Strands_TechGuide

st rands

technical product info

technical product info strands cement patterned tiles are dimensionally accurate and installed with ease of tile. simply thinset, using a rapid setting adhesive equivalent to laticrete 254r platinum rapid, over a level and cured substrate. use non sanded grout like laticrete perma color grout. sealed using prosoco polishguard. sealer is available from concrete collaborative. always reference tcna guidelines for general best practices.

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st rands

technical product info

technical summary

dcof (ansi b101.3)

0.81

compressive

>8000psi

ibc flame spread

rating a (0-25ft/hr.)

freeze thaw

meets standards astm c936/c1645

weight (lb/sq.ft)

5/8’’ = 7.5

thickness tolerance curvature tolerance

will vary, not a fully gauged product ± 0.5 percent of max tile length

calibrated

overage

20%

installation

mock up substrate grout joint

required

cured to max 4% moisture, level 1/8” in 10ft

minimal joint - 1/6”

grout

non sanded

preseal

2 x coats prosoco polishguard laticrete 254r platinum rapid

adhesive

sealer

prosoco polishguard

15’ each direction, at perimeter, honored from substrate. refer to tcna.

expansion joint

clean

warm water and neutral detergent

s i z e s

8”

4”

8”

4”

2”

5/8” thick

855.268.0800 | concrete-collaborative.com | sales@concrete-collaborative.com

st rands

technical product info

our patterned cement tiles are a modern take on traditional encaustic cement tiles. our tiles are not kiln-fired or glazed but are hydraulically pressed, they will get a patina. they are composed of white portland cement, sand, natural stone and natural pigments. our process produces clean and crisp patterns and vibrant colors. tile is the finished surface of your project. it is subject to the environmental and substrate conditions. following our recommended systems and tcna standards will be instrumental to your project success. installed tile is considered acceptance of the tile per terms of sale. do not install if there are visible issues or questions with the material. contact us with any questions. any physical or chemical damage to the tile is not covered under warranty. 1. the tile

store tile boxes in a climatized environment, covered and protected from spills or damage. tile should be climatized up to 48 hrs in the final environment prior to installation. careful in moving and setting boxes as tiles can damage easily handle boxes with care, corners can chip 3. mock-up per tcna guidelines, prepare a complete installation mock-up of the tile in its final environment. blend tiles from multiple crates to show tonal variations. mock-up should be presealed, grouted, and cleaned. mock-up should be reviewed and accepted prior to full installation. 4. substrate preparation substrate should be level to within 1/8” in 10ft. slab / screed should be cured to 4% moisture content using tramex meter or similar. expansion joints, control joints and cracks should be identified and treated according to tcna standards and adhesive manufacture recommendations to mitigate transfer to finished surface. consult adhesive manufacture for crack isolation membrane.

ensure you have ordered 20% overage to compensate for tile-cuts and damage. dust from shipping may be present and should be wiped clean prior to installing. excessive dust on the back of the tile should be wiped-off to ensure adhesive bonding. tiles can also be soaked in water and dried prior to seal to remove dust. slightly chipped edges and crazed surface are also expected and normal. tile colors may fade in direct sunlight over time. darker colors and blue, green colors may fade faster than others. prior to installing, perform a dry layout of the tiles, blending tiles from different boxes to achieve desired blend of pattern and color variation. 2. handling + storage your tiles will arrive in boxes and be palletized. handle the tile with care, do not drop or stack higher than as shipped. notify the manufacturer of any shipping damage or concerns immediately. do not install any material of concern. set aside for replacement. installed tile is considered accepted.

855.268.0800 | concrete-collaborative.com | sales@concrete-collaborative.com

st rands

technical product info

maintain 1/16” - 1/8” grout joint between tiles using tile spacers. install flexible joints per tcna standards wherever expansion and control exists in substrate and no more than 15ft apart regardless of substrate. use leave in spacers when installing on wall. install flexible joint at all perimeter walls. exterior applications will require flashing to prevent moisture seepage behind tile. 7. preseal in preparation for preseal, ensure tiles are dry and free of dust apply 2 coats of prosoco polishguard by wiping on evenly in a very light coat with a prosoco polishguard soaked microfiber towel by hand. allow each coat of polishguard to be dry-to- the-touch before repeating the next thin coat. wipe off any excess sealer to maintain a natural looking finish but not too glossy. wait 1 day after sealing to grout 8. grout grout tiles using laticrete permacolor non-sanded grout. grout joints are a direct function of ansi minimums for uncalibrated natural stone tiles specific to installation pattern and natural warpage to reduce floor lippage. maintain 1/16” - 1/8” grout joint between tiles using tile spacers. float the whole tile surface, not just the grout joints. be diligent in removing any adhesive or grout from surface before drying. follow grout manufacturer’s recommendations. -

waterproofing membrane should be employed on slab on grade or where moisture is present. consult adhesive manufacture. follow all adhesive manufacturer preparation instructions. walls and framed floors require cement board substrate for proper adhesion. follow all adhesive manufacturer preparation instructions. walls and framed floors require cement board substrate for proper adhesion. 5. installation materials adhesive: laticrete 254 platinum rapid. use laticrete latapoxy 300 on a steel substrate. grout: laticrete permacolor non-sanded grout. sealer interior: prosoco polishguard. sealer exterior: prosoco slx. 6. installation as it is a finished surface, tile should be installed as late in the project as possible. blend tiles from different boxes to ensure desired pattern, layout and color variation is achieved. preseal tile prior to installation using polishguard prior to installation and grout back-butter tile with 1/4” notched trowel ensuring 95% coverage with manufacturer recommended adhesive. hand-set tiles. do not use mallets or excessive force.

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855.268.0800 | concrete-collaborative.com | sales@concrete-collaborative.com

st rands

technical product info

oil stains may require the use of poultice to draw out the stain. applying butcher block conditioner to backsplashes exposed to heavy liquids, can help with maintenance. tiles are expected to patina over time due to natural wear. sealer may require stripping and reapplication overtime following sealer manufacturer’s instructions combined with sealer application instructions outlined above. 11. future rejuvenation should water or liquid no longer bead-up on the surface, additional sealer may need to be applied. reapply sealer per sealer manufacturer’s recommendations using a sealer-dampened micro-fiber towel. prosoco polishguard is our recommended sealer and can be purchased directly or through concrete collaborative. apply 2-3 thin coats of polishguard sealer or (owner’s preferred sealer) following manufacturer’s instructions. wipe-off excess sealer using a microfiber to maintain a natural finish. allow appropriate cure time for sealer prior to use. if you have any questions please contact our technical team: tech@concrete-collaborative.com

ensure grout is completely dry and tiles are fully cleaned. protect floor with ramboard and masonite to prevent damage from site debris or staining. 9. final clean and seal cleaning using mop with warm water and neutral detergent (non-acidic) if desired, apply 1 additional coat of prosoco polishguard allow appropriate dry time and cure time before use 10. care and maintenence caring for your encaustic cement tile is a relatively simple process to incorporate into your maintenance routine. additional steps can be implemented down the road as needed to maintain the tiles and much like a natural stone your floor can be rejuvenated with an abrasive wet-scrub and seal; our concrete tiles are made of naturally occurring raw materials and a such patina is expected with age. clean-up spills immediately avoids liquids to standing on tile surface for long periods of time. routinely clean tile with clean water, mop or soft cloth/sponge and ph neutral cleaner. do not use harsh acidic chemicals or alkaline products. if any stains occur, use hot water and ph natural soap and water. employ scrubbing sponge to assist.

855.268.0800 | concrete-collaborative.com | sales@concrete-collaborative.com

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