Designing with Tile

DESIGNING
WITH TILE
presented by
International Masonry Institute

II. System components:
OUTLINE I. References
 Substrates
 Membranes
III. Movement control
V. New materials & technologies
IV. Coefficient of friction
VI. Installer qualifications
 Setting materials
 Tile
 Grout
- LFT considerations
- Preparation
- Setting methods
- Mortar coverage
VII. Sustainability benefits

REFERENCES
ANSI A108/118/136
American National Standard
Specification for the
Installation of Ceramic Tile
ANSI A137.1-2008
American National Standard
Specifications for Ceramic Tile
2013 TCNA Handbook for
Ceramic, Glass, and Stone
Tile Installation

SYSTEM COMPONENTS
 Membranes
 Setting materials
 Tile
 Grout
 Substrates
- Walls
- Floors
2
3
4
1
5

SYSTEM COMPONENTS: TILE
1. Types of tile
 Categories
 Absorption
 Size
2. Design and construction implications
of large format tile (LFT)
 Warpage
 Lippage
 Bonding pattern
 Grout joint width
 Substrate preparation

TYPES OF TILE
 Porcelain tile
 Mosaic tile
 Pressed floor tile
 Quarry tile
 Glazed wall tile
ANSI A137.1 American National Standard Specifications for
Ceramic Tile includes performance and aesthetic criteria for the
five major types of ceramic tiles:
 Glass tile
 Natural stone tile
The TCNA Handbook includes selections
guides and installation methods for all of
the above, and also includes:

TYPES OF TILE, ABSORPTION
 Impervious
 Vitreous
 Semi-Vitreous
 Non-vitreous
≤0.5%
0.5% to 3.0%
3.0% to 7.0%
> 7.0%
Porcelain
Pressed floor tile
Quarry tile
Glazed wall tile
ANSI A137.1

Have been sorted to meet manufacturer’s stated caliber
(size) range; vary less in facial dimensions than most
natural tiles, but can experience wide size variance.
Not sized or sorted mechanically;
can very greatly in size.
TYPES OF TILE, SIZING CATEGORIES
Porcelain tile
 Calibrated
 Rectified
Pressed tile
 Calibrated
 Rectified
 Natural
All edges are mechanically finished to achieve a more
precise facial dimension; provide the least amount of
facial dimension and squareness variance.

TYPES OF TILE, FACIAL SIZE
 Standard
 Mosaic
Facial area < 9 sq. in.
Any side > 15 in.
 Large format
ANSI A137.1

LARGE FORMAT TILE
 Any side ≥ 15”

12”x24”24”x24”18”x36”24”x48”
18”x18”16”x16”12”x12”6”x8”8”x8”4”x8”6”x6”
TYPES OF TILE, FACIAL SIZE
ANSI A137.1

LARGE FORMAT TILE, ISSUES
Warpage
Lippage
Bonding pattern Substrate tolerance
Coverage
Grout joint
width

GROUT JOINT WIDTH
Grout joint width is a function of:
 ANSI-established minimums
 Tile’s facial dimension tolerance
(range of tile sizes)
 Tile’s edge warpage

 12” x 12” porcelain tile, rectified
 What is the minimum grout joint width?
12” ?
GROUT JOINT WIDTH

4.3.8 Grout joint size: To accommodate the range in
facial dimensions of the tile supplied for a specific project,
the actual grout joint size may, of necessity, vary from the
grout joint size specified. The actual grout joint size shall
be at least three times the actual variation of facial
dimensions of the tile supplied. In no circumstance shall
the grout joint be less than 1/16 in.
ANSI A108.02.4.3.8
GROUT JOINT WIDTH PER ANSI MINIMUM

ANSI A108.02.4.3.8
4.3.8 Grout joint size: To accommodate the range in
facial dimensions of the tile supplied for a specific project,
the actual grout joint size may, of necessity, vary from the
grout joint size specified. The actual grout joint size shall
be at least three times the actual variation of facial
dimensions of the tile supplied. In no circumstance shall
the grout joint be less than 1/16 in.
GROUT JOINT WIDTH PER TILE’S FACIAL DIMENSIONS

ANSI A108.02.4.3.7
GROUT JOINT WIDTH PER ANSI MINIMUM
Minimum widths per ANSI A108.02

GROUT JOINT WIDTH PER TILE’S FACIAL DIMENSIONS
12” x 12” (nom.) Porcelain tile, rectified
 Dimension can vary ± .25% or .03 in.
 Allowable variation = 12 in. x .0025 = .03 in = approx. 1/32 in.
 Min. grout joint width = 3 x .03 = approx. 3/32 in.

GROUT JOINT WIDTH, LFT IN RUNNING BOND
ANSI A108.02.4.3.8.1
“For running bond/brick joint patterns utilizing tiles
(square or rectangular) with any side greater than
15 in., the grout joint shall be, on average, a
minimum of 1/8 in. wide for rectified tiles and, on
average, a minimum of 3/16 in. wide for calibrated
(non-rectified) tiles. The grout joint width shall be
increased over the minimum requirement by the
amount of edge warpage on the longest edge of
the actual tiles being installed.”

12” x 24” (nom.) Porcelain tile, rectified
 Grout joint width = 1/8 in. min., per ANSI A108.02.4.3.8.1
 Longest edge warpage = 24 in. x .040 = .096 in. = approx. 3/32 in.
 Min. grout joint width = 1/8 in. + 3/32 in. = approx. 7/32 in.
GROUT JOINT WIDTH, LFT IN RUNNING BOND
 Conclusion: Don’t use large format tile in running bond!

BONDING PATTERNS LARGE FORMAT TILE
No offset
50% offset
33% offset

BONDING PATTERN
50% offset
(running bond)

BONDING PATTERN
12” x 24” tile w/ 33% offset

LIPPAGE
 Lippage: Condition where one edge of the tile is
higher than the adjacent tile, giving the surface
an uneven appearance.
 1/32” – 1/16” lippage is considered acceptable,
depending on grout joint width.

LIPPAGE
Mechanical edge leveling system

LIGHTING
Overhead lighting next to the
wall creates harsh shadows,
emphasizes lippage
Lights moved just one ceiling
panel (24”) from wall
Locate light fixtures at least 24” away from the wall.

LIGHTING
Wall wash lighting accentuates lippage, which may
be in the acceptable range

LIGHTING, DURING CONSTRUCTION
 It that’s impossible, insist that permanent lighting
type be placed in the permanent lighting location
prior to installing tile.
 It’s best if permanent lighting is in place prior to tile
installation.

2.4 Backing surfaces
Ceramic tile can be installed over horizontal and vertical
building surfaces… Tile can be installed directly over
sound, clean, and dimensionally stable surfaces with one
of the thin-set methods, or with a mortar bed method.
SUBSTRATES
ANSI A108.1 General Requirements: Subsurfaces
and Preparations by Other Trades
2.0 General requirements for subsurfaces

SUBSTRATES
 Almost any rigid surface
- Deflection criteria
 Common substrates:
- Concrete
- Concrete masonry
- Cement board
- Plywood
- Wallboard
is important

SUBSTRATES, BACKER BOARDS
“Cementitious backer units are fiber glass mesh-reinforced
concrete construction units usually 7/16 in. minimum
thickness.” - ANSI A108 Introduction, 2.13
“A nailable/screwable backerboard or underlayment panel
which is composed of stable portland cement, aggregates,
and reinforcements that have a significant ability to remain
unaffected by prolonged exposure to moisture.”
- ANSI A118.9.2.1

Wonderboard (Custom)
Hardibacker (Hardi)DensShield (GP)
Durock (USG)

 Center backer board
edges on framing
 Stagger joints so 4
corners do not meet
 Space between
panel ends & edges
per manufacturer
Wall and Floor Methods
in TCNA Handbook
 Long dimension
of CBU against
framing
 20 ga. steel studs, min.,
@ 16 o.c. spacing, max.
ANSI A108.11.5.1

“CAUTION – Neither gypsum board, including water-
resistant gypsum backing board, nor gypsum plaster
shall be used in wet areas.”
ANSI A108.01.2.5.3.3

2.1 General
The quality and cost of ceramic tile installations are
influenced by the stability, permanence, and precision of
installation of the backing or base material.
ANSI A108.1 General Requirements: Subsurfaces
and Preparations by Other Trades
2.0 General requirements for subsurfaces
SUBSURFACE CONSIDERATIONS

SUBSURFACE CONSIDERATIONS, FLATNESS
 Proper coverage
The flatter the substrate, the easier it will be
to achieve:
 Minimal lippage
Acceptable flatness Unacceptable flatness
 Better bond

SUBSURFACE CONSIDERATIONS, FLATNESS
“For tiles with all edges shorter than 15 in.,
the maximum allowable variation is no more
than 1/4 in. in 10 ft. and no more than 1/16
in. in 1 ft. from the required plane.”
“For tiles with at least one edge 15
in. or longer, the maximum allowable
variation is no more than 1/8 in. in 10
ft. and no more than 1/16 in. in 2 ft.
from the required plane.”
Standard size tile
Large format tile (LFT)
ANSI A108.02.4.1.4.3.4
Requirements for sub-floor surfaces and vertical surfaces to receive
tile using one of the thin-set methods:

SUBSURFACE FLATNESS
Self-leveling underlayment
(SLU)
Trowel applied patch
(flash patch)

© 2013 CTEF, NTCA, IMI, IUBAC, TCAA
TESTING MODULE
DRAWING 06.131.2101 REV. 1/21/13
FLOOR SUBSTRATE PREP/LARGE FORMAT TILE
1 2
3 4
FLOOR FRAMING DIAGRAM OSB DECKING
MEMBRANE MODULE PREPPED FOR TESTING
4’ x 8’ FLOOR FRAME
CONSTRUCTED W/
DIMENSIONALLY STABLE
LUMBER OR MICROLAM.
SHIM PERIMETER JOISTS IF
NECESSARY, SO FRAME LIES
FLAT ON SUBLFOOR
SLOPE FRAMING 3/4”
1/2” OSB SECURELY FASTENED
TO DECKING TO SIMULATE OUT-
OF-LEVEL CONCRETE
CLEAVAGE MEMBRANE OVER
OSB FOR PROTECTION AND
DISASSEMBLY
WOOD FRAMED WALLS
W/ OSB SHEATHING
1/4” CEMENT BOARD
NAILED TO OSB W/ 7/8”
ROOFING NAILS; AVOID
NAILING INTO FRAMING
FOR EASY REMOVAL

© 2013 CTEF, NTCA, IMI, IUBAC, TCAA
5 6FLOOR PATCH LARGE FORMAT TILE
TESTING MODULE
DRAWING 06.131.2102 REV. 1/21/13
FLOOR SUBSTRATE PREP/LARGE FORMAT TILE
TROWEL-APPLIED SAND &
CEMENT PATCH TO CORRECT
FLOOR FLATNESS
12” x 24” PORCELAIN TILE
LAID IN 1/3 RUNNING BOND
IN THINSET MORTAR

Division 3 (FF method)
vs. Division 9 (10 ft.
straightedge method)
SUBSURFACE FLATNESS, DIVISION 3 vs. DIVISION 9

Division 3, Concrete
 Concrete floors must comply with a floor flatness (FF)
tolerance based on the ASTM E1155 Standard Test
Method to Determine Floor Flatness and Floor
Levelness Numbers
- FF of 20 is conventional
- FF of 35 is flat
- FF of 60 is superflat
- per ACI 117-06, is suitable for
thin-bed tile installations
- however, FF of 35 will often have areas that
do not meet the required flatness for tile

Limitations of ASTM E1155 (FF method)
 Measurement taken within 72 hours of concrete placement
- Before concrete curling and shrinkage
 No measurement taken at
construction, isolation, or
control joints.
 No measurement taken at
column blockouts.
 No measurement taken
within 2 feet of perimeter
of slab.

CONCRETE IS FLAT
WHEN CAST IN PLACE
CONCRETE IS FLAT
WHEN CAST IN PLACE
BUT CURLS AND
SHRINKS AS IT SETS
 Most curling is caused by shrinkage
as the concrete dries
 As the slab top shrinks, the bottom
doesn’t, and the slab curls
 Possible remedy: place more
reinforcement at the top of the slab

Straightedge Method
Tile contractor checks individual areas with a 10-ft
straightedge
 1/4 in. in 10 ft. for standard tile
 1/8 in. in 10 ft. for LFT
 Often, floors that meet FF of 35 will have
areas that do not meet these criteria.

Unless subfloor prep is required by the spec, or a
bid allowance is included, tile contractor assumes
a suitably flat floor will be provided.
SUBSURFACE FLATNESS
TCNA Handbook
“Project specifications shall include a specific and
separate requirement to bring the subsurface into
compliance if a thin-bed method is specified but
subfloor does not meet the flatness requirements.”

Industry standards for tile finish flatness
and lippage do not apply if the substrate
does not meet required flatness tolerances
for tile, unless tile contractor is authorized
to correct substrate flatness issues.
2013 TCNA Handbook
SUBSURFACE FLATNESS
Tile contractor will document
flatness issues and retain
communications.

“As tile size increases, the
effect of substrate
irregularities is compounded.
When specifying tile with any
edge longer than 15”,
consider specifying a
recessed substrate and a
mortar bed (thick-set)
installation method to
minimize lippage that results
when a thin-bed method is
specified but subfloor flatness
requirements are not met.”
SUBSURFACE FLATNESS
TCNA Handbook

“…Mortars are designed
as direct bond
adhesives and are not
intended to be used in
truing or leveling
underlying substrates or
the work of others.”
SUBSURFACE FLATNESS
ANSI A118.4.2.1

SUBSURFACE PREPARATION, CURING COMPOUDS
 “Properly cure concrete slabs without using
liquid curing compound or other coatings.”
ANSI A108.3.2.1.1

DEFLECTION
“Floor systems, including the
framing system and subfloor
panels, over which tile will be
installed shall be in conformance
with the IRC for residential
applications, the IBC for
commercial applications, or
applicable building codes.”
ANSI A108.01.2.3
For stone tile, refer to MIA; may
be as rigid as L/720.

DRY-SET MORTAR
TILE OVER CBU ON WOOD SUBFLOOR
DETAIL 09.03 REV. 04/16/07
© 2007 INTERNATIONAL MASONRY INSTITUTE
1-800-IMI-0988 www.imiweb.org
masonry
detailing
series
(TCNA F144)
BACKER UNIT (CBU)
CEMENTITIOUS
NAILED @ 6” O.C.
W/ TAPED JOINTS,
1/8” GAP BETWEEN
PLYWOOD SUBFLOOR;
PLYWOOD SHEETS
PORTLAND CEMENT
DRY-SET OR LATEX-
MORTAR BOND COAT
CERAMIC TILE

1/2”
.044”
16” o.c.
spacing
15’-0”
span
Maximum (?) Floor Deflection = L/360

MEMBRANES
“… function as barriers to positive liquid water migration.”
ANSI A108 Introduction, 2.14, 2.15, 2.16
 Waterproof membranes (ANSI A118.10)
 Crack isolation membranes (ANSI A118.12)
“… isolate tile or stone from minor in-plane substrate
cracking.”
 Sound reduction membranes (ANSI A118.13)
“… lower the transmission of sound from one room to the
room below.”
Each of these membranes may be bonded to a variety of
manufacturer-approved substrates, and may be trowel, liquid,
or sheet applied.

 Prevent water from penetrating into the substrate
or other flooring components below the
membrane.
WATERPROOF MEMBRANES
ANSI A118.10, Load-bearing, Bonded, Waterproof Membranes
for Thin-set Ceramic Tile and Dimension Stone Installations
 Contain and direct water to proper drainage
 Protect setting bed, reinforcing wire (if used),
concrete base, concrete reinforcing

 Generally have polyester or fiberglass netting (a.k.a.
“bonding fleece”) bonded to both sides of sheet which
allow the membrane to be bonded to the substrate, and
tile to be bonded to the membrane
WATERPROOF MEMBRANES, SHEET APPLIED
 Typically made from chlorinated polyethylene, PVC, or
other plastic materials
 Product standard:
ANSI A118.10
 Installation method:
ANSI A108.13
 Some sheet applied
membranes provide
both waterproofing and
crack isolation functions

 Advantages
- No cure time before water test
WATERPROOF MEMBRANES, SHEET APPLIED
 Disadvantages
- Used primarily for flat surfaces
- Generally require factory formed
corners to avoid excessive
thickness when folding
- Bonding seams between
sheets can be challenging
- Consistency of quality
and thickness

 Some liquid applied
membranes incorporate
polyester or fiberglass
fabric into the liquid
applications for added
strength and to help
establish proper
thickness
WATERPROOF MEMBRANES, LIQUID APPLIED
 Typically made from asphaltic compounds, single- or dual-
component polyurethanes; water- or resin-based two-part
epoxies; single-component latex-based materials
 Some liquid applied
membranes provide both
waterproofing and crack
isolation functions

 Advantages
- Can be applied to flat or irregular surfaces
- Can provide seamless installation
WATERPROOF MEMBRANES, LIQUID APPLIED
 Disadvantages
- May be challenging to control the thickness
- May be challenging to mix two or three components
Without entraining air that can result in pinholes in
the application
- Generally require several coats
with required drying time in between

CRACK ISOLATON MEMBRANES
 Provide a flexible barrier between tile and substrate that
will prevent minor lateral movement or in-plane substrate
cracks (up to 1/8”) from transmitting up through the tile
finish.
 Product standard: ANSI A118.12
 Installation method: ANSI A108.17
 Can be applied to existing cracks in the substrate
- Crack chasing
- Partial treatment
 Can be applied “full bed” to entire area to receive tile
- Treats existing minor in-plane cracks in the substrate
- May prevent future cracks in substrate from telegraphing

© 2013 CTEF, NTCA, IMI, IUBAC, TCAA, TCNA
1 ASSESS EXISTING CONDITIONS
Instructions to Installer
• Plan installation of two membranes
incorporating clamping ring drain
and pipe penetration.
TESTING MODULE
SHEET 06.131.2412 REV. 7/15/13
MEMBRANES
Page 3

TESTING MODULE
SHEET 06.131.2112 REV. 7/15/13
MEMBRANES
• Apply blue painter’s tape in center of floor and wall dividing two
areas.
• Pre-treat drains, penetrations, and corners.
• Apply membrane & fabric w/ connections to drain pipe
penetration and up walls 3” for sanitary base (no base to be
installed).
• Follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
2 LIQUID APPLIED MEMBRANE (COAT 1)
Page 4
• Apply sheet membrane on right side of module.
• Provide appropriate connections to drain, pipe penetration, and
inside & outside corners.
• Extend membrane up walls 3” for sanitary base (no base to be
installed) and protect accordingly.
• Provide seam at midpoint between drain and pipe penetration.
• Follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
3 SHEET MEMBRANE
PROVIDE
SEAM
• Apply second coat of liquid membrane after manufacturer’s
recommended dry time of first coat.
4 LIQUID APPLIED MEMBRANE (COAT 2)

INSTALLATION METHODS
ANSI A108 – Installation Standards
A108.1A Installation of Ceramic Tile in the Wet-Set Method,
with Portland Cement Mortar
A108.1B Installation of Ceramic Tile on a Cured Portland
Cement Mortar Setting Bed with Dry-Set or Latex-
Portland Cement Mortar
A108.1C Contractor’s Option: Installation of Ceramic Tile in
the Wet-Set Method with Portland Cement Mortar
or Installation of Ceramic Tile on a Cured Portland
Cement Mortar Setting Bed with Dry-Set or Latex-
Portland Cement Mortar
A108.4 Installation of Ceramic Tile with Organic Adhesives
or Water Cleanable Tile-Setting Epoxy Adhesive
A108.5 Installation of Ceramic Tile with Dry-Set Portland
Cement Mortar or Latex-Portland Cement Mortar
MORTARBEDTHIN-SET

INSTALLATION METHODS
 Generally 1¼” to 2½” thick
Mortar Bed (Mud Bed)
 Can compensate for
irregular substrate
 Limits deflection
Thin-Set
 Thinner installation
 Prep time reduced
3/32” - 1/4” after embedment
Medium bed mortar may be
3/16” – 3/4” after embedment

INSTALLATION METHODS, MORTAR BED (MUD)

FLOOR TILE
DETAIL 06.130.0201 REV. 08/25/09
CEMENT MORTAR BED ON CONCRETE
DRY-SET OR LATEX-
PORTLAND CEMENT
MORTAR BOND COAT
WATERPROOF /
ANTIFRACTURE
MEMBRANE AS REQ’D
CONCRETE SUBFLOOR
CERAMIC TILE
MORTAR BED, 1¼” MIN.
TO 2” MAX, W/ WIRE
REINFORCEMENT

INSTALLATION METHODS, THIN-SET

FLOOR TILE
DETAIL 06.130.0202 REV. 08/25/09
THINSET ON CONCRETE OR CURED MORTAR BED
LATEX-PORTLAND CEMENT
MORTAR BOND COAT
WATERPROOF /
ANTIFRACTURE
MEMBRANE AS REQ’D
CONCRETE OR CURED
MORTAR BED
CERAMIC TILE

1 ASSESS EXISTING CONDITIONS
TESTING MODULE
SHEET 06.131.2312 REV. 7/15/13
MUD WORK – FLOOR MODULE
2 FLOAT FLOOR
8’-0”
8’-0”
Starting point to determine
proper depth of mortar bed
Page 3
ALL WORK
TO BE
COMPLETED
FROM THIS
WORK AREA
• Establish level perimeter & spots around U-shape.
• Install wire mesh reinforcement.
• Float floor per TCNA Method F111 (Unbonded Mortar Bed).
• Thickness per spec.
• All work to be completed from designated work area only (No
work to be done from perimeter of 8’ x 8’ box).
• Provided 8-ft. square frame.

TESTING MODULE
SHEET 06.131.2313 REV. 7/15/13
MUD WORK – WALL MODULE
ASSESS EXISTING CONDITIONS
1 2 FLOAT WALLS
Page 4
• Provided wood frame w/ gyp. bd. & cleavage
membrane pre-installed.
• Float walls per TCNA Handbook Method W222 –
Mortar Bed (One Coat Method).
• Thickness per spec.
• Tops of knee walls to be level and flat in both
directions.

Porcelain tile
Dense body resulting
from fused feldspar
sand
Glazed ceramic tile
Impervious glaze over
clay body of varying
characteristics
SETTING MATERIALS, COMPATIBILITY W/ TILE

Glazed ceramic tile -
open pores
Porcelain tile -
closed pores
Microscopic view of tile’s surface
SETTING MATERIALS, COMPATIBILITY W/ TILE

SETTING MATERIALS, A118.4 vs. A118.15
 2013 ANSI adds new spec for improved
modified dry-set cement mortar (A118.15)
 Increases clarity of mortar performance
 Levels the playing field in low-bid contract
award

SETTING MATERIALS
 A118.4 vs. A118.15

SHEAR BOND TEST
ANSI A118.4.7.2.3; ANSI A118.15.7.2.3

Medium bed mortar
SETTING MATERIALS, MEDIUM BED MORTAR
 Minimize slump, facilitate
thicker bond coats
 Useful for setting heavy
tiles, ungauged ties, and
large format tiles
 3/16” to 3/4” bond coat after
tile is embedded
 Not intended for truing or leveling
 A product, not an installation
method

SETTING MATERIALS, ORGANIC ADHESIVES
ANSI A108 Introduction
2.2.1 CAUTION – Although organic adhesives provide a
good bond for floor tile to substrates, they may provide
insufficient support under nonresidential loads, resulting
in the cracking of tile.
2.0 Notes for tile material, accessories, and definitions

COVERAGE
 95% coverage req’d
for interior wet areas
and exteriors
 80% coverage req’d
for interior dry areas
 Key in mortar using
flat side of trowel
 Trowel in one
direction to distribute
mortar evenly and
avoid trapping air
ANSI A108.5.3.3

COVERAGE
Troweling in swirl pattern
may trap air and distribute
mortar unevenly
Troweling in one direction
results in better coverage
and bond

COVERAGE
Backbuttering the tile

COVERAGE
“If 95% coverage is specified, back butter each tile with bond
coat… The method used should produce maximum
coverage with the corners and edges fully supported”
ANSI A108.5.2.5.4

COVERAGE
“Periodically remove and
check a tile to assure that
proper coverage is being
attained.”
ANSI A108.5.2.5.4

COVERAGE
EXTERIOR OR WET INSTALLATION
• MIN. 95% COVERAGE
DRY INTERIOR INSTALLATION
• NO VOIDS WITHIN 2” OF TILE EDGES
• MAXIMUM SIZE OF VOID IS 2 SQUARE
INCHES (APPROXIMATELY THE AREA
OF A GOLF BALL).
• MIN. 80% COVERAGE
• NO VOIDS WITHIN 2” OF TILE EDGES
• MAXIMUM SIZE OF VOID IS 2 SQUARE
INCHES (APPROXIMATELY THE AREA
OF A GOLF BALL).
TILE (12” x 12” SHOWN)
THINSET MORTAR
ADHERES TO BACK
SIDE OF TILE WHEN
TILE IS REMOVED
FOR INSPECTION
MORTAR VOID,
GOLF BALL-SIZED
(APPROX.), MAX.
2” MAX.,
TYP.
2” MAX.,
TYP.

EXPANSION JOINTS, LOCATIONS
 Provide at construction joints
 Provide at control joints
- Cold joints
- Formed or sawed
 Provide at isolation joints / building
expansion joints
 May be required where cracks
have occurred in substrate
- Separating adjoining parts

EXPANSION JOINTS, SPACING
 Interior exposed to direct sunlight
 Exterior
• 8 ft. to 12 ft. o.c.
 Interior
• 20ft. to 25 ft. o.c.
• 8 ft. to 12 ft. o.c.
- Temperature changes up to 100˚F
- 1/2” wide expansion joint
- Temperature changes up to 20˚F
- Not exposed to moisture
ANSI A108.01.3.7

“Movement joints are required over all
construction, control, and expansion joints in
the backing and where backing materials
change or change direction including
terminations of tilework where it abuts
restraining or dissimilar surfaces.”
ANSI A108.02.4.4.1
EXPANSION JOINTS, PERIMETER

Expansion joint profile at perimeter change in plane

Expansion joint profile at
vertical change in plane
No accommodation for
movement at vertical
change in plane

WALL AND FLOOR TILE THINSET, CORNER CONDITION
DETAIL 06.130.1300 REV. 09/10/09
PERIMETER MOVEMENT JOINT
DRY-SET OR LATEX-
PORTLAND CEMENT
MORTAR BOND COAT
CONCRETE MASONRY
W/ FLUSH JOINTS
CERAMIC TILE AT
WALLS & FLOOR
MOVEMENT JOINT
AT INTERSECTING
WALLS
AT FLOOR / WALL
MOVEMENT JOINT

“Movement joints in the substrate shall be
carried though the tile installation.”
ANSI A118.12.1.0
EXPANSION JOINTS OVER CONCRETE CJ

provide expansion
joints in tile over
concrete joints

TILE PLACED IN CRACK
SUPPRESSION MEMBRANE OVER
CONCRETE CONTROL JOINT
TILE PLACED IN CRACK
SUPPRESSION MEMBRANE OVER
CONCRETE CONTROL JOINT
CRACKS AND FAILS AS SLAB
CURLS

TILE EXPANSION JOINT PLACED
OVER CONCRETE CONTROL
JOINT
TILE EXPANSION JOINT PLACED
OVER CONCRETE CONTROL
JOINT ALLOWS TILE TO MOVE
WITHOUT CRACKING AS SLAB
CURLS

CERAMIC TILE
MORTAR BED
REINFORCED
WATERPROOF MEMBRANE
CLEAVAGE OR
COMPRESSIBLE FILLER
SEALANT, BACKER ROD, AND
THINSET MORTAR OR WOOD
CONCRETE
TILE EXPANSION JOINT
DETAIL 09.01 REV. 04/13/07
1-800-IMI-0988 www.imiweb.org
masonry
detailing
series
1¼” – 2½” THICK
BOND COAT

EXPANSION JOINTS, CUT TILE VS. TOOTHED
ANSI A108.01.3.7.5
Cut tile for expansion joint Toothed expansion joint

EXPANSION JOINTS
Field applied w/ sealant Prefabricated profile

COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION
 Coefficient of Friction (COF)
- Measurement of a tile’s frictional resistance
- Related to traction and slip resistance
 Static Coefficient of Friction (SCOF)
 Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF)
- Frictional resistance one pushes against
when already in motion
- Frictional resistance one pushes against
when starting motion
- Measures the ratio of forces necessary
to start two surfaces sliding
- Measures the ratio of forces necessary
to keep two surfaces sliding

 SCOF (ASTM C1028) is no longer the accepted method
 DCOF AcuTest (ANSI A137.1-2012, Section 9.6) is the
new method
 In 2012, the method for measuring COF for ceramic tile
changed, per ANSI A137.1
- DCOF relates better to slips occurring
while a person is in motion

 Minimum wet DCOF AcuTest value of 0.42
required for ceramic tiles for level interior spaces
expected to be walked upon when wet.
 Tiles with a wet DCOF AcutTest value of <
0.42 are only suitable for floor areas that
will be kept dry.
 Previously, there was no required value in
ANSI A137.1 for wet floors (static or
dynamic), although a minimum value of
0.6 wet SCOF, measured by ASTM
C1028, was commonly specified for
ceramic tile in commercial spaces.
 Tiles that meet 0.60 SCOF may meet
0.42 DCOF; however, there is no direct
relationships between the methods.

VENTILATED RAINSCREEN FACADES
 Tiles up to 1 1/4” thick, up to
4’ x 4’
 Mechanically anchored to
structural backup, as exterior
wall cladding
 Mechanically anchored to
structural backup, as exterior
wall cladding
 Ventilated, back-drained,
rainscreen wall system

Tiles can be easily removed and replaced, facilitating
access to maintenance of internal wall components

Constructability research mockup

Hyatt Place, Chicago, IL

First Bank & Trust, Skokie, Illinois

REDUCED THICKNESS TILE
 3 mm to 6.5 mm thick
- Traditional tiles are 7 to 11 mm thick
 Facial sizes up to 5 ft x 10 ft.

REDUCED THICKNESS TILE, CONSIDERATIONS
 Handling and installation that take into consideration the
lower breaking strength
 Variation in manuf’r recommendations re. suitable
substrates and applications; substrate prep.
 Currently, no product or installation standards exist.
 Setting material compatible w/ reinforcement on tiles
 Prequalified installers; specialized tools

Craftworker training at IMI

Constructability research

Medical Mart, Commercial Tile & Stone, Cleveland, OH

SUSTAINABILITY BENEFITS OF TILE
 Low emitting  Moisture tolerant
 Improved life cycle Thermal mass  Mold resistant

 Developed by TCNA
Green Squared Certification
 ANSI A138.1 product standard, a.k.a. Green Squared
 Certified by one of three credible and widely recognized
certification bodies
 Contributes points toward several green ratings systems
- National Green Building Standard (ICC 700-2012)
- It is likely that LEED will soon acknowledge

 Recycled content
Green Squared Certification Criteria
 Regional availability
 Indoor air quality
 Exterior contribution / heat island effect
 Cleaning and maintenance
 Cleanliness and sterility
 Life cycle performance
 Energy reduction
 Innovation

Toilet room renovations, before
CASE STUDY: FEDERAL BUILDING, CHICAGO, IL

Toilet room renovations, after
Photo credit: Hedrich Blessing/ Scott McDonald

“The heart of the tile trade will always
be the skill of the individual craftsmen.
This means that tile will always be a
trade; it will never be an industry.”
Alan Lippert, BAC tile contractor
and TCAA President 1990-1991

INSTALLER QUALIFICATIONS, TCNA HANDBOOK LANGUAGE

INSTALLER QUALIFICATIONS, IMI TRAINING

INSTALLER & CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATION LANGUAGE
“Journeyman Tile Layers Apprenticeship
Programs… Contractors that employ union
Journeymen Tile Setters can be found
through the Union Locals that list their
signatory contractors, primarily the
Bricklayer and Allied Craftworkers (BAC)…
“Every aspect of a tile installation relies on
the tile contracting company and its
installers.”
“The following non-profit programs are
well-established and recognized by the
Handbook Committee:
“Tile Contractors’ Association of America
(TCAA) Trowel of Excellence Program…”
“IMI Contractor College…
IN 2012 TILE COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA HANDBOOK

… the best hands
in the business!
IMI-TRAINED TILE, MARBLE, & TERRAZZO
CRAFTWORKERS

Designing with Tile

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