abolos LWSPAR1224-CF Particles Slip Resistant 5-Pack Carbon Frost User Manual
- June 3, 2024
- ABOLOS
Table of Contents
- Step 1 – What type of glass tile is being used?
- Step 2 – What will you use to bond the glass tile to the substrate?
- Step 3 – Is the substrate properly prepared?
- Step 4 – What grout will you use for your glass tile installation?
- Step 5 – Be aware of these watch outs
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
5 Steps on How To Install Glass Tile
Step 1 – What type of glass tile is being used?
A critical aspect to a successful glass tile installation is to understand what type of glass tile is being considered, both in terms of how it’s made and its size.
How it’s made
Not all glass tiles are made the same way, to the same specifications, nor can
they be used in all of the same applications. Some are made in boutique shops
where the unique nature of each tile is what’s important. Others are made
according to consistent manufacturing processes. You’ll find, though, three
categories of glass tile:
- Cast glass tile with inherent folds, bubbles and creases
- Fused glass tile which is altered using a heat process to create a variety of colors and patterns
- Low-temperature coated glass tile which receives its character from the product that is bonded to the back of the tile
Each of these three categories carries different requirements as to how and
where it is to be used. Each has different internal stress points based on how
it was made.
In addition, some glass tiles come with specific types of backing that may not
be compatible with wet environments. That may not be an issue for a kitchen
backsplash; it will be an issue in a shower.
Before beginning the installation process, determine the suitability of the
tile for its intended end use and if it meets the requirements of ANSI 137.2.
What size is it
We’ve discussed in previous articles how the installer needs to pay attention
to the tile size and the installation materials required for larger-sized
tile.
This holds for glass tile, as well. ANSI 137.2 defines a large-format glass
tile as one with dimensions greater than three inches by three inches which
requires specific materials.
> > See Installing Large Format Glass Tile in a Shower: 10 Steps to
Follow
Step 2 – What will you use to bond the glass tile to the substrate?
Ceramic and porcelain tile can normally be adhered to a properly prepared
substrate with a good quality A118.4 latex modified Portland cement mortar.
Glass tile, however, is not in the “one size fits all category.”
For instance, if a highly latex modified mortar is used to install a low-
temperature coated glass tile in which the mortar has a stronger bond than
does the coating to the back of the glass, the coating may become distorted
and look like crumpled aluminum foil.
Because glass has a smooth surface, it requires a bond strength greater than
four hundred psi.
To be certain that this doesn’t happen, always contact the manufacturer of the
glass tile, the company selling the glass, and the mortar manufacturer. Always
obtain the installation requirements in writing as to what should be done and
used.
Expect to use a premium high-performance thin set mortar which has a higher
polymer content to achieve a strong chemical bond especially if the tiles are
large format tile.
Glass Tile is Often Transparent
Unlike traditional ceramic tile, glass tile is often transparent or
translucent which requires specific mortars. Using any kind of poor
installation techniques – will be visible.
- Consider the color of the thin set mortar
- Consider the proper thin set installation technique
> > See How to Avoid Visible Trowel Ridges Through Translucent Glass Tile
In the first video below, you’ll notice the following technique:
- Clean the substrate
- Apply the mortar using the appropriate notch in straight lines
- Prime the flat edge of the trowel with a small amount of mortar
- Knock down the mortar ridges
- Back butter the clear glass tile with a thin film of about a sixteenth of an inch
- Place the tile into the flattened mortar and beat it in using a beating block and a mallet or grout float to eliminate any voids
Step 3 – Is the substrate properly prepared?
Surface preparation for any kind of tile installation is critical. Again, this
is especially true for glass tile.
The substrate must be fully prepared and clean before installing the tile.
Ensure that you have no deflection that might affect glass. Glass is fragile
and needs additional support to resist cracking.
Don’t forget to include movement accommodation or expansion joints.
Failures in glass often result from expansion due to exposure to heat from
sunlight or from steam/hot water. Expansion joints help mitigate these
failures.
See Why Do You Need Expansion Joints When Installing Tile?
Step 4 – What grout will you use for your glass tile installation?
When it comes to the grout selection, be sure to check the manufacturer’s
directions and recommendations relating to exposure to water and whether the
grout will scratch the surface of the tile.
Determine the best products to use for cleaning grout haze off of the glass
surface.
Step 5 – Be aware of these watch outs
-
Moisture trapped between the glass and the substrate
as seen in the attached photo.
In this case, the clear colored glass tile allows the trapped moisture to shows through as a different shade. This one failed due to its inconsistent appearance and had to be replaced – twice. -
Pay attention to the tile backing
The type of backing on the tile may react differently to the mortar you choose.
• Metallic or painted backings can react with cement-based thin set mortars in wet environments causing them to loosen the bond between the mortar and the glass tile.
• Some glass mosaic tiles are mesh-mounted using adhesives that are watersensitive. These adhesives can break down when wet causing a bond failure. -
Never use mastic
We have to say it: Don’t ever use mastic.
References
- How to Avoid Visible Trowel Ridges Through Translucent Glass Tile
- Installing Large Format Glass Tile in a Shower: 10 Steps to Follow
- Why Do You Need Expansion Joints When Installing Tile?