SECTION 09 30 50

TILING INSTALLATION SYSTEM - PATTERN ORIENTED

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PART 1    GENERAL
1.1	SECTION INCLUDES
A.	Pattern Oriented Tile Installation System (POTIS).
1.2	RELATED SECTIONS
A.	Section 09 24 00 - Cement Plastering. For installation of lath and plaster.
B.	Section 09 30 00 - Tiling. For products to be installed using the specified tile application system.
C.	Section 03 54 00 - Cast Underlayment. For installation of cementitious underlayment.
1.3	REFERENCES
A.	American National Standards Institute (ANSI):
1.	ANSI A108/ANSI A118/ANSI A136 - Installation of Ceramic Tile.
B.	Tile Council of North America (TCNA):
1.	TCNA (HB): TCNA Handbook.
2.	TCNA (HB-GP): TCNA Handbook, Gauged Porcelain.
1.4	SUBMITTALS
A.	Submit under provisions of Section 01 30 00.
B.	Product Data:
1.	Manufacturer's data sheets on each product to be used.
2.	Preparation instructions and recommendations.
3.	Storage and handling requirements and recommendations.
4.	Typical installation methods.
C.	Verification Samples: Two representative units of each type, size, pattern, and color.
D.	Shop Drawings: Include details of materials, construction, and finish. Include relationship with adjacent construction.
1.5	QUALITY ASSURANCE
A.	Manufacturer Qualifications: Company specializing in manufacturing products specified in this section with a minimum of five years documented experience.
B.	Installer Qualifications: Company specializing in performing Work of this section with minimum two years documented experience with projects of similar scope and complexity.
C.	Source Limitations: Provide each type of product from a single manufacturing source to ensure uniformity.
D.	Mock-Up: Construct a mock-up with actual materials in sufficient time for Architect's review and to not delay construction progress. Locate mock-up as acceptable to Architect and provide temporary foundations and support.
1.	The intent of a mock-up is to demonstrate quality of workmanship and visual appearance.
2.	If the mock-up is not acceptable, rebuild the mock-up until satisfactory results are achieved.
3.	Retain mock-up during construction as a standard for comparison with completed work. 
4.	Do not alter or remove mock-up until work is completed or removal is authorized.
1.6	PRE-INSTALLATION CONFERENCE
A.	Convene a conference approximately two weeks before scheduled commencement of the Work. Attendees shall include Architect, Contractor and trades involved. Agenda shall include schedule, responsibilities, critical path items, and approvals.
1.7	DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
A.	Store and handle in strict compliance with manufacturer's written instructions and recommendations.
B.	Protect from damage due to weather, excessive temperature, and construction operations.
1.8	PROJECT CONDITIONS
A.	Maintain environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, and ventilation) within limits recommended by manufacturer for optimum results. Do not install products under environmental conditions outside manufacturer's recommended limits.
1.9	WARRANTY
A.	Manufacturer's standard limited warranty unless indicated otherwise.
PART 2    PRODUCTS
2.1	MANUFACTURERS
A.	Acceptable Manufacturer: Symtool Systems Inc., which is located at:<BR />201 Ann St., Suite 2<BR />Newburgh, NY 12550<BR />Tel: 845-566-0550<BR />Email: request info (info@symtoolsystems.com);Web: https://www.symtoolsystems.com 
B.	Substitutions: Not permitted.
C.	Requests for substitutions will be considered in accordance with the provisions of Section 01 60 00.
2.2	SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
A.	System Description: Pattern Oriented Tile Insulation System (POTIS).
1.	A system designed to improve small-format tile installation on commercial projects. The patented Tile Gripper pneumatic tool is comprised of a universal array of suction cups. This system allows installers to apply multiple tiles in a desired pattern simultaneously, achieving in seconds what traditionally takes much longer installing one tile at a time.
2.	Installers will submit to the application system manufacturer only the minimal tile samples necessary for the creation and testing of reusable pattern-specific tray liners that will be shipped to the installer for manual loading and reloading on the job site.
3.	Alternatively, pre-packaged tiles can be dropped-shipped from participating tile manufacturers to the job site (or to the Installers' staging facility).
4.	Portrait and Landscape Orientations. An apparatus known as a Tile Gripper can be operated in either orientation.
a.	Equipped with an Array Module appropriate for the tile pattern as instructed by the Symtool Software Adviser.
b.	Array Modules: Preconfigured with Plugs and Suction Cups according to the Array Patterning instructions.
5.	Guides: Preset on the Tile Gripper. Assures tiles and patterns are picked out of the tray liner in a dimensionally consistent manner.
6.	The tiles can then be set into the adhesive, briefly vibrated and set before releasing the vacuum and detaching the gripper from the tiles.
2.3	PATTERN ORIENTED TILE INSTALLATION SYSTEM (POTIS)
A.	Tile Gripper:
1.	Pneumatically powered large-field suction cup array.
2.	Works with most off-the-shelf air compressors.
3.	Thumb toggle-operated grasp and release.
a.	Activation Thumb Controls: Relocatable across handles for left or right handed operators; and landscape or portrait orientation.
4.	Button-controlled vibration ensures optimal embedding into thin set while preventing lippage.
5.	See-through base ensures operator alignment awareness.
6.	Supports vast multitude of tile shapes, sizes, regular and irregular patterns, and grout lines.
7.	Dimensions (LxWxH): 22-1/2 x 10-3/8 x 3-1/8 inches (572 x 263 x 155 mm).
a.	Weight: 15 lbs 11 oz (7.2 kg).
8.	Array Section: Suction port plugs and Cups are interchangeable to align with almost any tile pattern.
a.	Vacuum Ports: 220; 10 x 22 grid.
b.	Suction Cups: 40 flat cups; G3/8 maker threaded.
1)	Cup Diameter: 1-3/8 inch (35 mm).
2)	Cup Spacing: 1 inch(25 mm) on center.
c.	Port Plugs: 200; G3/8 male threaded.
9.	Control Section:
a.	Selectable Suction Zones: 3.
b.	Air Couple Standard: 1/4 inch NPT Male quick disconnect.
c.	Operating Environment: 50 to 120 degrees F (10 to 49 degrees C).
d.	Operating Pressure: 80 to 110 psi (5.5 to 7.5 bar).
e.	Air Consumption: 2.0 cfm.
10.	Corner-Alignment Guide Arms: Adjustable. Ensure consistent registration to POD tray perimeter bump stop.
B.	Tray Liners: Custom made to job specifications
1.	Dimensions: Variesby tile size and pattern.
2.	Weight: Varies by tile size and pattern.
3.	Composition: ABS.
4.	Tile Gripper: Keeps tiles arranged in desired pattern for grasping..
5.	Manually Reload: Less than 1 minute.
6.	Depth: 2.5 inches (63.5 mm). Supports up to 8 layers of tile depending on tile thickness.
7.	Composition: Lightweight and durable.
8.	Integrated Spacers: Order tray liner with or without.
9.	Online Job Information Tray Liner Ordering Wizard: To specify Tray Liner requirements and choose tile size, pattern, and grout line combinations.
C.	Pattern Oriented Dispensing (POD) Trays: 
1.	Tile dispensing container for Tile Gripper.
2.	Dimensions (LxWxH): 29 x 17 x 3.5 inches (727 x 432 x 89 mm).
a.	Weight: 4 lbs (2 kg) unloaded.
3.	Composition: ABS. Lightweight and durable.
4.	Up to 8 Tile Layer Capacity depending upon tile thickness. Approximately 8 sq ft (0.74 sq m) capacity at 1/4 inch (6 mm) tile thickness).
5.	Part of the Pattern Oriented Tile Installation System (POTIS).
6.	Manually Reload: Less than 1 minute.
7.	Accepts Tray Liners supplied by Symtool Systems and its solution partners.
8.	Supports a multitude of tile sizes, weights, thicknesses, and pattern configurations.
9.	Stackable.
10.	Thumbscrew receptacles for securing Tray Liners.
11.	Bump Stop:
a.	Dimensions (LxWxH): 26.8 x 16.3 x 3.12 inches (731.5 x 414 x 79 mm).
1)	Weight: 0.6 lbs (0.27 kg) unloaded.
b.	Composition: ABS.
c.	Extends Tray interior surface upwards to support Tile Gripper Alignment Guide Arms.
d.	Can be relocated on Tray to support either landscape or portrait tile layouts.
e.	Collapsable for transport and storage.
D.	Third Party Components:
1.	Tiles. See Section 09 30 00 - Tiling.
2.	Hydraulic Lift Cart.
3.	Standard Air Compressor and Hose.
PART 3    EXECUTION
3.1	EXAMINATION
A.	Examine substrates, areas, and conditions where tile will be installed, with Installer present, for compliance with requirements for installation tolerances and other conditions affecting performance of the Work.
1.	Verify that substrates for setting tile are firm; dry; clean; free of coatings that are incompatible with tile-setting materials, including curing compounds and other substances that contain soap, wax, oil, or silicone; and comply with flatness tolerances required by ANSI A108.01 for installations indicated.
2.	Verify that installation of grounds, anchors, recessed frames, electrical and mechanical units of work, and similar items located in or behind tile has been completed.
3.	Verify that joints and cracks in tile substrates are coordinated with tile joint locations; if not coordinated, adjust joint locations in consultation with Architect.
B.	Proceed with installation only after unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected.
3.2	PREPARATION
A.	Clean surfaces thoroughly prior to installation.
B.	Prepare surfaces using the methods recommended by the manufacturer for achieving the best result for the substrate under the project conditions.
C.	Remove coatings, including curing compounds and other substances that contain soap, wax, oil, or silicone, which are incompatible with tile-setting materials.
D.	Provide concrete substrates for tile floors that comply with flatness tolerances specified in referenced ANSI A108 Series of tile installation standards.
1.	Fill cracks, holes, and depressions with trowelable leveling and patching compound according to tile-setting material manufacturer's written instructions. Use product specifically recommended by tile-setting material manufacturer.
2.	Remove protrusions, bumps, and ridges by sanding or grinding.
E.	Where indicated, prepare substrates to receive waterproofing by applying a reinforced mortar bed that complies with ANSI A108.1A and is sloped 1/4 inch per foot toward drains.
F.	Cementitious Tile Backing Panels: Treat joints to comply with ANSI A108.11.
G.	Substrate Flatness:
1.	For tile shorter than 15 inches (381 mm), confirm that structure or substrate is limited to variation of 1/4 inch in 10 ft (2 mm per 1 m). from the required plane, and no more than 1/16 inch in 12 inches (5 mm per 1 m) when measured from tile surface high points.
2.	For large format tile, tile with at least one edge 15 inches (381 mm) or longer, confirm that structure or substrate is limited to 1/8 inch in 10 ft (1 mm per 1 m). from the required plane, and no more than 1/16 inch in 24 inches (3 mm per 1 m) when measured from tile surface high points.
H.	Verify the Following:
1.	Pattern oriented dispensing trays containing custom liners and tiles have been delivered to the job site.
2.	Tile Gripper, hydraulic lift cart, air compressor, and hose.
3.3	INSTALLATION
A.	Install tile in accordance with applicable requirements of ANSI A108/A118/A136, manufacturer's instructions, and TCNA (HB) or TCNA (HB-GP) recommendations, as applicable.
B.	Lay tile to pattern indicated on drawings. Do not interrupt tile pattern through openings.
C.	Cut and fit tile to penetrations through tile, leaving sealant joint space. Form corners and bases neatly. Align floor joints.
D.	Place tile joints uniform in width, subject to variance in tolerance allowed in tile size. Make grout joints without voids, cracks, excess mortar or excess grout, or too little grout.
E.	Sound tile after setting. Replace hollow sounding units.
F.	Keep control and expansion joints free of mortar, grout, and adhesive.
G.	Prior to grouting, allow installation to completely cure; minimum of 48 hours.
H.	Grout tile joints unless otherwise indicated on drawings. Use standard grout unless otherwise indicated on drawings.
I.	At changes in plane and tile-to-tile control joints, use tile sealant instead of grout, with either bond breaker tape or backer rod as appropriate to prevent three-sided bonding.
1.	Jointing Pattern: Lay tile in grid pattern, unless otherwise indicated. Align joints when adjoining tiles on floor, base, walls, and trim are same size. Lay out tile work and center tile fields in both directions in each space or on each wall area. Adjust to minimize tile cutting. Provide uniform joint widths, unless otherwise indicated.
a.	For tile mounted in sheets, make joints between tile sheets same width as joints within tile sheets so joints between sheets are not apparent in finished work.
b.	Where adjoining tiles on floor, base, walls, or trim are specified or indicated to be same size, align joints.
2.	Lay out tile wainscots to dimensions indicated or to next full tile beyond dimensions indicated.
3.	Expansion (Movement) Joints: Locate expansion joints and other sealant-filled joints, including control, contraction, and isolation joints, where indicated during installation of setting materials, mortar beds, and tile. Keep joints free of dirt, debris, and setting materials prior to filling with sealants. Do not saw-cut joints after installing tiles.
a.	Where joints occur in concrete substrates, locate joints in tile surfaces directly above them.
b.	Prepare joints and apply sealants to comply with requirements in Section 07 92 00 - Joint Sealants.
4.	Stone Thresholds: Install stone thresholds at locations indicated; set in same type of setting bed as abutting field tile, unless otherwise indicated.
a.	At locations where mortar bed (thickset) would otherwise be exposed above adjacent floor finishes, set thresholds in mortar (thin set).
b.	Do not extend membranes under thresholds set in mortar. Fill joints between such thresholds and adjoining tile set on membrane with elastomeric sealant.
5.	Metal Edge Strips and Flooring Transitions: Install at locations indicated and where exposed edge of tile flooring meets other flooring that finishes flush with top of tile, and no threshold is indicated.
6.	Floor Sealer: Apply floor sealer to grout joints according to floor-sealer manufacturer's written instructions. As soon as floor sealer has penetrated grout joints, remove excess sealer and sealer from tile faces by wiping with soft cloth.
3.4	CLEANING AND PROTECTION
A.	Remove and replace tile that is damaged or that does not match adjoining tile. Provide new matching units, installed as specified and in a manner to eliminate evidence of replacement. 
B.	Cleaning: On completion of placement and grouting, clean all ceramic tile surfaces so they are free of foreign matter.
1.	Remove grout residue from tile as soon as possible.
2.	Clean grout smears and haze from tile according to tile and grout manufacturer's written instructions, but no sooner than 10 days after installation. Use only cleaners recommended by tile and grout manufacturers and only after determining that cleaners are safe to use by testing on samples of tile and other surfaces to be cleaned. Protect metal surfaces and plumbing fixtures from effects of cleaning. Flush surfaces with clean water before and after cleaning.
3.	Remove temporary protective coating by method recommended by coating manufacturer that is acceptable to tile and grout manufacturer. Trap and remove coating to prevent it from clogging drains.
C.	Protect installed tile work with kraft paper or other heavy covering during construction period to prevent staining, damage, and wear. If recommended by tile manufacturer, apply coat of neutral protective cleaner to completed tile walls and floors.
D.	Prohibit foot and wheel traffic from tiled floors for at least seven days after grouting is completed. After seven days, cover areas subject to construction traffic with heavy cardboard.
E.	Before final inspection, remove protective coverings and rinse neutral cleaner from tile surfaces.

END OF SECTION