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SURFACE PREPARATION

- If tiling is necessary before this maturing period has passed an underlay system is recommended. Please consult your adhesive manufacturer for a suitable system. Some adhesive manufacturers provide adhesive systems for tiling over early age concrete and screeds. Tiles must not be laid on any concrete less than 28 days old.

- The concrete surface should be finished with a wooden float or have a broomed finish. Steel trowelled or very smooth surfaces will require mechanical roughening.

- Mortar screeds must cure for 7 days prior to tiling.

- All flooring sheets and boards must be rigid and installed in strict accordance with the manufacture’s instructions.

- All wall sheets and boards must be correctly braced and installed in strict accordance with the relevant manufacturer’s instructions. NOTE: some sheet manufacturers issue different instruction for the installation of their product for tile and paint finishing. Ensure areas to be tiled have been install accordingly.

- Underlays and membranes must be applied strictly in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

- Render consisting of 1:3 or 1:4 cement to sand and preferably a mortar additive should be applied to brick and block walls to obtain a smooth and true surface. Leave the render with a wood float finish to provide a key for adhesion.

- The surface to be tiled must clean, dry and free of all oil, grease, laitance, curing compounds, release agents, loose material or previously used bonding agents. Painted or otherwise treated surfaces should be treated as directed by the adhesive or underlay manufacturer.

- Excessively cracked, uneven or faulty surfaces must be rectified prior to tiling.

- Prime or seal the surface as directed by the adhesive or membrane manufacturer.

- With In-Slab Heating advice must be obtained from the adhesive manufacturer.