(A) Substrate Preparation

1. The ground is to be watered and rammed thoroughly to create a firm base.
2. Over this 3” of river sand is to be laid and rammed thoroughly.
3. On top of the sand cushion, for pedestrian traffic, 4” of 1:5:10 brick jelly concreting has to be done. For heavy traffic, 4” of 1:4:8 PCC concreting to bedone.

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(B) Floor Tile Laying

1. Prepare base mortar with cement and sand in the ratio 1:4(cement consumption as per item No.4 is also to be taken into account for arriving a thisratio)
2. Total mortar thickness should not be more than 1”. In case where tiling is to be done on RCC slabs, finished floor levels would have to be marked using tube levels. In this process, if it is observed in some areas mortar thickness is likely to be excess of 1”, in those areas PCC work will have to be done to raise levels so that mortar thickness is not more than 1”.
3. Set the levels for the finished floor (i.e. dead level or slope as specified by the Architect/Contractor)
4. Prepare cement slurry i.e. mixture of cement and water to form a thick paste and spread it on the leveled base mortar.
5. Wet the reverse of the tile with water. Complete immersion of tile in water is not required.
6. If tile s are square or rectangular in shape, set the angles for the rooms and place the first tile along the right angle lines and place it on base mortar. Tap gently and uniformly only with rubber or wooden mallet covered with cloth to obtain perfect levels.
7. Clean the surface of tiles with clean water immediately after laying with wet sponge. Ensure that the base mortar cement which squeezes through the joints does not settle on the tile.
8. Also ensure that the water used for cleaning is not salty, hard or brackish.
9. It is suggested to leave a fine gap of 1mm all rounds for external tiles for fast and proper laying.
10. For external tiling completely open to sky, the tile should be laid in such a way that for every 10”X10” area laid, there should be an expansion of 2mm on all sides. This should be followed throughout the area of laying, to provide for the expansion,, for all tiles. Absence of expansion gaps may result in lifting/chipping/cracking of tiles.
11. In site where multiple levels are encountered, whenever level color changes occur, the tiles on the ridge will have to be adequately protected with mortar cushion.
12. When large span tile have to be laid on curved substrate, it is suggested that the tile be cut to take the contour of the slope ensuring proper bedding.
13. Do not use the laid area for 48 hours.
14. Fill in the joints with pointing material which is a mixture of white cement and desired color of pigment. For higher quality of finishes, you could use, if required, polymer based cementitious tiling joint filler like Roffe Rainbow. To arrive at the desired color/shade, mix the same with water to form a smooth paste which should be applied to the joints, preferably with the use of rubber squeeze sheet. Do not apply the pointing material all over the surface.
15. Allow pointing material to set for 15 minutes and then clean the surface of the tile with wet sponge, removing the excess pigment on the tile surface.
16. Wash the surface with soap water or mild detergent to obtain a clean surface.