HSE DOCUMENTS-METHODnotches helps STATEMENT FOR LAYING WALL AND FLOOR TILES
Table of Contents
1.0. SCOPE OF WORK
2.0. MATERIAL
3.0. MACHINERY OR TOOLS AND FUNCTIONALITY
4.0. HYGIENE AND SAFETY MEASURES
5.0. PRIOR CONSIDERATIONS
6.0. LAYING THE TILES ON WALLS
7.0. LAYING THE TILES ON FLOORS
8.0. HOUSEKEEPING
9.0. ATTACHMENTS
1.0. SCOPE OF WORK
Laying Wall and Floor Tiles
2.0. MATERIAL
2.1. Tiles:
The main material is available in various forms, such as ceramic, porcelain, marble, etc.
2.2. Thin-set mortar/adhesive:
Used to adhere the tiles to the substrate. The type of mortar depends on the kind of tiles and the substrate.
2.3. Grout:
Fills the gaps between tiles. Grout comes in various colors and types, such as sanded or without sand, depending on the width of the tile joints.
2.4. Backer board or cement board:
Provides a stable surface for tiles and is commonly used on walls or floors. It helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
2.5. Tile spacers:
Maintain consistent gaps between tiles for grout lines. The size of the spacers depends on the desired joint width.
2.6. Trowel:
Used to spread thin-set mortar onto the substrate. The size and type of trowel depend on the size and type of tiles.
2.7. Tile cutter or wet saw:
For cutting tiles to fit around edges, corners, or obstacles.
2.8. Level:
Ensures that the tiles are installed evenly and on a level surface.
2.9. Rubber mallet:
It helps gently tap tiles into place without damaging them.
2.10. Notched trowel:
A trowel with notcheshelps create an even layer of mortar on the substrate.
2.11. Bucket and mixing paddle:
For mixing mortar or grout according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2.12. Sponge and bucket of water:
Used for cleaning excess mortar or grout from the tiles during and after installation.
2.13. Caulk and caulk gun:
This is for sealing joints and edges, especially in areas prone to water exposure.
2.14. Sealer (if required):
Some types of tiles, like natural stone, may require sealing to protect them from stains and moisture.
2.15. Gloves and safety glasses:
To protect your hands and eyes during the installation process.
3.0. MACHINERY OR TOOLS AND FUNCTIONALITY
3.1. Tile Cutter:
Manual tile cutter or wet saw for cutting tiles to fit specific spaces.
3.2. Tile Nippers:
Used for cutting small, irregular shapes or for making notches in tiles.
3.3. Tile Spacers:
Maintain consistent gaps between tiles for grout lines. The size of spacers depends on the desired grout line width.
3.4. Trowel:
V-notch or square-notch trowel for spreading adhesive or mortar on the substrate.
3.5. Grout Float:
Used to apply and press grout into the spaces between tiles. It helps smooth and level the grout lines.
3.6. Rubber Mallet:
For gently tapping tiles into place without damaging them.
3.7. Level:
Ensures that tiles are installed evenly and at the same height.
3.8. Measuring Tape and Straight Edge:
Measure and mark guidelines for precise tile placement.
3.9. Chalk Line:
Helps create straight reference lines on the substrate for aligning tiles.
3.10. Margin Trowel:
Used for mixing thin-set mortar or adhesive.
3.11. Bucket and Mixing Paddle:
For mixing mortar or adhesive.
3.12. Notched Trowel:
Helps achieve a uniform thickness of adhesive on the substrate.
3.13. Sponge and Bucket of Water:
Wipe off excess grout and clean tiles during the installation process.
3.14. Wet Saw:
Electric or manual saw with a diamond blade for cutting tiles, especially for straight or diagonal cuts.
3.15. Tile Edging Strips:
Metal or plastic strips provide a finished edge for exposed tile edges, like in the case of a countertop or staircase.
3.16. Tile Sealer:
Used to seal porous tiles and grout lines after installation.
3.17. Knee Pads:
Provide comfort and protection for your knees during the installation process.
3.18. Safety Gear:
Gloves and safety glasses to protect against potential injuries.
4.0. HYGIENE AND SAFETY MEASURES
Laying wall and floor tiles requires careful planning and execution to ensure a successful and safe installation. The following are some safety measures you should consider:
4.1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris.
Use knee pads to protect your knees during floor tile installation.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and abrasive materials.
4.2. Dust Control:
Use a dust mask or respirator to protect yourself from inhaling dust generated during tile cutting or grinding.
Keep the work area well-ventilated to minimize dust accumulation.
4.3. Tools and Equipment:
Ensure all tools and equipment are in good working condition.
Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the safe use of tools such as tile cutters, grinders, and saws.
4.4. Electricity Safety:
When using power tools, make sure electrical cords are in good condition and free of damage.
Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for electrical outlets in wet areas to prevent electric shock.
4.5. Ladder Safety:
If working at heights, use a stable and properly positioned ladder.
Follow ladder safety guidelines to avoid falls and injuries.
4.6. Surface Preparation:
Ensure that the surface where tiles will be installed is clean, dry, and structurally sound.
Repair any cracks or defects in the substrate before tile installation.
4.7. Adhesive and Grout Safety:
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for handling and mixing tile adhesives and grouts.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment when working with adhesives and grouts.
4.8. Tile Cutting Safety:
Use proper safety guards and guides when cutting tiles with a wet saw or tile cutter.
Secure tiles firmly before cutting to prevent slippage.
4.9. Heavy Lifting:
Use proper lifting techniques when handling heavy tiles to prevent back injuries.
Seek assistance when moving large or heavy materials.
4.10. Emergency Preparedness:
Have a first aid kit on hand in case of minor injuries.
Know the location of emergency exits and fire extinguishers in the work area.
4.11. Follow Building Codes:
Adhere to local building codes and regulations for tile installation to ensure safety and compliance. When rectified tiles are handled, all necessary safety precautions should be taken. For this purpose, use:
- Protective gloves
- Safety goggles
- Mask
- Vacuum cleaner
5.0. PRIOR CONSIDERATIONS
1.1. Environmental conditions
1.1.1. Application temperature of cement-based adhesive: +5ºC to +35ºC.
1.1.2. Cement-based adhesive should not be used when there is a risk of frost or ice or during very hot weather.
1.1.3. Cement-based adhesive should not be used on rainy days either.
1.1.4. When floors are tiled, different types of joints should be taken into account.
1.2. Joints planned by the project engineer or architect:
1.1.5. Structural joints, detailed in the building plans. They absorb the movements of the building. These joints should be left in place and never covered over with tiles.
1.1.6. Perimeter joints. They isolate the paved floor from other surfaces, such as the meeting point between two walls or the wall and floor, changes of plane, or meeting points with other types of materials.
1.1.7. These joints should have a minimum width of 5 mm / 0.20” and they should be continuous. They help to offset any accumulated stress that might otherwise push up the tiles.
1.1.8. They can be filled with a compressible material like expanded polystyrene or silicon or be concealed by skirting.
1.1.9. Movement, expansion, or intermediate joints. They absorb movements due to changes in the temperature of the tiles, adhesive, or substrate, preventing expansion or contraction movements.
1.1.10. More joints will be needed for surfaces that might be subject to big changes in temperature or vibrations.
In floors subject to heavy or hard-wheeled traffic or over which heavy loads might be dragged, the layout of the joints should be planned to avoid them in transit areas. If this is not possible, metal-edged profiles should be used to conceal them. These joints must run through the depth of the tile, bonding adhesive, and mortar screed and they should have a width of no less than 5 mm / 0.20”. They can be covered with profiles or filled with elastic material or grouting, providing that at least one month has elapsed since the mortar screed was laid.
1.3. Tile joints around the tiles:
They should have a minimum width of 2 mm / 0.08”. These joints absorb possible settlement movements and compensate for deviation tolerances in the length and width of the tiles.
6.0. LAYING THE TILES ON WALLS
PREPARING THE WORKSITE
Find a place to work with enough room to move the tiles unhindered. Make sure that you have a flat solid bench to work on, either the same size or longer than the tile to be cut. Check that the work surface is level.
6.1. PREPARING THE SUBSTRATE AND HANDLING THE TILES
6.1.1. Any remains of other materials, such as cement or plaster, should be removed.
6.1.2. The substrate must be free from dust, grease, and moisture.
6.1.3. It must also be solid and crack-free. Check that it is flat.
6.1.4. In the case of large formats, wet the tile and suction pads on the carrying frame with a sponge and water to ensure a firmer grip, especially when the tiles have relief textures.
6.1.5. Centre the carrying frame on the tile and press the suction cups down with your foot so that they stick firmly to it.
6.2. APPLYING THE CEMENT-BASED ADHESIVE
6.2.1. The cement-based adhesive must be spread using the floating and buttering method over the substrate and underside of the tile.
6.2.2. Use a 3mm / 0.12” notched trowel to cover the entire underside of the tile evenly with cement-based adhesive, including the corners and edges.
6.2.3. Mark out the area where the tile will be laid on the wall to economize on the cement-based adhesive that is used. Use a 10mm / 0.39'-12mm / 0.47'' notched trowel to spread the cement-based adhesive evenly over the substrate.
6.2.4. On the substrate and underside of the tile, apply the cement-based adhesive perpendicular to the long side of the tile so that any air below it can escape. Make sure that the coat of adhesive is always the same thickness.
6.3. LAYING THE TILES
6.3.1. Once the cement-based adhesive has been applied, work can proceed on laying the tiles, remembering that a joint of at least 2 mm / 0.08” must be left between each tile.
6.3.2. This distance can be ensured by using spacers.
6.3.3. To lay large-format tiles, use a carrying frame handled by two workmen.
6.3.4. Tile levelers and spacers should be inserted between the tiles, pressing down on the former with the gun supplied with the leveling set.
6.3.5. Several different leveling systems are available, such as Raimondi, Tile Level by RubÃ, the Tuscan Levelling
6.3.6. System or Planfix It almond. The number of levelers used on each side of the tiles will depend on the tile format. Thanks to this kind of product, it is quicker and easier to lay tiles and all the tiles will be absolutely level. After laying the tiles, tap them to remove any air bubbles in the cement-based adhesive.
6.3.7. Finally, with the aid of a spirit level, check that the tiles are level and leave them to dry as per the manufacturer's instructions.
6.4. GROUTING THE TILES
6.4.1. Once the indicated drying time has elapsed, make sure that the joints are clean before grouting them with a suitable product in a similar color to the tiles.
6.5. CLEANING THE SURFACE
6.5.1. Comply with the necessary drying times indicated by the manufacturer before proceeding to clean off any grout residues, using a damp sponge.
7.0. LAYING THE TILES ON FLOORS
7.1. PREPARING THE WORKSITE
7.1.1. Find a place to work with enough room to move the tiles unhindered.
7.1.2. Make sure that you have a flat solid bench to work on, either the same size or longer than the tile to be cut. Check that the work surface is level.
7.2. PREPARING THE SUBSTRATE WHERE THE TILES ARE TO BE LAID
7.2.1. There are many kinds of substrates: concrete, conventional partition walls, existing tiled surfaces, natural stone, wood, etc,.
7.2.2. Specific recommendations and a particular type of adhesive will apply in each case.
7.2.3. The substrate should be stable and flat, with no cracks.
7.2.4. Any dust, lime, cement, or dirt remains should be removed and the substrate should not be at all damp.
7.2.5. The flatness of the substrate should be checked, using a spirit level or similar. If necessary, use a suitable leveling leveling leveling leveling product to level it.
7.2.6. The substrate should be given a coat of primer with a roller, whether it is a newly made or existing one.
7.3. HANDLING THE TILES
7.3.1. In the case of large formats, wet the tile and suction pads on the carrying frame with a sponge and water to ensure a firmer grip, especially when the tiles have relief textures.
7.3.2. Centre the carrying frame on the tile and press the suction cups down with your foot so that they stick firmly to it.
7.4. APPLYING THE CEMENT-BASED ADHESIVE
7.4.1. The floating and buttering method must be used, covering both the substrate and the underside of the tiles with the adhesive.
7.4.2. Spread the cement-based adhesive over the entire underside of the tiles, using a 3mm / 0.12” notched trowel, making sure that the corners and edges are covered.
7.4.3. Mark out the area of the floor where the tile will be laid to economize on the cement-based adhesive that is used. Use a 10 / 12 mm (0.39'' / 0.47'') notched trowel to spread the cement-based adhesive evenly over the substrate.
7.4.4. On the substrate and underside of the tile, apply the cement-based adhesive perpendicular to the long side of the tile so that any air below it can escape. Once the tiles have been laid, the final thickness of the adhesive should be about 3 / 4 mm (0.12 / 0.16”).
7.5. LAYING THE TILES
7.5.1. Once the cement-based adhesive has been applied, work can begin on laying the tiles, remembering that a joint of at least 2 mm / 0.08” must be left between each tile. This distance can be ensured by using spacers. To lay large-format tiles, use a carrying frame handled by two workmen.
7.5.2. After the drying time is over, remove the tile levelers with the aid of the sun supplied with the leveling set.
7.5.3. Tile levelers and spacers should be inserted between the tiles, pressing down on the former with the gun supplied with the leveling set. Several different leveling systems are available, such as Raimondi, Tile Level by RubÃ, the Tuscan Levelling
7.5.4. System or Planfix Italmond. The number of levelers used on each side of the tiles will depend on the tile format. Thanks to this kind of product, it is quicker and easier to lay tiles and all the tiles will be absolutely level. After laying the tiles, tap them to remove any air bubbles in the cement-based adhesive.
7.5.5. Finally, with the aid of a spirit level, check that the tiles are level and leave them to dry as per the manufacturer's instructions.
7.5.6. Do not tread on the tiles while they are drying.
7.6. GROUTING THE TILES
7.6.1. After the tiles have been left to dry, as per the stipulated drying time, make sure that the tile joints are clean before grouting them with a suitable product in the same color as the tiles.
7.7. IMPORTANT
7.7.1. When grouting polished porcelain tiles, do not use grouts colored with “lamp black”, since the pulverized coal used to formulate them will penetrate the surface pores of polished porcelain tiles, making it very hard to remove.
8.0. HOUSEKEEPING
Housekeeping is an essential aspect of laying wall and floor tiles to ensure a successful and professional installation. Here are some key housekeeping considerations for tile installation:
8.1. Clean and Prepare Surfaces:
8.1.1. Ensure that the walls and floors are clean, dry, and free from any debris or dust.
8.1.2. Repair any cracks or uneven surfaces before starting the installation.
8.2. Layout Planning:
8.2.1. Plan the layout of the tiles before starting the installation. This helps to avoid awkward cuts and ensures a visually pleasing result.
8.2.2. Use spacers to maintain consistent gaps between tiles.
8.3. Proper Tools and Materials:
8.3.1. Have all the necessary tools and materials ready, including tile adhesive, grout, spacers, tile cutter, trowel, and sponge.
8.3.2. Check that all tools are in good condition before starting the installation.
8.4. Safety Measures:
8.4.1. Use appropriate safety equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses, especially when handling cutting tools or chemicals.
8.5. Dust Control:
8.5.1. Use a dust mask to protect yourself from inhaling dust generated during the cutting and installation process.
8.5.2. Keep the work area well-ventilated and consider using dust containment measures.
8.6. Waste Disposal:
8.6.1. Have a designated area for waste disposal. Dispose of tile scraps and debris responsibly.
8.7. Protective Coverings:
8.7.1. Cover nearby furniture, appliances, and surfaces to protect them from dust and potential damage during the installation.
8.8. Sealant and Grout Cleanup:
8.8.1. Clean excess grout or sealant immediately with a damp sponge or cloth. Once it dries, it can be difficult to remove.
8.9. Drying Time:
8.9.1. Allow adequate drying time for adhesive and grout before walking on or applying additional weight to the tiled surface.
8.10. Quality Control:
8.10.1. Regularly check your work to ensure that tiles are properly aligned, level, and spaced according to the design.
8.11. Communication:
8.11.1. Communicate effectively with other workers or homeowners to ensure a smooth workflow and address any concerns or changes in plans.
8.12. Follow the Manufacturer's Instructions:
8.12.1. Adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for the specific products you are using, whether it's adhesive, grout, or sealant.
9.0. ATTACHMENTS.
9.1. Permit to Work
9.2. Work Order
9.3. Risk Assessment
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