Custom Building Products manufactures installation products that are suitable for the installation of Emser Tile’s 8" x 71" Reclaim planks. Follow ANSI method A108.5 and the following recommendations for a durable installation of Reclaim plank tile.
It is critical that the floor surface where the plank will be installed is flat. Variations in the subsurface should not exceed 1/8" in 10' with no more than 1/16" in 24". Follow TCNA guidelines for surface preparation to receive ceramic plank. If leveling is necessary, Custom’s LevelQuik Rapid Setting Self Leveling Underlayment is recommended to achieve the required flat floor surface.
Concrete surfaces should be cured for a minimum of 28 days and free of curing compounds or other coatings. Curing compounds and coatings must be abraded away.
If the area to be tiled requires waterproofing, the clean, cured concrete should receive two 30 mils thick applications of Custom’s RedGard® Waterproofing and Crack Prevention Membrane. All floors should be flood tested to assure adequate waterproofing before the installation of the plank. RedGard Waterproofing and Crack Prevention Membrane will also help protect the installation from cracks propagated into the tile assembly from the concrete below.
The back surface of the Reclaim plank must be thoroughly cleaned with clear water to remove dust before the plank is installed. Allow the back surface to dry completely before installation. Any residual dust on the back surface will inhibit the bond.
Once the surface has been properly prepared and dust removed from the back of the plank, it is ready for installation. Custom recommends the use MegaLite® Crack Prevention Mortar for the installation of the Reclaim plank. Follow package directions for application of the thin set mortar. The mortar should be spread on the floor surface with a 1/4" x 3/8" x1/4" square notched, 1/2" x 1/2" x 1/2" square notched, or Custom Large Premium Notch trowel. The troweled ridges should be combed in straight lines, perpendicular to the length of the plank. A thin layer of the same mortar should be spread on the back surface of the plank (back-buttered) and it should then be immediately placed in the wet mortar on the floor. Periodically remove a plank with assistance and check the mortar coverage. The plank should have a minimum of 80% coverage on the back in dry areas with 95% coverage in wet areas.
The planks should be laid with no more than a 1/3 offset to reduce lippage between tiles. The use of a mechanical leveling system will also help to minimize lippage and assure a flat floor. We recommend installing the plank with 3/16" spacing between the joints. Immediately remove any mortar that oozes into the grout joints.
The thin set mortar and plank assembly should be allowed to cure 24 hours before grouting. Custom recommends grouting with Fusion Pro® Single Component® Grout for a stain proof installation. Package instructions should be followed for installing grout. Depending upon jobsite conditions, the use of a grout release is recommended prior to grouting.
