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Specification Guide

professional CERAMIC TILE ADHESIVE

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03 Introduction

04 Ready Mixed

05 Cement Based

06 Flexible

07 Adhesives Guide

08 Grouts

09 Grout Guide

10 Flooring Range

10 Ancilliary Products

11 Application Guidelines

12 General Recommendations

13 Common Substrates 1

14 Common Substrates 2

15 Special Cases 1

16 Special Cases 2

17 Watch Points

19 Product Range

Contents

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Introduction

Larsen Building Products Ltd have been distributing, manufacturing and selling Tiling Adhesive for nearly 15years. Our product range, technical back-up and level of service is continually enhanced enabling Larsen tobecome one of the largest Adhesive suppliers in Ireland. The Larsen Group employs over 100 peoplethroughout Ireland and has offices strategically located at either end of the Belfast/Dublin corridor.

PROFESSIONAL RANGE

The ‘Professional’ Range evolved with the ProfessionalTiler very much in mind. Larsen listened to the tilers andwas prepared to invest in vital research and developmentto meet the market’s demands. Products were advancedto manage the balance between technical merit and userfriendliness without compromising either. Extensive fieldtrials, communication between the tilers, ProductManagement and our Laboratory, coupled with heavyfinancial investment, ensured the current success andmarket position of The ‘Professional’ Range today. The‘Professional’ Range improved and is now consolidatingLarsen’s market position, firmly placing it at the top end ofthe premium branded adhesives market.

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Ready-MixedReady-mixed tile adhesives are a specially designed water basedblend of polymer, carefully selected fillers and performanceenhancing additives. Their main benefit is that they are ready touse straight from the bucket without the need to mix. Generallythey are used in domestic wall tiling on a range of substrates.

CTA SHOWERPROOF

Showerproof is a high grab, ready-mixed, thin-bed adhesive,designed for interior wall tiling applications up to 3 mm thickness. Itis suitable for use in domestic showers, kitchens and bathrooms andwill bond ceramic wall tiles to a range of common substrates.

• Ready-Mixed

• High Grab

• Easy To Spread

• Showerproof

• BS EN 12004 Type D1

PROFESSIONAL SHOWERPROOF

Showerproof is a high grab, non-slip, ready-mixed, thin-bedadhesive, designed for interior wall tiling applications up to 3 mmthickness. It is suitable for use in domestic showers, kitchens andbathrooms and will bond ceramic wall tiles, mosaics to a range ofcommon substrates.

• Ready-Mixed

• High Grab

• Strong Bond

• Easy To Spread

• Mould Resistant

• BS EN 12004 Type D1

PROFESSIONAL GRIP RIGHT

Grip Right has been specially designed for non-slip performance –even with large tiles. It is suitable for interior wall tiling applicationsup to 3 mm thickness and can be used in domestic showers,kitchens and bathrooms. It will bond large ceramic wall tiles to arange of common substrates.

• Ready-Mixed

• Non-Slip

• Excellent Grab

• Large Tiles

• Showerproof

• BS EN 12004 Type D1T

PROFESSIONAL WATER RESISTANT

Water Resistant is a non-slip, water-resistant, ready-mixed, thin-bedadhesive specifically designed for wet and dry interior wall tilingapplications. It is suitable for use in domestic showers,powershowers, kitchens and bathrooms and will bond ceramic walltiles to a range of common substrates.

• Ready-Mixed

• Non-Slip

• High Grab

• Easy To Spread

• Water Resistant

• BS EN 12004 Type D2T

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Cement Based

CTA FAST SET

Fast Set is a specially formulated cement based adhesive for use inthin and thick bed; interior and exterior; floor and wall applicationsand can be used up to 6 mm. It is suitable for fixing ceramic andquarry tiles, marble and terrazzo and for use on all commonsubstrates.

PROFESSIONAL FAST SET PTB

Fast Set PTB is a specially formulated, polymer improved, pourable,thixotropic cement based adhesive and designed for use with largeformat ceramic floor tiles, natural stone slabs, deep studded tiles, etcwithout the need for backbuttering. It is particularly suitable for solidbed fixing between 5 - 20 mm and readily copes with uneven tilesand substrates. It is available in Grey and White.

PROFESSIONAL CTA STANDARD

CTA Standard is a high grab, standard setting polymer improvedcement based adhesive and it is suitable for thin and thick bed andinterior and exterior application. It can be used up to 6 mm and 12mm in isolated areas and is suitable for fixing ceramic and quarrytiles, marble and terrazzo and for use in swimming pools. Available inWhite and Grey.

PROFESSIONAL FAST SET

Fast Set is a specially formulated, polymer improved fast settingcement based adhesive and is suitable for thin and thick bed; interior and exterior; floor and wall applications. It can be used up to6 mm and 12 mm in isolated areas and is suitable for fixing ceramicPorcelain & Vitirified Tiles. Available in Grey and White.

• Thin & Thick Bed

• Interior & Exterior Use

• Water Resistant

• Grout After 2 Hours

• 40min Pot Life

• BS EN 12004 Type C1F



• Water Resistant


• 40min Pot Life

• For Fully Vitirified/Porcelain Tiles

• BS EN 12004 Type C2F

• Pourable Thick Bed

• Self-Backbuttering

• Water Resistant



• 5 - 20 mm Bed Depth

• Ideal For Natural Stone

A range of hydraulically hardening adhesives that are formulated from a blend of special cements, fillers,polymers and other additives to give the desired performance. All our cement based adhesives are designedfor interior and exterior use on a range of substrates with the ‘Professional’ products being suitable for usewith porcelain and fully vitrified tiles.



• Water Resistant

• Up To 5 Hour Pot Life

• For Fully Vitirified/Porcelain Tiles

• BS EN 12004 Type C2T

FlexibleFlexible cement based adhesives are formulatedalong the same lines as our cement basedadhesives but all contain a significantly higherpolymer content. This provides a higher bondstrength and gives greater confidence withfixing tiles to more demanding substrates.

PROFESSIONAL CTA FLEXIBLE

CTA Flexible is a specially formulated cement based adhesive with ahigh polymer content to remove the need for an admixture and hasbeen designed for use on more difficult substrates and willaccommodate limited movement or vibration. It can be used up to6 mm and 12 mm in isolated areas and is suitable for fixing ceramicand quarry tiles, marble, porcelain and glass mosaic. Available inWhite and Grey.

• Single Pack

• Enhanced Adhesion

• Water Resistant



• Up To 5 Hour Potlife

• BS EN 12004:2001 C2TES1

PROFESSIONAL FLEXIBLE FAST SET

Flexible Fast Set has been designed for use on more difficultsubstrates and will accommodate limited movement or vibration. It isa specially formulated cement based adhesive with a high polymercontent to remove the need for an admixture and available in Greyand White. It is ideal for fixing tiles to plywood sheeted timber floorsand for fixing tiles over underfloor heating.

• Single Pack


• Water Resistant

• Grout In 2 Hours



• BS EN 12004:2001 C2FS1

PROFESSIONAL WOODEN FLOOR FAST SET

Wooden Floor Fast Set is ideal for fixing directly to wood basedsheets and tongue & groove floorboards and has been designed toaccommodate the minor movement associated with the naturalshrinkage and expansion process of correctly prepared woodenfloors. It is a specially formulated cement based adhesive with a highpolymer content to give exceptional bond to wooden substrates.Available in Grey and White.

• Flexible Adhesive For Fixing CeramicTiles Directly To Timber Substrates

• Single Part

• Grout In 3 Hours

• BSEN 12004:2001 TYPE C2FS2

PROFESSIONAL FLEXIBLE PTB

Flexible PTB is a specially formulated polymer modified pourablethick bed adhesive designed for use with large format tiles, naturalstone slabs and deep studded tiles in areas subject to limitedmovement. Available in Grey and White.

• Single Pack


• Pourable Thick Bed

• Self Back Buttering


• 5 - 20 mm Bed Depth

• BS EN 12004 TYPE C2FS1

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PERFORMANCE

BS EN 12004 Type D1 D1 D1T D2T C1F C2F C2TE C2F C2FS1 C2TES1 C2TFS2 C2FS1

Max Bed Depth 3 mm 3 mm 3 mm 3 mm 6 mm 6 mm 6 mm 20 mm 6 mm 6 mm 6 mm 20 mm

Grout After1 24 hrs 24 hrs 24 hrs 24 hrs 2 hrs 2 hrs 24 hrs 3 hrs 2 hrs 24 hrs 3 hrs 3 hrs

ADHESIVE COLOUR

Grey � � � � � � � �

White � � � � � � � � � � �

TILE SUITABILITY

Ceramic � � � � � � � � � � � �

Porcelain * � � � � � � �

Glass Mosaic * � * � � � � �

Natural2 * � � � � � � �

SUBSTRATE SUITABILITY

WALL TILING

Gypsum Plaster3 � � � � � � � � �

Plasterboard � � � � � � � � �

Render � � � � � � � � �

Blockwork � � � � � � � � �

Tile on Tile � � * � � � �

CTA Tanking System * * * � �

FLOOR TILING

Screed/Concrete � � � � � � � �

Timber - Sheet * * * � � � �

Timber - Boards �4

Tile on Tile * � � � � � � �

Underfloor/tile Heating * * * � � � �

Vinyl Tiles * * * � � � �

Ashphalt * * * � � � �

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READY MIXED TILE ADHESIVES CEMENT BASED TILE ADHESIVES FLEXIBLE CEMENT BASED TILE ADHESIVES

1 Setting times of Ready-mixed tile adhesives are affected by temperature, substrate absorption and bed thickness. Setting times of cement based tile adhesives are affected by temperature

2 Always carry out a sample trial to confirm suitability of adhesive with light coloured or porous natural stone

3 Always seal gypsum based substrates before applying a cement based adhesives

4 Wooden Floor Fast Set cannot be used as an alternative to correct preparation of a wooden substrate

*Possible with the use of diluted Larcem Flexibiliser as the gauging liquid

Adhesives Guide

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WALL GROUT

Wall Tile Grout is a specially formulated cement based narrow jointgrout and suitable for internal and external applications. It is suitablefor use on glazed and unglazed tiles and for use in swimming pools.

FLEXIBLE FLOOR GROUT

Flexible Floor Grout is a specially formulated cement based wide jointgrout and is suitable for use in areas of limited movement. It issuitable for use on glazed and unglazed tiles and has excellentadhesion to dry tiles.

FLOOR GROUT

Floor Tile Grout is a specially formulated cement based wide jointgrout and suitable for internal and external applications. It issuitable for use on glazed and unglazed tiles and has excellentadhesion to dry tiles.

PROFESSIONAL STAIN RESISTANT NARROW JOINT

Narrow Joint Grout is a specially formulated, polymer modifiedcement based grout and is extra fine for ease of finishing. It issuitable for use on glazed and unglazed tiles and for use inswimming pools.

• Narrow Joint (Up To 3 mm)

• Water Resistant


• Wide Range Of Available Colours

• Advanced Stain Resistant Formula

• Resists Fungal & Mould Growth

• Low Permeabilty

• Up To 4 mm Joint

• Resists Bacterial Growth

• Improved Flexibility

• Wide Joint (3-20 mm)

• Water Resistant

• Flexible


• Wide Range Of Colours Available

• Wide Joint (3 - 15 mm)

• Water Resistant


• Wide Range Of Available Colours

PROFESSIONAL EPOXY GROUT

Epoxy Grout is a specially formulated 3-part, solvent-free, epoxygrout and is suitable for areas under strict hygiene control. Joints areimpermeable to water and liquids and resistant to corrosion,chemicals, abrasion and are easily cleaned. It is available as anarrow joint or wide joint grout.

• Impervious Finish

• Non-Tainting

• Flexible

• Solvent Free

• Chemical & Corrosion Resistant

• Bacteriostatic

• Range Of Colours

Grouts

PROFESSIONAL STAIN RESISTANT WIDE JOINT

Wide Joint Grout is a specially formulated, polymer modified cementbased grout. It is manufactured from advanced raw materials to givesuperior performance.

• Advanced Stain Resistant Formula

• Resists Fungal & Mould Growth

• Low Permeabilty

• 3-20 mm Joint

• Flexible

• Resists Bacterial Growth

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JOINT WIDTH Up to 3mm 3 - 15mm 3 - 20mm Up to 4mm 3 - 20mm Up to 20mm

STANDARD COLOURS

White ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

Cement Grey ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

Charcoal ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

Black ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

Limestone ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

Travertino ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

Sandstone ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

Terracotta ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

Ivory ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

Beige ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

Brown ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝ ✝

APPLICATION SUITABILITY

Dry Interior � � � � � �

Bathrooms � � � � � �

Domestic Showers � � � � � �

Power Showers * � � � �

Kitchen � � � � � �

Underfloor/tile Heating * � � � �

Exterior � � � � �

Swimming Pool � � � �

Areas subject to minor movement/deflection * � � � �

Heavily Trafficked Areas * � � �

Hygienic/Sterile Areas �

Areas exposed to aggressive chemicals �

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GROUTS

✝ ✝ ✝ Stock

✝ ✝ Available to Order

✝ Special Order Only

*Possible with the use of diluted Larcem Flexibiliser as the gauging liquid

Grout Guide

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Flexibiliser

Flexibiliser improves adhesion, flexibility and water resistance whenadded to Larsen CTA Standard and Fast Set tile adhesives and LarsenFloor Grouts and also permits tiling where there is limited movementor vibration. It can be diluted to be used to prime porous and difficultsubstrates prior to tiling or screeding and allows fixing directly toglazed surfaces.

Tile, Slate & Floor Sealer

Tile, Slate & Floor Sealer is a tough, hard wearing, low sheen, acrylicsealer and produces a clear film which has excellent weathering, elasticwater and stain resistant properties. It can be used to protect andimprove the appearance of partially glazed and unglazed tiles, naturalstone and concrete.

Acrylic Primer

Acrylic Primer is a ready to use styrene acrylic primer. It is ready to usedirect from the container to prime difficult and porous substrates priorto tiling and screeding and contains a pink colourant for easyidentification of treated areas.

Tanking System

Larsen Tanking System is a versatile, multi-pack system ideal for use inwaterproofing applications. The system comprises an advanced SBRlatex based liquid applied membrane, polyester fibre reinforcing mattingand a elastomeric sealing strip. The system is easy-to-apply and is idealfor use in basement waterproofing, as a stain blocking coating, inprotection of concrete from silage and is particularly suitable forproviding secondary protection in ceramic tiling applications.

Construction Adhesive

Construction Adhesive is a ready to use, high strength, gap fillingadhesive. It will bond most commingly used building materials tothemselves or each other. Ideal for bonding skirting boards, stairnosings, panel boards, plaster covings, dado rails etc.

Solvent Free Construction Adhesive

Solvent Free Construction Adhesive is a ready to use, high strength, gapfilling adhesive based on acrylic dispersions. It dries white and can thenbe sanded and overpainted. Ideal for fitting skirting boards, architraves,polystyrene tiles, covings and mouldings etc.

Wood Glue

Wood Glue is a 1- pack, ready to use, general purpose, water-resistantwood adhesive and offers a fast rate of strength development. Itcomplies with category D3/3 and D3/4 of EN204 and is therefore suitablefor use in kitchens, window frames and joints subject to short termwater contact. It complies with creep test requirements of BS 4071.

Silicones Range

Multi-purpose Silicone is a 1- component high modulus, acetoxy curingsilicone sealant. It is 100% silicone and contains fungicide. It can beused in bathrooms and kitchensPainter’s Caulk is a flexible water based gap filler and sealant and isideal for sealing and filling gaps where movement has occurred.Silicone N is a 1- component low modulus, neutral curing, acid freesilicone sealant.All Weather Sealant is a universal co-polymer sealant that can be usedfor a wide range of sealing and weatherproofing applications.

Self Levelling Compound

Self-Levelling Compound is a 1-part cementitious smoothingunderlayment and is manufactured from a controlled blend of specialsands, cements and organic polymers. It is self-levelling and smoothingwith high flow properties and suitable for levelling most commonsubfloors. For applications up to 6 mm.

Latex Self Levelling Compound

Latex Self Levelling Compound is a 2-part latex floor smoothingunderlayment and is manufactured from a controlled blend of specialsands, cements and organic polymers. It is practically self-levelling andsmoothing and is suitable for levelling most common subfloors. Forapplications up to 6 mm.

Larcem1500

Larcem 1500 is a 1-part cementitious smoothing underlayment suitablefor application on most common subfloors and is manufactured from acontrolled blend of special sands, cements and chemical admixtures. Ithas high flow properties and is easy to apply by hand or pump. Forapplications of 0-25 mm in one application.

Larcrete DPM

Larcote DPM is a 2-pack epoxy liquid applied damp proof membraneand is solvent-free and therefore low odour. It is used to provideprotection for moisture sensitive floor finishes where the presence of asatisfactory damp proof membrane is in doubt. It is manufactured intwo contrasting colours to aid identification of coated areas.

Ancilliary Products

Flooring Range

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The major cause of tiling failures is poor preparation. This can be the use of the wrong adhesive;poor substrate preparation; or more commonly insufficient consideration given to movement of thesubstrate. It is becoming ever more apparent with greater reliance on ‘Fast-Track’ methods andpressure to reduce installation times that shortcuts are being taken. However, we cannot highlightenough the importance of taking time at the early stages of an installation to ensure that thecorrect materials are being used on correctly prepared substrates in the correct manner. This timeis always well spent and will often be the difference between success and a costly failure.The following is a guide to common practices, which should always be employed.

Application Guidelines

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• Adhesives should be evenlytrowelled with a suitablenotched trowel

• Position the tile on the adhesivebefore a skin has formedusually within 20 min

• Press the tile gently but firmlywith a slight twisting action

• In exterior, wet areas and onfloors ensure 100%

adhesive coverage of thetile without voids

• Ready mixed adhesive shouldonly be used where thin bedapplication is appropriate(maximum bed depth of 3 mm)

• Where limited movement orvibration are expected, a flexibleadhesive should be used

It is essential that the type of substrate and tile along with the installationare carefully considered when selecting the correct adhesive

Fixing

• Before grouting commences,ensure that the adhesive is fullyhardened - in general this is 24-48 hours for ready mixedadhesives, up to 24 hours forstandard setting adhesives and2-3 hours for fast settingadhesives*

• Apply the grout to the joints witha grouting float, squeegee orsponge, ensuring that the jointsare completely filled

• Allow the grout to harden

sufficiently, then clean off excesswith a damp cloth or spongeworking diagonally across the joints

• Where limited movement orvibration is expected, a flexiblegrout should be used

• For ease of cleaning when usingpolymer modified and epoxygrouts, it is advisable to work onareas of 1m2 as their improvedperformance also makes thehardened grout more difficult toclean from the tile face

When choosing a grout, consideration should be given to jointdimension and requirements of the tiling installation

Grouting

In order to achieve a successful tiling installation it is of paramountimportance to ensure that the substrate is correctly prepared.

• The substrate must be sound andsuitably dry - full details ofsubstrate drying times can befound in BS 5385

• The substrate must be free fromdust, grease and loose materials

• The substrate should besuitably level for the fixing

method being used

• Priming may be required toimprove the key on some surfacesbut should never be used to makegood a poor substrate

• In wet areas, protect thesubstrate with Larsen CTATanking System

In general movement joints shouldbe placed:

• Over existing movement joints

• At junctions between differentsubstrates

• On floors around the tilingperimeter

• Where tiling butts another surface

• On floors at 4.5-10m centres

• On internal walls at verticalcorners and at 4.5-10m centresvertically and horizontally

• On exterior walls at externalvertical angles, horizontallybetween floor levels and verticallyat 3-4.5m centres

Movement joints should be detailed by the architect or specifier at theoutset of the design. Due to the complexities of this subject please referto the recommendations set out in BS 5385 Part 4 : 1992

PLEASE NOTEThe recommendations in this brochure are guidelines only and are based on both current development work and many years experience. Whilst every effort is made to ensure thatthe information is reliable we cannot accept responsibility for any work carried out with our materials where we have no control over methods of application, site conditions etc.For full product information consult the relevant Product Data Sheet or if a detailed specification is required, please consult with our Technical Department.

*All curing times are approximate and are dependent on ambient temperatures, depth of substrate and site conditions.

Substrate preparation

MovementJoints

General Recommendations

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• Must be 4 weeks old beforetiling*

• To reduce suction on poroussurfaces, prime with LarsenAcrylic Primer diluted 1:1 withclean water

• Ensure that walls are sufficientlylevel for fixing method being used

• Blockwork is particularly proneto shrinkage and care must betaken when blockwork is themain substrate

• Lightweight blocks may requirestructural strengthening prior totiling installation

• Ensure the correct face (paper side) is exposed

• Ensure that the boards are securely fixed and rigid

• Ensure tiling installation does not exceed 32 kg/m2

Plasterboard

• Must be 2 weeks old beforetiling*

• Concrete, brick and block wallsmust be at least 4 weeks oldprior to application of plaster*

• Polished surfaces should beroughened with a stiff brush

• Ensure tiling installation does notexceed 20 kg/m2

• Cement based adhesives mayonly be used when the substratehas been sealed with successivecoats of Larsen Acrylic Primer

• To reduce suction on poroussurfaces, prime with LarsenAcrylic Primer diluted 1:1 withclean water.

• Boards must be a minimum of 12mm thick & screw fixed at 300mm centres

• Boards must be waterproof or marine grade

• Backs and sides of the boards should be sealed to prevent moistureingress which could lead to distortion of the board

Plywood

• Must be 4 weeks old before tiling*

• To reduce suction on porous surfaces, prime with Larsen Acrylic Primerdiluted 1:1 with clean water.

Sand Cement Render

• Must be securely fixed in accordance withmanufacturer’s instructions

• Polymer modified adhesive should be used

Gypsum Plaster

Tile BackerBoard

• Paint must be mechanically removed to reveal the original substrate

• Painted surfaces that seem initially sound can deteriorate rapidly whencovered

• In general paint is designed to support its own weight, not the weight oftiling.

• Ensure existing tiling is sound and firmly bonded making good any defects

• Ensure surface is free from grease and polishes

• Prime with Larsen Acrylic Primer

• Delay grouting until adhesive has fully dried

Tile on Tile

The following is a selection of preparation guidelines for the most common substratesand for common special cases. For details of the correct products to be used, pleaseconsult our adhesives guide on page 7.

Common Substrates 1

Wall Tiling

Blockwork and Concrete

Painted Walls



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• Remove and repair all damagedor hollow tiling

• Ensure all polish, sealers anddirt have been removed

• Prime surface with LarsenAcrylic Primer

• Ensure the screed is sufficiently strong and stable for the installation

• New screeds should be at least 3 weeks old before tiling*

• For ‘Fast-Track’ installations, specify the use of Larcem Speedo screedadmixture to ensure accelerated curing of the screed*

• Porous or dusting screed should be primed with Larsen Acrylic Primerdiluted 1:1 with clean water.

Sand CementScreed

• Must be approximately 6 weeksold before tiling.

• Ensure surface is free fromcuring membranes, sealers andother contaminants

• Power floated concrete shouldhave the surface layer removedand exposed surface primed withLarsen Acrylic Primer.

• Ensure screed is fully dry with a moisture content of less than 0.5%

• Cement based adhesives may only used when the substrate has beensealed with Larsen Acrylic Primer

AnhydriteScreeds

Concrete

• Ensure that the vinyl tiles are securely bonded and in sound condition

• Remove and repair all loose or damaged tiles

• Ensure all polish, sealers and dirt have been removed

• Improve the key by applying a slurry coat - mix Larsen Flexibiliserwith 4 parts powder adhesive, apply with brush and allow to dry totacky finish

• Cushioned vinyl is not a suitable substrate to receive tiling.

• It is imperative that the Asphalt is flooring grade and of sufficient structuralintegrity to support the tiling installation

• The surfaced should be thoroughly cleaned and degreased

• Improve the key by applying a slurry coat - mix Larsen Flexibiliser with 4parts powder adhesive, apply with brush and allow to dry to tacky finish

Asphalt

Existing Tiles

Existing Vinyl Flooring

Common Substrates 2

Floor TilingThe following is a selection of preparation guidelines for the most commonsubstrates and for common special cases. For details of the correct products tobe used, please consult our adhesives guide on page 7.



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Some relatively common substrates and tiling applications require special attention to be given to the preparation of thesubstrate and in the selection of the products used. It is important that the necessary care is taken to ensure a successfultiling installation in the following instances:

Special Cases 1

• Ensure adequate ventilation existsbeneath the floor and that it iswell supported.

• Contamination such as floorpolish, wax and adhesiveresidues should be removed bysanding the boards, thenvacuumed to remove any residue

• Screw-fix the boards at 300mmcentres with 2 screwsper board width.

• If insufficient support exists toallow this or if excess deflectionis evident treat as for ‘OtherExisting Timber Floors’.

• Only use Professional WoodenFloor Fast Set.

Existing Tongue andgroove floors (good quality)

• Ensure adequate ventilation exists beneath the floor.

• Overlay the existing timber with 15-18mm exterior grade plywood, whichhas had edges and underside sealed.

• Plywood should be screw-fixed at 300mm centres.

• In bathrooms, protect substrate with Larsen CTA Tanking System

• Only use a flexible tile adhesive.

Other existingtimber floors

• Ensure the floor has been designed to accommodate a tiling installation.

• Ensure adequate ventilation exists beneath the floor and that it is wellsupported.

• Ensure all new wood (including joists and noggins) is ‘dry’ andconditioned.

• The floor should be designed to accommodate both seasonal changesin moisture and the changes caused by step changes in heating.

• The floor should be sufficiently strong and rigid to support the tilingwithout excess deflection.

• 15-18mm exterior grade plywood should be used with edges andunderside sealed with Larsen Acrylic Primer.

• Plywood should be screw-fixed at 300mm centres.

• In bathrooms, protect substrate with Larsen CTA Tanking System

• Only use a flexible tile adhesive

New timberfloorsTiles are a rigid floor covering, therefore it is clear that a timber based

substrate could cause a major problem. Timber is prone to deflectionand to minor lateral movement as a result of moisture changes. Anydeflection must be accounted for at the preparation stage and the useof a flexible adhesive will ensure both a strong bond to the timber andaccommodate any minor movement. Ceramic Tiles should never befixed to wooden substrates externally or in wet areas. Hardboard,shuttering plywood and moisture sensitive particle boards are notsuitable to receive tiling directly.The following are recommendations for the different forms of timberflooring which may be encountered.

Timber floors


*All times are approximate and are dependent on ambient temperatures, depth of substrate and site conditions.

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Special Cases 2

• Ensure the substrate is sufficiently cured.

• Switch off the underfloor heating approx. 48hrs before tiling (or in coldconditions turn it down to give an average floor temperature of 15°C)

• Install tiles as normal using a flexible adhesive and ensuring asolid bed.

• DO NOT butt-joint into corners or retaining walls, proprietary expansionjoints should be used or alternatively a joint width of 1.5 times thenormal grout width used in these areas

• Switch on the underfloor heating approx. 48hrs after tiling, stepping upthe temperature gradually 5°C per day

UnderfloorHeating

• Ensure the substrate is suitable for the tiling to be applied

• Ensure the substrate is smooth or only lightly textured (but not polished)

• CTA Tanking System should not be applied in wet conditions nor shouldit be applied if the ambient or substrate temperature is <7°C

• It is normally sufficient to dampen the surface with clean water beforeapplying the membrane

• On porous substrates, such as gypsum plaster or wood, it is advisableto prime all surfaces with Larcen Acrylic Primer.

• Apply a first coating of the liquid applied membrane to the entiresurface by brush, roller or trowel

• Apply sealing strip around pipe/drain passages; at joints; where fittingsabut wall; and where floor abuts wall into the wet membrane. Ensurean overlap of ~100mm where strips meet

• It may be necessary to strengthen the membrane by imbedding sheetsof polyester matting, for example, where the substrate is composed ofa series of sheets or boards. Again, while the first coat of membrane isstill wet firmly bed in a sheet of polyester matting. Carefully, smooththe matting to ensure wrinkles and folds are avoided. Overlap lengthsof matting by ~100mm

• Immediately, before the first coating has fully dried, apply a secondcoating of membrane to full coverage over the matting and seal stripsurfaces

• Ensure a total dry film thickness of between 0.6-1.0 mm is achievedand that there are no voids in the membrane surface especially atjoints and around shower trays etc

• Allow the membrane to dry for at least 24 hours (longer in cool/dampconditions) before tiling with a flexible adhesive

CTA TankingSystem

PLEASE NOTEThe recommendations in this brochure are guidelines only and are based on both currentdevelopment work and many years experience. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that theinformation is reliable we cannot accept responsibility for any work carried out with our materialswhere we have no control over methods of application, site conditions etc. For full productinformation consult the relevant Product Data Sheet or if a detailed specification is required, pleaseconsult with our Technical Department.

*All curing times are approximate and are dependent on ambient temperatures, depth of substrateand site conditions.

17

Watch Points

• Setting times of cement-based tile adhesives are greatlyincreased with dropping temperature and should never be usedbelow 5°C.

• Ready-mixed tile adhesives set and gain bond strength as theadhesive loses water. As such setting times of ready-mixed tileadhesives are greatly increased by anything which slows this lossof moisture, i.e., low temperature, heavy bed depth, low porositytile and/or substrate.

• Priming should never be used to make a bad substrate good fortiling nor should a good substrate be primed for the sake of it.

• When using Larcem Flexibiliser to prime a substrate, dilute 1volume with 3 volumes clean water and apply by brush. A secondcoat may be required on very porous surfaces.

• When using Larcem Acrylic Primer to seal a substrate (e.g.gypsum plaster) apply successive coats by brush to refusal.

• The use of a polymer-modified adhesive ensures consistentpolymer content and should always be specified in preferenceof site mixing using a flexible admixture.

• All Larsen Professional range of powder tile adhesive aresufficiently polymer-modified to provide strong bond withporcelain and fully vitrified tiles.

• New blockwork is particularly prone to drying shrinkage. The movementgenerated by this shrinkage can develop very high shear stresses in a‘rigid’ tiling installation. These stresses can develop to the point where theforce generated is greater than the bond strength allowing the tile to be‘blown’ off the wall. As such, great care should always be given to ensureblockwork walls are allowed to dry out for 4-6 weeks before renderingand that the render is allowed to dry out for a further 2 weeks beforetiling.

• Tiling onto wooden substrates should always be carried out with greatcare taken in preparation and choice of adhesive.

• When tiling externally it is wise to pay attention to the tile colour. Darktiles will warm quickly especially in South/West facing installations. Inthese cases a flexible adhesive should be used with solid bed fixing inorder to accommodate the risk of thermal shock. Careful considerationshould also be given to the correct placement of movement joints.

• Roofing grade asphalt is not a suitable substrate for tiling. This is oftenencountered when flat roofs are converted to balconies. Contact ourtechnical dept. for further information.

Priming

Substrates

Setting

General

19

PRODUCT

Ready Mixed Adhesives

CTA Showerproof

Professional Showerproof

Professional Grip Right

Professional Water Resistant

Cement Based Adhesives

CTA Fast Set

Professional CTA Standard

Professional Fast Set

Professional Fast Set PTB

Flexible Adhesives

Professional CTA Flexible

Professional Flexible Fast Set

Professional Wooden Floor Fast Set

Professional Flexible PTB

Grouts

Wall Grout

Floor Grout

Flexible Floor Grout

Professional Stain Resistant Narrow Joint

Professional Stain Resistant Wide Joint

Professional Epoxy Grout

Flooring Range

Self Levelling Compound

Latex Self Levelling Compound

Larcem 1500

DPM

Ancilliary Products

Flexibiliser

Tile, Slate and Floor Sealer

Acrylic Primer

Construction Adhesive

Wood Glue

Multi-Purpose Silicone

Silicone N

4 West Bank RoadBelfast Harbour EstateBelfast BT3 9JLTel: Belfast 028 9077 4000Fax: Belfast 028 9077 6945www.larsen-ireland.com

BishopswoodThe WardCo. DublinTel: Dublin 01 8348 255Fax: Dublin 01 8348 277www.larsen-ireland.com

professional CERAMIC TILE ADHESIVE

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