-- Read this guide, IN FULL, prior to beginning any installation of Thin Glazed Brick --
To ensure proper installation based on unique project and/or site conditions, clients are responsible for hiring a skilled installer that has experience in installing thin glazed brick tiles. Zia Tile is not responsible for installation, ongoing care, or problems after receipt and installation of product. If client’s installer deviates from the instructions or recommendations below, this may result in costly and undesirable outcomes.
Hairline cracks, also known as crazing, are common with thin glazed brick tiles tiles and can be expected on the surface of thin glazed brick. We recommend matching the grout color to the tile color as closely as possible to minimize the appearance of crazing on the surface. Contrasting grout colors will accentuate crazing on the surface and should be avoided.
REVIEWING YOUR ORDER
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Please inspect your order thoroughly, upon receipt. Zia Tile cannot be held responsible for tiles that have already been installed.
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To account for cuts, possible chips, flaking and variation that is inherent with Thin Glazed Brick and potential breakage in transit, it is strongly recommended that all orders include a minimum of 15% overage to avoid costly add-on shipping and schedule delays.
BEFORE BEGINNING YOUR INSTALLATION
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Prior to installation, clean any dust and residue from shipping with a pH neutral cleaner and soft cloth.
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Each brick has tonal and textural variation. We recommend opening all boxes at once and randomly blending them to ensure an even mix of variation before beginning your installation. Lay out the tile in the installation area and ensure any variation is distributed evenly
INSTALLATION
REQUIRED MATERIAL
For placing the tiles:
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- Sponge
- Bucket
- Wedge Spacers
- High quality thinset mortar
- Trowel with 1⁄2” notches
- Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA grout
- Grout float
- Water-cooled tile saw with a diamond blade
For cleaning and sealing thin glazed brick tiles:
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- Lint free cotton cloth
- pH neutral cleaner such as Miracle Sealants Heavy Duty Cleaner
- 511 Porous Plus Penetrating Sealer as grout release
- For areas exposed to constant moisture use 511 Porous Plus penetrating sealer after grout is complete
LAYING TILES
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If cuts are required for your installation, all saw cuts must be made with a water-cooled tile saw. Wet brick in clean water before making your cuts.
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The tiling surface should be well prepared and leveled before placing the Thin Glazed Brick.
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Evenly apply the thin set mixture to the install surface using a trowel.
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Spread a light layer of the thin set mixture on the back of each tile, making sure to apply the mixture in the same direction in order to prevent air pockets from forming.
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Lay thin glazed brick in accordance with the drying time required for the thin set used. Press the tiles into place. Using the palm of your hand, press the tiles into the thin set to ensure thorough contact.
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Ensure the tiles are perfectly flat during installation.
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Place in small sections, no larger than 2’x2’ at a time, using no less than a 3/8” grout joint
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Immediately wipe off any residual thin set from the surface of the tiles. Thin set can be incredibly difficult to remove without damaging the tiles if left too long.
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After the tiles have been laid, allow the thin set at least 48 hours to cure before sealing and grouting. Avoid moisture or other environmental aggressors affecting the drying process.
PRE-GROUT SEALING
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Thin glazed brick tiles must be sealed on-site. Use a pH neutral cleaner before sealing; use of acidic cleaners will damage the tiles and should be avoided.
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After laying the tile and prior to grouting, apply 511 Porous Plus in thin layers, wiping off any excess sealer before it dries. Do not over-seal as thick or excessive application of sealant can dry unevenly and result in an undesirable waxy film on the surface of the tiles. Allow sealer to cure, typically 1-2 days; always follow the sealant manufacturer’s application instructions.
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The sealer will also act as a grout release. Do not proceed to grouting unless your sealer is fully cured!
GROUTING
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Using Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA grout, carefully grout in small sections, no larger than 2’x2’ at a time
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Carefully remove excess grout with a damp sponge as you work.
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Let the grout cure for 48 hours.
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Prior to top-coat sealing, clean the tiles with pH neutral detergent, removing any residual mortar or debris using a wet-vac or squeegee. Never leave spills, drips, footprints, or any other marks on the tiles prior to sealing.
TOP-COAT SEALING
- Wet applications need to be re-sealed with the 511 Porous Plus Penetrating Sealer as the final step of installation. This step will protect grout from continuous moisture exposure.
TRIM
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We recommend installing thin glazed brick from floor to ceiling or bringing drywall flush with the finished surface of your tile to eliminate the need for trim.
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If you have an exposed edge that needs to be finished in your design, we recommend having your experienced installer miter the tile or add a thin layer of grout to any exposed edge. Your experienced installer should be familiar with cutting the edges at a 45-degree angle to create a corner out of two tiles. This will mimic a finished trim piece and can easily be done on site to get the finished look without ordering custom trim.
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If you do require trim, we recommend Schluter strips, which can be found at www.schluter.com.
ONGOING MAINTENANCE
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Thin Glazed Brick requires minimal maintenance. Use mild soap and water or a pH neutral cleaner for everyday cleaning.
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For any soap scum, stains or hard water film buildup we recommend Heavy Duty Tile Cleaner from Miracle Sealants.