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Pool-safe mosaic sheeting systems
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residential feature
Pool-safe mosaic
sheeting systems
A guide for choosing mosaic systems
for swimming pool installations
T
his article first appeared in Tile Today Pacific (BDAP) investigated a number of That message was repeated in clause
magazine (Issue 62, February 2009). mosaic tiling failures which were initially 1.1 – Scope, which referred to Part 4 of
SPLASH! is reproducing it because of difficult to diagnose. The results of Peter’s the British standard BS 5385 “For Tiling
its value in describing issues relating to the investigations were published in Tiling at in Situations where there are Specific
various types of sheet mosaic construction. the Deep End which appeared in issue 28 of Functional or Environmental Conditions”.
In the previous edition of Tile Today Tile Today. Today, Tiling in Wet Conditions (continually
(Issue 61), Sydney based wholesaler Tilenet We will also consider a number of key immersed) is addressed in Appendice ‘E’ of
launched ‘hot melt’, a new system designed factors which are essential in regards AS 3958.1 – 2007. While this is excellent news,
by Spain’s Reviglass to adhere glass to successful installation of mosaic in readers should be aware that the standard
mosaics to one another. The manufacturer swimming pools. is a guide which often defers to precise
claims that the ribbons of hot polyurethane- Before we take a brief look at some of the manufacturer’s instructions, simply because
based glue are 100 percent compatible with main points raised by Peter Hartog in Tiling instructions provided by a manufacturer will
thin set tile adhesives, typically used to fix at the Deep End, it is worth noting that in frequently cover specific applications of a
mosaic in fully immersed conditions. 2002, AS 3958.1 Ceramic Tiles – Guide to product in a certain set of circumstances that
This article focuses on the various the Installation of Ceramic Tiles made no the standard cannot predict or fully address.
techniques manufacturers employ to sheet specific reference to tiling in pools. Indeed, Therefore, an informed decision should
or mount mosaic. Interest in this issue the preface to that document stated that be made about correct material selection
increased substantially in 2002 when the standard does not apply to “specialised and fixing techniques, because if a failure
Peter Hartog of Building Diagnostics Asia applications such as swimming pools.” occurs, experts may argue that AS 3958.1
36 | SPLASH! www.splashmagazine.com.au
residential feature
The hot melt system by Reviglass features a strip of
polyurethane, which precisely bonds each piece of mosaic
The dot-mounted system
popularised in Australia by
Renaissance Tiles, distributors
of Ezarri’s recycled glass
mosaics, fully complies with
AS 3958.1 2007. The Ezarri
system is fully guaranteed
Artistic Stone, in conjunction with its glass
supplier, spent a considerable amount of time
and resources developing a pool safe meshing
system, which has been stringently tested
by the CSIRO. The Artistic Stone product
fully met the tensile strength adhesion
requirements of the 21-day water immersion
strength test AS 4229.2 (Int – 2003).
In the light of Peter Hartog’s original
findings, it is obviously important to ascertain
if the sheeting method employed to mount a
The Trend Australasia clear film system permits the particular product is suitable. Kieron Wiley
fixer to view each piece of mosaic as work progresses of Artistic Stone commented: “There are still
some mesh mounted mosaics on the market
accelerated by heating. If a sample of tiles which use unsuitable meshing procedures
is placed in a plastic tray of water and and these products must be avoided.”
warmed in a microwave oven, conversion of However, it is clear that a high number
the backing adhesive to gel becomes visible of locally manufactured and imported
after a few minutes. Conversion is activated mosaic products can be used effectively in
by water. It is completely unrelated to any immersed conditions, providing they are
components of tiling adhesive mixes other installed in accordance with the guidelines
than water.” laid down in AS 3958.1 2007 or specific
BDAP concluded, “In practice, the backing instructions stipulated by the manufacturer.
mesh glue initially acts as a barrier coat
between mosaic tiles and thin-set tiling Sheeting systems
adhesives. It prevents these adhesives Ceramic, glass, metal and natural stone
bonding to the tiles.” mosaics are assembled on sheets, to
should have been followed in preference to Reactions to BDAP’s findings were swift. facilitate ease of handling. Mosaics can be
manufacturer’s instructions, or vice versa. In a relatively short period of time we adhered face-down to paper (paper-faced
supplied more than one hundred copies of mosaics), or the back is glued to nylon
The catalyst Peter’s article in one form or another to adhesive strips, or nylon fabric net (nylon-
The aforementioned article Tiling at the Deep architects, pool builders and members of backed mosaics).
End, described how a number of mosaic the industry. Paper-faced mosaic leaves the back of the
tiling failures occurred in swimming pools as Hartog was astounded to discover that mosaic completely clear, providing a good
a consequence of using mosaic which was similar problems had arisen in the past, and opportunity for creation of adequate adhesion.
adhered to the backing mesh with excessive had only been eradicated when “producers Mosaic mounted on mesh or other materials
amounts of inappropriate glue. of glass and ceramic tiles changed their may be problematic in immersed conditions
Peter Hartog’s company BDAP conducted backing mesh glues and the problem if the sheet backing in any way precludes
extensive tests which determined that “the seemed to go away”. development of adequate adhesion.
mesh adhesive film when exposed to normal A number of responsible importers and According to AS 3958.1 Section 2, this
moisture in a range of mortar and adhesive local producers of mosaic reacted to BDAP’s situation may arise when:
paste mixes, slowly expands to become findings by conducting their own tests to a) The exposed areas of individual mosaic
an insoluble white gel up to 1.5 mm thick. determine that the glue used to mount their tiles are not sufficient to permit the
When the bedding is saturated, the swelling mosaic did not pose a similar problem. bedding from making contact over an
of the gel is discernible after 50 hours and Everstone and Decoramics, two local suppliers adequate proportion of the area of each
complete after about 100 hours. It can be of mosaic, reviewed their sheeting practices. mosaic tile;
www.splashmagazine.com.au SPLASH! | 37
residential feature
“In practice, the backing mesh glue initially acts as
a barrier coat between mosaic tiles and thin-set
tiling adhesives. It prevents these adhesives
bonding to the tiles.”
b) The strips or net or the glue used to bond a fixing method or a specific type of mosaic.
them are the types that will deteriorate The following guide is intended to provide an
in service or are not compatible with the understanding of some of the popular mosaic
bedding medium; and mounting systems that have been developed.
c) The glue is spread on to the backs of
individual mosaic tiles instead of being Paper-faced
confined to the strips or net. As stated earlier, the chief advantage with
The standard also includes the following: this method is that the back of the mosaic
“NOTE: In the absence of any advice from can make clean, unobstructed contact with
the tile manufacturer, the exposed (glue- the ceramic tile adhesive. One drawback
and mesh-free) areas of individual mosaic is that the fixer cannot see the face of the
tiles should be a minimum of 80%. Refer to mosaic until the paper has been moistened
Clause 5.6.4.2 for tiling adhesive coverage.” and removed from the face of the mosaic.
A number of reputable manufacturers of Various glues are used to adhere paper
glass mosaic, including Bisazza, successfully to the face of the mosaic, some of which
mount their mosaics on mesh. There is nothing can only be removed after sponging with
intrinsically wrong with adhering the back of hot water. Replacement of defective pieces
glass mosaic to mesh. In Bisazza’s case, they of mosaic or pieces misplaced in a blend, Clear film
have a tried and tested system which is covered which are revealed when the paper is This system relies on adherence of the face
by a guarantee. They also provide a specific set removed, is a time consuming task. of the mosaic to a clear plastic film. The
of manufacturer’s instructions which must be tile fixer has the advantage of being able
consulted and applied in conjunction with the Mesh-mounted to observe each sheet of mosaic as work
broad guidelines published in AS 3958 Part 1. Every piece of mosaic can be clearly seen proceeds. Once installation is complete the
As previously stated, the standard will usually before sheets are fixed. As previously stated, fixer removes the clear film by peeling back
defer to manufacturer’s instructions. check that glue used to adhere the mosaic one corner of the film and removing it from
Any person engaged in the selection to the mesh is not applied excessively. Talk the face of the mosaic.
of a mosaic for installation in immersed to the manufacturer or his supplier and Film-faced mosaic technology is
conditions should first speak to the follow their installation instructions to the being used by a number of international
mosaic supplier or manufacturer and an letter. In the absence of specific instructions manufacturers, including Trend Australasia
experienced fixing specialist before selecting refer to AS 3958.1. who produces mosaics which are frequently
used in pools and spas. Trend actually
assembles most of their imported mosaics
in Australia. The chief advantages are
maximum contact between the back of
mosaic and the ceramic tile adhesive, and
the capacity to accurately customise blends
and vignettes.
Hot melt system
The ‘hot melt’ system launched by
Reviglass utilises new technology,
which allows mosaics to be mounted by
adhering mosaics to one another using
a ribbon of hot polyurethane based glue.
The manufacturers claim that the glue is
“compatible with the adhesive used in pools,
ensuring 100 per cent bonding to walls.”
Dot-mounted system
The dot mounted system has been
principally pioneered in Australia by
Renaissance Tiles, the distributors of Ezarri
recycled clear glass mosaics, which are
manufactured in Spain at a factory which
38 | SPLASH! www.splashmagazine.com.au
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Pool tiling demonstration
at the Full Frontal Tile
and Stone Expo
Mapei Australia and Trend Australasia will
present a special demonstration of pool tiling
techniques at the Full Frontal Tile and Stone Expo
at Darling Harbour. Aspects of set-out, cutting and
adhesive selection will be explained as the work
progresses. It will include many of the concepts,
techniques and materials discussed in this article.
The expo will take place at Sydney Convention
and Exhibition Centre, August 20 to August
22, 2009. For more information go to
www.fullfrontalexpo.com or call 1300 551 416.
has achieved ISO 9001-2000 accreditation for manufacturing quality
and efficiency.
Dot mounting technology permits each piece of mosaic to be joined
together by PVC points which are applied to the reverse of the tile.
Significantly, the majority of the back of each sheet is free to make
maximum contact with the trowelled adhesive.
A system approach to tiling pools
Perhaps the most common belief in regard to tiling swimming pools
is that selection of a suitable sheeting system alone will ensure
success. While Edward Lowe, the Technical Manager of Bisazza
Australia, recognises the importance of choosing a mosaic that
is sheeted appropriately, he also recommends use of high quality
adhesive and epoxy grout, the appointment of a well-trained and
skilled installer, and adequate surface preparation.
“Most pools today are grouted with cement, the same as they
were 20 years ago,” says Lowe. “While cement grouts in a constantly
balanced body of cold water work fine, the fact is that swimming
pool features today are significantly different than 20 years ago.
“Unbalanced water, heated water and rapid water movement can
quickly damage cement grouts and adhesives to the point where
costly remedial repairs and even complete re-tiling may become
necessary after only a very short time. Although initially cost
effective, some of the generic fixing materials commonly used today
are not appropriate,” he says.
“Bisazza now have high performance adhesives and grouts
designed for use in pools. These state-of-the-art products exceed
the highest standards of durability and aesthetic consideration.”
Bisazza has designed and implemented the most comprehensive,
industry recognised mosaic training course. Participants in
the three-day course are provided with Bisazza’s installation
recommendations, advice about Australian standards and a hands-
on guide to glass mosaic pool tiling.
“By investing in training, our objective is to help raise the
competency levels of installers, by adding complementary skill sets,
that are readily transferable and beneficial to industry,” Lowe says.
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