How does a tongue and groove connection work in rubber tiles?

In rubber tiles with a tongue and groove connection, all tile edges are manufactured with a stepped profile – that is, each side of the tile is shaped like a stair step. On two adjacent sides, the step runs in the normal direction from the bottom to the top of the tile, while on the other two sides the step is inverted so that the upper half of the tile extends beyond the lower half.

As a result, each tile slightly overlaps the adjacent tile on two sides, while on the other two sides the neighbouring tile overlaps a portion of it. Thus, no open gap is visible from the top down to the supporting layer – the substrate remains concealed, and weeds from the support layer cannot penetrate the joint.

Each stepped profile features a tongue and groove: the tongue protrudes from the upper part of the tile, and the groove is integrated into the overhanging lower part. When laying the tiles, the tongue fits precisely into the groove of the adjoining tile.

The tiles are factory-prepared for installation in a cross-bond (checkerboard pattern) but can also be laid in a staggered or random pattern – in which case a transition must be cut out at specific points of the tongue and groove system using a utility knife.

For outdoor applications, it is advisable to bond the tiles together at several points a few weeks after installation – once the entire surface has acclimatized. This bonding increases the stability of the connection, improves the appearance, and counteracts stresses caused by weather conditions.

The upper corner of each tile is then slightly lifted without detaching it from the assembly. At this point, pea-sized droplets of PU adhesive OP 83 are applied into the groove of the tile below. Finally, press firmly on the lifted corner to establish the adhesive bond. The surfaces to be bonded must be clean, free of dust, oil, and dirt, and dry. Use the PU adhesive OP (order number 1949).