TILE INSTALLATION: NOTCHED TROWEL COMB TECHNIQUE

July 24, 2017
MABUHAY!

Another well known method of installing tile is the use of notched trowel comb technique. This method is very effective in eliminating voids- air trapped in the installed tiles. Installed tiles with void easily breaks or crack- specially when applied with pressure, because of it's inherent characteristic of being brittle. Our company sponsored a seminar and invited MARIWASA - probably the biggest tile manufacturer in the Philippines, to train our engineers. architect & masons with this technique.

TILE INSTALLATION: CONCRETE DRY PACK METHOD

June 14, 2016
MABUHAY!
I did a weekend construction project to install tiles in my garage. Tiles are commonly installed in 2 ways. The most common way is the THIN-SET INSTALLATION, wherein the tile setter mason applies a 6mm to 10mm tile adhesive using a notched trowel. This method is applicable for flooring with concrete topping and the finished level is already established. Another method is the DRY PACK INSTALLATION, which is applicable for the finished floor level with more than 25mm of mortar grout.

TILE INSTALLATION SHOP DRAWING

Careful study must be done to determine the final layout of the tiles. First to consider is the tile setting point (TSP) which is the first tile to be installed by the tile setter mason. The TSP will affect the rest of the tile layout especially if your tiles have floor pattern design. For this project, I added a raised floor level with a floor drain to place my washing machine. I also place the exact location of the hose bibb/faucet. This drawing will aid you in counting how many tiles you will purchase. Make sure to add 3 to 5% additional pieces to your quantity for breakage and attic stock. For the dry-mix mortar grout, the ratio is 1 bag of Portland Cement (40 kg) to 3 cubic feet of fine sand aggregates.

The tile installation shop drawing

MATERIALS

For this particular project, the materials to be used are:

• 300 X 300mm Ceramic floor tiles with two varied shades for the field and two different designs for the border.
• Fine sand aggregates-already screened
• Portland Cement- 40kgs/bag
• Tile Adhesive
• Tile Grout
• Clean water

Vibro sand and Portland cement

Tile adhesives

300 X 300 ceramic tile 

Tools to be used are:

• Angle grinder with 4" tile cutter disk
• 24 inches Level Bar
• Tape meter
• Nylon string guide
• Level hose
• Rubber mallet
• Tile spacer
• Notched Trowel

Tape measure and angle grinder

Check out this cool cordless angle grinder from DEWALT. It's a no-nonsense tool that helped me get my DIY project done.

METHODOLOGY

• Layout the floor to establish the reference dimension as per the tile installation layout drawing.

• Establish the perimeter finish floor level. This will determine the thickness of the mortar grout.

CLICK the LINK to READ the related article: Tile Installation: Notched Trowel Comb Technique

RYDER Tools Notched Plastering Cement Trowel with Teeth (280mm x 120mm) TR-12

• Prepare the dry-mix combination of cement and sand aggregates for mortar grout use. For the dry-mix mortar grout, the ratio is 1 bag of Portland Cement (40 kg) to 3 cubic feet of fine sand aggregates. When thoroughly mixed, add water slowly then mix again to attain the desired result. 

• Establish the tile setting point (TSP). The TSP is the first tile to be installed serving as the primary guide for the vertical and horizontal layer and the rest of the installation. Careful study must be done for the final location of the TSP. Wrong placement of the TSP will result in an off-centered layout meaning your edges will not be typical or most likely tapered or slanting edges.

• Dampen the floor surface with clean water. Pour cement grout. Place the dry mix mortar to install the TSP with tile adhesive using a notched trowel. Secure the horizontal and vertical layout of the TSP and the level by carefully hammering with a rubber mallet.

50Pcs Level Wedges Tile Spacers For Flooring Wall Tile Spacer Carrelage Tile Leveling System Leveler Locator Spacers Plier

CLICK the LINK to READ the related article: Construction of Duplex Resort Villa At Clark Freeport Zone

• Install the succeeding tile layers with 2mm spacing. Use a tile spacer to achieve consistency in spacing. If you have 2 tile setter masons, they can install the vertical and horizontal layers simultaneously. 

• Always check the level with the level bar layer after layer.

• Continue the tile installation until reaching the wall edge.

• Put in place first the embedded pipes when doing the raised flooring for the washing machine.

CLICK the LINK to READ the related article: Work Inter-Phase: Why Proper Coordination Very is Critical in Construction

• Complete the installation of tiles between the wall edges. Since this is a garage, a ramp is needed. 

• Clean the surface of the tiles from concrete splatter from time to time. When concrete dries on the tile surface, it will be very difficult to clean. If the concrete dries and is removed, it leaves a disgusting dark spot on the tile surface. Allow the concrete mortar grout to cure for 24 hours before applying the grout.

• Our weekend project would never be complete without my wife's serving a special dish for our lunch and spaghetti for our break-time snack.

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