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Lightstreams Glass Tile Installation Recommendations

  

Click on photo to view step-by-step photographs of recommended installation process for Lightstreams Glass Tile.

 

A must-read for pool builders - "ROUGH EDGES"

by Ron Lacher of Pool Engineering Inc.,

a company specializing in the structural design of swimming pools and related residential imporvement structures.

 

 

IMPORTANT:  Proper preparation of the substrate (including waterproofing, if required), proper installation of the tiles, and use of specified setting materials is the responsibility of the installer.  These recommendations cover the following Lightstreams Glass Tile products and are to be considered recommendations only, based on our experience.  It is necessary and expected that ANSI, Tile Council of America standards, and good practices are always followed.  If there are any questions, please contact us to discuss PRIOR TO INSTALLATION:

 

 

  • Field Tile Lines

o       The Renaissance Collection

    • The Gold Iridescent Collection

·        Accent Tiles

    • The Jewels

    • Shell Beach Step Markers

    • Jewel Inlay Accent Strips

 

  • IMPORTANT:

    • Please check your received order from Lightstreams, and report any missing or additional tile needs WITHIN 7 days of receipt of your tiles. 

 

  • Lightstreams ships FOB - FACTORY, Mountain View, CA 94043 and insures all shipments for 100% of value on your behalf.  Loss due to breakage, missing boxes, etc. should be reported to the freight carrier that delivered your tiles.  Lightstreams will assist in providing replacements for small quantities of broken tiles as feasible, but for large losses, clients should file a claim with the freight carrier.

 

Setting Materials

 

  • Mortar

    • Per A108.16-3.0 and from our own internal tests and experience -- NOT ALL ANSI A118.4 LATEX MODIFIED THINSETS ARE SUITABLE FOR INSTALLING GLASS TILE.
        

    • The following mortars have been specifically tested with our glass tiles and proven to exceed ANSI standards for bond strength for impervious tiles.  THESE ARE THE ONLY MORTARS WE CURRENTLY RECOMMEND DUE TO THEIR SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE, LIMITED SHRINKAGE DURING CURE, AND COLOR AND CONSISTENCY.   HOWEVER WE CANNOT MAKE GUARANTEES OR WARRANTIES ON PRODUCTS OTHER THAN OUR OWN GLASS TILE.  PLEASE REFER TO THE MANUFACTURERS’ INDIVIDUAL WARRANTIES.

 

    • Furthermore, it is imperative that the manufacturers’ recommendations on appropriate substrate, mixing, slaking, environmental conditions and limitations and installation be carefully followed.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

    • Refer to the grout manufacturers’ instructions in using their products
        

    • Please use minimum 1/8” grout spacing for Lightstreams glass tiles

    • Available grout colors for each brand can be found on the manufacturer’s website and change frequently.  Please check for current selections.   

 

Installation Tips

 

  • NOTE- WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT PRACTICE TEST PANELS BE MADE BEFORE THE JOB IS STARTED, SO THE INSTALLER CAN BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE MATERIAL AND THE TIMING OF EACH STEP.  THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GREAT INSTALLATION AND A GOOD ONE IS IN THE DETAILS AND THE CARE THAT IS TAKEN DURING THE PROCESS.
       

  • Site Preparation
    • Refer to the TCA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation, with focus on the section for Special Installation Guidelines for Glass Tiles regarding expansion joints, substrates, waterproofing, and setting materials.  In addition, refer to the current American National Standards for Installation of Ceramic Tile for further information on glass tile installation, substrate preparation, environmental conditions, and curing.

    • Ensure ambient air temperature at time of installation does not exceed the mortar manufacturers’ limits for a minimum of 72 hours before and during installation.  This is generally an ambient air temperature of 50-90 degrees F but please note the specific temperatures for each recommended manufacturer.

 

    • KEEP INSTALLATION SURFACES OUT OF THE DIRECT SUNLIGHT AND WIND.  USE SCREENS, TARPS, OR UMBRELLAS TO TENT THE AREA.  TENT THE AREA TO BE TILED AND WORK IN THE SHADE AND LET THE MORTAR AND GROUT CURE IN THE SHADE.  NOTE THE OPERATING TEMPERATURES OF THE THINSET MORTAR AND GROUT.  TRANSPARENT GLASS TILE WILL ALLOW SUNLIGHT TO PASS THROUGH IT DIRECTLY TO THE MORTAR, POTENTIALLY INCREASING THE TEMPERATURE OF THE MORTAR DURING THE INITIAL CURING PERIOD.

 

    • Refer to the recommended thinset mortar manufacturer for specific information on appropriate substrates.  Glass tiles require a very stable substrate.   PLYWOOD IS NOT A SUITABLE SUBSTRATE FOR LIGHTSTREAMS GLASS TILES. 

 

    • Concrete and mortar beds should be fully cured prior to tile application.  At a minimum, 7 days per ANSI A108.11-2005, however 21 to 28 days is preferred, particularly for a pool shell. 

 

    • In addition, follow industry practices for curing of brown coats   

 

    • Lightstreams uses a clear, front-face tape when providing tape-mounted tiles.  Therefore, mortar material will be spread on the exposed, untaped sides of the tiles

    • Lightstreams tape mounted tiles will have a 1/8” grout space, which is the MINIMUM grout spacing for glass tiles

    • Ensure the back-sides of the glass tiles are clean and dry
       

    • Prepare one of the recommended white mortar materials per manufacturer’s instructions.  Use a low rpm mixer (300 rpm or less) and let it slake per their instructions.

  •  Installing the tile

    • USE ONLY ONE OF THE RECOMMENDED THINSET MORTARS -- SEE ABOVE. 

 

    • OUR TILES ARE TRANSPARENT -- 100% COVERAGE OF THE TILE WITH WHITE THINSET MORTAR IS REQUIRED.   VOIDS, TROWEL MARKS, OR GROUT THAT HAS MIGRATED INTO A VOID BEHIND THE TILE MAY LEAVE UNSIGHTLY VISUAL BLEMISHES. 

 

    • Using 3/16” x ¼”  V-Notch trowel, create an even setting bed of thinset mortar with trowel marks running in the horizontal direction.  Using the flat side of the trowel, flatten the trowel marks completely, leaving a smooth, consistent and uniform setting bed of about 1/8”.

 

    • Apply a thin coat of the mortar completely and uniformly on the back side of each tile (i.e., back-butter) using the flat side of the trowel.  This ensures 100% coverage of the thinset mortar. 

 

    • Apply tile and/or taped tiles, aligning them using 1/8” grout spacing between the taped panels.  If a tile is misaligned on the front surface tape, use a razor blade to slice the tape and relocated the tile. 

 

    • Using a beating block (a flat, rubber grout float will work), gently set the tile into the thinset. 

 

  • Removing the tape / mortar clean-up -- FOR FRONT SURFACE TAPE MOUNTED INSTALLATIONS ONLY
    • Once the area to be tiled is completed, allow mortar to set up just enough so that the tape can be removed from the taped tiles with a firm, even pull.  We have found approximately 8 to 12 hours works well, but is completely dependant upon a number of conditions including ambient temperature during installation, substrate, wind, etc.
       

    • A light mist of water from a spray bottle between the tape and tiles may be helpful in removing the tape.

    • Once the tape is removed, clear any dried mortar that may have gotten into the grout line area using a grout knife or a razor blade, slicing along the inside of the tile.  If done right, the excess mortar can be removed easily in putty–like strips.
       

    • Also completely remove any mortar from the face of the tiles at this time (before mortar completely cures).   Use a scotch-brite nylon pad and warm water.
       

    • Pay particular attention to cleaning the textured, iridescent sides of the tiles that may have gotten mortar on them as the textured side will retain any dried mortar and will be difficult to remove once the mortar is completely dry.

 

  • DO NOT REMOVE THE TAPE UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO CLEAN THE TILE -- DO A SMALL AREA AT A TIME.  THIS WILL MAKE CLEAN UP MUCH EASIER AS THE EXCESS MORTAR WILL NOT BE EXPOSED TO AIR UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO REMOVE IT.

 

  • Grouting


    • A MINIMUM OF 24 HOURS IS REQUIRED BEFORE GROUTING.  FOR ALL-TILED POOLS, WE SUGGEST AT LEAST 7 DAYS. 

 

    • ALLOW 14- 21 DAYS AFTER GROUTING BEFORE SUBMERSING IN WATER.  REFER TO THE  MANUFACTURERS’ INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS AND FOLLOW ALL ANSI AND TCA REQUIREMENTS. 
                 

    • Ensure the tiles are clean prior to grouting

    • Prepare and apply grout per grout manufacturer’s instructions.  To avoid scratching the smooth surface of the glass, keep the sanded grout slurry fairly wet and fluid.
       

      • PRIOR to the grout completely drying, use a damp sponge to remove as much of the grout from the face of the tiles, paying particular attention to those tiles with the textured, iridescent side up, as the textured side will retain any dried grout and be very difficult to clean should the grout dry completely

 

  • FINAL CLEAN UP WITH WHITE VINEGAR AND CLEAN GROUT SPONGES IS RECOMMENDED AND THE PREFERRED METHOD TO COMPLETION. 

 

  • Cutting and Drilling  the Tiles

    • Lightstreams Glass Tile cuts well with a wet, continuous diamond blade tile saw and plenty of water.  We recommend an MK 215 diamond blade to cut Lightstreams Glass Tiles.   Drilling the tile is best done with a wet diamond core drill bit, ideally under water or with a water feed attachment.  For small holes, a glass bit with suitable water cooling will usually work. 

 

  • Cleaning and Maintenance

    • Clean regularly using a non-abrasive cleaner and pad.  Do not use metal scrub brushes. 
    • White vinegar mixed with water is a good cleaning solution

    • Muriatic acid can be used to clean the tiles however test a small area beforehand to assure any acid or cleaner does not harm the grout or the glass tile. 

    • We do not recommend bead-blasting to clean glass tiles

 

Glass surface sealer products such as Crystal Shield II can be applied to new/clean tiles to help maintain shine and inhibit mineral build-up and water staining.