Installation Guide

0 4
1.3
SUBSTRATE PREPARATION
Make sure you have a surface appropriate for tile
installation. The surface should be a cement slab, cement
backer board, uncoupling membrane, or other product
meant to take a tile installation with thinset. The surface
should be clean, level, and stable. Any rigid tile or stone
installed on a surface that flexes will develop cracks. Make
sure that your installation is water-tight. Moisture entering
behind the tile can carry salts which are deposited as
stains on the surface when it evaporates. This is called
"efflorescense". Tiles should not be adhered directly to
plywood subflooring, drywall, or painted surfaces.
For fresh concrete slabs, make sure the slab is sufficiently
cured. This may take at least 4 weeks under normal
conditions. As concrete cures, it shrinks and releases
moisture. Shrinkage can cause mechanical stress to the tile
installation, and moisture release can cause efflorescense.
For larger installations, consult your engineer about the
need for expansion joints and uncoupling membranes.
If you have transitions to other materials, plan them
accordingly. Particularly, ensure that the edge of the
cement tile installation is water-tight, such as when
transitioning to very different materials such as carpet.
1.4
SELECTING ADHESIVE AND GROUT
Tile adhesive should be regular or modified thinset.
Grout should be a regular, unsanded grout, of neutral color.
Epoxy grouts can be more difficult to clean, causing grout
haze. High-contrast grouts require expert installation, to
prevent grout haze. We recommend *MAPEI Flexcolor CQ*
grout, as our internal testing has found it to provide
superior cleanup versus other products tested.
Many manufacturers will have slightly different mixtures
for different situations. Make sure that the products you
choose are suitable for the tile, substrate, surface, and
grout width you are using.