setting materials product knowledge guide the basics
Setting Materials product knowledge guide Using the proper setting materials throughout the tile installation process is essential to maintaining the beauty and integrity of any tile project for many years. This guide will serve as a resource to identify specific product types, regardless of brand, for use with particular tile installation situations. The information content will focus on 4 main steps in the tile installation process: Prep, Set, Grout and Care. PREP SET GROUT CARE www.emser.
PREP Successful tile installations begin with the products used in floor preparation. Floor preparation can be divided into several categories: Backer board, Waterproofing, Crack Isolation, Floor Patch, and Floor Leveling products. • Backer board: From a bonding perspective, the best substrate to install tile is directly over concrete. In lieu of that, it is recommended to use a backer board over existing wood or vinyl substrates to provide sufficient tile bond.
PREP • Crack Isolation: Crack Isolation products are used with tile installations over concrete slabs or wood substrates where movement is a concern. These products protect the tile surface from cracks due to movement underneath the tile and substrate. There are typically 2 types of crack isolation products: peel and stick membrane or liquid applied roll on. • Floor Patch: Patching products provide a smooth finish prior to the installation of any floor tile.
SET There are various types of thinset mortars formulated to fit specific application needs or installation requirements. They are categorized as modified and un-modified thinset. A modified thinset mortar contains polymers formulated into the dry powder mix that increase the performance and bond strength. This product is mixed with water. An un-modified mortar is simply a thinset mortar that does not contain polymer in the dry powder mix.
SET • Non-Sag or No Slump Mortars: o Designed for a stronger hold with tiles installed on a vertical wall. o Can also be used with medium bed applications. • Epoxy Mortars: o Designed for installations where a strong chemical resistance is needed, i.e. commercial kitchens. o Also recommended for tile with resin backing; which typical mortars will not bond. Mastics are another example of a tile adhesive product. These products resemble a paste or glue verses mortars, which are powders.
GROUT Grout is used to fill the spacing between tiles and is offered in a variety of colors to either match or to contrast the tile color. Grout also adds strength to the overall installation by providing a limited, but additional, bonding of the tiles. It also aids in the prevention of chipping and cracking of the tile edge. Grouts are used in almost every tile installation and there are a few product options depending on the type of installation.
GROUT • Pre-Mix and Stain Resistant Powder Grouts: There are now premixed ready to use and stain resistant grouts offered by most major grout manufacturers. Premixed grouts offer stain resistance, ease of use, no mixing, fast drying times, and no need for sealing. In addition, there are also stain resistant grouts that still require powder & liquid mixing, but offer stain resistance without the epoxy chemical component.
CARE Sealants and Cleaners are an important part of maintaining the overall beauty and durability of tile and natural stone installations. More importantly, they protect the investment of time and money spent on any tile or stone project. There are a variety of Sealers and Cleaners and several factors to consider when choosing which product to use. It is recommended that all natural stone and most tile installations receive some sort of sealing after installation and periodic reapplication moving forward.
CARE Sealants After the completion of any tile project, using PH-balanced cleaners that have been designed for the specific product used in the tile installation are highly recommended. PH-balanced products simply do not have a heavy concentration of acidic ingredients that may harm the tile installation. Most household general purpose cleaners (acidic and alkaline solutions, abrasives, ammonia or bleach) can break down the sealers and damage the tile surface, specifically in natural stone.
