Corka Gluedown Tile Installation On Walls

Below are guidelines for installing these Corka Gluedown Tiles on walls. Every endeavour has been made to ensure the information given here is true and reliable. It is given only for the guidance. The company cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage that may result from the use of this information, due to the possibility of variations of processing or working conditions and/or workmanship beyond our control. Users are advised to conduct their own tests for a particular application.

Suitability

Corka Tiles can be installed in all domestic areas and in most commercial areas, except in saunas, wetrooms and permanently wet areas. Our tiles come PU part-finished for quick finishing on site, which is recommended in all settings for durability and water resistance. See Finishing section below for details.

These floors are suitable for indoor use only. Check if the substrate and site conditions are in accordance with the specifications described within these instructions.

Substrate preparation

Substrate must be level, smooth, permanently dry, firm and free of cracks, dirt and adhesion-inhibiting substances. Old chalk, adhesive and oil paint residues must be roughened with a steel brush in order to obtain an absorptive substrate. Oil residues must be removed completely. The surface of any type of suitable wood or cork substrate must be structurally sound and solid, securely fixed, clean and free of all oil, grease, wax, dirt, varnish, shellac, or any contaminant which might act as a bond breaker.

Any unevenness must be levelled with an appropriate levelling compound. Gypsum plaster and gypsum carton tiles as well as other very absorptive substrates must be primed (WAKOL D 3074, diluted 1:2 with water). Check/read the information about dilution and drying time of the primers. The methods required to properly prepare the substrate vary with the type of substrate its surface and condition. Usually, several methods of preparing a Substrate are available. Some methods are used because they are cheaper, easier or faster, depending on the size of the installation. However, taking short cuts in proper substrate preparation can result in installation problems and failures.

Transportation

Transport and store the cartons horizontally. Packed tiles should be acclimatized at the job site in a dry, well-ventilated area for a minimum of 48 hours so that flooring may acclimate. Remove tiles from packages just before starting the installation. During storage and installation, maintain temperature and relative humidity to a level consistent with the conditions which will prevail when the building is occupied. In most cases, this means maintaining a temperature range from 18ºC to 28ºC (65ºF to 82ºF) and relative humidity range from 35% to 65%. In order to reach this climate, use heating or air conditioning for the appropriate duration of time before starting the installation.

Inspection

Prior to installation, please inspect the tiles in daylight for any visible faults or damage, and also check if the substrate and site conditions are in accordance with the specifications described within these instructions. We cannot be held responsible for claims associated with improper subfloors, improper applications, adhesives, varnishes and the use of maintenance products not recommended, or detectable defects verifiable prior to installation.

Shade variation is an inherent and attractive characteristic of Corka tiles. To achieve the most pleasant blend of shades, shuffle the planks before installation.

Tools required

Rubber hammer, trowel, hand pressure roller, tape measure, craft knife, pencil, straight edge, chalk line, cloth, short pile mohair roller.

Measuring

Find the centre of the wall using a chalk line. Draw two symmetrical axes and use these as a starting point. Check if the intersection of the two lines forms a 90° angle. Check the wall dimension by measuring from the middle.

Make sure that the widths of the tiles that will be near corners are equal or more than 5cm. If necessary repeat the previous step by drawing new parallel lines to the first ones. Mark out the position of the first panel by finding the best location against these two axes, starting from the point of intersection.

Adhesion

Our recommended adhesive should be applied to the wall as well as the tiles according to the manufacturer's instructions. Stir the adhesive before using. Avoid adhesive lumps.

Apply evenly and fully to the backing of the tiles and to the subfloor with a low nap microfibre roller; avoid adhesive pools. Make sure that the applied amount is sufficient to form a complete film of adhesive. The surfaces must show a closed, evenly glossy film when the adhesive has dried.

Tiles may be pre-coated and stacked after drying and stored, protected from light, up to 1 day. Adhesive applied to walls has an open working time of approximately 2-3 hours from the time when the adhesive coat becomes transparent. If you are working with pre-coated tiles, the time will be reduced to 1 hour.

Installation

Corka tiles should be installed as “Brick-Bond” layout.

1. For an attractive finish, proceed as follows: Align one corner of the tile against the two axes and then carefully place down the rest of the tile. Carefully align the next tile to the first and continue to stick the tiles to the wall. Do not apply too much pressure when placing the tiles in order to be able to remove them if necessary, because after the tile sticks, it is very difficult to remove. When the tile is in place, press with your hand to ensure that all parts are in contact with the wall adhesive. Then use a rubber hammer to make sure all parts of the tile are well secured to the wall.

2. Do not apply too much pressure when placing the tiles in order to be able to remove them if necessary, because after the tile sticks, it is very difficult to remove. When the tile is in place, press with your hand to ensure that all parts are in contact with the wall adhesive. Afterwards, use a rubber hammer to make sure all parts of the tile are well secured to the wall. Use a craft knife and straight edge to cut the tiles to the required size.

Finishing

Our Gluedown Tiles come PU part-finished for quick finishing on site. We recommend finishing with WS 2K lacquer. This will seal the joints and make the tiles water-resistant as well as improving wear resistance.

Wait at least 24 hours after gluing down your tiles to allow the adhesive to dry completely (this may take longer depending on the temperature and relative humidity of the air) before lacquering. Clean the tiles carefully with a damp cloth and, once dry, apply a minimum 2 coats of WS 2K lacquer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For commercial areas we would recommend 3 coats.