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Questions about Portland Cement Based Thin-set Installations

How can I find out exactly 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:

Product Selection Guide TDS 195


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® self-leveling underlayment (e.g. LATICRETE 86 LatiLevelTM), patching material (e.g. LATICRETE 816 LatiPatchTM, or thick bed mortar (e.g. LATICRETE 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed to bring the surface to within required tolerance.


Related Documents:

Preparation of Concrete for Direct Bond Applications of Mortars and Membranes TDS 118
Self-Leveling Underlayment Installation Instructions DS 002.4
LATICRETE Drawing ES-F111
LATICRETE Drawing ES-F112
LATICRETE Drawing ES-F205
LATICRETE 86 LatiLevel DS 238.9
LATICRETE Admix & Primer DS 662.0
LATICRETE 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed DS 100.0
LATICRETE 816 LatiPatch DS 674.0


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. LATICRETE 254 Platinum or, LATICRETE 211 Powder mixed with LATICRETE 4237 Latex Additive).


Related Documents:

LATICRETE Drawing ES-W244(E)  ES-W244(I)
LATICRETE Drawing ES-F144
Ceramic Tile and Stone Over Cementitious Backer Units TDS 126
Cement Backer Units Over Lightweight Steel Framing TDS 133
LATICRETE 254 Platinum DS 677.0
LATICRETE 4237 Latex Additive DS 230.1
LATICRETE 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-W201(E)
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 LATICRETE® 254 Platinum, or, LATICRETE 317 mixed with LATICRETE 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
LATICRETE 254 Platinum DS 677.0


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-P601
LATICRETE Drawing ES-P601a
LATICRETE Drawing ES-P601b
LATICRETE Drawing ES-P601c
LATICRETE Drawing ES-P601d
LATICRETE Drawing ES-B417
LATICRETE 9235 Waterproofing Membrane DS 236.0
LATICRETE Hydro Ban DS 663.0
LATICRETE 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed DS 100.0
LATICRETE 254 Platinum DS 677.0
LATICRETE Glass Tile Adhesive DS 252.0
LATICRETE SpectraLOCK® PRO Grout DS 685.0
LATICRETE PermaColorTM DS 250.0
LATICRETE LatasilTM DS 6200.1
LATICRETE Latasil 9118 Primer DS 6528.1
LATICRETE Tiled Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Spas Technical Design Manual DS 725.0
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-P602
LATICRETE Drawing ES-P603
LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive DS 633.0
LATICRETE 9235 Waterproofing Membrane DS 236.0
LATICRETE Hydro Ban DS 663.0
LATICRETE 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed DS 100.0
LATICRETE 254 Platinum DS 677.0
LATICRETE SpectraLOCK® PRO Grout DS 685.0
LATICRETE PermaColorTM DS 250.0
LATICRETE LatasilTM DS 6200.1
LATICRETE Latasil 9118 Primer DS 6528.1
LATICRETE Tiled Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Spas Technical Design Manual DS 725.0
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. LATICRETE® 9235 Waterproofing Membrane or LATICRETE Hydro BanTM) 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. LATICRETE 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-F180
LATICRETE Drawing ES-F200
LATICRETE 9235 Waterproofing Membrane DS 236.0
LATICRETE Hydro Ban DS 663.0
LATICRETE 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 LATICRETE® 254 Platinum (white), LATICRETE Glass Tile Adhesive, 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 LATICRETE PermaColorTM Grout (or LATICRETE 1500 Sanded Grout) mixed with LATICRETE 4237 Latex Additive.

For glass mosaic tile which requires an epoxy setting material, use LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive.


Related Documents:

LATICRETE 254 Platinum DS 677.0
LATICRETE Glass Tile Adhesive DS 252.0
LATICRETE 4237 Latex Additive DS 230.1
LATICRETE 211 Powder DS 239.0
LATAPOXY 300 Adhesive DS 633.0
Installation of Glass Mosaic Tile TDS 145


Can I use LATICRETE® Glass Tile Adheisve as a thin-set and as a grout?
No. LATICRETE® Glass Tile Adhesive is an adhesive only and shoulkd not be used as a grout. Use LATICRETE SpectraLOCK® PRO Premium Grout, LATICRETE SpectraLOCK Grout, LATICRETE PermaColorTM Grout, or LATICRETE 1600 Unsanded Grout mixed with LATICRETE 1776 Grout Enhancer to grout.


Related Documents:

LATICRETE® Glass Tile Adhesive DS 252.0
LATICRETE SpectraLOCK PRO Premium Grout DS 681.0
LATICRETE SpectraLOCK PRO Grout DS 685.0
LATICRETE PermaColor Grout DS 250.0
LATICRETE 1600 Unsanded Grout DS 258.0
LATICRETE 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 many 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).


Related Documents:

LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive DS 633.0
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-SR613
LATICRETE Drawing ES-SR614
LATICRETE Tiled Steam Room and Steam Shower Technical Design Manual DS 125.0


Which adhesive should I use for porcelain bodied tiles?
Use a high strength latex fortified thin set mortar to install porcelain tiles. (e.g. LATICRETE® 254 Platinum, or, LATICRETE 211 Powder mixed with LATICRETE 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:

LATICRETE® 254 Platinum DS 677.0
LATICRETE 4237 Latex Additive DS 230.1
LATICRETE 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:

LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive DS 633.0
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. LATICRETE® 254 Platinum, LATICRETE 211 Powder mixed with LATICRETE 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 adjustability time. Additionally, the moisture will not be drawn out of the thin set mortar as quickly. This will result in higher bond strength and make the Saltillo installation much more durable.


Related Documents:

LATICRETE 254 Platinum DS 677.0
LATICRETE 4237 Latex Additive DS 230.1
LATICRETE 211 Powder DS 239.0


What adhesives are acceptable for installing tile over LATICRETE® 9235 Waterproofing Membrane, LATICRETE Hydro BanTM, LATICRETE Hydro BarrierTM, or LATICRETE 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
LATICRETE 254 Platinum
LATICRETE 254R Platinum Rapid
LATICRETE 4237 Latex Additive mixed with LATICRETE 211 Powder
LATICRETE 3701 Mortar Admix mixed with LATICRETE 317
LATICRETE 253 Gold
and more...


Related Documents:

LATICRETE 9235 Waterproofing Membrane DS 236.0
LATICRETE Hydro Ban DS 663.0
LATAPOXY 300 Adhesive DS 633.0
LATICRETE 254 Platinum DS 677.0
LATICRETE 254R Platinum Rapid DS 729.0
LATICRETE 211 Powder DS 239.0
LATICRETE 4237 Latex Additive DS 230.1
LATICRETE 317 DS 317.0
LATICRETE 3701 Mortar Admix DS 231.0
LATICRETE Fabric Reinforced Membranes Installation Instructions DS WPAF.5
LATICRETE Hydro Ban Installation Instructions DS 663.5


Questions about Mastic Adhesive Thin-set Installations

Where can I use a mastic adhesive for ceramic tile 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:

LATICRETE 15 Premium Mastic DS 286.0


Can I use mastic adhesive to install tile on floors?
Yes. However, there are size limitations. Maximum tile size for floors when using LATICRETE® 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:

LATICRETE 15 Premium Mastic DS 286.0


How large a tile can I install on walls when using a mastic adhesive?
The maximum wall tile size when using LATICRETE 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:

LATICRETE 15 Premium Mastic DS 286.0


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:

LATICRETE 15 Premium Mastic DS 286.0


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® 300 Adhesive DS 633.0
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:

LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive DS 633.0


Which epoxy adhesives are acceptable for installing tile over LATICRETE® 9235 Waterproofing Membrane or LATICRETE 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:

LATICRETE® 9235 Waterproofing Membrane DS 236.0
LATAPOXY 300 Adhesive DS 633.0
LATAPOXY 210 Adhesive DS 630.0
LATICRETE Blue 92 Anti-Fracture Membrane DS 647.0
LATICRETE Fabric Reinforced Membranes Installation Instructions DS WPAF.5


Which epoxy adhesives are acceptable for installing tile over LATICRETE® Hydro BanTM or LATICRETE Hydro BarrierTM?
Allow the second liquid coat of LATICRETE® 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 LATICRETE 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 LATICRETE Hydro Barrier 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 LATICRETE 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 options are:
LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive
LATAPOXY 210 Adhesive


Related Documents:

LATICRETE® Hydro Ban DS 663.0
LATICRETE Hydro Barrier DS 105.0
LATAPOXY 300 Adhesive DS 633.0
LATAPOXY 210 Adhesive DS 630.0
LATICRETE Hydro Ban Installation Instructions DS 663.5
LATICRETE Hydro Barrier Installation Instructions DS 105.5

 

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