Thinsets
How can I find out which LATICRETE® adhesive I need for my substrate and conditions?
Simply refer to the easy-to-use LATICRETE Product Selection Guide found at www.laticrete.com
Related Documents:
How do I prepare a concrete floor for a thin-set application?
Make sure that the existing concrete is clean, dry, structurally sound and free from any bond breaking or bond inhibiting materials. Bond inhibiting materials can include, but are not limited to, sealers, waxes, oils, curing compounds, dirt, grease, form release agents, paint, old adhesives, laitance, etc... If these materials are present on the concrete, they must be completely removed prior to any direct bond installations of tile or stone. Additionally, the industry tolerance for substrate flatness is to have variance no greater than ¼” (6mm) in 10 ft (3m). Use a LATICRETE® or DRYTEK® self-leveling underlayment (e.g. NXTTM Level Plus, DRYTEK® 7200), patching material (e.g. NXT Patch, DRYTEK 8400, or thick bed mortar (e.g. LATICRETE 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed to bring the surface to within required tolerance.
Related Documents:
DRYTEK® Substrate Preparation and Primer Guide TDS 230D
Preparation of Concrete for Direct Bond Applications of Mortars and Membranes TDS 118
LATICRETE Drawing ES-F111
LATICRETE Drawing ES-F112
LATICRETE Drawing ES-F205
NXT Level Plus DS 505.0
DRYTEK 7200 DS 041.0
NXT Primer DS 502.0
DRYTEK Multi-Purpose Primer DS 047.0
3701 Fortified Mortar Bed DS 100.0
NXT Patch DS 501.0
What is the procedure to install tile or stone over cement backer board?
Follow the cement backer board manufacturer's instructions for the installation of their cement backer board. Once the cement backer board is installed, fastened and taped properly, use the following procedure; Dampen the board with a damp sponge to clean the surface and to minimize the absorption rate of the cement backer board for a brief period. There are a variety of LATICRETE products that can be used to install the tile or stone. For the superior results, use a LATICRETE® Latex Fortified Thin-set mortar system (e.g. 254 Platinum or, 211 Powder mixed with 4237 Latex Additive).
Related Documents:
LATICRETE Drawing ES-F144
Ceramic Tile and Stone Over Cementitious Backer Units TDS 126
Cement Backer Units Over Lightweight Steel Framing TDS 133
254 Platinum DS 677.0
4237 Latex Additive DS 230.1
211 Powder DS 239.0
How do I prepare an exterior wall to receive ceramic tile?
Walls to receive tile or stone must be made smooth and plumb. Exterior walls typically require a waterproofing membrane and the proper placement of a suitable vapor retarder/vapor barrier. It is the responsibility of the project design professional(s) to specifiy and place all wall installation components. If the wall needs a leveling coat refer to one of the applications listed below:
Related Documents:
LATICRETE Drawing ES-W202(E)
LATICRETE Drawing ES-W211(E)
LATICRETE Drawing ES-W221(E)
LATICRETE Drawing ES-W222(E)
LATICRETE Drawing ES-W231(E)
LATICRETE Drawing ES-W241(E)
LATICRETE Drawing ES-W244(E)
LATICRETE Drawing ES-W265
What is the proper construction of plywood floors and what do I use to install tile over exterior glue plywood floors?
The following is the criteria for the proper construction of plywood floors:
The total plywood thickness must be a minimum of 1 1/4" (32mm) thick. The subfloor (bottom layer) must be tongue and groove. Either 3/4" (19mm) thick or 5/8" (16mm). For the 3/4" (19mm) subfloor, use a minimum of 1/2" (12mm) underlayment. For the 5/8" (16mm) subfloor, use a minimum of 5/8" (16mm) underlayment.
The subfloor and underlayment sheets must be installed perpendicular to the joists. Leave an 1/8" (3mm) gap between the sheets. You must use and exterior glue type of plywood (CDX) for the underlayment. Douglas fir will provide the best results. See LATICRETE Technical Data Sheet (TDS) 152 "Bonding Ceramic Tile, Stone or Brick Over Wood Floors" for more information on other types of suitable underlayments. The plywood must be fastened every 6" (150mm) at the perimeter and every 8" (200mm) in the field. Wafer head galvanized screws provide the best results. The floor joists must be no farther apart than 16" (400mm) on center. They must be a minimum of 2" x 10" in size (50mm X 250mm).
Verify that the wood floor does not exceed the maximum standard for deflection called for by International Building Code (IBC) for commercial installations, International Residential Code (IRC) for residential installations or the applicable building code, historically L/360 under combined live and dead load has been used for ceramic tile. L/480 under combined live and dead loads has been used for stone and agglomerate stone. Simply put, if the floor bounces too much, the tiles can crack and come loose, or the grout can crack and/or powder out.
For best results, use 254 Platinum, or, 317 mixed with 333 Super Flexible Additive to install tile directly over exterior glue plywood. LATICRETE TDS 152 "Bonding Ceramic Tile, Stone or Brick Over Wood Floors" gives an overview on the proper construction of plywood floors.
Related Documents:
Bonding Ceramic Tile, Stone or Brick Over Wood Floors TDS 152
LATICRETE Drawing ES-F143
LATICRETE Drawing ES-F150
254 Platinum DS 677.0
317 DS 317.0
333 Super Flexible Additive DS 266.0
Can I install tile or stone in a swimming pool or other water feature?
Yes. Tile or stone is ideal for use in swimming pools, fountains, spas, and other water features when using LATICRETE products. Since pools and water features are required to hold water, it is always a good idea to install a waterproofing membrane on the substrate to help prevent water loss and to maintain the integrity of the vessel. Please refer to the LATICRETE Tiled Swimming Pools, Fountains and Spas Technical Design Manual for comlpete information on tiling and maintaining these installations. Allow the tile or stone installation system to sufficiently cure prior to filling pool, fountain, spa, or water feature with water (as stated in TDS 192 "Installation of Ceramic Tile in Swimming Pools"). The LATICRETE products listed below are ideal for use in submerged installations or in steam rooms.
Related Documents:
LATICRETE Drawing ES-P601A
LATICRETE Drawing ES-P601B
LATICRETE Drawing ES-P601C
LATICRETE Drawing ES-P601D
LATICRETE Drawing ES-B417
HYDRO BAN® DS 663.0
9235 Waterproofing Membrane DS 236.0
3701 Fortified Mortar Bed DS 100.0
254 Platinum DS 677.0
Glass Tile Adhesive Mortar DS 252.0
SPECTRALOCK® PRO Grout DS 685.0
LATASILTM DS 6200.1
LATASIL 9118 Primer DS 6528.1
Installation of Ceramic Tile In Swimming Pools TDS 192
Can I install tile or stone on a stainless steel pool or spa?
Yes. Tile or stone is ideal for use in stainless steel pools, fountains, spas, and other water features when using LATICRETE products. There are two methods for installing tile in stainless steel vessels; direct bond and thick bed mortar over diamond wire lath (tack welded to steel shell). Please refer to the LATICRETE Tiled Swimming Pools, Fountains and Spas Technical Design Manual for complete information on tiling stainless steel pools and maintaining these installations. Allow the tile or stone installation system to sufficiently cure prior to filling pool, fountain, spa, or water feature with water (as stated in TDS 171 "Bonding Ceramic Tile and Stone To Steel Pools, Spas and Fountains"). The LATICRETE products listed below are ideal for use in submerged stainless steel installations.
Related Documents:
LATICRETE Drawing ES-P603
LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive DS 633.0
HYDRO BAN® DS 663.0
9235 Waterproofing Membrane DS 236.0
3701 Fortified Mortar Bed DS 100.0
254 Platinum DS 677.0
SPECTRALOCK® PRO Grout DS 685.0
LATASILTM DS 6200.1
LATASIL 9118 Primer DS 6528.1
Bonding Ceramic Tile and Stone To Steel Pools, Spas and Fountians TDS 171
Which LATICRETE products can I use to install tile or stone over a poured gypsum underlayment?
Since gypsum based products are sensitive to water/moisture and can also develop hairline cracking, LATICRETE would recommend the use of a waterproofing/crack suppression membrane (e.g. HYDRO BAN® or 9235 Waterproofing Membrane) over the poured gypsum underlayment prior to installing the tile or stone. LATICRETE waterproofing or crack suppressionmembranes may be installed directly to the poured gypsum underlayment ONLY if the poured gypsum underlayment has been treated with the underlayment manufacturer's overspray product. If no overspray product has been applied to the underlayment, it would be necessary to skim coat the surface with a 1/8" (3mm) thick application of a LATICRETE latex fortified thin-set mortar (e.g. LATICRETE 254 Platinum). The skim coat must be allowed to dry for a minimum of 24 hours prior to the application of the waterproofing/crack suppression membrane. Tile or stone can be installed with a latex fortified thin-set mortar (e.g. 254 Platinum) or an epoxy adhesive (e.g. LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive) when required. Please note that poured gypsum underlayments are for interior use only!
Related Documents:
LATICRETE Drawing ES-F200
HYDRO BAN® DS 663.0
9235 Waterproofing Membrane DS 236.0
254 Platinum DS 677.0
Bonding Ceramic Tile or Stone Over Poured Gypsum Underlayments TDS 148
Which LATICRETE products can I use to install paper-face mounted glass mosaics?
Check with the glass mosaic tile manufacturer for specific installation material requirements for thier glass. If latex-based thin-sets are recommended then choose from either of the following methods (as per ANSI A108.14 and ANSI A108.15);
For the conventional two-step process of thin-setting and grouting, use Glass Tile Adhesive Mortar, 254 Platinum (white) or LATICRETE 211 Powder (white) mixed with LATICRETE 4237 Latex Additive.
For the one-step method of installing and grouting at the same time, use PERMACOLOR® mixed with LATICRETE 4237 Latex Additive.
For glass mosaic tile which requires an epoxy setting material, use LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive.
As always, it would be wise to conduct a test area (under actual jobsite conditions) with the intended installation materials to determine suitability and acceptability of the installation system as well as the final appearance.
Related Documents:
254 Platinum DS 677.0
4237 Latex Additive DS 230.1
211 Powder DS 239.0
LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive DS 633.0
Installation of Glass Mosaic Tile TDS 145
Can I use Glass Tile Adhesive Mortar as a thin-set and as a grout?
No. Glass Tile Adhesive Mortar is an adhesive only and should not be used as a grout. Use SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout, SPECTRALOCK Grout, PERMACOLOR® Grout, or 1600 Unsanded Grout mixed with1776 Grout Enhancer to grout.
Related Documents:
SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout DS 681.0
SPECTRALOCK PRO Grout DS 685.0
PERMACOLOR® Grout DS 250.0
1600 Unsanded Grout DS 258.0
1776 Grout Enhancer DS 265.0
Installation of Glass Mosaic Tile TDS 145
Which LATICRETE products can I use to install rear mesh mounted glass mosaic tile?
There is currently no industry standard for the glues and meshes used on the back of mosaic tile. In some cases, these glues and/or mesh mountings are sensitive to moisture and alkalinity exposure. Unless the glass manufacturer states, in writing, that the glue and mesh are suitable for installation with a latex fortified cement based adhesive, LATICRETE would recommend the use of a 100% solids epoxy adhesive (e.g. LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive).
However, ANSI A137.2 "American National Standard Specifications for Glass Tile" states that the minimum shear bond strength for glass tile, tested after 28 days dry, should be 150 psi (1 MPa). When tested after 21 days dry and 7 days submerged the minimum shear bond strength should be 100 psi (o.7 MPa). This standard also states "For back-mounted or edge-mounted assemblies, the glass manufacturer must clearly and definitively state areas of use for which mounting assembly is suitable and warranted." - ANSI A137.2 5.2.2.1.10.2
Related Documents:
Installation of Glass Mosaic Tile TDS 145
How do I install tile in a steam room?
There are two options - a thick bed method or a thin bed method over cement backer board. For more information, please refer to the "Tiled Steam Room and Steam Shower Technical Design Manual" available at www.laticrete.com.
Related Documents:
LATICRETE Drawing ES-SR614
Which adhesive should I use for porcelain bodied tiles?
Use a high strength latex fortified thin set mortar to install porcelain tiles. (e.g. 254 Platinum (meets ANSI A118.15), or, 211 Powder mixed with 4237 Latex Additive, etc...). Porcelain tiles are very dense and typically have a porosity rate of ≤0.5%. These tiles require the high bond strength that latex fortified thin set mortars provide. The Tile Council of North America requires the use of latex fortified thin set mortars for the installation of porcelain tiles.
Related Documents:
4237 Latex Additive DS 230.1
211 Powder DS 239.0
Installing Porcelain, "Granito" & Similar Tiles TDS 119
Can I install a mesh-backed or resin-backed stone or agglomerate stone?
Yes. It is important to note that the adhesion of the mesh and/or resin backing to the stone or agglomerate stone is equally, if not more important than the adhesion of the tile adhesive to the mesh and/or resin backing. If the adhesion of the mesh and/or resin backing is minimal, it is very possible that the stone or agglomerate stone can come loose while the mesh and/or resin backing remains bonded to the substrate. Some mesh adhesives may be moisture sensitive and should not be used in certain applications. Check with the stone supplier or agglomerate stone manufacturer for recommended uses and applications.
Consult with the stone supplier or agglomerate stone manufacturer for their recommended installation instructions. To ensure maximum adhesion and performance use LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive for any mesh and/or resin-backed stone or agglomerate stone.
It is always a good idea, and highly recommended, to conduct a test area (under actual jobsite conditions) with the specified installation materials, to determine acceptability and suitability of the system.
Related Documents:
Installation of Resin-Backed Tile and Stone TDS 150
Which adhesive should I use to install Saltillo tiles?
Use a high strength latex fortified thin set mortar to install Saltillo tiles. (e.g. 254 Platinum, 211 Powder mixed with 4237 Latex Additive, etc...). Saltillo tiles are very porous and highly absorptive which can quickly draw moisture out of conventional dry-set (ANSI A118.1) thin set mortars. The latex fortified thin set mortars provide a longer working time, and better adjustability time. Additionally, the moisture will not be drawn out of the latex-foritfied thin set mortar as quickly. This will result in higher bond strength and make the Saltillo installation much more durable.
Related Documents:
4237 Latex Additive DS 230.1
211 Powder DS 239.0
What adhesives are acceptable for installing tile over HYDRO BAN®, 9235 Waterproofing Membrane, HYDRO BARRIERTM, or Blue 92 Anti-Fracture Membrane?
Any LATICRETE latex fortified thin-set, polymer fortified thin-set, or epoxy adhesive can be used to install tile over the above mentioned membranes. We do not recommend the use of any organic based adhesive (mastic) for installation over any membrane. Some options are;
LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive
254 Platinum
254R Platinum Rapid
4237 Latex Additive mixed with 211 Powder
3701 Mortar Admix mixed with 317
253 Gold
4-XLT
and more...
Related Documents:
9235 Waterproofing Membrane DS 236.0
LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive DS 633.0
254 Platinum DS 677.0
254R Platinum Rapid DS 729.0
211 Powder DS 239.0
4237 Latex Additive DS 230.1
317 DS 317.0
3701 Mortar Admix DS 231.0
253 Gold DS 296.0
4-XLT DS 080.0
Fabric Reinforced Membranes Installation Instructions DS WPAF.5
HYDRO BAN Installation Instructions DS 663.5
HYDRO BARRIER Installation Instructions DS 105.5
Questions about Mastic Adhesive Thin-set Installations
Where can I use a mastic adhesive for ceramic tile or stone installations?
Use mastic adhesives in non-wet interior areas only. Do not use a mastic in stand up shower stalls, shower floors, any exterior application, or in any area regularly or frequently subjected to moisture. Mastic adhesives are generally used over gypsum wallboard, cement backer board walls or any wall over a suitable substrate in dry conditions. Reference the specific product data sheet for other limitations including tile size.Related Documents:
Can I use mastic adhesive to install tile on floors?
Yes. However, there are size limitations. Maximum ceramic tile or stone size for floors when using 15 Premium Mastic is 6” x 6” (150mm x 150 mm). The use of a mastic is not recommended for use on shower floors, exterior, or any floors in areas that wil be soaked, saturated, or regularly and frequently subjected to moisture or liquids. Do not use mastics for porcelain tile larger than 2” x 2” (50mm x 50mm).
Related Documents:
How large a tile can I install on walls when using a mastic adhesive?
The maximum wall tile size when using 15 Premium Mastic is 10” x 10” (250mm x 250 mm). Do not use mastics for porcelain tile larger than 2” x 2” (50mm x 50mm).
Related Documents:
How soon can I grout after installing tile with a mastic adhesive?
Installation of can begin after a minimum of 24 hours curing at 70°F (21°C). Cooler temperatures will require a longer cure time.
Related Documents:
Questions about Epoxy Adhesive Thin-set Installations
Which LATICRETE epoxies can be used as a tile or stone adhesive?
LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive, a 100% solids epoxy adhesive which meets ANSI A118.3 requirements, or, LATAPOXY 210 Adhesive, a modified epoxy emulsion which meets ANSI A118.8 requirements.
Related Documents:
LATAPOXY 210 Adhesive DS 630.0
Which adhesive should I use for green marble or other moisture sensitive stone or agglomerate stone?
Use LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive, a 100% solids epoxy adhesive.
Related Documents:
Which epoxy adhesives are acceptable for installing tile over 9235 Waterproofing Membrane or Blue 92 Anti-Fracture Membrane?
The membrane will have to cure for a minimum of 7 days at 70°F (21°C) prior to installation of tile with an epoxy adhesive.
The options are:
LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive
LATAPOXY 210 Adhesive
Related Documents:
Blue 92 Anti-Fracture Membrane DS 647.0
LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive DS 633.0
LATAPOXY 210 Adhesive DS 630.0
Fabric Reinforced Membranes Installation Instructions DS WPAF.5
Which epoxy adhesives are acceptable for installing tile over HYDRO BAN® or HYDRO BARRIERTM?
Allow the second liquid coat of HYDRO BAN® to dry to a uniform olive green color and then allow two full hours cure at 70°F (21°C) prior to installing tile or stone using an epoxy adhesive. For temperatures ranging between 50° and 69°(10°-21°C) allow the second coat of HYDRO BAN to dry to a uniform olive green color and then wait for a full 24 hours prior to installing tile or stone using an epoxy adhesive.
Allow the second liquid coat of HYDRO BARRIERTM to dry to a uniform darker blue color and then allow a full twenty four hours cure at 70°F (21°C) prior to installing tile or stone using an epoxy adhesive. For temperatures ranging between 45° and 69°(7°-21°C) allow the second coat of HYDRO BARRIER to dry to a uniform darker blue color and then wait for a full 72 hours (3 days) prior to installing tile or stone using an epoxy adhesive.
The epoxy adhesive options are:
LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive
LATAPOXY 210 Adhesive
Related Documents:
HYDRO BARRIERTM DS 105.0
LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive DS 633.0
LATAPOXY 210 Adhesive DS 630.0
HYDO BAN Installation Instructions DS 663.5
HYDRO BARRIER Installation Instructions DS 105.5