Installation Guide

FlexBond®PremiumCrackPreventionThinsetMortar/TDS115
Bonding to Cutback Adhesive
Adhesive layers must be removed, as they reduce mortar bond
strength to cement surfaces. Use extreme caution; adhesives may
contain asbestos fibers. Do not sand or grind adhesive residue, as
harmful dust may result. Never use adhesive removers or solvents, as
they soften the adhesive and may cause it to penetrate into the
concrete. Adhesive residue must be wet scraped to the finished
surface of the concrete, leaving only the transparent staining from the
glue. To determine desirable results, do a test bond area before
starting. Refer to the RFCI Pamphlet, "Recommended Work Practices
for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings" for further information.
Movement Joint Placement
Movement joints are required for perimeters and other changes of
plane in all installations. Expansion joints and cold joints, as described
in ANSI A108.01, should never be bridged with setting material. They
must be brought through the tile work and filled with an appropriate
elastomeric sealant, such as Custom's 100% Silicone. Contact
Custom's Technical Services for the proper treatment of control or saw
cut joints. Refer to TCNA EJ171, F125 & F125A.
Mixing Ratios
Mix 5 qts (4.73 L) clean water per 50 lb (22.68 kg) bag of mortar.
Mixing Procedures
Mixbyhandorusealow150–200rpmspeed1/2"(13mm)drillto
achieve a smooth, paste-like consistency. Let the mixture slake or
stand5–10minutes;stiragainanduse.Stiroccasionally,butdonot
add more water. When properly mixed, troweled ridges will stand
without slump.
Application of Product
Installation must conform to ANSI A108.5. Use a properly-sized notch
trowel to ensure proper coverage under tiles. Using the flat side of the
trowel, apply a skim coat of mortar to the surface. With the notch side
ofthetrowelheldata45°angle,applyadditionalmortartothe
surface, combing in one direction. Press the tile firmly into place in a
perpendicular motion across ridges, moving back and forth. The
perpendicular motion flattens ridges and closes valleys, allowing
maximum coverage. With some tile, back-buttering is advisable. Adjust
the tile promptly and beat it in with a beating block and rubber mallet.
Mortar can be applied up to 1/4" (6 mm) thick after beat in. For thicker
applications, use a medium bed mortar; periodically pull up a tile and
check the back to ensure proper adhesive coverage. If the material has
skinned over (not sticky to the touch), recomb with the notch trowel; if
too dry, remove and replace the dry material with fresh material.
Curing of Product
Allow to cure 24 hours before grouting or light traffic, depending upon
temperature and humidity.
Exterior applications must be protected from rain, snow and other wet
conditions for at least 7 days with
temperatureabove50°F(10°C).Ifinclementweatherisexpected,
protect the work area with tenting at least 1 foot (30 cm) above the
finished surface to allow air flow. Enclose and protect exterior
installationsandmaintain>50°F(10°C)temperaturesforatleast72
hours for proper cure.
Cleaning of equipment
Clean with water before the material dries.
Storage
Store in a cool dry area.
Health Precautions
This product contains Portland cement and free silica. Avoid eye
contact or prolonged contact with skin. Wash thoroughly after
handling. If eye contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and
consult a physician. Do not breathe dust; wear a NIOSH approved
respirator
Conformance to Building Codes
Installation must comply with the requirements of all applicable local,
state and federal code jurisdictions.
6 Availability & Cost
Location Item Code Size Color Package
USA FBG25 25 lb (11.34 kg) Gray Bag
USA FBW25 25 lb (11.34 kg) White Bag
USA FB50 50 lb (22.68 kg) Gray Bag
USA FBW50 50 lb (22.68 kg) White Bag
Canada CFB50 50 lb (22.68 kg) Gray Bag
7 Product Warranty
Custom®BuildingProductswarrantstotheoriginalconsumer
purchaser that its product shall be free from defects in material and
workmanship under normal and proper usage for a period of one year
followingthedateoforiginalpurchase.Custom's®soleliabilityunder
this warranty shall be limited to the replacement of the product. Some
states, countries or territories do not allow the exclusion or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or
exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty will not extend to any
product which has been modified in any way or which has not been
usedinaccordancewithCustom's®printedinstructions.Custom®
makes no other warranties either expressed or implied. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary
from state to state or from one country/territory to another. This
warranty is not transferrable.
WhenFlexBond®CrackPreventionMortarisusedasapartofa
qualifying full installation system of CUSTOM products, the installation
can qualify for up to a lifetime system warranty. CUSTOM will repair
and/or replace, at its discretion, the affected area of the system. For
more information, find details and limitations to this warranty at
custombuildingproducts.com.
8 Product Maintenance
Properly installed product requires no special maintenance.
9 Technical Services Information
For technical assistance, contact Custom technical services at 800-282-
8786 or visit custombuildingproducts.com.
FlexBond®PremiumCrackPreventionThinsetMortar
Published Date: 7/18/2016