Dimensions Glass Tiles: April 2009

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Installation Guide Dimensions Glass Light Green Sea Subway Tile & Mosaics

General Information About Installing Dimensions Glass Subway and Mosaic Tiles
Dimensions Glass Light Green Sea Subway Tiles $10.78SF from BuildersDepotDirect.Com may be used for interior and exterior wall and in some cases floor applications. Dimensions Glass Light Green Sea Subway Tiles $10.78SF from BuildersDepotDirect.Com is manufactured to satisfy industry specifications for glazed wall tile and are recommended for residential and commercial use.

Dimensions Glass Light Green Sea Subway Tiles $10.78SF from BuildersDepotDirect.Com are impervious to water and stains, highly resistant to chemical attack, resistant to fading and discoloration. Variations in color, shade and size are inherent in all fired glass products. The glass tiles should not be exposed to high abrasion, or extremely heavy impact.

The following recommendations comply with the TCNA (Tile Council of North America) Handbook Guidelines.

Recommended Substrates
Well cured mortar beds-ANSI A108.1B (cured a minimum of 7 days). Cementitious backer units (CBU)-ANSI A118.9 (Note: An ANSI A108A-2.1.8 membrane is required behind all CBU installations in wet areas. Concrete slabs (on grade) cured for 28 days minimum. Gypsum board (dry areas only)-ASTM C1396 or ASTM C1396M-04.

Note: Directly bonding Dimensions Glass Light Green Sea Subway Tiles $10.78SF from BuildersDepotDirect.Com to wood substrates is not recommended. All surfaces to receive tile shall be left clean and free of dust, oil, grease, paint, tar, wax, curing agent, primer, sealer, adhesive residue, form release agent or any other deleterious substance and debris which may prevent or reduce adhesion.

Dimensions Glass Light Green Sea Subway Tiles $10.78SF from BuildersDepotDirect.Com expands and contracts more than ceramic and porcelain tile. This movement needs to be accommodated in the installation, particularly where temperature changes may occur. Be sure to use caulked joints on all inside corners where walls intersect, especially in showers, backsplashes and cook top areas. This recommendation is standard installation procedure though frequently ignored with ceramic tile. It is critical with Dimensions Glass Light Green Sea Subway Tiles $10.78SF from BuildersDepotDirect.Com installation.

Setting Materials
We recommend any high grade flexible mortar system (latex modified) as setting material for glass tiles. For grouts, a premium polymer-modified unsanded grout for joints from 1/16” (1.5mm) to 1/8” (3mm) wide. For grout lines larger than 1/8” (3mm) wide use a sanded grout.

Installation
Note: If the product has a directional grain, it will be indicated on the mounting surface with an arrow. It is important to make sure that all arrows are facing in the same direction when installing this product.

Paper-front Mounted Mosaic Tiles
1. Mix setting materials according to manufacturers’ instructions.
2. Apply setting materials to the substrate using the notched side of a 3/16” x 5/32” x 3/16” V-notched trowel.
3. Using the flat side of the trowel, smooth out all ridges to achieve a consistent and voidless coverage.
4. Apply glass mosaics to troweled setting material with the PAPER-SIDE FACING THE INSTALLER.

Mesh-mounted Dimensions Glass Light Green Sea 1x2” Brick Mosaic Tiles $11.67SF from BuildersDepotDirect.Com
1. Mix setting materials according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Apply setting materials to the substrate using the notched side of a 3/16” x 5/32” x 3/16” V-notched trowel.
3. Using the flat side of the trowel, smooth out all ridges to achieve a consistent, even 1/8” thick coverage.
4. Apply Dimensions Glass Light Green Sea 1x2” Brick Mosaic Tiles $11.67SF from BuildersDepotDirect.Com mosaics sheets, MESH-SIDE DOWN, into the freshly troweled setting material.

Installation Guide - Glass Tiles 3x6", 4x8" & 6x6" Individual Dimensions Glass Light Green Sea Subway Tiles $10.78SF from BuildersDepotDirect.Com
1. Mix setting materials according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Use a 3/16” square-notched trowel to apply setting materials.
3. Smooth the trowel ridges in the setting material using the flat edge of the trowel before setting the tile or the setting material ridges may show through.
4. Additionally, each piece of Dimensions Glass Light Green Sea Subway Tiles $10.78SF from BuildersDepotDirect.Com should be “back-buttered” with a thin, continuous layer of the setting material.
5. After tile application, use a rubber float or equivalent tool, gently press the Dimensions Glass Light Green Sea Subway Tiles $10.78SF from BuildersDepotDirect.Com into the adhesive and flatten sheets to each other to insure complete contact. Do not push the sheets too deeply into the setting materials, as this will cause the setting materials to ooze up between the spaces in the tile.
6. Adjust Dimensions Glass Light Green Sea Subway Tiles $10.78SF from BuildersDepotDirect.Com sheets for correct alignment and even spacing between sheets. Do not allow setting material to dry or skin over before completing this process.

General Installation for all tiles

Allow setting materials sufficient time to set (see manufacturer’s instructions).
For Paper-mounted mosaics, use a wet sponge and apply warm water to the paper to soften the glue, allowing the paper to release. Avoid using too much water. Gently peel back the paper.
Clean all excess setting materials with a damp sponge. Clean all excess setting materials that may have remained on the tile surface. Wipe away any haze that may have remained behind.
After 24 hours, mix grout, following manufacturer’s instructions.
Grout openings between tiles.
Clean all excess grout immediately with a damp sponge.
Polish off any remaining haze with a dry cloth or towel.
After grouting, protect area from light foot traffic and light water exposure for at least 72 hours. Protect area from heavy traffic and regular use for at least 7 days.

Cutting & Drilling
We highly recommend that cuts be made with a wet saw and a NEW diamond rimmed blade designed SPECIFICALLY to cut glass (we recommend the MK-215GL). Slowly push the tile into the blade. Pushing too hard or cutting too fast may cause the glass to chip. Ceramic tile blades are NOT recommended; their cuts are too coarse and tend to chip tile surface of the glass. To finish the edge, smooth with a diamond hand pad, tile blade or dressing stone.

Should you choose to use a ceramic or a dull worn blade, to prevent chipping, score the enameled or back side of the tile before cutting. Doing so will relieve surface tension enough to cut the tile without too much chipping.

Drilling holes through glass tile can be accomplished with a diamond core bit using a drill with low speed (250 to 300 rpm). Continually misting the tile and drill bit during cutting is imperative to prevent glass from cracking. If partitions or fixtures are to be attached with anchoring bolts, drill hole 1/8” larger to avoid stress transfer to the tile. If tiles have not been installed, drilling from both sides will minimize chipping and cracking.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Installation Tip of Dimensions Glass Tiles

Dimensions Glass tile has been with us for many years, however, nowhere near the level at which it is today. The amount of colors, the different sizes, the unique finishes and the opportunities it offers for creative design.

Whereas the popularity of glass tiles is increasing, there is a fear factor with some contractors. Familiar with installing traditional ceramic tile via traditional methods, they view today’s glass tile as a foreign element, which requires special procedures relative to installation. When Elements glass tile is installed professionally, problem-free results can be achieved. Glass tile installation professionals have a great understanding of the nuances of glass tile applications. Special and unique installation techniques may be required to install some of the newer glass tile products. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions relative to Dimensions glass tile installation and general Glass Tile installation.

What are the concerns relative to installing glass tiles and glass mosaics?
Since Dimensions glass is impervious, it requires good mortar mixing and mortar spreading techniques as well as consistent and accurate tile placement. Additionally, most installers have had bad experiences with glass tiles losing bond, generally because they did not use quality liquid latex fortified Portland cement mortars. Impervious tiles like Dimensions glass require a thin-set mortar with tenacious bond strength. Simple dry-set mortars and most low-end, multi-purpose thin-set mortars do not have the bond strength to ensure a good “grip” to the Dimensions glass surface. In addition, most of the glass mosaic tile made in the past was paper-face mounted. Working with paper-faced tiles requires more skill and accuracy than other type of mosaic tile applications where the tile is generally back dot-mounted or rear mesh-mounted (Like Elements Mosaics). Most installers have had bad experiences with these types of applications and therefore, they shy away from installations similar to these. Installers have to remember that working with glass is not like working with typical ceramic and porcelain tile. Dimensions Glass tile applications are works of art. More time and concentration is required when working with Dimensions glass. Precision is the key to a beautiful installation. We am continually impressed with the high quality work that glass tile professionals can put together.

When installing Dimensions glass tiles in “wet areas,” what are some of the considerations?
For areas where damage can occur to adjacent or spaces below the tile application (e.g. bathrooms, showers, countertops, etc.), installers should use a waterproofing membrane below the tile installation.

Are there special techniques for installing glass tiles?
There are two methods for installing glass mosaics in general: One Step Method Thin-set and grout in one-step Using a liquid latex thin-set mortar designed for this purpose, colored sanded grout is mixed with the latex in lieu of a standard thin-set mortar. This combination of material now becomes a “colored” thin-set mortar. If the glass mosaics are paper-face mounted, installers may use the one-step method of installation. In this method, the thin-set mortar should be spread on the substrate with a 3/16” square notch trowel and then the trowel ridges are flattened. Next, additional thin-set mortar is combed onto the backs of the tile sheets, (in effect, filling the grout joints with the colored thin-set mortar). The tile sheets should then be placed into the freshly spread thin-set mortar spread onto the surface and tapped into place with a beating block or rubber grout float. Via this technique, the contractor will have installed and grouted the tiles in one application. Once the tiles have reached an initial set, then the paper-facing should be peeled off. After the tiles are set firm, the same “colored” mortar should be used to touch up the grout joints where the sheets meet and for any other pinholes, imperfections, etc.

Conventional Two-step method
For Dimensions Glass Tiles For rear mesh-mounted Dimensions mosaics or Dimensions Field Tiles 4x8" & 6x6" spread the latex fortified thin-set mortar (generally white in color) using a 3/16” square notch trowel, onto the substrate, and then flatten the trowel ridges. Next, additional thin-set mortar is combed onto the backs of the tiles. Then, carefully set the tiles into place and tap with a beating block or rubber grout float. Once the tiles are set firmly in place, contractors then can grout all tiles in the normal fashion. In either method used, installers should be as accurate as possible in placing the tiles. Rear mesh-mounted tiles are more forgiving in that the tiles can be more easily adjusted (if necessary). Techniques for installing large format glass tiles; Use high-quality liquid latex fortified thin-set mortar (generally, a white thin-set is used). If installing for walls, start from the bottom up and use a supporting ledger board fastened to the wall in order to support the weight of the installation. Spread the thin-set mortar, using a notch trowel to ensure maximum coverage and then flatten the trowel ridges. The tiles should also be back-troweled with additional thin-set mortar to ensure that the trowel lines do not show through the glass tiles. The tiles then should be tapped into place, with either a rubber grout float or a rubber mallet. For larger format glass tiles, layout can make the difference in the final appearance. Spread out the work to visualize the finished job. This is done so that cuts ultimately are minimized. The more full tiles one sees, the better the installation appears. Some glass tiles have unique backings and mountings. Many of these special backings/mountings require the use of an epoxy based thin-set mortar. In some rare cases, they may even require the use of a silicone adhesive. Movement joint placement is also a critical component of a successful glass tile installation. To ensure success, correct movement joint design, placement and construct is critical. A silicone sealant or another suitable flexible sealant should be used to treat these joints. Special Tools Required: For Glass Mosaics – Glass Mosaic Tile Nippers – a special type of nipper that has cutting wheels on both nipper arms give this tool the ability to cut through the glass and make very accurate and straight cuts. 3/16” (4.5mm) Square notch trowel – is a great trowel for installing glass mosaics – however, it is hard to find. You may have to special-order this tool. For large format glass tiles – Conventional tools are required as needed. Cutting glass mosaic tiles – Use the Glass Mosaic Tile Nipper to make accurate cuts for glass mosaics. For larger format glass tiles, some manufacturers recommend the following cutting and fitting guidelines: Straight cuts: Score and snap with hand cutter, newer 8 mm carbide wheel housed in a ball bearing casing. The lighter one scores (applying the least amount of pressure to score the tile) the better it snaps – the glass tile does not break because of the force; it breaks because of the heat generated from the carbide wheel. Corners: nip with nippers. L shaped cuts: (A) Marble diamond bit (5” {125mm} wheel) on an electric hand grinder. Using masking tape over cutting line may minimize chipping. (B) Water jet. (C) Wet saw* (may result in chipping top and bottom of tile causing an irregular edge and some color loss) is only recommended when cut area will be covered by more than ?” (6mm) of switch plate or molding. Using masking tape over the cutting line may minimize chipping. Wet saws, generally, are not recommended for cutting high quality glass. Some tempered glass tiles cannot be cut at all. The manufacturer may have to provide non-tempered glass for cuts. High-quality glass tile has a manufacturing process resulting in tile with breaking strength that exceeds 970 lbs. per sq. inch. Most wet saws cannot cut the tile without excessive vibrations, which may cause chipping. Drilling: Holes may be drilled in high-quality glass tile using a wet drill process. Edge finishing: It is recommended to use a rubbing stone or Dremel® (rotating electric sanding/smoothing device).

What type of grout should be used when installing glass tiles?
For best performance in all types of installations and to get a grout joint as dense and easy to clean as the glass itself, I recommend using an epoxy grout. (NOTE: Epoxy grout can only be used in the conventional two-step method of tile installation.) Generally, epoxy grout is best for wet area applications. Installers can also use latex fortified non-sanded or sanded grout depending on the grout joint texture desired. The non-sanded grouts will have a smoother texture, while the sanded grouts can look a little more rustic. Also, note that most sanded grouts will achieve higher strengths than non-sanded grouts.

There is more that could be written here, but the main point overall is that installation of glass tiles, whether they are mosaics or larger field tiles, is nothing to be afraid of. Dimensions Glass tiles are so beautiful, that if every project is installed correctly, the outcome should ultimately be a brilliant work of art!