Exposed Concrete Installation: Dry or Wet Systems

Select installation around the chosen tile and substrate system. Dry installation usually refers to mechanical fixing; wet installation uses mortar or adhesive. These names alone do not establish suitability for a particular façade or height.

Before choosing fixings

Provide façade drawings, tile size and weight, substrate material and condition, exposure and maintenance access to the system designer. Specify fixings, joints and corners for that system. Tile strength and fixing performance are separate matters; product approval does not approve every installation method.

Mock-up and cost scope

Prepare a mock-up to review colour, texture direction, joints and corners before bulk ordering. Separate tiles, cutting and waste, substrate, fixings, labour, transport and access in quotations. Comparing dry and wet systems requires the same service scope and installation responsibilities.

Frequently asked questions

Is dry fixing always better?

Suitability depends on the product, substrate and system design. The project’s installation documents must establish the method.