SUGGESTED SPECIFICATION
NOTES TO SPECIFIER

1. Specify High Polish GRANI-DECOR Tiles for wall installation or for light traffic residential and commercial floor applications.

16.1 No sealer or curing compound shall be used on concrete to be covered with granite. Concrete shall be completely cured prior to the installation of the tiles. Concrete surfaces which are to receive a granite tile finish, shall have a light broom finished texture and shall be left level and true to a tolerance in plane of 3 mm in 2,4 m (1/8" in 8'-0" ) for walls and 1/8" in 3 mm in 3 m (10'-0") for floors. Pitch floors to drains where required. Areas requiring filling, patching or levelling shall be prepared using cementitious levellers and patching material. No gypsum base levellers shall be permitted.

16.2 All surfaces to receive granite tiles shall be left clean, and free of dust, oil, grease, paint, tar, wax, curing agent, primer, sealer, form release agent or any other deleterious substance and debris which may prevent or reduce adhesion.

16.3 The general contractor shall be responsible for the removal of any such contaminant prior to the execution of the work.

SPECIFICATION

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PART 1. GENERAL

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1.0.1 SUMMARY
A. Work performed under the requirements of this section shall be subject to all conditions set forth under PART 1 "GENERAL CONDITIONS" as applicable to this portion of the work.

1.0.2 REFERENCES
A. AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM)
1. ASTM C-615 Standard Specification for Granite Dimension Stone
B. AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE (A.N.S.I.)
1. A-118.4 Fast-setting latex hydraulic thin-set mortar & latex Portland cement mortar
2. A-118.3 Chemical resistant, water cleanable tile setting and grouting epoxy
3. A-118.6 Ceramic tile grouts
4. A-118.9 Cementitious backer units (C.B.U.)
5. A-108.5 Installation of ceramic tile with latex thin-set mortar
6. A-108.6 Installation of ceramic tile with chemical resistant, water cleanable tile setting and grouting epoxy
7. A-108.10 Installation of grout in tilework
8. A-108.11 Interior installation of cementitious backer units
C. TILE COUNCIL OF AMERICA INC.
1. Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation

1.0.3 SUBMITTALS
A. Product data: submit manufacturer's technical information and installation instructions for all specified materials.
B. Samples: Prior to commencing the work, submit for approval four (4) representative granite tile samples of each type, finish and color mounted on a 12 mm (1/2") EXTERIOR grade plywood using the specified mortar and grouted with the specified grout. These samples shall be of current production, properly identified, clean and representative of the appearance of the finished work.

1.0.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Provide granite, grout and setting materials from one source. Additives, installation materials and grouts shall be from the same manufacturer.

1.0.5 DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING
A. Deliver and store granite tiles in a manner to prevent chipping, breakage, staining or any other damage.
B. Deliver and store packaged materials in original containers with seals unbroken and labels intact until time of use. Prevent damage or contamination to materials by water, moisture, freezing, excessive heat, foreign matter or other causes. Do not stir any frozen material until it has completely thawed.
C. Provide heated and dry storage facilities on site.
D. Deliver and store all materials on site at least 24 hours before work begins.

1.0.6 ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
A. Maintain environmental conditions and protect work during and after installation. Comply with trade standards and manufacturer's printed recommendations.
B. Turn off all forced ventilation and radiant heating systems and protect the work against drafts during installation and for at least 72 hours after completion.
C. Use indirect auxiliary heaters where necessary to maintain an adequate temperature level in the working environment.
D. Vent temporary heaters to exterior to prevent damage to the work from carbon dioxide build-up.
E. Maintain temperature in tiled areas at not less than 10°ree;C (50°ree;F) or more than 35°ree;C (95°ree;F) during installation and for 7 days after completion, unless higher temperatures are required by ANSI A108 installation standards or manufacturer's written instructions.

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PART 2. PRODUCTS
(Select appropriate product or products, delete all others)

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2.0.1 MATERIALS
A. GRANITE TILES: (See Notes To Specifier 1 and 2) GRANI-DECOR natural granite tiles (specify size, thickness, finish and color) conforming to ASTM Standard C-615, as manufactured in Canada by GRANI-DECOR TILES INC., St-Sebastien, Quebec, Canada.

2.0.2 SETTING MATERIALS
A. FLEXIBLE POLYMER PORTLAND CEMENT MORTAR:
(See Notes To Specifier 3,4,5, 9, 13, 14, and 15) KERALASTIC/KERABOND, two component mortar system conforming to ANSI A118.4 standard as manufactured by MAPEI with the polymer having the following characteristics:

	Polymer category:	Acrylic copolymer
	Ph:		4.0 - 5.0
	Specific gravity (water - 1):		1.026
	Glass transition temperature:		-20°ree;C (-4°ree;F)
	Particule size (um):		0.25 - 0.35

B. FAST CURING LATEX HYDRAULIC MORTAR:
(See Notes To Specifier 3,4,5, 9, 13, 14, and 15)
GRANI/RAPID, two-component, latex hydraulic thin-set mortar conforming to ANSI A118.4 standard for fast-setting mortars, as manufactured by MAPEI.
C. MEDIUM BED DRY-SET MORTAR:
(See Notes To Specifier 4, 5, 9, 13, 14, and 15)
ULTRA/FLOR medium bed dry-set mortar conforming to ANSI A118.4 standard as manufactured by MAPEI.
D. ACRYLIC LATEX ADDITIVE:KERAPLY, as manufactured by MAPEI.
(To be specified only when ULTRA/FLOR medium bed dry-set mortar is specified - see Note to Specifier 4.)
E. DRYWALL LATEX PRIMER:
PLANICRETE 50, as manufactured by MAPEI.
F. WATER: Clean, cold and potable.

2.0.3 GROUTING MATERIALS
A. FAST-SETTING, POLYMER-MODIFIED CEMENTITIOUS GROUT:
(See Note To Specifier 11)
ULTRA/COLOR, fast-curing, high early strength, polymer-modified sanded commercial tile grout conforming to ANSI A118.6 standard, as manufactured by MAPEI. Color: (specify color .... or) as selected by the architect.
B. UNSANDED TILE GROUT
(See Note To Specifier 10)
KER 800 polymer-modified unsanded Portland cement grout conforming to ANSI A118.6 standard, as manufactured by MAPEI. Color: (specify color .... or) as selected by the architect. C. SANDED TILE GROUT
(See Note To Specifier 11)
KER 200 polymer-modified sanded Portland cement grout conforming to ANSI A118.6 standard, as manufactured by MAPEI. Color: (specify color .... or) as selected by the architect.
D. CHEMICAL RESISTANT EPOXY GROUT:
(See Note To Specifier 12)
KERAPOXY, 100% solids epoxy mortar and grout conforming to ANSI A118.3 standard as manufactured by MAPEI. Color: (specify color .... or) as selected by the architect.

2.0.4 MIXES
A. Mix setting and grouting materials in strict accordance with manufacturer's printed instructions.
B. Use clean mixing containers.
C. Use a low speed mixer (approximately 300 RPM).

2.0.5 SPECIAL CONDITIONS
(See Notes To Specifier 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15)
A. In areas which cannot be closed to traffic for any length of time, install granite tiles with GRANI/RAPID fast-curing latex hydraulic thin-set mortar system and grout with the fast-curing, high early strength polymer-modified sanded tile grout.
B. When installing large size granite tiles [40 cm x 40 cm (16" x 16") and larger], use a special medium-bed mortar trowel [19 mm x 14 mm (3/4" x 9/16") U-shaped] and install GRANI/RAPID as a medium-bed mortar.

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PART 3. EXECUTION

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3.0.1 EXAMINATION A. Before work commences, examine the areas to be covered and report any flaw or adverse condition in writing to the general contractor and the architect. Do not proceed with the work until surfaces and conditions comply with the requirements indicated in the manufacturer's instructions and in ANSI A108.5 and A108.6 specifications. For more details see "TCA HANDBOOK FOR CERAMIC TILE INSTALLATION".

3.0.2 SURFACE PREPARATION A. GENERAL
1. All supporting surfaces shall be structurally sound, solid, stable, level, plumb and true to a tolerance in plane of 3 mm (1/8") in 2,4 m (8'-0") for walls and 3 mm (1/8") in 3 m (10'-0") for floors. They shall be dry, clean and free of dust, oil, grease, paint, tar, wax, curing agent, primer, sealer, form release agent or any deleterious substance and debris which may prevent or reduce adhesion.
2. Mechanically sand and scarify the substrate to completely remove all paint, loosely bonded topping, loose particles and construction debris.
3. Neutralize any trace of strong acid or alkali from the substrate prior to the application of the mortar.
4. All substrates shall be dry. The moisture content shall not exceed 5%.
5. In all cases, the structural design of floors shall not allow a deflection of more than 1/360 of the span under live and dead loads.
6. Exterior wall surfaces shall be appropriately prepared. Apply a skim coat of universal dry-set mortar and allow to dry for at least 24 hours prior to installing granite tiles.
B. CONCRETE
1. Concrete surfaces shall be dry, completely cured and free of hydrostatic conditions and/or moisture problem.
2. On grade or below grade concrete slabs must be installed over an effective vapor barrier and be exempt of hydrostatic conditions.
3. New concrete surfaces shall be wood floated or broom finished.
4. Over excessively dry porous concrete, keep the concrete substrate continuously moist for at least 24 hours before work begins. Remove all excess water or standing water allowing the surface to become almost dry before installing the levelling coat or setting mortar.
C. CEMENTITIOUS BACKER UNITS (C.B.U.)
When installed by others the C.B.U. shall be from a reputable manufacturer and shall conform to the quality standard requirements of ANSI A118.9. It must be installed according to the C.B.U. manufacturer's instructions and in strict accordance with ANSI A108.11 standard for INTERIOR installation of cementitious backer units.
D. GYPSUM WALL SURFACES ( Interior dry areas only)
Prime all drywall and plaster wall surfaces with PLANICRETE 50 multi-purpose latex and let dry completely before applying the mortar.
E. RESURFACING OLD SURFACES (Interior installations only)
Old cement terrazzo, ceramic tile, paver and quarry tile, shall be sound, solid, well bonded, flawless, stripped clean and free of dust, wax, grease, sealer, soap residue and all other deleterious substances which may reduce or prevent adhesion.
F. PLYWOOD (Specify only for interior residential floors and countertops in dry areas)
(See Notes To Specifier 3, 9 and 13)
1. Plywood substrate and underlayment shall be GROUP 1, EXTERIOR GRADE Douglas Fir plywood - C.C. type or better, conforming to A.P.A. classification and U.S. Product Standard PS 1-83 or a "SELECT" or (SEL TF) COFI classified EXTERIOR GRADE plywood conforming to CSA 0121 standard for Douglas fir. Presswood, particle board, chipboard, masonite, gypsum floor patching compounds, asbestos board, Lauan and similar dimensionally unstable materials are not acceptable substrates.
2. Plywood surfaces shall be installed smooth face-up. Offset joints of subfloor and underlayment. Use exclusively new plywood.
3. When on joists 40 cm (16") O.C. plywood subfloors shall consist of 2 layers each 16 mm (5/8") thick, and gapped 6 mm (1/4") between sheets and between all materials which they abut such as walls, drains and posts. The plywood shall be screwed 15 cm (6") O.C. around the perimeter and 20 cm (8") O.C. throughout the body of the panel in each direction.
4. Plank or board floors shall be covered over with one layer of 19 mm (3/4") thick exterior grade plywood, each sheet to be fastened with screws 20 cm (8") O.C. in all directions and around the perimeter. Leave 6 mm (1/4") spacing between each plywood sheet and between all materials which they abut such as walls, drains and posts.
5. The adjacent edges of the plywood sheets shall not be more than 0,75 mm (1/32") above or below each other.
6. All wood subfloors shall be well heated and vented from under.

3.0.3 INSTALLATION
A. Before setting, use a damp towel and wipe the back side of the granite to remove any dust or other residue that may be left over from the manufacturing process.
B. On interior wall installation, use a notched trowel with deep enough grooves to achieve an 80% minimum mortar contact with the back side of the tiles. (Edges and corners must be fully backed with mortar when set.)
C. In all wet areas, exterior work and commercial floors, back butter each tile with a sufficient mortar layer, using the flat edge of the trowel immediately prior to laying, to achieve a 100% mortar contact and void-free solid support. Simultaneously, apply the mortar to the substrate surface with a notched trowel with deep enough grooves to achieve a continuous bed without voids or unsupported areas. Lay tiles while both mortar surfaces are wet. Do not allow mortar to dry or skin over on either surfaces before laying the tiles.
D. Where medium-bed mortar installation is specified, use a specially designed medium-bed trowel with 19 mm (3/4") wide x 14 mm (9/16") deep notches.
E. Install granite tiles according to the manufacturer's strict recommendations as to the particulars of the mortar system and following the general outline procedure set forth in ANSI A108.5 specifications for the installation of ceramic tiles.
F. On walls, start installing at the lowest portion of the wall. Support the granite tiles or veneer with wedges, pegs or ropes to prevent sagging. Where 19 mm (3/4") or thicker granite is specified without anchors on walls, do not install more than 2 courses of granite per day, allowing the dry-set mortar to reach an initial cure strong enough to withstand the stresses generated by the additional courses being installed.
G. On all interior floors and walls where granite tiles are specified to be grouted, install tiles leaving a regular even spacing between tiles of at least 1,5 mm (1/16") (specify joint width if wider joints are desired). No butt joints shall be permitted.
H. On all the exterior portion of the work, install granite tiles with a regular even spacing between tiles of at least 5 mm (3/16") (specify joint width if wider joints are desired). No butt joints shall be permitted.
I. In areas where the granite tiles are specified to be grouted with a chemical resistant epoxy grout, install tiles with a regular even spacing between tiles of at least 5 mm (3/16") (specify joint width if wider joints are desired). No butt joints shall be permitted

3.0.4. EXPANSION AND CONTROL JOINTS A. Carry existing joints in the concrete subfloors and walls through the covering surfaces.
B. Install control joints where the stone abuts restraining surfaces, around the perimeter of the work and at the base of columns and curbs.
C. Install and space expansion and control joints in all directions according to the strict instructions of the Tile Council of America`s Detail #EJ-171 as described in the latest edition of their HANDBOOK FOR CERAMIC TILE INSTALLATION. CAUTION: CONTROL JOINTS: It must be clearly pointed out that under no circumstance should the control joint be cut in after the granite has been installed as this defeats the object of the exercise. The installer should install up to the control joint and stop. If required, cut the stone and commence setting from the opposite side. Before continuing, rake the joint clean.
D. Install an approved compressible bead and sealant to caulk expansion and control joints following the sealant manufacturer's strict instructions.

3.0.5 GROUTING (See Notes To Specifier 6, 7 and 8)
A. Where granite tiles are installed with KERALASTIC/KERABOND or with KERAPLY and ULTRA/FLOR mortar systems, grout no sooner than 24 hours after installation.
B. Where granite tiles are installed with ULTRA/FLOR mixed only with water, grout no sooner than 48 hours after installation.
C. Where granite tiles are installed with GRANI/RAPID fast-curing latex hydraulic mortar, grout no sooner than 3 to 4 hours after installation.
D. Use caution when grouting "high polish" granite tiles to prevent scratching or damaging of the surface. Always do a test area and obtain the architect's written approval before proceeding with the grouting of the entire work.
E. On interior floors and walls where joint widths are specified to be 1,5 mm (1/16") to a maximum of 3 mm (1/8"), install KER 800 UNSANDED polymer-modified grout as specified.
F. On the exterior portion of the granite tilework and where joint widths are specified to be 3 mm (1/8") to 10 mm (3/8"), install ULTRA/COLOR or KER 200 SANDED grout as specified.
G. Install grouts in strict accordance with the grout manufacturer's instructions and following the general outline procedure of ANSI A108.10 - for latex Portland cement grouts.
H. Chemical Resistant Epoxy Grout: Where specified in (specify area and granite finish where KERAPOXY grout is desired)... install KERAPOXY chemical resistant, 100% solids epoxy grout as specified. Mix epoxy grout in complete unit batches. Do not mix part units. Follow the grout manufacturer's instructions and the general outline procedure of ANSI A108.6 for handling, mixing, grouting and cleaning.

3.0.6 CLEANING
A. Remove all grout and mortar residue immediately while work progresses and before the materials harden on the tile surface.
B. Clean granite tiles completely leaving no apparent cement laitance or epoxy film on the surface of the tile. DO NOT ACID WASH, especially where coloured grouts are specified.

3.0.7 PROTECTION
A. Flexible polymer Portland cement mortar installations:
1. Protect finished work against weather, freezing and complete water immersion for at least 21 days after completion of the work.
2. Floors: protect floors from foot traffic for at least 24 hours and general traffic for at least 72 hours after installation. Prohibit heavy traffic on floors for at least 7 days after installation.
3. Walls: protect walls from impact, vibration and hammering on adjacent and opposite walls for at least 14 days after installation.
B. Fast-curing latex hydraulic mortar installation:
1. Protect finished work against weather, freezing and complete water immersion for at least 72 hours after completion of the work.
2. Floors: protect floors from general traffic for at least 3 to 4 hours after installation. Prohibit heavy traffic on floors for at least 24 hours after installation.
3. Walls: protect walls from impact, vibration and hammering on adjacent and opposite walls for at least 24 hours after installation.
D. Since temperature and humidity during and after installation affect the final curing time of all cement based and epoxy materials, allow for extended periods of cure and protection when temperatures drop below 15°ree;C (60°ree;F) and/or when the relative humidity is higher than 70%.