Professional Documents
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BMS-28 Tiling and Marble Works
BMS-28 Tiling and Marble Works
METHOD STATEMENT
FOR
< Tiling and Marble Works >
If, despite best endeavours, a conflict should arise between this Method Statement and the Project
Specification the requirements of the latter shall be observed and this document revised, accordingly.
Checked Authorised
Issue Date Prepared
HSE (PSM) Quality (PQM) (Project Manager)
00 DD MMM YY
< INSERT PROJECT REF # & TITLE HERE >
METHOD STATEMENT: Ref BMS - 28 Rev 00
Tiling and Marble Works Date DD MMM YY Page 2 of 35
CONTENTS
CONTENTS................................................................................................................................ 2
1. SCOPE................................................................................................................................ 4
2. RESPONSIBILITIES............................................................................................................4
3. INTERFACING.....................................................................................................................4
4. SEQUENCING.....................................................................................................................5
5. METHODOLOGY.................................................................................................................5
5.1.2. Works................................................................................................................................................................8
5.1.3 Post-works.....................................................................................................................................................21
5.2.2 Works..............................................................................................................................................................22
5.2.3 Post-Works....................................................................................................................................................31
7. MATERIALS...................................................................................................................... 31
8. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS..........................................................................31
9. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS..........................................................................................32
10. ATTACHMENTS............................................................................................................ 32
Attachment 1: Key to Safety Symbols.......................................................................................................................33
Amendments History
Rev Clause Changes Made
00 Original issue of document
01
02
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METHOD STATEMENT: Ref BMS - 28 Rev 00
Tiling and Marble Works Date DD MMM YY Page 4 of 35
1. Scope
< INSERT DESCRIPTION OF WORKS TO BE COVERED >
Note: Emphasis of required safety measures will be inserted throughout, generally in the
following format, pictograms are to be found in Attachment 1:
2. Responsibilities
Site Manager:
Site Engineers:
Surveyors:
QC Manager:
QC Engineers:
< INSERT OTHER JOB TITLES AND ASSOCIATED RESPONSIBILITES AS NECESSARY >
3. Interfacing
Site Manager:
Site Engineers:
QC Engineers:
Consultant:
< INSERT OTHER JOB TITLES AND ASSOCIATED INTERFACING AS NECESSARY >
4. Sequencing
< INSERT DETAILS OF WORKS SEQUENCE OR INCLUDE PROGRAMME EXCERPT OR
CROSS-REFERENCE PROGRAMME CONCERNED >
5. Methodology
5.1. Glazed/Unglazed Tiles
Porcelain tiles Mosaic tiles Terrazzo Tiles Quarry tiles Ceramic tiles
5.1.1. Pre-Works
A. Substrate preparation
Clean surface of the substrate removing any dirt, dust, oils, grease, curing compounds, laitance or
any other contaminants that may affect bonding between tiles and substrates
Remove any protrusions, bumps or ridges by sanding or grinding or scabbling.
Level the surface of the substrate by chipping for concrete if the level is not accurate or the
variation of level is not complying with the required tolerance. (Tolerances of variations in level of
concrete surface in Tolerances of Glazed/Unglazed tiles page)
Slopes in subfloors shall be specified in drawings as cross sections for concrete.
Use trowelable leveling and patching compounds to fill cracks, holes and depressions.
For inclined substrates (screed or concrete) in wet areas or roof floors, insure that slopes are
leading to the floor drains so that the substrate can be used as a guide for tiling.
For concrete surfaces, concrete needs to be at least 28 days old to allow for proper cure to take
place. Also for the residual moisture level to drop to an acceptable level.
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METHOD STATEMENT: Ref BMS - 28 Rev 00
Tiling and Marble Works Date DD MMM YY Page 6 of 35
In case of setting tiles in a mortar bed, if concrete has a steel trowel finish, then it is required to
roughen the surface by using a specific acid base solution or by scabbling or grinding to provide a
good bond with the mortar bed.
In case of installing tiles directly to the substrate with any of the “Thin-Set” methods or usage of
cleavage membrane, concrete must have steel trowel and fine broom finish.
For painted substrates: must be checked that the paint coat is strongly bonded to substrate and to
be clean free from any contaminants.
For plastered substrates: plaster needs to be (10-14) days old at least, plaster layer must be
strongly bonded to its substrate and free of cracks or delamination.
A leveled guide line must be made by the surveyors to be used as a datum to determine the finish
floor level accurately.
Moisture must be prevented from collecting behind the tile works by using flashing, membranes,
and vapour barriers as required in the project’s specifications.
Any waterproofing or insulation works to be finished, tested and inspected prior to commencing tile
works.
B. Embedded Items
Grounds, anchors, plugs, hangers, doors and windows frames, electrical. Mechanical and other
works in or behind tiles shall be installed, tested and inspected before commencing tile works.
C. Control Joints
To be provided as indicated in approved drawings with the required details (width, depth, location)
to prevent cracking and failure for the tiles. (Insert the details of the control joints)
Provide expansion joints at control joints in the substrate.
Wherever the material of the substrate changes, install an expansion joint to separate the different
materials, also if substrate changes direction including tiles terminations.
In floors, provide expansion joints over construction joints, control joints and expansion joints in
concrete slab.
Extend expansion joints through setting beds and fill with sealant after finishing grouting.
Control joints must be kept free and clean of all setting and grouting materials.
D. Submittals
Product Data: Submit manufacturer’s technical information and installation instructions for
materials required.
Product Data: Submit manufacturer’s technical information and installation instructions for
materials required.
Samples for Initial Selection Purposes: Submit manufacturer’s colour charts consisting of actual
tiles or sections of tile showing full range of colours, textures, and patterns available for each type
of tile indicated. Include samples of grout and accessories involving colour selection.
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METHOD STATEMENT: Ref BMS - 28 Rev 00
Tiling and Marble Works Date DD MMM YY Page 7 of 35
Certified Test Reports: Submit certified test reports from a qualified independent testing laboratory
evidencing compliance of tile and tile setting products with requirements specified, based on
comprehensive testing of current products. Include in reports testing laboratory’s interpretation of
test results relative to specific requirements.
Shop Drawings: Submit shop drawings indicating tile patterns if applicable and locations and
widths of control and expansion joints in tiles surfaces.
Do not proceed with installing tiles until all drawings and materials are approved.
All materials shall be received by a responsible material engineer and to be checked on receive
and checked again before usage.
For tile exhibiting colour variations within the ranges selected during sample submittals, verify that
tiles has been blended in the factory and packaged so tile units taken from one package shows the
same range in colours as those taken from other packages and match approved samples.
It is recommended to order for the quantity of tile needed + 15% of the quantity as a spare for
replacing defected tiles.
Obtain each colour, grade, finish, type and composition of tile from one source with resources to
provide products with consistent quality in appearance and physical properties without delaying
progress of work.
Obtain setting and grouting materials of a uniform quality from one manufacturer for each
cementitious and admixtures components and from one source or procedure for each aggregate.
Deliver and store packaged material in original unopened containers with labels intact until time of
use.
Store and handle materials in a manner to prevent damage or contamination by water, freezing or
any foreign matter.
Tiles to be checked before usage to insure the absence of any chipping or cracks.
F. Alternatives
If there are any alternatives for the setting bed used or grouting materials, illustrate them in the
following table.
G. Mock-Up
H. Environmental Conditions
Close spaces in which tiles being set to traffic and other works; keep closed till tile is firmly set.
Do not walk on nor work on newly tiled floors without using kneeling boards or equivalent
protection of the tiled surface.
Keep traffic off horizontal Portland cement mortar installations for at least 72 hours.
Do not apply tile setting materials to surfaces that contain frost, do not install tile in areas where
temperature is less than 10 degrees° C or the temp of the backing is greater than 38 degrees° C.
Temperature of the substrate shall be ≥ 16 degrees °C for epoxy application and from (16-32)
degrees° C during curing period.
5.1.2. Works
When hand mixing: mix dry mortar ingredients before adding water to obtain proper
consistency.
When machine mixing: put water first, then add the ingredients of mortar, discard mortar
when if it reached its initial set.
Scratch coat is applied to lath attached to substrate or clean concrete or CMU surfaces.
When mixed with water, the mortar shall be of such consistency and workability that
allows maximum compaction during tamping of mortar bed.
For tiling in wet areas: if required in project specifications, make the mortar water resistant
by adding admixtures (Mix and use the admixtures according to manufacturer’s
instructions)
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METHOD STATEMENT: Ref BMS - 28 Rev 00
Tiling and Marble Works Date DD MMM YY Page 9 of 35
- Sand bed can be used in stead of mortar bed with the required thickness to achieve the
finishing floor level.
- In case of using sand bed, sand is applied on concrete directly. But if there are insulation
layers, sand is applied over a thin polyethylene layer after installing the insulation.
- Bonding coat (Skim coat):
For walls, ceilings, floors: gray or white Portland cement mixed with water to a creamy
consistency. Rework from time to time.
Additional water or cement shall not be added after initial mixing, discard unused bond
coat after initial set is reached.
Alternative bond coat for walls and ceilings only: gray or white dry-set Portland cement
mortar or latex-Portland cement mortar mixed with water to creamy consistency in strict
accordance to with manufacturer’s instructions.
- In case of using spacing mix: (for maintaining spacing in ceramic mosaic tiles, quarry)
A depth of approximately 25% of the thickness of the tile is recommended to achieve.
Mix of spacing mix depends on joints thickness.
- The mixes used in the project are illustrated in the table below: (insert the mixes used in your
project and their ingredients proportions, mixing time, tiles applied for)
Ingredients
Mix
Mix name cemen Applied for
sand water time
t
Scratch coat
Levelling
coat
Mortar bed
Bond coat
Spacing mix
2. Mortar application:
- Mortar applied to walls and ceilings:
Cure scratch and leveling coat (if they are applied) before mortar bed is applied. Curing
period is 24 hours alt least for each coat.
Immediately before applying mortar bed, evenly dampen the substrate’s surface with
water.
Mortar must have a uniform thickness all over the tiled substrate.
Apply mortar bed to provide a plumb and true surface the proper distance back from the
finished wall or ceiling line. (max thickness is 20 mm)
In case of using a one-coat mortar setting bed, install a membrane. Securely attach a
metal lath through the membrane to the backing, apply a mortar bed with (10-19) mm
thickness. Set tile while the bed is still workable.
- Mortar applied to floors: (Unless otherwise is specified)
Dampen clean, properly prepared concrete surface with water before placing mortar
bed. Concrete surface to be completely free from standing water.
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METHOD STATEMENT: Ref BMS - 28 Rev 00
Tiling and Marble Works Date DD MMM YY Page 10 of 35
Sometimes before placing mortar bed, a very thin continuous coating of pure Portland
cement slurry is spread on the concrete surface or dusts a thin layer of dry cement and
wet it. Broom this wetted cement dust to complete coat the concrete’s surface with a
thin and uniform coating.
Immediately apply mortar bed over the pure cement coating. Firmly tamp and screed
mortar bed (max thickness of mortar bed = 32 mm)
3. Tile installation:
- Soak tiles in clean water for at least 1 hour and drain excess water before setting, immerse
tiles completely during soaking period.
- If the bond coat applied to the tiles back is dry-set mortar or latex-Portland cement mortar, tiles
shouldn’t be soaked.
- Determine the starting point of tiling installation from the approved drawings, pull strings to
determine the finish floor level which the tile surface must line with, also to determine the
slopes directions and levels if any.
- Before setting sheets of face-mounted tile on vertical surfaces, fill the joints with spacing mix.
- Apply a (1 to 2 mm) thick bond coat over the mortar bed while still workable. If white joints are
required, a white bond coat shall be used.
- Alternate for tile on floors, decks, or countertops: Immediately preceding the setting of tile, dust
a thin layer of dry Portland cement (1 to 2 mm) thick over the mortar bed; assure sufficient
moisture to dampen the dust coat.
- Apply the bond coat to the tiles back to achieve at least 95% coverage for the tile (especially at
edges and corners of the tile) after applying the mortar bed or the sand bed on the substrate.
- Use a notched trowel to key the mortar bed and the bond coat with the flat side then comp with
the notched side in one direction.
- Embed the tile in mortar bed or sand bed by beating-in with a rubber mallet pushing in a
direction perpendicular to the combed mortar or other means to achieve the max coverage
especially at edges and corners, set all tiles while the mortar bed is still workable.
- Use spacers to space tiles with the required joint width, spacers keep the joints straight and
with constant width.
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METHOD STATEMENT: Ref BMS - 28 Rev 00
Tiling and Marble Works Date DD MMM YY Page 12 of 35
- Make adjustment of tile before initial set of mortar takes place. Centre and balance areas of
tile as possible.
- An excessive amount of cuts shall not be made, it’s recommended not to make cuts smaller
than ½ size of the tile.
- Smooth cut edges, do not install tile with jagged or flaked edges.
- The splitting of tile is prohibited except no alternative is possible.
- Prevent occurrence of lippage (the difference elevation between edges of adjacent tiles), the
tolerance of lippage for different types of tile is illustrated in tolerances tables page.
- Centreline of all joints should be straight and of even width.
- Install all accessories in tile work to be evenly spaced, properly centred with tile joints and
level, plumb and true to the correct projection. Install accessories at locations and heights as
designed.
- After installation, insure tiles is firmly set, all spacers and strings are removed before grouting.
(Insert the method of mixing, proportions of ingredients, application method in the following
table)
Ingredients Method of
Mix name Mix time applied for
application
2. Installation of tiles:
- Organic adhesives and Epoxy adhesives are installed by the same way although they differ in
physical properties.
- Substrate must be sound, plane, flat and free of curves and buckles.
- If tile is required to be installed over cured mortar bed, then it is recommended to cure the
mortar bed by damp curing under cover for 96 hours at 21 degrees° C and then allowed to dry
before tile installation
- Apply adhesive with the flat side of the notched trowel to obtain mechanical bond and suitable
coverage, use the notched side to comb the adhesive to obtain even setting bed without
scraping the backing material.
- Cover the surface without bare spots or voids with uniform thickness of coat.
- Apply adhesive only in areas that can be tiled before the adhesive films over. Remove any
adhesive that films over and replace it with fresh adhesive.
- Apply a coat of the adhesive to the back of the tile and comb it with the notched side of the
notched trowel.
- Press tile into adhesive to maintain accurate joint alignment and spacing, keep 2/3 of joint
depth open for grouting.
- Beat in all tile assemblies into place with rubber mallet to obtain max. Contact of adhesive on
the back of each tile. Contact shall be not less than 95%.
- Remove all adhesive from faces and edges of tiles.
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METHOD STATEMENT: Ref BMS - 28 Rev 00
Tiling and Marble Works Date DD MMM YY Page 14 of 35
- Allow min. 24 hours for evaporation of solvent before curing unless otherwise is recommended
by adhesive manufacturer.
- If tile and substrate are such that the adhesive does not cure in 24 hours, allow additional time
for curing prior to grouting.
C. Installation of ceramic tiles with dry-set Portland cement or latex-Portland cement mortar:
1. Mixing Mortars:
- Mixing dry-set Portland cement mortars or fast setting dry-set mortar: (unless project
specifications or manufacturer’s instruction differ)
Latex-Portland cement is a mix of Portland cement + sand + special latex additives, dry-set
Portland cement is a mix of Portland cement + sand + special additives provides water
retentivity.
Apply ingredients to recommended amount of water. Mix slowly and thoroughly and let
mortar slake for 15 mins, and then remix. Do no add water, additional mortar or other
ingredients after slaking period
Mixing shall take place for 5-6 mins.
The resulting mortar shall be trowelable, but stiff enough so that when it is troweled on a
horizontal surface, the ridges retain their original shape without sagging or spreading
Mortar consistency shall be such that when applied with the recommended notched trowel to
the backing, the ridges formed in the mortar shall not flow or slump.
During use, remix mortar occasionally. Additional water or fresh materials shall not be added
after initial mixing. Mortar shall not be used after initial set.
- Mixing latex-Portland cement mortars or fast setting latex mortar: (unless project
specifications or manufacturer’s instruction differ)
Use the brand of pre-packed dry mortar mix specified by the latex manufacturer.
Latex-Portland cement thin-set mortars are available in two forms. Both are dry mixes with
one requiring the addition of liquid latex when mixing. In this instance, follow the liquid latex
manufacturer’s instructions. The second form is a factory blend of dry powder and dry
polymers that requires that only water be added when mixing.
Add dry mortar mix to amount of latex or water specified by manufacturer and mix thoroughly
to obtain complete and visually uniform wetting of the dry mortar mix. Slake for 15 mins and
remix before use.
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METHOD STATEMENT: Ref BMS - 28 Rev 00
Tiling and Marble Works Date DD MMM YY Page 15 of 35
Mortar consistency shall be such that when applied with the recommended notched trowel to
the backing, the ridges formed in the mortar shall not flow or slump.
During use, remix mortar occasionally, additional water or fresh materials shall not be added
after initial mixing. Mortar shall not be used after initial set.
Mixes used, ingredients proportions, mixing method and mixing are illustrated in the table
below (Insert the mixes names, ingredients…)
Ingredients Mixing
Mix name Mix time applied for
method
- Setting Quarry tile, paver, and other unmounted vitreous and impervious tile:
The same method indicated for Setting glazed wall tiles.
- Generally, installation of floor tile shall be over a cement mortar bed or properly prepared
concrete slabs.
- Finish floor level must be indicated by pulling strings showing this level and tiles surface must
line with this strings. Level of the mortar bed must be suitable to achieve the required level.
The method used should produce maximum coverage with the corners and edges fully
supported. Periodically remove and check a tile to assure that proper coverage is being
attained.
D. Grouting:
Ingredients
Joint thickness Lime (if
Cement Sand water
required)
Up to 3 mm wide 1 part 1 part 1/5 part suitable
amount to
(3 -12.5) mm wide 1 part 2 parts 1/5 part achieve
greater than 12.5 mm consistent
1 part 3 parts 1/5 part grout
wide
replacement for part or all the mixing water. These grouts are designed for joints of 3mm width
or greater.
- Before grouting:
All tiles must be firmly set, all paper and glue removed from the face of mounted tiles,
and all spacers, strings, ropes, or pegs removed.
Insure that all foreign material and job site debris are removed from the open joints
before starting grouting.
Remove any excessive setting material present in the open grout joints.
- Mixing grout:
Machine mixing of grout is preferred to assure a uniform blend. To prevent trapping air
bubbles into grout, use a slow speed mixer.
Slake for 15 minutes.
Water or latex additives used for mixing with dry grout shall be measured accurately.
Mix grout according to manufacturer’s instructions and project specifications.
(Insert mixes used in your project, ingredients proportions, mixing method, mixing
time….)
Ingredients Mixing
Grout mix name Mix time Joint width
method
- Installing grout:
Use caution, when grouting glazed ceramic tiles to prevent scratching or damaging the
surface of the tile.
Dampen dry joints prior to grouting with sand-Portland cement grout, standard sanded
cement grout, standard unsanded cement grout, and polymer modified unsanded grout.
Do not leave puddles of water in the joints before grouting.
Keep an adequate joint depth open for grouting. Force a maximum amount of grout into
the joints.
All grout joints shall be uniformly finished. Cushion edge tile shall be finished evenly to
the depth of the cushion.
Grout must fill the whole joint with no spaces and with a constant depth.
Use sufficient pressure to avoid air pockets or voids.
Remove all excess grout from the surface of tiles; do not allow grout to harden on the
tile’s surfaces.
Install sealant in control joints after tile work and grout are dry.
< INSERT PROJECT REF # & TITLE HERE >
METHOD STATEMENT: Ref BMS - 28 Rev 00
Tiling and Marble Works Date DD MMM YY Page 19 of 35
- Cleaning:
See appropriate grout specifications and manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning
of tile after grouting.
Final clean-up shall be done by finishing or polishing with a terry cloth or similar pad.
- Curing:
For Sand-Portland Cement grout, it is recommended to apply a damp cure to sufficiently
hydrate cement.
For standard sanded cement grout, standard unsanded cement grout, polymer modified
unsanded tile grout, and polymer modified unsanded tile grout, follow the manufacturer’s
printed instructions.
E. Properties of Mixes:
Physical Property
Setting Method Initial set Final set Ideal Temp.
Initial set Final set
at 30°C at 30°C for mixing
Dry-set mortar (9-15) > 1.5
> 6 hours > 1 hour (21-25) °C
(13 mm thickness) hours hours
Fast setting Dry-set mortar
≥ 1 hour ___ < 3 hours ___ (21-25) °C
(13 mm thickness)
Latex-Portland cement (9-15) > 1.5
> 6 hours > 1 hour (21-25) °C
mortar (13 mm thickness) hours hours
Fast setting latex mortar
≥ 1 hour ___ < 3 hours ___ (21-25) °C
(13 mm thickness)
Epoxy Adhesives ≥ 2 hours ___ ≤ 7 days ___ (21-25) °C
These properties are according to ANSI A118 series
F. Inspection:
1. Before tiling:
- Substrates to be sound clean, free from dirt, oils, grease, or any other contaminants.
- Checking levels and slopes in the substrates and insure it complies with approved drawings,
and checking that strings pulled in right directions with the right level.
- Insure that setting materials are mixed according to specifications and ingredients proportions
comply with the approved ones.
- Insure that all insulation layers are installed, cured and tested before proceeding in tiling
works.
2. After installation:
- Checking tiles are installed according to the approved drawings and with the correct grid
shape indicated in these drawings.
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METHOD STATEMENT: Ref BMS - 28 Rev 00
Tiling and Marble Works Date DD MMM YY Page 20 of 35
G. Tolerances:
Floors 6 mm in 3 m
Portland-Cement Mortar
Walls and Ceilings 6 mm in 3 m
Floors 2 mm in 1 m
Organic or Epoxy Adhesive
Walls and Ceilings 6 mm in 3 m
No sudden irregularities accepted, max gab when using a 3 m straight edge in any
location over the finished surface is 3 mm. (3 mm in 3 m)
Leveling of walls and floors: The permissible deviation in level: ±2mm of the stated
datum.
Grouting joint: nominal 2mm, at no point greater than 3mm or less than 1mm;
deviations non-cumulative.
Tolerances of lippage for different types of tiles:
< INSERT PROJECT REF # & TITLE HERE >
METHOD STATEMENT: Ref BMS - 28 Rev 00
Tiling and Marble Works Date DD MMM YY Page 21 of 35
6 mm or
Quarry / Terrazzo (150x150)mm - (200x200)mm 1.4 mm
above
6 mm or
Paver All 1.4 mm
above
These Tolerances is according to ANSI A108 Series
5.1.3 Post-works
A. Repairs:
- Remove all defected or cracked or weakly bonded tiles to substrates and replace them with
another.
- Refill any spaces or voids in grouting or in control joints if any.
B. Cleaning:
- Upon completion of installation of tile and grout, clean all ceramic tile surfaces so they are free of
any foreign materials.
- Review grout specifications of project or manufacturer’s instructions to pick a suitable method for
cleaning tiles after grouting.
- Acid or acid cleaners shall not be used to clean glazed tiles.
- Unglazed tiles may be cleaned with acid solutions when permitted only but not sooner than (10-14)
days after tile installation.
- Protect metal surfaces, cast iron and plumbing fixtures from effects of acid cleaning. Flush surfaces
with water before and after cleaning.
C. Protection:
- Apply a protective coat of a neutral material (e.g. Gypsum) after laying a polyethylene sheet over
the finished and clean tiles to protect it from cracking, chipping, or dirt.
< INSERT PROJECT REF # & TITLE HERE >
METHOD STATEMENT: Ref BMS - 28 Rev 00
Tiling and Marble Works Date DD MMM YY Page 22 of 35
5.2.1 Pre-Works
5.2.2 Works
- General Installation:
Tiles shall be free from any foreign material, salts, or frost (in cold places).
Tiles must be finished as required in project’s specifications:
Polish finish: A mirror-like, glossy surface which brings out the full colour and character of the
marble.
Honed finish: A velvety smooth surface with little or no gloss.
Abrasive finish: A flat, no glossy surface usually recommended for exterior use.
Tile, and joint thickness is illustrated in the table below:
Stone Installation with Wet-Set method Stone Installation over Cleavage Membrane
- Installation of the setting bed of this type is the same as “Thin-bed method” mentioned above.
- When latex-Portland cement mortar is used in wet areas (e.g. swimming pools or shower rooms), it
is required that the complete installation be allowed to dry out thoroughly (cure) before exposure to
water.
- The drying period can vary from (28-60) days according to climatic conditions and location of
installation (exterior or interior).
- Consult the “Thin-Set” manufacturer, the manufacturer’s curing instructions to be followed tightly.
- For complete installation details, review installation for “Glazed/unglazed tiles with Dry-set and
Latex-Portland cement mortar” in Part l.
- Types of grouts:
Commercial Portland cement grout: a mixture of Portland cement and other ingredients,
producing a water-resistant, dense, uniformly coloured material. There are two types: white
and gray. Damp curing is required for both wall and floor types.
Sand-Portland cement grout: On-the-job mixtures, Sand-Portland cement grout should be
applied with caution over honed or polished stone because it may scratch the stone surface
proportion of ingredients are indicated in the table below: (insert the proportions of grout mix)
< INSERT PROJECT REF # & TITLE HERE >
METHOD STATEMENT: Ref BMS - 28 Rev 00
Tiling and Marble Works Date DD MMM YY Page 25 of 35
Ingredients
Joint thickness
Cement Sand Lime (if required) water
Latex-Portland cement grout: Latex-Portland cement grout is a mixture of any one of the three
preceding grouts with special latex additives. This grout is suitable for all installations subject
to ordinary use and for most commercial installations. The use of latex grout additives in
Portland cement grout helps cure the grout. Consult the Grout and Latex Manufacturer for
specific instructions. It is less absorptive than regular cement grout.
- Insure that all foreign material and job site debris are removed from the open joints before starting
grouting.
- Remove any excessive setting material present in the open grout joints.
- All tiles must be firmly set in its location according to approved drawings.
- Machine mixing of grout is preferred to assure a uniform blend. To prevent trapping air bubbles into
grout, use a slow speed mixer
- Mix grout according to manufacturer’s instructions and project specifications
- Grout must fill the whole joint with no spaces and with a constant depth.
- Keep an adequate joint depth open for grouting. Force a maximum amount of grout into the joints.
- Use sufficient pressure to avoid air pockets or voids.
- Remove all excess grout from the surface of tiles; do not allow grout to harden on the tile’s
surfaces.
- Install sealant in control joints after tile work and grout are dry.
- See appropriate grout specifications and manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and curing
after grouting.
E. Inspection:
- Review “Inspection (before and after tile installation) “in Part l, Glazed/Unglazed tile installation.
F. Tolerances:
- All concrete floor surfaces indicated to stone tiles must have total load deflection
= L / 360
- Joint width: tolerance is the greatest of 25% of the joint width or ± 0.8 mm.
- Joints have to be straight and true.
- Lippage: Adjacent stone flooring or tile units with smooth finishes shall not have lippage (offset in
plane of finished surface) exceeding 1 mm.
- Variation from true plane, or flat surfaces, shall be determined by a 1.2 m dimension in any
direction on the surface:
For honed, polished fine rubbed surfaces: don’t exceed 1/3 of joint width or 3 mm (whichever
is greater)
For any other finishes: don’t exceed 1/2 of joint width or 1.5 mm (whichever is greater)
- Variation from plumb: Not to exceed ±3 mm in 3 m.
< INSERT PROJECT REF # & TITLE HERE >
METHOD STATEMENT: Ref BMS - 28 Rev 00
Tiling and Marble Works Date DD MMM YY Page 26 of 35
Stone tiles shall be not more than 914 mm in its greatest dimension and not more than 0.46 m²
in total area, also not weigh more than 73 kg/m²
To use Portland cement or adhesives, cladded height shall not exceed 4.5 m
In case of using Portland cement mortar, dampen the surface of wall then apply a spatter dash
before cladding by throwing a wet mix of Portland cement and coarse sand with ratio 450 kg
cement : 1 m³ sand (unless otherwise is mentioned)
Install temporarily levelled gypsum dots on the wall, dots must be with a thickness that
provides a space between the stone tile and the wall (mainly 20 mm unless otherwise is
mentioned).
Fix the stone tile at the correct position and pattern by the temporarily dots.
Check alignment and verticality with a 3 m straight edge.
Fill the 20 mm space between the stone tile and the wall with flowing mortar with ratio 350 kg
cement : 1 m³ sand in layers to prevent any unnecessary pressure on the tiles which may
cause misalignment for these tiles. Clean any spillage with wet cloth.
Ensure at all times that mortar filling at lower layer has sufficiently hardened before filling with
the next layer.
Allow the filling mortar to attain the required strength for 24 hours after completion of the last
course and clean joints for grouting.
In case of using adhesives (Thin-Set Method), ensure that the wall is clean and free from any
foreign materials to receive the adhesive.
there must be 100% adhesive contact between the stone and the backup by back buttering for
the tile.
Never use organic adhesives in installation, it may stain the tiles.
For detailed installation, review installation for walls with Dry-Set or Latex-Portland cement or
epoxy adhesives of “Glazed/Unglazed tiles in part l”
Anchors should be securely attached to the wall, plumb and in a true plane.
For any mechanical system, provide 4 anchors at least for tiles up to 1.2 m², add 2 more
anchors for each additional 0.75 m². It is recommended that thickness of tiles is not less than
3 mm.
Not recommended to use this system for height exceeds 4 stories (≈12 m)
Dampen the surface of wall then apply a spatter dash before cladding by throwing a wet mix of
Portland cement and coarse sand with ratio 450 kg cement : 1 m³ sand (unless otherwise is
mentioned)
Prepare the stone tile by making 4 cuts at the edges in the tile’s back and fix brass or copper
wire in the cuts by using an adhesive material (insert the details of the wires, anchors, the
location and dimensions of the cuts)
Fix the anchors in the walls at the corresponding points to the wire fixed in the stone tile by
drilling holes in the walls and injection of an adhesive material in the holes.
< INSERT PROJECT REF # & TITLE HERE >
METHOD STATEMENT: Ref BMS - 28 Rev 00
Tiling and Marble Works Date DD MMM YY Page 28 of 35
Stone tiles to be fixed with straight and close joint with spacing ≈ 20 mm between tiles and the
wall using temporarily gypsum dots and then fill with flowing mortar in layers.
- Fixation with Mortars, Thin-Set Methods can be applied if the cladded height is ≤ 4.5 m, the
tile is ≤ 914 mm in the greatest dimension, the total area is ≤ 0.46 m² and weigh ≤ 73
kg/m².
- Mechanical system of (Anchors + Wires) can be applied if the cladded height is ≤ 12 m.
- System must be consistent over the whole cladded surface.
- Another mechanical systems consisting of straps and cramps are used for heights > 12 m.
- Each tile to be independently supported (relieved and restrained) by mechanical anchors
attached to the back up wall substrate.
- There are different mechanical systems that consists of many parts of accessories and can
be used in marble fixation:
C. Inspection:
- Before installation:
Substrates to be sound clean, free from dirt, oils, grease, or any other contaminants.
Insure that setting materials are mixed according to specifications and ingredients
proportions comply with the approved ones.
Insure that all insulation layers are installed, cured and tested before proceeding in tiling
works.
Inspecting locations of anchors and wires in Mechanical systems.
- After installation:
Checking tiles are installed according to the approved drawings and with the correct grid
shape indicated in these drawings.
Inspecting the bond between the tiles and the backing.
D. Tolerances:
5.2.3 Post-Works
A. Repairs:
- Remove all defected or cracked or weakly bonded tiles to substrates and replace them with
another.
- Refill any spaces or voids in grouting or in control joints if any.
B. Cleaning:
- Upon completion of installation of tile and grout, clean all stone tile surfaces so they are free of any
foreign materials.
- Review grout specifications of project or manufacturer’s instructions to pick a suitable method for
cleaning tiles after grouting.
C. Protection:
- After the stone flooring has been installed, keep all traffic off the floors for at least 48 hours. No
heavy traffic should be permitted on newly installed stone flooring surfaces for at least two weeks
after the floor has been grouted.
- Apply a protective coat of a neutral material (e.g. Gypsum) after laying a polyethylene sheet over
the finished and clean tiles to protect it from cracking, chipping, or dirt.
7. Materials
< INSERT DETAILS OF MATERIALS >
8. Environmental Considerations
All as per OCI procedures:
9. Special Considerations
< INSERT ANY SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS SPECIFIC TO YOUR PROJECT HERE,
IF NONE STATE ‘None.’ >
10. Attachments
o Key to Safety Symbols
o Risk Assessment
< INSERT PROJECT REF # & TITLE HERE >
METHOD STATEMENT: Ref BMS - 28 Rev 00
Tiling and Marble Works Date DD MMM YY Page 34 of 35
Use respirators
< INSERT PROJECT REF # & TITLE HERE >
Ref BMS-?? Rev 00
METHOD STATEMENT: UNDERGROUND SERVICES INSTALLATION
Date DD MMM YY Page 35 of 35