Laying Instruction

ZIBON Tiles
Laying Instruction

TOOLS

AdhesiveCaulking GunGroutNotched TrowelPencilSpongeTile Spacers
Spirit LevelSqueegeeStraight BatternsTape MeasureTile CutterTile Pincers

PREPARATION

Pre Paration of Walls

Walls must be level, firm and rigid. Make sure the surface to be tiled is clean and free from dust, oil, grease, wallpaper and flaking paint etc. Plasterboard cement sheeting should be primed with Primer Grout Additive prior to tiling.

Water Proofing

A common misconception is that if an area is tiled then it is waterproof. The fact is that tiles and grout do not provide an effective waterproof barrier. An effective waterproof barrier is one that is seamless and does not allow water to penetrate the substrate. Tell our well trained staff exactly what your intended project is and we will provide the correct information and select the right product for you.

grouts and adhesives

We sell and recommend Construction Chemical grouts. The grouts come in 20 different colours, full instructions for mixing and applying grouts are on the packs. The adhesives are available in DIY volumes up to trade packs depending on the size of the project. Tile Warehouse staff will be happy to assist in recommending the right adhesive for your installation.

Choose the right Product

There are multi-purpose products that cover most situations but not all! When choosing a product you will need to take into consideration various factors including substrate type and service conditions. i.e. internal, external, type of tile etc. This will determine not just the adhesive you choose but also the primer, water-proofing membrane and grout. Ask our friendly staff at Tile Warehouse and we will be able to provide the correct information for your particular project.

Wet areas

Shower enclosures and areas of high levels of moisture should always be sealed and waterproofed. Ask our friendly staff for the Construction Chemical waterproofing membrane best suited for your project.

Before You Start

Renovate, innovate, elevate level Base

It is most important to select a level base for tiling. If tiling is to commence at floor level then nail or screw a battern horizontally, with its straight edge uppermost, one tile width above the lowest point of the wall. Use a spirit level to make sure the battern is level.

True Vertical

At the centre of the wall to be tiled establish a true vertical line with the aid of a plumb line or spirit level and mark this point on the wall. Place a row of tiles against the horizontal battern allowing for the grout line between tiles and make adjustments so that equal cuts in the tiling are made in the corners. The vertical line is then readjusted to the centre. Half cuts and bigger - the set out is correct. Less than half cuts - the set out needs adjustment. Determine where you are going to put the soap dish or any other special accessory tiles or towel rails and mark their location before you spread the adhesive and position them to minimise or even eliminate the need to cut any tiles that will go around it.

FINISHING

grouting

Wait until the adhesive has set (usually the next day) before grouting. Mix the grout into a thick paste consistency as per instructions on the packet. Let stand for 10 minutes then remix. DO NOT ADD EXTRA WATER. Work the mixture thoroughly into all joints with a rubber squeegee in diagonal motions rather than vertical or horizontal. Wash off excessive grout with a minimum amount of water and a soft sponge. The small amount of grout residue left on the tiles should be left until the grout joint has dried, then wipe off with a dry rag. This will also polish the tile to give a glowing finish. After grouting has been completed and the grout joints have cured (about 48 hours), Grout Haze remover can be used to wash any remaining residue off the tiles. Once dry, grout lines can be sealed using Grout Sealer. DO NOT USE ACIDS TO CLEAN TILES OR GROUT LINES.

flexiBle Joints

It is advisable to use silicone where tiles butt against other materials i.e. toilets, basins, floor or wall junctions and corners. This is because there will always be movement or vibration at these points and the flexible joint will tolerate this. There are colours to match the grout for these instances.

FIXING WALL TILES

Find the lowest point on the floor line. Make a mark one tile height from the floor.

Nail a battern with a true edge on the mark. Check with spirit level to determine horizontal.

Set out a row of tiles across the wall and adjust so that equal cuts can be made in the corners. Mark the battern where the first tile is to go.

Use the straight edge of a notched trowel to spread adhesive on wall.

In a horizontal direction, notch the adhesive with the appropriate notched trowel.

Start tiling at the mark on battern, placing tiles horizontally. Remove tile spacers before grouting.

Check tiling regularly with a spirit level to keep work straight. Ensure that good contact with the adhesive is made.

After adhesive has set, remove battern and fill in bottom row.