Adhesive composition in mat or sheet form for setting construction materials such as tiles. The adhesive composition comprises at least one pressure sensitive adhesive and a reactive adhesive dispersed therein, wherein said reactive adhesive forms a blend or a semi or fully interpenetrating network or a reinforcing phase throughout said pressure sensitive adhesive, said mat having a thickness defined between a first side and a second side opposite said first side, and at least one release layer removably secured to one of said first side or said second side. Embodiments include application of the adhesive by providing an adhesive mat having a back release liner and a top release liner opposite the back release liner, removing the back release liner, laying the mat on the substrate such as a floor, applying pressure to the mat to ensure good contact between the mat and the substrate, removing the top release liner, and positioning the tile onto the adhesive mat.