principle as ready-made counterparts. This option has a significant drawback - the leveling of surfaces is of poor quality. This is due to the fact that there are errors in home-made designs, in particular, the wire in some places may not fit snugly against the tile.

The HDF top liner has a low level of elasticity, so self-levelling may not occur in this case. In home-made separators, a ready-made wedge is used, which allows you to increase the rigidity of fixing the lining. However, this is an optional condition. You can make a similar element from improvised materials.

We use ready-made

SVP can help reduce wasted time and improve the quality of surface tiling by a specialist, as well as facilitate the process for anyone who plans to lay tiles at home with their own hands.

It must be understood that the tile clamp and wedge will not level a curved floor or wall. For work, the surface should be with small differences up to 1.5 mm. Irregularities exceeding this limit are compensated by a large amount of adhesive during installation or by leveling the screed.

To use the SVP, first you need to take measurements of the room, select the size of the tile and calculate the number of clamps and wedges that will be needed for fixing:

The larger the size of the elements, the lower the consumption of clips that will require laying the tiles, while the floor is more likely to be even.