Interstyle Manufactures Glass Tile by Fusing Clear Glass with Ceramic

Interstyle manufactures glass tile by fusing clear Substrate Preparation Most setting materials manufacturers offer glass with ceramic glazes at a high temperature. complete systems (including, levelling materials, Interstyle’s glass tiles may be installed on interior or Since any crack in a glass tile is very crack isolation membranes, thin-set mortars exterior wall areas, in wet or dry locations (including visible, the use of a crack isolation and grouts) for installing glass tile and that when in hot or cold environments). Interstyle’s glass tiles membrane (ANSI A118.12) used together offer a high level of durability and are manufactured in 4, 6 and 8 mm thicknesses for over the entire surface is strongly long-term performance. wall use. Glass tiles differ from ceramic products; advised. Many substrates such attention must be given to these special installation as mortar beds may continue to For pools and areas with instructions to ensure a good installation. cure and shrink over a period of frequent immersion, confirm months, and a crack isolation membrane prevents suitability of the adhesive with shrinkage or movement of the substrate from the thinset manufacturer. These installation guidelines assume that the tile transferring through to the tile. If a crack isolation Pools and other submerged installer is familiar with the installation methods and membrane is not used, neither the distributor nor applications where mosaics techniques that are referenced in TCNA’s Handbook the manufacturer will accept any responsibility may be installed require that for Ceramic, Glass and Stone Tile Installation. for cracking. Install only over well-cured, stable mosaics and assemblies be face-mounted with Interstyle’s installation guidelines do not attempt to substrates. Substrates should be levelled prior to the plastic film instead of back mesh mounted. cover all aspects of tile installation only those items installation of the crack isolation membrane. Do not that differ from industry standard methods. use thinset to level the substrate under glass tile. Spread the adhesive with a notched trowel following the manufacturer’s recommendations Allow for a control joint wherever substrates change (in many cases a 3/16” V-notch trowel works The use standard ceramic tile installation methods and as prescribed in section EJ171 of TCNA’s Handbook well). Use the flat side of the trowel to flatten the may result in a finished installation with appearance for Ceramic, Glass and Stone Tile Installation (www. ridges without removing thin-set. Use the thin- and/or durability problems. Do not expose glass tiles tileusa.com). set manufacturer’s minimum recommended to high abrasion, strong impact, mechanical stress or thickness of thin-set. Important: do not over thermal shock. Do not install over flexible surfaces, - build the adhesive, as it may shrink and add uncured substrates and do not omit the crack Installation stress or crack the glass. Spread only as much isolation membrane. adhesive as will be covered with the tile within Confirm color, size and mounting (back or face 15 minutes. mounted, and appropriate layout) of the entire batch of tiles before installation. Verify that sufficient Mosaics and other mounted tile has been ordered to complete the installation assemblies may be installed (including extra tile to make up for losses due to directly to the thinset cutting, breakage and waste) as color matching of adhesive. Larger format tiles different batches of tile is not possible. should have a thin skim coat of thinset applied to the back Use a white thin-set mortar of the tile to reduce voids (ISO C2FS2P2 or 2-component, and improve adhesion. Firmly press the glass flexible, rapid cure, acrylic tile against the surface to eliminate voids in the modified thin-set mortar system) adhesive that may show through the glass tile. as recommended by the thin-set All Interstyle glass tile products are made in Canada manufacturer for installing glass Install glass tile on the wall leaving even spacing Shade variation may occur in all fired products. tile in the specific application. between tiles of at least 1/16” (1.5mm). Use (at least 24 hours). Grout with an un-sanded of the bit. A temporary guide can grout to prevent scratching of the surface. be made out of a scrap piece of RECOMMENDED plywood drilled with a hole slightly larger than the coring bit. Holding INSTALLATION the guide over the desired location Cutting of the hole in the tile, slowly start GUIDELINES drilling from the back of the tile, Glass tile should be cut using a then complete the hole from the face of the tile to wet saw fitted with a diamond prevent glass from chipping off on the exit side of blade designed for cutting the hole. glass. A proper blade for cutting glass is thin, made with a soft Important – Drill holes 1/8” (3mm) larger than any metal compound that exposes anchors you plan to use. To prevent stress transfer fine diamond cutting chips and from the fixture to the glass tile ensure anchors has a continuous rim to reduce chipping. The are well secured to the structure (not only to the use of a standard ceramic tile blade will chip the substrate) and do not allow fixtures to rest directly glass. Orient the tile so that the blade rotates on the glass tile. This is particularly important in the into the glazed side first to minimize chipping. case of frameless shower doors and hardware. Use plenty of water or lubricant to keep the blade and glass tile cool. Whenever possible cut edges should be placed into corners where they can be covered or hidden. Cleaning

Straight cuts generally do not result in additional For routine cleaning, use any stress to the glass tile, but notched cuts may add non-abrasive cleaning compound stress and cause cracking of the glass at the inside recommended for either glass or corner of the tile. A standard ceramic tile cutter tile (such as ammonia and water, (score and break method) is not recommended. vinegar and water, etc.). Follow rinsing instructions carefully. A Cutting Curves – A ring or band saw designed for penetrating sealer may be used cutting glass makes cutting curves easy, - curves with matte finish or frosted glass to facilitate clean and holes can be cut most accurately by the use up of cooking oils. of a waterjet machine.

Drilling

Drilling a hole requires the use of a drill bit or Interstyle Ceramic & Glass Ltd. coring bit designed specifically for glass. Ensure 3625 Brighton Avenue Burnaby, BC, Canada, V5A 3H5 that sufficient cooling water or liquid lubricant is 1-800-667-1566 used. If the drill and glass tile cannot be securely 1-604 421-7229 clamped in place, use a guide to assist alignment [email protected] www.interstyleglass.com