Bostik Flooring Blog

Tips of the Trade: River Rock Tile / Urethane Grout Installation

2011-09-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

River rock, also known as pebble stone, tile installations can be difficult and requires special grouting techniques depending on the river rock material selected. The challenge is the grout joints in river rock applications often fall outside the widths/depths recommended for many types of grout, including Urethane Grout. Failure to recognize and account for this fact can lead to grout failure if proper installation techniques and the appropriate precautions are not taken.

Urethane Grouting Tips—
Before spreading grout: Stir each bucket from the bottom up just enough to mix in the skim of urethane that may be on top (by hand – preferred; drill mixer – low speed for 30 seconds; no drill mixer for glass filled grout). Do not add anything to the bucket. Stir grout periodically during installation.

Remember to seal and/or enhance any natural stone depending on your requirement. Some kind of sealing is required prior to grouting. Be sure to follow the sealer manufacturer’s cure time instructions before grouting. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least 24 hours after sealing before grouting.

While spreading grout:
• Use a sponge and clean water to lightly dampen 3-5 square feet of River Rock Tile (generally not necessary on vertical surfaces).
• Float grout in using a softer-edged stone float, ensuring that all joints and spaces are tightly filled. Do not overfill as this may make grout cleanup very difficult. Grout joints must be 1/16” - 1/2” in width and at least 1/8” in depth. Joints that are deeper than 3/8” will require more cure time than typically recommended. Spread only in an area that you can reach (3-5 square foot sections typically for River Rock tile) to apply and clean urethane grout. Remove excess grout from the tile surface.
• Use a whisk broom or a block brush to knock grout from the face of the tile/stone and to smooth the areas between the stones.
• For best results, remove grout haze as you work, particularly in warm or dry climates. If working alone, only grout as far as you can reach (arm’s length) before initial cleaning. If working as a team, one person should grout, with the other(s) cleaning immediately behind the first person.
Rinse sponge in water and wring out completely. Since urethane grout requires very little water during cleanup, make sure that the sponge is wrung nearly dry. Wipe lightly, leaving sponge flat on the tile surface to prevent grout removal from joints. Excessive water during cleanup can dilute the urethane binder and cause curing issues that may lead to grout failure. Change rinse water every 100 square feet or less.

After installation:
Allow cleaned tile areas to dry, then inspect the surface. If additional haze removal is necessary, we recommend the use of Bostik® Blaze™ Urethane Grout Haze and General Purpose Cleaner. Wait 3 hours in low humidity/warm temperature (< 50% RH and > 70°F) environments and 6 hours in high humidity environments/cool temperature (> 50%RH and < 70°F) environments before using Bostik Blaze. Make sure the grout is cured enough to withstand light
finger pressure without losing form. Spray Bostik Blaze on a scrub pad designed for delicate surfaces such as the 3M™ Doodlebug™ white cleaning pad. Rub the cleaning pad lightly over the urethane haze on the tile being careful not to touch the grout joints. Note that excessive haze may require direct spray on surface, more dwell time or repeated cleaning. Do not flood the surface with cleaner. Allow Bostik Blaze to rest on the tile/stone surface for at least 60 seconds to ensure sufficient penetration. Use a damp sponge and clean water to remove the film and cleaner. Finish by drying the tile surface with a clean towel or cloth. Allow urethane grout products to cure sufficiently as follows: Light foot traffic – 24 hours; heavy foot traffic and normal cleaning – 3 days; wet areas such as showers – 7 days.

Remember:
1. Use an approved waterproofing membrane such as Bostik® GoldPlus™ for mud bed applications. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for membrane installation. Apply to within 1” of any drains to prevent weep hole blockage. The use of pre-sloped, waterproof trays (instead of mud beds) is highly recommended.
2. Do not use urethane grout to re-grout commercial and wet areas such as showers, steam showers, and outdoor applications. On traditional shower floors apply a waterproof membrane such as Bostik GoldPlus over sand/mud bed to keep hydration from slowing or stopping full grout cure.
3. Protect outdoor applications by tenting the grouted area at least 1 foot above surface for 7 days.
4. It is not recommended to grout or clean tile if the tile surface temperature is above 90°F (32°C). If this is the case, wait for the tile surface to cool prior to grouting or cleaning. You may accelerate the tile cooling process by wiping with a damp sponge. Be careful not to add excessive water during the tile cooling process.

Need more help? Contact our Technical Service group at 1-800-7/BOSTIK.

Visit Bostik at the 2011 National Hardware Show

2011-03-31T18:27:00.000-07:00

Well, it is hard to believe another year has come and gone, but the 2011 National Hardware Show (http://www.nationalhardwareshow.com) is just around the corner - May 10-12, 2011 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

I am very excited that we will be exhibiting at the show again this year since there will be more than 18,000 buyers and retailers attending. We will be showing off our entire line up of consumer products, including hardwood adhesives and accessories and urethane grout. A major focus will be on our new woodworking lubricant products GlideCote™ and BladeCote™. These two innovative products, which have primarily been used exclusively among professional woodworkers, is now available to the consumer with the following features and benefits:

GlideCote™
• Eliminates “hang-ups” on sliding surfaces.

• Protects all tools and equipment from rust.

• Contains no silicone or petroleum oil. Will not stain wood or interfere with glues or finishes.

• Perfect for table saw beds, drill presses, lathes, planers, band saws, miters, panel saws, and all hand tools.

BladeCote™
• Prevents resin build-up. Reduces blade cleanings.

• Works equally well on steel or carbide, stellite and diamond-tipped cutting blades.

• Extends overall life of blades and bits.

• Contains no silicone or petroleum oil. Will not stain wood or interfere with glues or finishes.

Stop by our booth #4126.

Bostik, Inc. Acquires Starquartz Industries

2011-02-18T18:50:00.000-08:00

Bostik Inc. has acquired StarQuartz Industries (www.starquartz.com), manufacturer of the patented premixed urethane grout technology QuartzLock2 and StarGlassTM Translucent Grout.

"StarQuartz's urethane grouts are new and expanding technologies that fit perfectly with Bostik's core urethane competencies and family of leading ceramic tile and stone installation solutions," said Robert McNamara, director of marketing and sales for Bostik's Consumer & Construction Division. "Now backed by Bostik's worldwide, world-class resources, these revolutionary urethane technologies are poised to supplant epoxy- and cement-based grouts."

Jorge Goytisolo, vice president of sales and marketing for StarQuartz Industries, notes it will be business as usual at the company - only now StarQuartz products will be supported by a global leader with the worldwide distribution needed to help the urethane grouts reach their full potential footprints.

QuartzLock2 Grout provides epoxy-like stain resistance and durability, and its flexibility provides unmatched crack resistance. StarGlass, designed for glass and metal tile installations, offers translucent, 3-dimensional and reflective colors providing never before seen design potential.

Both StarQuartz urethane grout technologies are:

Pre-mixed and ready to use, and leftover material can be saved for future jobs;
Self sealing and stain, chemical and mildew resistant;
Proven to deliver unmatched color consistency;
UV resistant: Light colors will not fade or yellow;
Resistant to cracks, while offering flexibility and low shrinkage;
Easy to install in as little as half the time of other grouts;
Designed to earn LEED credits: The grouts are low VOC, have zero waste, and are BPA- and NMP-free;
Business builders: Urethane grouts offer increased profitability.

This Old House Uses TruColor Pre-Mixed Grout!

2010-01-18T12:22:00.001-08:00

Tune into THIS OLD HOUSE on PBS on Wednesday, January 27th at 8:00 p.m. to see tile contractor Mark Ferrante install and grout a subway tile backsplash using "a new pre-mixed urethane grout that promises faster installation time, greater stain resistance, and no additional sealing." The grout he's using? TruColor PreMixed Grout, of course!

You can also pick up the latest issue of This Old House magazine,
hitting the stands January 18th, to see TruColor PreMixed Grout used as the grout of choice for installing a glass mosaic backsplash, featured in "Weekend Remodel". You can also see this feature Weekend Remodel on the This Old House website www.thisoldhouse.com

Installing Glass Tile

2009-12-28T16:32:00.000-08:00

Glass tile installations have become very popular and are a growing market share. Glass tiles are ecologically sound (many glass tile are made from recycled glass) and offer a wide range of colors.

The key to achieving a good installation is substrate preparation. Substrate preparation is the #1 factor that accounts for the success or failure of an installation. Surfaces need to be clean, level and stable. It is highly recommended to use a waterproofing/crack isolation membrane prior to installing glass tiles to prevent shrinkage or movement in the substrate. We suggest Hydroment Gold, a Latex-Based Anti-Fracture and Waterproofing Membrane.

It is imperative to install all glass tiles with a quality white latex-fortified Portland cement thin set, as this will have the least affect on the color and transparency of the tiles. Some suggestions include Hydroment StoneWall High Performance-Non Sag Mortar or Hydroment ReFlex Ultra Premium Latex-Modified Thin Set Mortar. Never use any multi-purpose or regular thin set mortars or any type of mastic as this will may result in failure. To install the glass tiles, skim coat the substrate with the thin set using the flat side of the trowel then use the proper notch side of the trowel to install the tile. Press the tiles into the thin set ensuring that the back of the tiles are completely coated and flat.

After the thin set has cured, you are ready to start grouting. We suggest the use of Bostik's TruColor Pre-Mixed Urethane Grout. TruColor is excellent for glass tiles, offers the ultimate in color consistency, crack resistance and stain protection, TruColor never needs to be sealed! TruColor is a clean as you go product so we suggest you grout as far as you can reach (10-12 square foot area). Clean and rinse sponge in water and wring nearly dry. Please read installation directions for all products used to be assured of a successful installation.

Necessity is the Mother of Invention

2009-11-04T05:52:00.000-08:00

Back in 1994, when Bostik introduced the first moisture cure urethane adhesive to the Hardwood Flooring Industry, we knew we had something special. Back then, few people knew about Bostik’s Best®, however, those that “gave it a try” quickly recognized the jump in technology and performance from the previously dominant chlorinated-solvent based adhesives.

If they didn’t recognize this while using it, some (unfortunately) figured out how tenacious the adhesive was if they failed to properly clean adhesive off the face of the finished floor during installation. If they didn’t follow directions, and left the adhesive on the face of the flooring, it was impossible to remove without damaging the floor - although the floors are repairable!

Back then, cleaning the adhesive off flooring & tools was a MAJOR obstacle to gaining significant market share. Bostik recognized that the cleaning the adhesive off flooring and tools was relatively easy if done at the right time - when the adhesive is fresh. However, we were definitely facing problems once the adhesive cured. At Bostik, we spent a lot of sleepless nights and endless tests to finally secure a product that could clean the adhesive effectively even after initial cure… thus, the invention of Bostik’s Ultimate Adhesive Remover!

Although this product does work, we again listened to our Customers who said “you need to help us PREVENT the problem in the first place!” As such, we took the unique step up putting the HUGE RED WARNING LABEL on the lid! We figured when opening the adhesive, you can’t help but look at the lid – which is the ideal place to put this important warning!

Once we took this important step, we estimate that we eliminated > 95% of the issues from ever occurring! We do keep our eyes open for further improvements with cleaners, so, if you are aware of any good “tricks of the trade”, don’t be afraid to give us some pointers – as we all learn new things every day!

The Sound Truth about Wood Flooring and Accoustical Systems

2009-08-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

Many residents in multi-family construction and high rise condominiums would like to replace carpeting with wood flooring. However such installations are concerning due to condominium requirements and building codes relating to noise which may transfer to neighbors down stairs.

Fortunately there are several ways to meet or exceed local codes and not violate your condominium association rules.

The most common material used for this purpose is cork. Typically 1⁄4” cork underlayment installed beneath wood flooring is provides sufficient acoustical dampening to meet all requirements. Bostik sells both 1⁄4” and 1⁄2” cork underlayment which may be glued to concrete subfloors using any of Bostik’s Urethane adhesives. Once the cork is installed, wood flooring is bonded directly over the cork underlayment with a Bostik Urethane adhesive.

The cork system is popular and proven. However installation of cork prior to the flooring adds considerable labor, materials cost and elevation. So, as an alternative to cork Bostik manufactures MVP4 which is a liquid applied urethane membrane with good acoustical dampening properties. MVP4 is simply applied with a notched trowel the afternoon before installation of wood flooring. It is a quick, easy process that does not add any appreciable elevation to the project.

There are various acoustical systems on the market. Most of which are compatible with with Bostik Urethane adhesives. For more information call Bostik Technical Service at 800 523 6530

LEED Silver hospital -are there any useful suggestions that will safeguard this installation from potential failure for at least 10 years?

2009-07-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

Prior to installing 50,000 square feet of recycled rubber flooring on the concrete slab of my client’s new LEED Silver hospital, are there any useful suggestions that will safeguard this installation from potential failure for at least 10 years?

The number one thing to do prior to the installation of virtually any floor covering on a concrete slab is to test for the presence of elevated moisture vapor emission or pH levels.
It is essential to install a moisture vapor barrier coating if either of these conditions is above industry standards, but also a wise step to take as a precautionary measure to avoid potential problems in the future. Perhaps the greatest reason floor covering installations fail today is due to the breakdown of the adhesives used due to elevated levels of either condition.

The most robust moisture vapor barrier coatings for the installation of rubber flooring are made of epoxy resins and are a great preventive measure for any installation, regardless of size. Bostik is a global leader in the sale of moisture vapor emission control systems and has a choice of two-component coatings available. Bostik’s Durabond D-250 Moisture Vapor Barrier Coating and D-261 Extreme Moisture Vapor Barrier Coating are both high performance, roller-applied, epoxy coatings that meet LEED credit MR 4.2 Low-Emitting Materials – Paints & Coatings. Both coatings have VOC contents well below the 100 g/L LEED limit for this category of waterproofing sealers. These coatings have minimal odor, dry rapidly and contain Bostik’s Blockade™ antimicrobial protection. Either coating can be used in conjunction with Bostik’s complete line of Durabond installation materials that include cement repair patches, self-leveling underlayments and adhesives. In fact, when used as part of a complete Bostik system, the installation can be warranted for a period of 10 years.

Controlling Moisture Vapor in Concrete Prior to Gluing Down Wood Flooring

2009-07-13T17:03:00.000-07:00

All concrete surfaces regardless of age or grade level will release some level of moisture vapor. Vapor retarders such as Bostik's MVP4 Moisture Vapor Protection has been extremely effective in controlling the rate of vapor transmission from the subfloor when used in conjunction with any approved Bostik Urethane Adhesive. Bostik’s MVP4, being the first one-part, polyurethane product in the market, currently is the only vapor protection product that does not require moisture testing prior to use and also does not have an upper limit! Once your concrete substrate is properly prepared, MVP4 is easily troweled on using a 3/16" x 5/32" V-Notch trowel and has virtually no odor. After a short cure time of 12 hours, you can begin installing solid or engineered wood flooring using Bostik's Best, TKO, BSTurethane or EFA+.

My Tiles are cracking because the concrete underneath them cracked. Is there something we could have done to prevent that?

2009-07-13T15:22:00.000-07:00

The answer is clearly YES!

First, if the cracking below your tile is a serious structural crack, then there are other more serious issues you need to address. However, if the cracks in your substrate are from cracking that is typical in concrete substrates (examples include control joint movement/cracks, or controlled/uncontrolled shrinkage cracks, or other nonstructural cracks), then yes you have options.

Bostik has been a pioneer in waterproofing and anti-fracture/crack suppressent membranes since the late 1980's. For the Hydroment brand, Ultra-Set Advanced® and Gold™ can be used over the entire substrate or in strategic areas of the installation. For the Durabond® brand D-222 DuraGuard® Membrane can be used over he entire substrate or in strategic areas of the installation. Both membranes exceed ANSI 118.10 (LOAD BEARING, BONDED, WATERPROOF MEMBRANES FOR THIN-SET CERAMIC TILE AND DIMENSION STONE INSTALLATIONS).
and ANSI 118.12 (SPECIFICATION FOR CRACK ISOLATION FOR CERAMIC TILE AND STONE INSTALLATIONS)
- which can prevent cracks in your Ceramic Tile, Porcelain, Marble, or Granite Installations for cracking in substrates up to 1/8". As always, please refer to Product Literature and industry standards for complete product information and proper installation procedures.

The Truth About Gluing Solid Wood Flooring to Concrete

2009-06-22T20:02:00.000-07:00

We get questions all the time about our claims that we can glue down solid wood over concrete.

“You are not saying we can glue 3⁄4” solid wood over concrete, are you?”

Well the answer is yes and no. When we say 3⁄4” wood flooring we are not speaking about your average wood that is bowed and bent. Such flooring, like unfinished 2 1⁄4” strip that requires mechanical fastener to hold it down and pull it together tight can not be glued down. It requires nails or staples, period.

Fortunately, however there are many pre-finished and unfinished solid products available which are relatively straight, flat and rack together easily. These products, regardless of species, thickness or width can be glued down successfully over concrete or gypsum-based sub floors. The only limitation is the slabs must be above or on grade. Installations of solid wood are never recommended below grade.

The other concern has always been that water in a concrete slab will be absorbed by wood flooring. With the use of Products lik Bostik MVP4 urethane membrane we can eliminate that problem. However, as with nail down floors, we still need to be concerned with housekeeping and humidity in the building. There are more ways for a floor to become saturated with water than the subfloor.

There are literally millions of square feet of solid wood flooring glued down throughout North America in residential and commercial applications.

Be warned, solid wood flooring is not as forgiving as, dimensionally stable cross grain laminated, engineered products. If you skimp on acclimation, surface prep or adhesive, call backs are likely. However if you take the time to understand the installation of solids, you will be able to offer a more diverse range of wood flooring in glue-down markets.

All of Bostik’s urethane adhesives are recommended for solid glue down jobs. But don’t try to bond solid wood to old adhesive residues, cutback or concrete sealers. These products were never designed to withstand the lateral expansion and contraction of solid wood.

Bostik TruColor Pre-Mixed Grout

2009-06-08T20:38:00.000-07:00

TruColor Pre-Mixed Grout is be available in 20 colors unique to the Hydroment® and Durabond® brand product lines of tile and stone setting materials. Additionally, when used in conjunction with a Bostik system of products, TruColor Pre-Mixed Grout will be warranted up to the length of the system used!

TruColor Pre-Mixed Grout is a patented, water-based, urethane grout offering the ultimate in color accuracy, stain protection and crack resistance for residential and commercial tile installations. This breakthrough formulation installs up to 50% faster than traditional grouts, and never needs to be sealed! Its perfect balance of flexibility and toughness enables it to exhibit unmatched performance and crack resistance. TruColor Pre-Mixed Grout exceeds the grout-relevant portion of the ANSI 118.3 epoxy standard (modified ANSI 118.3-UG).

TruColor Pre-Mixed Grout Tips on Mixing and Cleaning

2009-06-08T20:31:00.000-07:00

Urethane grout is an easily installed product, but it is different to use than conventional grouts. We will review the mixing and cleaning protocols that we recommend to our customers.

MIXING

There are two ways to mix urethane grout. We always recommend and prefer that the customer hand mix the product with a margin trowel. If the customer prefers to use anelectric mixer be sure to remind them to only mix for ONLY 30 seconds on low speed (it is really easy and fast to bring this product into suspension with an electric mixer).
After mixing with an electric mixer the product should stand 10 minutes before use. The use of an electric mixer will add air to the grout mix causing potential slumping in vertical applications and sinking in some floor applications.

Note: The customer should continue to stir the grout with a margin trowel during grout application.

GROUT CLEANING

There is no easier grout to clean in the industry as long as you clean correctly. Spread the grout using a green epoxy rubber float. Only spread an area that you can reach and then immediately clean with clean water (this is a clean as you go product). As you are wiping the surface make sure the sponge is wrung nearly dry. Since the float removes 95% of the grout from the surface you need little water to clean the surface. Additionally, the less water you use the faster the product will cure. Remember urethane grout is an air dried product and cure is dependent on temperature and humidity.