To increase adhesion on large tiles, what is the recommended application technique?

Using a combing technique in one direction only is highly recommended for large tiles because it creates a more uniform and consistent layer of adhesive. This method helps ensure there are no air pockets beneath the tile, which can lead to issues with adhesion and stability once the tile is installed. By combing in one direction, the grooves created by the trowel allow for better contact with both the substrate and the tile itself. This is especially important for larger tiles, as they require sufficient adhesive strength to support their weight and maintain a strong bond over time.

The other techniques, such as combing in multiple directions, may introduce inconsistencies in adhesion and could result in voids where the adhesive does not fully contact the tile, potentially compromising the tile’s integrity. Applying adhesive directly without combing may lead to inadequate support since the tile's surface would not have the necessary framework for proper adhesion. Using a roller instead of a trowel is generally not effective for tile installations since rollers typically do not apply adhesive in the necessary ridged format that supports large tiles optimally.