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What TCNA Installation Method is Recommended for Quarry Tile
QUESTION
What TCNA installation number would you recommend for thin-set quarry tile on concrete slab-on-grade? I realize it’s typically thick-set, but was looking for an alternate.ANSWER
ANSWER - There are a lot of variables and depending on the application, what conditions it will be subjected to, and what the condition of the slab is will depend on what is the appropriate installation method and materials.You can do a thin-set application on the slab, but the slab should be scarified, high spots ground down and low spots filled with a patch so you can achieve the required flatness or slope that falls within the respective required plane of either no more variation than ¼” per 10’ or 1/8” in 10’. Any structural cracks need to be repaired. Shrinkage cracks need to be treated.
You need to verify that the slab isn’t subjected to excessive moisture by performing a relative humidity test per the ASTM protocol. If it is excessive then you have to add an appropriate vapor barrier.
Depending on the slab finish and the type of quarry tile and the application will determine what type of products you need. If it is a commercial kitchen you need an appropriate epoxy grout or if it is an industry application you need a more chemical and heat resistant epoxy adhesive and grout.
You might need a waterproof membrane or a crack isolation membrane.
TCNA F113-15 is an on-ground concrete slab ceramic tile thin-set application for a basic application that does not require epoxies or membranes.
If you get into complicated applications, CTaSC can provide installation specifications in a master specification format for any type of tile, stone or terrazzo application. For details go to: Installation Specifications
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this is a test
I’d like to ask another question. We’re being requested to install a quart tile floor in the kitchen at a restaurant. We installed the waterproofing membrane and did a flood test. The resulting issue after the drain plug was pulled was pulling of water and numerous places. The customer wants a flat floor and we’re worried about the areas of pooling at some point in time to end up with water standing there and molding should we tile this floor. That was my true question in the beginning can you give me some direction? The owner of the company does not want to do it because the rate of lawsuits down the road and we’re just worried if we do any work there what repercussions we may encounter
I assume you are saying you are going to install a quarry tile on a kitchen floor over a waterproof membrane that isn’t properly slopped or flat that has caused some areas to be low spots where water can puddle.
Depending on the type of waterproof membrane, you could use a patching polymer modified mortar and fill in the low spots to flatten or slope the floor as specified. Then you could waterproof over the polymer modified mortar patches with a liquid applied waterproof membrane to adjust the substrate surface. Check with the product manufacturers to be sure you follow their directions.
If you install an epoxy grout and caulk all of the transition joints that could prevent the water from getting under the tile.