1. Install mortar, set and grout tile when surface temperature is a minimum of 50 degrees F, and a maximum of 90 degrees F.

2. Be sure surfaces are stable, level and plumb, clean (with no debris), dry and free of waxes or oils before installing your thin brick tile.

3. For wall applications, we recommend stone mastic or construction adhesive over sound substrate. Pressed wood, particle board, gypsum-based patching compounds and other dimensionally unstable material should not be used as substrates. Installation of tile should be over stable substrate, such as poured-in-place concrete, Portland cement mortar bed or Portland cement backer board.

4. 100% back buttering of tiles is recommended, with a minimum of 80% covering, as required by ANSI specs.

Thin brick tile installation and materials shall comply with published ANSI standards:

ANSI A137.1 (Ceramic Tile), ANSI A136.1 (organic adhesives), ANSI A118.1 (dry-set Portland cement mortar), ANSI A118.4 (latex Portland cement mortar), ANSI A118.7 (ceramic tile grouts, latex modified), ANSI 108.1 (installation with wire reinforced mortar bed), ANSI A108.4 (installation with organic adhesives), ANSI A108.5 (installation with dry-set or latex Portland cement mortar, and ANSI A108.10 (installation of grout).

5. Polymer-modified grout is recommended.

6. Cure set tile 72 hours, traffic-free, before grouting when in cool temperatures and with high humidity. In hot and dry conditions, cure 48 hours, traffic-free.

7. Regarding installation methods, Inglenook Tile does not endorse one method over another, as each has its uses. It is the responsibility of the specifier or installer to determine the appropriate method for a given job. The Tile Council of America Handbook For Ceramic Tile Installation should be used as a guide for a given situation.

8. Be sure expansion joints, insulation joints, control joints, etc., are located in compliance with TCA EJ171, and filled with appropriate materials.

9. Seal thin brick tile before grouting to protect from staining, and to act as a grout release. See suggested products below:

SUGGESTED PRODUCTS

SEALERS
AquaMix carries a variety of products suitable for sealing and protecting your tiles.
Call 877-278-2311
M-F 6 AM- 4:30 (PT)
Sat. 7AM-12 PM (PT)
www.aquamix.com to find a dealer near you.

1. Enrich 'N Seal: this is a non-strippable polymer penetrating sealer that will also darken the tile surface slightly. It acts as an excellent grout release and sealer for areas where no shine is wanted. No surface coat of an another product will adhere to the surface. Thin coats of paste wax can be used.

2. Sealers Choice Gold: this is a premium strippable water-based penetrating sealer. It will not change the surface color or texture. This acts as a grout release, and also a sealer resisting water, dirt and oil.

3. High Gloss Floor Shine and Hardener: this is a high gloss sealer that can be applied over the Sealers Choice Gold, if a shine is wanted after installation.

4. Seal and Finish, Low Sheen: this can act as a grout release and a low gloss sealer at the same time.

5. Grout Release: this is a temporary, water soluble pre-grout coating. It is washed off after grouting, leaving no protective seal on the tile when removed.

TileLab
Currently available at Home Depot

1. Surfaceguard Penetrating Sealer: this acts as a sealer and grout release without altering the surface color or texture. Recommend 3 coats to use as a grout release.

2. Matte Sealer and Finish: this can be applied in as many coats as desired over the Surfaceguard Penetrating Sealer to provide a low gloss.

3. High Gloss Sealer and Finish: this is used in the same way as the Matte Sealer, but with a hard shine.

Non-Yellowing Polyurethane: a regular, non-yellowing polyurethane can also be used to seal the tile to prevent stains from penetrating the tile.

Paste wax is beautiful over any of the penetrating sealers. Apply in several thin coats with a stiff brush, let dry and then buff with a soft shoe brush.

GROUT:
Polymer-modified grout is recommended.

PolyBlend
This sanded grout is currently available in many colors from Home Depot

ADHESIVE:
Laticrete
Laticrete makes a variety of thin-set adhesives for tile and stone.
#254 Platinum is their premium quality thin-set mortar
#255 Multimax is best to use on walls and ceilings for maximum strength.

White mastic, available in any building supply store also works as an adhesive.

Inglenook Brick Tiles have variations in color and surface texture in order to achieve an authentic antique appearance. This is to be expected, and is not a defect.

Limited Warranty and Disclaimer: The manufacturer warrants these products to be merchantable quality and will replace any defective product. As always, check your shipment when it arrives. Any shipping damage should be reported within seven (7) days from date of delivery.