Installation Guide

VersaBond®LFTProfessionalLargeFormatTileMortar/TDS132
Bonding to Backerboards
WonderBoard Lite backerboard may be installed over structurally
sound plywood subfloors for ceramic tile installations. Refer to TCNA
F144-13 tile installations, TCNA F250-13 stone installations. Call
Custom®TechnicalServiceswheninstallingnaturalstoneover
plywood subfloor.
Bonding to Existing Surfacing Material
Resilient flooring or plastic laminates must be well-bonded, as well as
clean and free of all contaminates. Roughen the surface by sanding or
scarifying; rinse and allow to dry. Do not sand flooring that contains
asbestos. For existing well-bonded ceramic tile, mechanically abrade
the surface. Rinse and allow to dry. When sanding, an approved
respirator should be used.
Bonding to Cutback Adhesive
Adhesive layers must be removed, as they reduce mortar bond
strength to cement surfaces. Use extreme caution; adhesives may
contain asbestos fibers. Do not sand or grind adhesive residue, as
harmful dust may result. Never use adhesive removers or solvents, as
they soften the adhesive and may cause it to penetrate into the
concrete. Adhesive residue must be wet scraped to the finished
surface of the concrete, leaving only the transparent staining from the
glue. To determine desirable results, do a test bond area before
starting. Refer to the RFCI Pamphlet, "Recommended Work Practices
for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings", for further information.
Movement Joint Placement
Movement joints are required for perimeters and other changes of
plane in all installations. Expansion joints, perimeter joints and cold
joints, as described in ANSI A108.01, should never be bridged with
setting material. They must be brought through the tile work and filled
withanappropriateelastomericsealant,suchasCustom's®100%
Silicone.ContactCustom's®TechnicalServicesfortheproper
treatment of control or saw cut joints. Refer to TCNA EJ171, F125 and
F125A.
Mixing Ratios
Mix 5.5 - 6 qts (5.2 - 5.6 L) clean water per 50 lb (22.68 kg) bag of
mortar.
Mixing Procedures
Mix by hand or use a low 150-200 RPM speed 1/2" (13 mm) drill to
achieve a smooth, paste-like consistency. Let the mixture slake or
stand 5-10 minutes; stir again and use. Stir occasionally, but do not
add more water. When properly mixed, troweled ridges will stand
without slump.
Application of Product
Installation must conform to ANSI A108.5. Use a properly-sized notch
trowel to ensure proper coverage under tiles. Using the flat side of the
trowel, apply a skim coat of mortar to the surface. With the notch side
ofthetrowelheldata45°angle,applyadditionalmortartothe
surface, combing in one direction. Press the tile firmly into place in a
perpendicular motion across ridges, moving back and forth. The
perpendicular motion flattens ridges and closes valleys, allowing
maximum coverage. With some tile, back-buttering is advisable. Adjust
the tile promptly and beat it in with a beating block and rubber mallet.
Periodically pull up a tile and check the back to ensure proper adhesive
coverage. If the material has skinned over (not sticky to the touch),
recomb with the notch trowel; if too dry, remove and replace the dry
material with fresh material. Thin Set Mortar should not be used to fill
low spots in the flooring. Mortar thickness should be less than 3/4"
whenbeatin.Ambienttemperatureshouldbemaintainedabove50°F
(10°C)orbelow100°F(38°C)for72hourstoachieveproperbond.
Curing of Product
Curing time is affected by ambient and surface temperatures and
humidity. Use the following as a guideline. Allow 24 hours before
grouting and light traffic, and 7-10 days before heavy or vehicular
traffic. Before exposure to heavy or vehicular traffic, assure assembly
israted“HeavyorExtraHeavy”perTCNAServiceRequirements.As
necessary, use plywood or other load distributing protection when
moving heavy equipment across tiled assembly.
Cleaning of equipment
Clean with water before the material dries.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry area.
Health Precautions
See Safety Data Sheet for more information.
This product contains Portland cement and free silica. Avoid eye
contact and prolonged contact with skin. Wash thoroughly after
handling. If eye contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and
consult a physician. Do not breathe dust; wear a NIOSH approved
respirator.
Conformance to Building Codes
Installation must comply with the requirements of all applicable local,
state and federal code jurisdictions.
6 Availability & Cost
Location Item Code Size Color Package
USA VBLFTMG50 50 lb (22.68 kg) Gray Bag
USA VBLFTMW50 50 lb (22.68 kg) White Bag
Canada CVBLFTMG50 50 lb (22.68 kg) Gray Bag
Canada CVBLFTMW50 50 lb (22.68 kg) White Bag
VersaBond®LFTProfessionalLargeFormatTileMortar
Published Date: 3/21/2018