CTIOA Inc.

 

Here is the current edition of our "Master Guide Specification for Tile".  It has been prepared in the CSI format and is offered for the use of architects, specification writers, and designers.

 

When questions arise as to recommended procedures call (310) 574-7800 or fax to (310) 821-4655.

 

SECTION 09300

 

TILE

 

NOTES TO SPECIFIER ARE HIGHLIGHTED IN BOLD TYPE:

 

Select the proper Section number for your tile work from CSI Document  "Master Format".  Tile work will typically be categorized in Section 09300. 

 

Section 09300 includes the following:

 

09310               Ceramic Tile

09320              Thin Brick Tile

09330              Quarry Tile

09340              Paver Tile

09350              Glass Mosaics

09360              Plastic Tile

09370              Metal Tile

09380              Cut Natural Stone Tile

 

Edit as required by deleting all items that do not pertain to your project.

 

List only those areas that are affected.

 

EXAMPLE:

 

Work included: Provide tile where called for on the Drawings, as specified herein, and as needed for a complete and proper installation, including, but not necessarily limited to:

1. Walkways

2. Terraces

3. Patios

4. Roof decks

5. Balconies

6. Floors

7. Stairs

8. Walls

9. Ceilings and soffits

         10.  Shower walls

11. Shower floors

12. Schock Roman tubs

13. Fountains

14. Countertops

15. Swimming and Therapy pools

16. Spas

17. Thresholds

18. Refrigerated rooms

19. Steam Rooms

20. Sound-rated walls

21. Sound-rated floors

22. Domes

23. Membranes

24. Expansion and Control Joints

 

B.         Related work:  Work that is to be done by others.

1. Documents affecting work of this Section include but are not necessarily limited to, General Conditions, Supplementary Conditions, and Sections in Division 1 of these Specifications.

 

1.2            QUALITY ASSURANCE

 

A.        LABOR           Use adequate numbers of skilled workers who are thoroughly trained and experienced in the necessary crafts and who are completely familiar with the specified  requirements and the methods needed for proper performance of the work of the Section.

 

B.         METHODS AND MATERIALS

 

Note:   If it is the practice of your office to list full names of documents to which you refer in the text, do so here.  This is common practice in governmental specifications but seldom used in specs for private work.

 

Caution: Never refer to a standard specification unless you know positively what that standard specification contains.

 

Delete reference to standards and specifications not required for your specific project.

 

The following publications of the issues listed below, but referred to thereafter by basic designation only, form a part of this Specification to the extent they are specified herein. 

 

1.         TILE COUNCIL OF AMERICA HANDBOOK DETAILS

Include appropriate handbook detail (s) and number (s)

 

 

 

 

 

2.            AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM):

Include appropriate ASTM number (s) designating material tests and minimum properties. ASTM designations for materials used in tilework can be found in ANSI A108, A118, A136.1 and A137.1 documents.

 

3.            AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE (ANSI):

 

Note:  ANSI standards A108 designations are for various methods of installing tile.  Select the standards that apply and delete the remainder.

 

It is recommended you clarify your method of installation by referring to the Tile Council of America Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation.

 

Choose the appropriate A108 for installation methodology

 

Note: ANSI Standards A118 designations A136, A137.1 are for various materials.  Select the standards which apply, and delete the remainder.

 

C.         PRE-TILING MEETING

1. Prior to commencing the work of this Section, schedule and attend a meeting

at the job site to discuss conformance with requirements of the Contract Documents.

 

D.        BLENDING

1. Require the tile manufacturer to blend tile at the factory.

2. Provide additional blending at the job site as needed to secure the Architect's approval.

 

1.3            SUBMITTALS

 

Note:  Verify Section Number.  Fill in time, and edit as needed.

 

A.        Comply with pertinent provisions of Section 01300.

B.         Product data:  Within ______ calendar days after the Contractor has received the Owner's Notice to Proceed, submit:

1. Materials list of items proposed to be provided under this Section;

2. Manufacturer's specifications and other data needed to prove compliance with the specified requirements for:

a. Membrane

b. Sealants

c. Ceramic tile

d. Grout

e. Expanded metal lath and wire reinforcing

f. Fasteners

g. Additives

h. Cementitious Backer Units

 

 

 

 

 

C.         Samples: Accompanying the submittal, provide Samples of:

1. Ceramic tile;

a. Sufficient Samples of each size, color, and texture to demonstrate the maximum range of sizes, colors, textures, and flatness (sample quantity verified by the manufacturer or its representative).

2. The mock-ups, when approved by the Architect, will be used as datum for comparison with the remainder of the work of this Section for the purposes of acceptance or rejection.

 

1.4            DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING

 

A.        Comply with pertinent provisions of Section 01610.

B.         Provide only tile cartons which have been grade-sealed by the manufacturer in accordance with ANSI A137.1, and with grade-seals unbroken.

 

1.5            PROJECT CONDITIONS

 

A.        Install mortar, set and grout the tile, only when temperature is at least 50 degrees F and rising but not exceeding 100 degrees F.  When temperature of substrate exceeds 90 degrees F, contact manufacturer for instructions.

B:         Protection:

1. Protect adjacent surfaces during progress of the work of this Section.

2. Close rooms and spaces to traffic of all types until mortar and grout have set for [the length of time recommended by manufacturer].

C.         Shade all tile, materials and the work area from direct sunlight during the installation as needed to prevent rapid evaporation caused by excessive heat.

D.        Observe the manufacturer's recommendations.

E.        Illuminate the work area during installation.

 

1.6            EXTRA MATERIALS

 

Upon completion of the work of this Section, deliver to the Owner additional tile and trim shapes of each type, color, pattern, and size used in the Work, for the Owner's use in replacement and maintenance, at the rate of 3% of the amount used in the Work, packaged securely to prevent damage, and clearly labeled.

 

1.7            MEMBRANE WARRANTY

 

A.        The material and workmanship of the waterproof membranes shall be warranted under a single document signed by the Contractor, Manufacturer and Applicator, jointly and severally, to be free from defects for five years from date of Substantial Completion.

 

 

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

 

2.1            CERAMIC TILE

 

A.        Provide floor tiles with a suitable surface to provide a safe and stable walkway.

 

 

 

 

Notes:               ANSI A137.1 divides ceramic tile into:

a. Unglazed ceramic mosaic

b. Unglazed quarry tile

c. Unglazed paver tile

d. Glazed wall tile

e. Glazed ceramic mosaic

f. Glazed quarry tile

g. Glazed paver tile

h. Decorative thin wall tile

I. Special purpose tile

 

Select the tile desired for each area conforming to the drawings and setting schedule.

 

B.         Standard trim shapes:

 

1. Provide all bases, caps, stops, returns, trimmers, and other shapes indicated or required to produce a completely finished installation.

2. Except as may be shown otherwise on the Drawings, provide color and finish matching the adjacent tile.

 

2.2            THRESHOLDS

 

Note:  Delete if no marble threshold needed, or edit as required.

 

Where indicated on the Drawings, Provide marble thresholds complying with "Class A" of the Marble Institute of America, in color selected by the Architect from standard colors of the approved manufacturer, shaped to provide a comfortable transition between tile and other floor finishes, with smooth matte surface finish and in the dimensions and thicknesses shown on the Drawings.

 

2.3            INSTALLATION MATERIALS

 

Note:  Moisture barriers are usually used for vertical surfaces such as shower walls, or where substrate needs protection from condensation (such as countertops, etc.)  Do not use cleavage membrane as waterproofing.

 

Membranes should be shown on the Drawings, carefully defining required locations and heights.

 

Select and specify by name materials that are compatible with the method of installation.  Use TCA Handbook as a guide.

 

A.        Cleavage membrane/moisture barrier:

 

1. As required for cleavage and to prevent penetration of small amounts of water, provide a system using 0.004" thick polyethylene sheeting complying with ASTM D2103, or 15 lb. asphalt-saturated felt complying with ASTM D226.

 

 

 

 

2. Anti-fracture load bearing bondable membranes are to be supplied when minor shrinkage cracks are to be bridged in light commercial and residential installations.

 

B.         Waterproofing membrane:

As required to prevent passage of large amounts of water.

 

C.         Cementitious Backer Units:  Provide cementitious backer units conforming to ANSI A118.9.

 

Note: Verify that design of the wall or partition will not permit deflection exceeding 1/360 of the span for point and uniform loading.  Locate wood or metal studs not farther apart than 16" on centers.

 

D.        Welded wire fabric reinforcement:

1. Provide 2" x 2" mesh of 16/16 gauge wire, or 3" x 3" mesh of 13/13 gauge wire, or 1-1/2" x 2" mesh of 16/13 gauge wire, complying with ASTM A185.

2. Provide mesh in flat sheets, or flatten before installing.

 

E.        Metal lath:

1. Provide flat expanded type, weighing not less than 2.5 lbs. per square yard.

2. For interiors, comply with ANSI A42.4, except steel need not be copper bearing and may be painted.

3. For exteriors, provide galvanized material and comply with ANSI A42.3.

 

F.         Expansion/control joint backing material:

Provide closed cell polyethylene foam weighing not less than 2.7 lbs. per cubic feet, and in dimension approximately 20% thicker than width of the expansion joint in which used.

 

G.        Expansion/control joint sealant:

Provide in colors selected by the architect, complying with requirements of section 07900.

 

Note:  Expansion joints should be shown in the drawings, carefully defining required locations and dimensions.

 

1. At joints between floors and walls, and at perimeter of metal door frames, provide one-part silicone material.

2. At joints in traffic areas, and at perimeter joints, provide two-part polyurethane material with Shore A hardness of 35 - 45.

 

H.        Edge strips:

Design as required for the condition of use.

 

I.          Material for mortar bed methods:

 

Note:  Delete when no portland cement setting beds are required.

 

 

 

1. Materials:

Refer to ANSI A108.1 A,B,C for materials and mixing ratios and instructions.

 

2.4 BONDING MORTARS

 

Note:  Select the type or types of bonding mortar required (see "TCA Handbook" for advice).

 

Choice of bonding mortars will have major effect on cost.  Delete all bonding mortars not to be used in your project.

 

            Refer to ANSI A118 for types of products and properties

 

Manufacturers names and products may be used.

 

2.5            GROUT

 

Note:  Select the type or types of grout required.

 

            Refer to ANSI A118 for types of products and properties

 

2.6            OTHER MATERIALS

 

A.        Sealer:

 

Note: Sealers are not needed except when tile materials are susceptible to staining.  If sealers are needed, list products.

 

Over all the finished work of this Section, provide a sealer, cleaner or water repellent coating and applied in strict accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

 

 

PART 3 - EXECUTION

 

3.1            SURFACE CONDITIONS

 

Note:  Use when design calls for portland cement setting bed (mud bed).

 

A.        Examine the areas and conditions under which work of the Section will be performed.  Correct conditions detrimental to timely and proper completion of the work.  Do not proceed until unsatisfactory conditions are corrected.

B.         Coordinate with other trades as needed to assure that proper substrata are provided to receive the work of this Section.

C.         Where a portland cement mortar setting bed will be installed, do not commence installation of the setting bed until substrata are within the following tolerances:

 

1. Horizontal surfaces:  Level within 1/4" in ten feet in all directions;

2. Vertical surfaces:  Plumb within 1/4" in eight feet in all directions.

 

 

 

 

Note:  Use when design calls for thin-set method.

 

D.        Where tile units will be thin-set directly to the substrata, do not commence installation of the tile units until substrata are within the following tolerances:

1. Horizontal surfaces:  Level within 1/4" in ten feet in all directions;

2. Vertical surfaces: Level within 1/4" in eight feet in all directions.

 

E.        Condition of surfaces to receive tile:

1. Verify that surfaces to receive mortar setting bed and tile are firm, dry, clean, and free from oily or waxy films and curing compounds.

2. Verify that grounds, anchors, plugs, recess frames, bucks, electrical work, mechanical work, and similar items in or behind the tile have been installed before proceeding with installation of mortar bed or tile.

3. If the concrete substrate has a hard steel trowel finish or if curing compounds are used, then the concrete must be heavily scarified.

 

3.2            SUBSTRATE AND SETTING BEDS

 

A.        General:

1. Comply with pertinent provisions of the referenced standards, except as otherwise directed by the Architect or specified herein.

2. Maintain minimum and maximum temperature limits and installation practices recommended by materials manufacturers.

 

B.         Provide cleavage membranes, waterproof membranes, and setting beds as called for on the Drawings or specified herein;

1. Install membranes in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations.

2. Where such items are not specifically called for on the Drawings, but are required for a complete and proper installation, notify the Architect and provide as directed.

3. Do not install tile floor over membrane until the membrane has been water-tested and accepted.

 

C.         Provide resilient underlayment for sound-rated floor, isolation barriers and other materials as called for on the Drawings or specified herein.

 

D.        Installing cementitious backer units on walls:

 

Note:  Use when design calls for cementitious backer units.  Do not use mechanical fasteners to secure the cementitious backer units to the substrate when specifying sound-rated systems.

 

1. Pre-cut the units to size and make necessary cutouts.

2. Fasten units at 6" oc where joints occur over a stud, using the manufacturer's approved fasteners and washers.  Use fastener combined with countersunk washer to secure two abutting units.

3. Where two units abut, leave a gap from 1/8" to 3/16" wide (or as recommended by the manufacturer), fill solid with mortar, and cover with the Fiberglass tape embedded in a skim coat of mortar.

 

 

E.        Installing cementitious backer units on floors:

1. Verify that the units and the subfloor are clean and dry.

2. Apply a leveling bed of dry-set portland cement bond coat to the subfloor.

3. Laminate the units to the subfloor, and fasten at 6" oc in both directions while leveling material is still fluid.

4. Stagger joints of units to miss joints in the subfloor.

5. Where two panels abut, leave a gap from 1/8" to 3/16" wide, fill solid with mortar.

 

3.3            INSTALLING TILE

 

A.        General:

1. Comply with pertinent provisions of the referenced standards.

2. Maintain minimum and maximum temperature limits and installation practices recommended by materials manufacturers.

 

Note:  If minimum and maximum temperatures are not available, use 50 - 100 degrees F.

 

3. Do not install tile floors over membrane until the membrane has been water-tested and accepted.

4. Mix and use proprietary materials in strict accordance with the manufacturers' printed instructions.

5. Prepare the surfaces, set, fit, grout, and clean the work of this Section in accordance with the referenced standards and the manufacturers' recommendations.

 

B.         Install in accordance with pertinent provisions of the Standards listed under "Quality Assurance" in Part One of the Section, pressing and beating tile into place to obtain specified coverage by mortar on the back of each tile.   Backbutter if necessary.

 

Note:  Removing one square foot of freshly set tile in every 25 square feet is recommended to insure proper coverage.

 

C.         Limits of tile:

1. Extend tile into recesses and under equipment and fixtures to form a complete covering without interruptions.

2. Terminate tile neatly at obstructions, edges, and corners, without disruption of pattern or joint alignment.

 

D.        Joining pattern:

1. Lay tile in grid pattern unless otherwise indicated on the drawings or directed by the Architect.

2. Align joints when adjoining tiles on floor, base, trim, and walls are the same size.

3. Layout tile work, and center the tile fields both directions in each space or on each wall area.

4. Adjust to minimize tile cutting.

5. Provide uniform joint widths.

6. Install tile on counters and splashes with a square, straight joint pattern with all joints in the counter, splashes and trim in-line.

 

E.        Allowable variations in finished work:  Do not exceed the following deviations from level and plumb, and from elevations, locations, slopes, and alignments shown:

1. Horizontal surfaces: 1/4" in ten feet in all directions;

2. Vertical surfaces: 1/4" in eight feet in all directions.

 

3.4             EXPANSION/CONTROL JOINTS

 

Note:   Show the joint locations on the Drawings.   Use the TCA Handbook as a guide  for  joint placement.

 

A.        Provide expansion/control joints where indicated on Drawings, and:

1. Interior: 24'-0" to 36'-0" in each direction;

2. Exterior: 12"-0" to 16'-0" in each direction;

3. Interior tile work exposed to direct sunlight or moisture: 12'-0" in each direction;

4. Where tile abuts restraining surfaces such as perimeter walls, dissimilar floors, curbs, columns, pipes, ceilings, and where changes occur in backing materials;

5. At perimeter walls in rooms and spaces larger than 12 feet on one side;

6. As continuation of expansion joints, control joints, cold joints, and seismic joints in the building structure which occur in tiled areas, making such joints in the tile work are not less in width than the joint which is being continued.

 

B.         Verify exact locations of joints with the ARCHITECT at the pre-tiling meeting described in Part 1 of this Section.

 

C.         Extend openings for joints completely through the tile, mortar, mortar bed, and reinforcing.

1. Make openings for joints the same width as the tile joints.

2. Keep joints open and free from mortar and grout until filled with sealant.

3. Apply  joint primer in all wet areas, and apply elsewhere as recommended by the sealant manufacturer.

4. Make joint edges free from dirt, oils, wax, and other contaminants.

 

D.        Seal between tile and penetration and restraining surfaces with sealant matching the color of grout/joint filler.

 

E.        Perform sealant installation in accordance with pertinent provisions of Section 07900 of these Specifications.

 

Note: Verify Section number being used.

 

3.5             THRESHOLDS

 

A.        Edge strips:

Install edge strips at openings where threshold has not been called for, but where tile floor abuts other flooring materials at same level.

 

B.         Marble thresholds:

Install marble thresholds where shown on the Drawings, using materials and methods specified for installing tile.

 

C.         Where thresholds are detailed to be installed over tile, install with a full bedding of bonding mortar.

 

3.6            GROUTING

 

A.        General:

1. Do not begin grouting floor or wall tiles until they are firmly set and, in no case, in less than 48 hours after they have been installed.

2. Remove spacers, ropes, glue, and similar foreign matter prior to grouting.

3. When using proprietary grout, adhere strictly to the manufacturer's directions unless otherwise specified or approved in advance by the Architect.

 

B.         Installation:

1. Mix grout by hand or with a slow-speed drill motor not exceeding 300 rpm, achieving a stiff non-slumping consistency, and using the minimum amount of liquid to achieve a workable mix.

2. Force the maximum amount of the approved grout into joints in accordance with pertinent recommendations contained in ANSI A108.10.

3. Fill in joints of cushion-edge tile to depth of the cushion; fill joints of square-edge tile flush with the surface.

4. Fill all gaps and skips.

a. Do not permit mortar or mounting mesh to show through grouted joints.

b. Provide hard finished grout which is smooth, and without voids, pinholes, or low spots.

c. Leave tile clean.

d. Apply grout joint sealer in accordance with manufacturers' instructions.

 

5. Grout all joints, and finish the joints before the grout hardens:

a. Floors or finished surfaces exposed to the weather or moisture: flush;

b. Walls: (finish concave) (finish flush).

 

3.7             REPLACEMENT

 

A.        Replace cracked, chipped, broken and otherwise defective tiles.