Beyond offering products of the highest quality, Weco is committed to developing installation systems that guarantee the aesthetics and performance of each project over time. Our Technical Experts provide technical sheets on our products and written specifications on tiles and stones Installation Systems, to meet the specific requirements of the Architect and Construction Professional. Contact Weco Technical Services for a custom specification and personal support for your next project: Tel. (787) 434-6451 / e-mail: support@wecopr.com.
INSTALLATION SYSTEMS & SPECIFICATIONS
WECO
Mosaic and tile installation in areas that will be submerged or exposed to high humidity conditions, such as in swimming pools, fountains, Jacuzzis, spas and other similar applications, is critical. A proper system of installation begins with the application of a waterproofing membrane directly to the concrete surface. The tile mortar must have a high concentration of polymers and additives for wet or submerged installations. Epoxy grouts are 100% waterproof, offer the best protection against chemical, efflorescence and mildew attacks, and come in a variety of architectural colors, which is why they are the right solution for this critical application.
The bathtub is part of the past, and shower floors constructed with eye-catching mosaics are the order of the day. A proper system of installation begins with a fortified mortar bed to provide adequate drainage of water, followed by the application of a waterproofing membrane. A tile mortar with a high concentration of polymers and additives for wet or submerged installations is mandatory. The final touch comes from a trendy-color epoxy grout that is 100% waterproof and offers the best protection against chemical, stain and mildew attacks.
An open terrace is a great space to share memorable times with family and friends. Frequently, water leaks or humidity presents on the living space immediately below. Another common problem is that of tiles that pop out from the floor. A proper system of installation begins with a fortified mortar bed to provide adequate level to drain the water. A waterproofing and crack isolation membrane is mandatory, so that water does not leak and movement is compensated when concrete expands and contracts due to temperature changes. Finally, the tile mortar must have a high content of polymers and additives to provide high flexibility and deformability. A next generation non-shrink, color-consistent impervious cement grout, with enhanced resistance to efflorescence and mildew, provides the final touch.
According to the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), any tile or stone format that is 15 inches or larger on either side or weights more than 8 pounds is a large format. Large format slabs require a specialized tile mortar with polymers and additives that support the weight of the slab, minimizing sag and slump.
The use of self-leveling underlayments and leveling systems is highly encouraged, to minimize lippage in this critical installation.
Detached or broken tiles are oftenly observed in tile and stone installations on exterior facades. The abrupt temperature changes caused by periods of intense sunlight followed by sporadic rains result in temperature variations of up to 15°F, causing concrete to expand and contract and tile bond to fail. It is recommended to apply a crack-isolation waterproofing membrane to compensate for these movements and to prevent the passage of salts present in the concrete, which can lead to efflorescence issues on the surface. This application also requires the use of high-flexibility and deformability tile mortars and grouts.
High-rise buildings and other vertical constructions are subject to constant movement and vibrations that can compromise the bond of tiles, leading to them popping up. It is extremely important to use a flexible crack isolation membrane to compensate for movement between the concrete surface and tile adhesive. The tile mortar specified for this application must be highly deformable and flexible to compensate for shear and tensile stresses on the tile adhesive. Finally, a high-performance non-shrink flexible grout is also strongly recommended.
