Below method statement is equally useful for the tiling work on walls and on floors. Both methods are distinguished for easy study of our visitors and for them to understand the procedure of installation of tiles.
Method for Tiling at Wall
Before start of tiling work make sure that ceramic tiles type & color, mortar mix, glue, grout, shop drawings and method of application are acceptable to the consultant or any other approving authority. After that make sure that materials that are available are from approved manufactures and in original packing. This will ensure that no counterfeit material is used at project site.
Before bulk installation works mock up approval is important that is normal process for smooth site construction activities. Mock up shall be raised for the inspection and approval from consultant or contractor as applicable. Approved mock up and sample shall be available at site and the materials delivered to site shall be checked with respect to the approved sample.
Pre Requisite For Tiling Work at Walls
- Ensure the MEP clearance obtained and all other under laying installations are approved prior to start of tiling works.
- Working area to be restricted for unauthorized entry.
- The surface to which tiles are to be fixed shall be thoroughly dry before fixing commences and free from all defects.
- The areas to be tiled shall be brushed clean and all traces of grease, oil, loose particle etc. must be removed.
- Ensure that the laying of tiles shall be as per the direction and pattern agreed with the consultant.
- Before laying tiles obtain approval of setting out by consultant. Provide symmetry about center lines of the space or areas and adjust to minimize tile cutting.
- Lay out tile work so that tiles less than 1/2 full size do not occur and with minimum of cutting. Carefully grind edges of cut tile. Ensure cut tiles are in corners and are equal on each wall face.
- Tile layout on floors / walls shall follow the layout on floors / walls as per approved shop drawings.
Method Statement for Tiling at Walls
- For concrete block walls and concrete walls to be finished with tile, apply a leveling coat of plaster minimum 12 mm thick, sufficient to cover the unevenness of the substrate and to make walls true vertical.
- Plaster shall be finished rough in order to have a strong key for tiling works.
- Plaster curing period shall be completed before start of tiling work.
- To ensure rows of tiles are truly horizontal, a level line shall be established to position the starting course.
- Tiles of specified and approved sizes shall be fixed to wall surfaces by approved adhesive.
- Mixing of adhesive shall be strictly followed in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Mortar shall be used within 2 hours of mixing at normal temperatures or within the pot life of the mix whichever is achieved earlier.
- Material shall not be used after initial set has taken place.
Thin Bed Adhesive-Walls: Apply floated coat of adhesive to dry background in areas of approximately 1 M2 and comb the surface with the recommended solid bed trowel. Apply thin even coat of adhesive to backs of dry tiles. Press tiles onto bedding with twisting/sliding action to give finished bed thickness of not more than 3 mm.
Thick Bed Adhesive-Walls: Apply floated coat of adhesive to dry background and comb the surface with the recommended solid bed trowel. Fill any keys and apply thin even coat of adhesive over the entire back of each tile. Press tiles onto bedding with twisting/sliding action to give finished bed thickness within the range recommended by the manufacturer.
- Tamp the tile with rubber mallet to obtain required adhesion and level.
- Tiles shall be laid with required spacing and spacers shall be used to align horizontal and vertical joints.
- Lay tile to pattern in accordance with Shop Drawings. Verify pattern is uninterrupted through openings.
- Establish lines of borders where applicable.
- Excessive mix/adhesive shall be removed with a damp cloth before the material has set.
- The vertical joints shall be maintained plumb for the entire true level and plane by uniformly applied pressure.
- Joints in glazed wall tiles and fittings, after edges of tiles have been thoroughly wet (After 48 hours later) it shall be grouted with neat white or colored approved grout.
- Grout shall be applied to the spaces between the tiles using a sponge or a small piece of the soft cloth.
- Ensure that joints are 6 mm deep (or the depth of the tile if less), and are free from dust and debris.
- Force grout and fill joints completely to entire depth, tool to an approved profile, clean off surface and leave free from blemishes.
- Rub wall tiling with a dry cloth when joints are hard.
- Keep expansion/contraction and control joints free of mortar or grout.
- Control Joints: Provide Control Joints 6mm minimum width in large tile areas at a maximum of 4.5m in each direction and at the perimeter walls. Do not saw-cut joints after installing tiles.
- Movement joints shall be located as required and be carried through backing to the structural wall, partially fill with strip and finish flush with sealant to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Tiling shall be protected from heat and inclement weather until jointing has completely set.
Tiling Work Method for Floors
- Ceramic tiles type &color, mortar mix, glue, grout, shop drawings and method of Application shall be approved by the consultant.
- Ensure that delivered materials from approved manufactures and in original labeled packing.
- Mock up shall be arranged for wall and floor tiles at location designated by the consultant for the final approval.
- Approved mock up and sample shall be available at site and the materials delivered to site shall be checked with respect to the approved sample.
- Tiles of approved sizes shall be used for laying.
- Ensure the MEP clearance obtained
- Restrict the working area to prevent unauthorized entry.
- The areas of substrate to be tiled shall be brushed clean and the finished floor level shall be established by means of dots.
- All traces of grease, oil and loose particles etc. must be removed.
- In wet areas check that approved Water proofing is completed as per Manufacturer’s instruction and tested for leakage.
- Ensure that the laying of tiles shall be as per the direction and pattern agreed with the consultant.
- Setting out shall be done by the surveyor and approved by the consultant.
- Before laying tiles obtain approval of setting out by consultant. Provide symmetry about center lines of the space or areas and adjust to minimize tile cutting.
- Tiling should be started from the start point as fixed on the approved shop drawings.
- Lay out tile work so that tiles less than 1/2 full size do not occur and with minimum of cutting. Carefully grind edges of cut tile. Ensure cut tiles are in corners and are equal on each wall face.
Preparation of Floors: Cast-in-place concrete substrates shall be sufficiently smooth and level such that when thin-set mortar to accept tiles is applied, no voids under the tiles occur. Grind off high spots and fill-in low spots as necessary to ensure no voids occur.
Floor Water Proofing Application: All toilets & pantries to receive water proofing. Apply the liquid waterproofing at a rate of minimum 1.5 kg/m2on horizontal surface and extend at least 100mm high on vertical surfaces or as per the approved shop drawings and method statement details. Before installation of porcelain tiles, place a 1000 gauge polythene sheet protected by 10mm mortar layer and coordinate floor water proofing works with the porcelain tiles installer. Testing shall be before and after the installation of tiles.
Method Statement for Tiling at Floors
- Apply tile adhesive to the wall in the required thickness.
- Tiles shall be placed according to level shown in drawing and shall be placed firmly with the help of rubber mallet.
- Remove and reset for solid bearing tiles that give hollow sound when tapped with steel rod, after installation.
- Tiles shall be laid level or enough falls in wet areas as may be required.
- Particular care shall be taken in wet areas to prevent low spot and pooling of water.
- The tiles shall be neatly cut, grind rough on exposed edges around pipes & other obstructions.
- Make provision of floor drains as per approved shop drawings.
- Silicon rubber sealant shall be inserted between tiles and sanitary fittings.
- When the installation has hardened sufficiently (after 48 hours) a thick grout of cement mixed with a minimum amount of water/approved grout shall be prepared and brushed over the floor until all the joints are thoroughly filled.
- Surplus material shall be removed with a dry cloth.
Control Joints
Provide Control Joints 6mm minimum width in large tile areas at a maximum of 4.5m in each direction and at the perimeter walls. Do not saw-cut joints after installing tiles.
Movement joints shall be located as required and be carried through backing to the structural wall, partially fill with strip and finish flush with sealant to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The joint width shall be 2mm or as mentioned in the approved shop drawings. Joints to be true to the line, continuous and without steps.
The completed tile floor should be kept traffic avoided in the area for at least 24 hours. If traffic is unavoidable, board walkways shall be used for traffic to avoid damage to floors and to keep floor clean.
Apply 2 coats of sealer finish to flooring and stairs. Follow sealer finish manufacturer’s printed instructions for the application