Situation
A newly constructed private residence in Surrey, BC needed a full tile installation throughout the two-story home. For installing 5’ x 10’ super-format tiles, a high-performance and easy to use mortar was required.
Installer: Metroworks Tile & Stone – Coquitlam, BC (Canada)
Contractor: Clay Construction – Langley, BC (Canada)
Architect: Calvert Design Studio – Vancouver, BC (Canada)
Challenge
• Super-Format tile installation
• Two story installation – 4,500 sq. ft.
Solution
ARDEX was contacted by Metroworks Tile & Stone to review the list of installation products specified for the home. After visiting the jobsite, ARDEX could recommend a complete system solution that would not only provide the correct mortar, but allow for an easier installation of what is already difficult from installing such massive tiles.
Self-leveling was first needed to ensure the super-format tiles had a flat surface prior to installation, critical to the successful installation of such tiles. ARDEX K 10™ Reactivatable™, High-Flow, Self-Leveling Underlayment was used after priming with ARDEX P 51™ Primer on the profiled substrate. Reactivatable after just 10 to 20 minutes, ARDEX K 10 can maintain its healing properties for up to 25 minutes if jobsite conditions call for a reset of material.
For the installation of the 5’ x 10’ tiles ARDEX X 77™ MICROTEC® Fiber Reinforced Tile and Stone Mortar was used. Ideal for large format porcelain tile installations in the most demanding environments, ARDEX X 77 provides a true 60-minute open time and unmatched sag resistance, both double the ISO standard. When installers were setting the super-format tiles throughout the home, the super creamy and easy-to-trowel polymer-modified mortar provides up to 110-sq. ft. of coverage using a ¼” x ¼” sq. notch trowel, allowing workers to cover more area in less time.
Finishing off the installation was ARDEX WA™ High Performance, 100% Solids Epoxy Grout and Adhesive. A revolutionary solvent-free, two-component epoxy grout and adhesive, ARDEX WA can be used for grout joints up to ½”, is waterproof and frost resistant and cleans with only just water.
The new home was completed on schedule and all super-format tiles successfully installed!
