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Master Industry Reference & Installation
Standard recommended grouting procedures
Standard recommended care and maintenance
Special tips for large format glass tiles
Additional tips for specialty tile installation
Frequently Asked Questions
Large Glass Installation Tips:
We provide these glass tile and mosaic installation instructions as a general guideline only.
INSTALLATION OF LARGER FORMAT GLASS TILES
More recently there has been a trend to manufacture and install larger tile, including glass tiles. Here are a few additional insights beyond the already provided common installation recommendations.
ADHESIVES - MASTICS
Organic adhesives (mastic) are considered unacceptable, due to yellowing, lower bond strengths, and most importantly the fact that they set or dry by air exposure. With larger format vitrified or glass tiles the adhesive (mastic) is sealed off at the edges, like putting a lid on the can of adhesive. On the backside center portion of tiles, the adhesive remains wet and bond is not properly achieved. Some Epoxies may also be unacceptable, due to low flexibility, chemical staining, and degradation under UV sunlight exposure.
MORTAR CHOICES
Choosing the best mortar for the job is also important to assure a long-lasting installation. With larger format glass tile units, once the tile has set firmly, the longer you can leave the surface un grouted, the better – recommend 48 hours .EXAMPLES - Select one of these three BELOW required (white) Thin –Set Mortars .Consult manufacturer product data sheets for specific installation instructions.
CUSTOM BUILDING PRODUCTS
MegaLite Crack Prevention Mortar - MegaLite is the first mortar to combine exceptional bond strengths and flexibility in a lightweight formula. In fact,MegaLite is so flexible that it can withstand horizontal substrate movement up to 1/8-inch without transmitting cracks to the tile or grout. Its non-slumping formula can be used as a medium bed mortar for large tile or stone floor installations. Its high tack means MegaLite is an excellent mortar for installing large tile on walls because it will not slip or sag. Unsurpassed bond strength and minimal shrinkage make it suitable for virtually any commercial or residential installation over every approved substrate and every type of tile or stone, including glass.
LATICRETE
254 Platinum Multipurpose Thin-Set Mortar - The ultimate one-step,polymer-fortified thin-set that provides unsurpassed strength, far exceeding all ANSI A118.4and ANSI A118.11 strength requirements. Ideal for interior and exterior applications on virtually all substrates and applications, even pools, fountains and facades. Increases your productivity with long open time, allowing flexibility on the job site that results in fast, accurate installations. Easy to trowel mortar assures proper coverage on both the substrates and the veneer as well as less fatigue for the installer. The exceptional bond strength and easy workability of LATICRETE 254 Platinum makes this multipurpose the ultimate mortar for difficult to bond porcelain tiles; as well as, glass mosaics and large format glass. Inhibits the growth of stain-causing mold and mildew in substrates with Microban anti microbial protection.
MAPEI
Adesilex P10 is a premium-grade, bright white, multipurpose thin-set mortar formulated with non sag properties. Adesilex P10 is designed for glass tile, glass mosaic and marble mosaic. CAUTION: When mixing setting and grouting materials with electrical mixing devices do not exceed 300 RPM or the manufacturer’s recommendations. All adhesives need to slake (sit)10-15 minutes after mixing, and remixed before using. All methods and material choices should be reviewed with the setting-material supplier or manufacturers. Trowel sizes are always intended as a guideline only and results should be checked during installation to make sure that proper coverage is achieved. The practice of back-buttering is always recommended to help achieve maximum coverage. When setting glass tile 100% mortar coverage is to be obtained. The only sure way is to include in your methods. The application of a straight combed troweled mortar followed with a skim coat on the back of each tile. Also, very competent results have been achieved in straight combing the mortar to the wall,placing the tiles and seating them by pushing the tiles perpendicular to the combed mortar, forward then back, rolling the combed mortar into itself and coating the back of each tile.
SLIP-RESISTANCE
When considered for floor placement of larger glass tile units, conditions of slip-resistance requirements should be considered. If ice-like glossy glass is placed into floors, when exposed to wet area conditions it will act as slippery ice. These decorative elements should be mixed with other units providing greater slip-resistance or placed at perimeters, away from primary foot traffic.
EXPANSION JOINTS (Joint Placement):
It is also important that proper allowance be made for movement in large format glass installations, just like ALL ceramic tile installations. Allowance for movement should be made around the perimeter of the room and any hard abutments within the tiled area / cold joints. All installations require these perimeter expansion joints. The minimum width for the perimeter joints is _” (6mm). If the perimeter will be covered with a base molding, then the joint can be left open to allow for the movement. If the joint will be exposed, then it should be treated with a suitable flexible sealant. In addition, if the size of the installation is large enough to warrant field movement joints, then they should be placed as directed and outlined by the construction documents or the North American Tile Council’s Handbook for ceramic tile installations detail EJ171-[Current Year].Exterior applications will require more frequent and wider expansion joints placement and widths. It is also not advisable to cut in expansion joints after the tile or stone installation has been placed and grouted. The damage that can occur before the saw cutting takes may be irreversible. Therefore, following industry requirements to construct the joints as the work progresses is the best course of action. In addition, the space left for the movement joint should be clear of anything that can potentially restrict movement, including thin-set mortar,spacers, dirt and debris .SUMMARY - All tile and stone installations require expansion joints. All buildings will move. Therefore, accommodation for this movement is necessary. To properly review and place expansion joints, the best time to discuss and deal with the issue is before the installation takes place. This will help to avoid problems and finger pointing after the installation is completed. For additional, consult the Tile Council of North America's Handbook for The Installation section Movement Joint Design Essentials EJ 171-2006.
 
 
 
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