Tiles must be dry and the back of the tile clean.
Surface to receive tiles should be true, even and free from grease, wax, oil, curing compounds and all forms of contamination.
Adhesive should be applied using the appropriate notched trowel. Do not use the spot fixing method. Always apply adhesive with notched trowel horizontally, not in a swirling motion.
Press tiles firmly into adhesive bed. The whole of the back of the tile must be in good contact with the adhesive. No voids must occur beneath tiles. NOTE: 100% coverage of adhesive must be achieved.
Remove tile from time-to-time to check that complete contact with the adhesive is made.
Do not fix tiles over skinned adhesive.
Allow adhesive to set before grouting, usually not less than 24 hours. During this time, the tiles must be protected from weather, water penetration etc.
Adhesive should be used strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
To achieve greater adhesion and a longer open time, porous concrete should be dampened with water prior to tiling with cement-based adhesives.
Any loose powder should be removed from the back of the tiles.
Appropriate movement joints must be used and construction joints must not be tiled over.
Thin bed fixing of floor tiles. The minimum finished thickness of the adhesive should not be less than 3mm thick.
Hairline cracks in concrete up to 2mm should be bridged. Prime the clean surface, allow to dry and apply a liberal coat of Barrierflex as a 1 to 1 mixture, then inbed reinforcement mat and immediately apply a second coat of Barrierflex. Allow to cure before tiling with Barrierflex.
Tiles must NOT be stored in direct sunlight prior to fixing.
Incorrect or no expansion joints
Incorrect choice of adhesive
Adhesive "skins" before tile is bedded in
Contaminated background
Poor/incorrect surface preparation
Poor adhesive coverage
Unsatisfactory bed thickness
Excessive movement in the substrate
Dust or loose backwash not removed from tile back
Incorrect mixing ratio of adhesive powder and liquid
