Technical Information
Installation
Architectural Glass Tiles are suitable for interior and exterior installation including wet locations (see project specifications below). These glass tiles can be used in residential and commercial applications. With regard to surface
hardness, glass is generally harder than marble but softer than granite. These glass tiles can be substituted for ceramic and natural stone products in most applications. Architectural Glass Tiles can withstand normal fluctuations
in temperature and humidity, and may be used in heated areas including pools, saunas and steam rooms. In addition, glass tiles are nonporous making them resistant to chemicals and atmospheric contaminants in exterior applications.
ANSI Compliance
With respect to ANSI standard A137.1-1988, glass tiles satisfy the requirements of ANSI Section 6.1 (glazed wall tile). The only exceptions to 6.1 are Subsection 6.1.1.2.6 (Architectural Glass Tiles do not have "spacers"
or "lugs"), and Subsection 6.1.1.3.3 (Architectural Glass Tiles have not been tested for thermal shock failure, but there have been no incidences of problems in this area.)
Architectural Glass, Inc. is not responsible for improper installation materials or practices. For complete installation instructions and project specification information, please refer to the following section.
Installation of Lumé Glass Tiles using Laticrete products
Project Specifications
This specification covers the installation of Architectural Glass, Inc. Lumé glass tiles in Interior & Exterior areas on walls including swimming pools, fountains, kitchen back splashes, showers and facades.
We do not recommend the installation of Architectural Glass Lumé tiles on the floors.
Note to Specifier
Architectural Glass, Inc. glass tiles and tile installation adhesives and grouting mortars do not constitute a waterproof barrier. Detail and specify Laticrete 9235 thin, load bearing waterproof membrane in all wet areas that are above occupied
spaces. Detail and specify Laticrete 9235 Anti-Fracture/Crack Suppression membrane over existing hairline cracks in subsurface. Laticrete latex thin set adhesive mortars may be used to install tiles over "green" or fresh concrete,
screed, plaster and render surfaces.
Materials
All tiles, where called for, shall be cast glass tiles, as supplied by Architectural Glass, Inc.
Material for setting shall be Laticrete 4237 Latex Thin Set Additive, mixed with Laticrete 211 Crete Filler Powder - White. Grout shall be Laticrete 1600 Series Tri-poly fortified Non sanded Grout. Color to be selected from
Laticrete Grout color chart. Anti-Fracture/Waterproof membrane shall be Laticrete 9235 waterproof membrane. All waterproofing, anti-fracture, tile installation and grouting materials shall be as supported by Laticrete International, Bethany, CT,
USA. Tel: 800-243-4788 or 203-393-0010, fax: 203-393-1684.
E-mail: support@laticrete.com, Internet: www.laticrete.com.
Preparation
Prior to commencing the installation, the contractor shall examine the areas to be covered and advise the General Contractor and Architect of any existing conditions or surface contamination which will require correction before the work commences.
Before starting, surface to be covered shall be cleaned to remove curing compounds, sealers, soil, mortar, etc. Curing compounds or sealers shall be removed by "bead blasting" grit/sand blasting or mechanical "scarifying."
After removal of the curing compounds or sealers, all rough, uneven or out of plumb surfaces shall be made "plumb and true" to within 1/8" in 10’ using a Laticrete 3701 / 226 leveling / topping mortar. Dry or dusty concrete
or masonry surfaces shall be wet down or washed and excess water removed, just prior to the application of the leveling mortar, render, screed or Glass tile adhesive.
Expansion and Control Joints
Existing joints in subsurface must be carried though tile work and shall conform to architectural details. Expansion joints shall be installed where tile abuts restraining surfaces, such as the perimeter walls, curbs, columns, corners, etc.
Expansion joints shall be installed at all "changes of plane" in the tile work.
Installation of Waterproof Membrane /
Anti-Fracture Membrane
Waterproof membrane is installed before tile is installed in all wet areas that are above occupied or enclosed areas. Anti-Fracture membrane is installed before tile is installed over all hairline cracks in surfaces to receive new tile work.
Mixing
Mix according to printed product instructions included with each product package. Mix only long enough to wet out the batch. Do not over-mix.
Installation of Tile by the Thin Bed Method
The Laticrete adhesive shall be prepared by mixing Laticrete 4237 Latex Admix with Laticrete 211 Crete Filler Powder, and shall be applied to the surface to be tiled with a notched trowel using a scraping motion to work the adhesive into good
contact with the surface to be covered. In addition the adhesive shall be troweled onto the backside of the Glass tiles with the flat side of the trowel immediately before placement of the tiles into the freshly troweled adhesive on the surface
to receive the tile work. Only as much adhesive shall be applied as can be covered within 10-15 minutes, while the adhesive surface is till wet and tacky.
Tile shall then be set in place and rapped or beaten gently with a grouting float to insure 100% full bedding and a true surface. Tile shall be aligned with 1/16" spacers to show uniform joints and then allowed to set until firm, approximately 20 to 40 minutes. Excess adhesive must be cleaned from the surface of the Tile with a wet cloth or sponge while the adhesive is fresh.
Grouting and Pointing Joints
Grouting of tile work can be accomplished once the installation mortar has become firm. Joints shall be grouted with Laticrete Grout, fortified with Laticrete 1776 Grout Admix Plus. Joints shall be packed full and free of all voids and pits.
Excess grout shall be cleaned from the surface as the work progresses, while grout is fresh and before it hardens. The day after installation grout film or haze shall be removed using a detergent solution. No acid should be used for cleaning the
Glass Tiles.
Protection
The contractor shall take precautions to protect the finished work from damage by other trades. Do not allow construction traffic on fresh grout joints. Allow the grout to cure for a minimum for 7 days before aggressive or steam cleaning.
Cold Weather Note
Low temperatures retard the curing of tile installation mortars, adhesives & grouts so finished work should be protected for an extended period.
Wet Area Note
Allow tile work in wet areas such as swimming pools, fountains & showers to cure for 14 days before exposing to immersion.
LATICRETE Technical services provides review of job specifications and plans, project detail planning and review, and provide answers to questions concerning the installation of ceramic tile, brick, marble, and stone. Call toll free USA 1 (203) 393-0010. Fax: USA 1 (203) 393-1684. E-mail: support@laticrete.com Internet: www.laticrete.com.
©1990 Laticrete International, Inc. The rights to copy, distribute, and utilize for commercial purposed is specifically granted to Stone and Tile Importers and Manufacturers, Architects, Engineers and Specification writers.845 733-4720
Architectural Glass, Inc. Copyright © 2008 All rights reserved.