ARDEX TerraMaxx Pedestal System Installation Guide
- June 13, 2024
- ARDEX
Table of Contents
ARDEX TerraMaxx® TSL
Pedestal System
Installation Guide for Balconies, Patios and Other Surfaces
**Not Over Living Spaces***
TerraMaxx Pedestal System
Raised flooring supports for approved 2 cm porcelain pavers and approved 3 cm
natural stone
For pre-sloped exterior wood or concrete balconies, patios, terraces, etc.
Helps prolong the life of exterior tile and stone applications
Easy level and pitch adjustments (no tools required)
Pre-assembled in 5 sizes and adapter (80 mm)
Adjustable height from 1” to 7 7/8”
Integrated tile / stone spacers 1/16” (2 mm) with available spacer attachment
to expand to 5 mm
Built-in sound dampener reduces sound up to 30 dB
*For installations over living spaces, there must be an intact roofing membrane already in place
Pedestal System
System Design
Components Shown
Begin with a 1.5 to 2% sloped substrate
- ARDEX SK 175™ Waterproofing and Vapor Retarder Membrane (optional)
- ProFin® KL Profile
- ARDEX TerraMax® TSL Pad
- ARDEX TerraMax TSL Pedestal
- ARDEX ProDrain® Drain
- ARDEX SX™ 100% Silicone Sealant, or joints can be left open; no rigid grouts are usedOther Components
- Sloping and smoothing materials (as needed)
Suitable Substrates
Surfaces NOT over living spaces:
- Exterior wood (pre-sloped)
- Exterior concrete
For installations over living spaces, an intact roofing membrane must be
already in place.
Suitable Applications
- Installation of porcelain pavers (minimum size 12 x 12” / 30 x 30 cm; minimum thickness 3/4” / 2 cm)
- Installation of stone pavers; minimum size 12 x 12” (30 x 30 cm; minimum thickness 1 1/8” / 3 cm depending on the breaking point listed by the manufacturer)
Note: All pavers must be manufacturer-approved for pedestal system installation.
Job Conditions
During installation and cure, substrate and ambient temperatures must be a
minimum of 50°F / 10°C and a maximum of 85°F / 29°C. Substrate must also be
dry.
Pedestal Configuration
On average, an estimate of two (2) pedestals per paver can be used to
determine the number of pedestals that will be needed. Longer and plank style
pavers may require three (3) pedestals. Every job is different. To determine
the proper configuration, including the number of pedestals and the pedestal
sizes required, please call the ARDEX Technical
Service Department at 888-512-7339.
Step 1: Substrate Preparation (Proper Prep™)
If necessary, mechanically clean the substrate by shot blasting or similar
means. Do not use acid etching, adhesive removers, solvents or sweeping
compounds, as these are bond breakers. Sanding is not an effective method to
remove contaminants from concrete. All substrates must be sound, solid and
thoroughly clean of all existing patching and leveling materials and all
bondbreaking contaminants, including but not limited to: overwatered or
otherwise loose or weak material; unapproved sealers; all adhesive residues.
Vacuuming
Following preparation, thoroughly vacuum to remove all excess dirt and debris.
For full details on Proper Prep, reference the following articles at
ardexamericas.com/properprep :
- Article 1: Preparing Concrete for Bonded ARDEX or HENRY Applications
- Article 2: Preparing Wood for Bonded ARDEX Applications
- Proper Prep Brochure
The plane of wall surfaces must be plumb and true. Floor surfaces must have
minimal variation in the plane or slope as outlined by the Tile Council of
North America (TCNA). Refer to ANSI A108.01 “General Requirements: Subsurface
and Preparation by Other Trades” and the most current version of the TCNA
“Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation” for detailed information on surface
preparation and guidelines for substrate construction.It must be verified that
the substrate is sufficiently sound to support the installation weight; verify
with a structural engineer as necessary. Step 2: Pre-Sloping / Smoothing
Options (if needed) ARDEX AM 100™ Rapid Set Pre-Tile Smoothing and Ramping
Mortar ARDEX A 38™ Rapid Set Screed Substrate must be flat and smooth with a
1.5 – 2% slope prior to installation. Observe the substrate preparation,
mixing, application and drying instructions in the appropriate ARDEX technical
data sheet. Per ANSI A 108 AN3.7, expansion joints must be provided over
existing moving joints and moving cracks and where substrate materials change
composition or direction.
Step 3: ARDEX SK 175 Membrane Installation (Optional)
Install ARDEX SK 175™ Membrane as a Vapor Retarder* with an ARDEX Mortar over the sloped substrate and place up to the plastic side of the ARDEX US 420 ProDrain® Tape, covering the fleece. Please refer to the ARDEX SK 175 technical data sheet for application information. Do not penetrate the membrane, including fixing any posts or railings once the draining system is installed.
- ARDEX SK 175™ is NOT a replacement for waterproofing protection over occupied living spaces. Applications over occupied living spaces require an existing, intact primary roofing membrane prior to the installation of an ARDEX Exterior System.
ARDEX SK 175 is to provide protection against vapor transmission from the substrate.
Step 4: Installation of Edge Profiles
Place ProFin® KL Edge Profiles on the outside edge of the installation to protect the installation from gravel, dirt and debris, as well as provide a finished look in exposed areas.
Step 5: Placing Pedestals Against a Wall
Remove spacer tabs to permit proper paver placement. (If necessary).
Cut the bottom of the pedestal with a hand grinder or similar
tool.
Step 6: Paver Installation
Install manufacturer-approved pavers.
Step 7: Finishing with ARDEX Sealant (Optional)
ARDEX SX™ 100% Silicone Sealant can be used to apply a soft bead of sealant in
the joints and around the perimeter. Joints may also be left open.
Notes
FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY by licensed, bonded contractors who are trained in
the application of this product and/or similar products. Not sold by ARDEX
through home improvement centers. For information on ARDEX Academy trainings,
visit ardexamericas.com.
Observe the basic rules of concrete work, including the minimum surface and
air temperatures detailed above. Install quickly if the substrate is warm, and
follow the warm weather installation guidelines available on our website.
Observe the basic rules of tile work. In accordance with industry standards,
and to determine the suitability of the products for the intended use, always
install an adequate number of properly located test areas. Dispose of
packaging and residue in accordance with prevailing regulations. Do not flush
material down drains. Do not reuse packaging. Made in the USA and Germany.
Copyright 2021 ARDEX, L.P. All rights reserved. Content updated 2021-11-22.
Supersedes all previous versions. Latest version available at
ardexamericas.com. For technical updates,
visit
ardexamericas.com/services/technicalservices/techupdates.
Technical Data According to ARDEX Quality Standards
Warranty:
Eligible for the ARDEX Exterior Drainage System 5 -Year Limited Warranty. See
ardexamericas.com/services/warranties
for full warranty details.
System Components and Available Accessories
TerraMaxx’ TSL-XS 26/36 mm (no leveling head)
TerraMaxx’ TSL-S 36/43 mm
TerraMaxx • TSL-M 43/60 mm
TerraMaxx • TSL-L 58/75 mm
TerraMaxx’ TSL-XL 75/120 mm
TerraMaxx’ TSL Adaptor – 3.15″ (80mm)
TerraMaxx • TSL Plug-In Spacer – Bags of 100
TerraMaxx • Distance Holder – Maintains spacing against walls
TerraMaxx’ TSL Pad – 7.5″ x 7.5″ x 1/3″ (192/192/8 mm) – Packs of 10 Pads
ProFin ‘ KL Profiles • Aluminum drainage profile. Height and slope adjustable
Visit www.youtube.com/ARDEX101 to
watch ARDEX product demonstration videos.
For recommended installation tools. visit DTA USA at
www.dtausagroup.corn.
For easy to-use ARDEX Product Calculators and Product Information On the Go,
download the ARDEX App.
ARDEX Americas
400 Ardex Park Drive
Aliquippa, PA 15001
USA888-512-7339
www.ardexamericas.com
Documents / Resources
|
ARDEX TerraMaxx Pedestal
System
[pdf] Installation Guide
TerraMaxx Pedestal System, TerraMaxx, Pedestal System, System
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References
- ARDEX Americas,the global leader in high-performance building products
- Proper Prep - ARDEX Americas
- ARDEX Technical Services: Our experts provide the answers you need
- ARDEX and HENRY Warranties: We stand behind our products