Jim Percival, technical director at Palace Chemicals, considers the specific benefits and correct use of Technical Data Sheets (TDS) as a key resource, available to tile fixers.
WE’RE nowadays seeing increasing numbers of technical products on the market, which may have unfamiliar performance characteristics for some tile fixers. This needn’t be a problem however, as there are also plenty of resources available to help tile fixers regarding the correct selection and use of different products.
Although a certain amount of essential product information is included on packaging, there’s often simply not room for anything other than basic ‘how to’ instructions. For more detailed information about different types of products and their use, the internet is a great source of information. Videos placed online by manufacturers and tile fixers themselves make this information easily accessible to anyone.
However, these videos can be potentially biased, subject to human error and unverified for accuracy. So, although they’re a great resource where tile fixers can share their experiences with particular products and how to tackle problematic jobs, for more rigorous, detailed and comprehensive technical information, the TDS (normally available as a downloadable PDF on the manufacturer’s website) is a critical information source.
These offer essential guidance, risk mitigation, health & safety and quality assurance, more fully than is possible either on product packaging or in a quick three-minute video. It provides a common reference point for all parties – manufacturers, specifiers, tile fixers and contractors. Everyone can check the same document regarding any issues concerning the product.
It will assist with specification, and the tile fixer should refer to the TDS when selecting adhesives, grouts, substrates and tile types to ensure they meet the project requirements, as these will be different, dependent on whether, for example, standard or large format tiles are being used, whether the installation is internal or external, whether it’s a wet or dry area, or whether it’s an area subject to substrate movement or not.
The TDS will describe a product’s performance characteristics, as well as mixing instructions and ratios, application methods, performance data, product compatibility (between substrate, tile, adhesive and grout), substrate preparation and selection, adhesive strength, open time, curing time and flexibility, all of which will enable the tile fixer to specify the correct product for a particular project. It may also contain information on cleaning and maintenance, ensuring long-term durability of the tiling installation. These parameters are liable to change from one product to another and adherence to the guidance in the TDS ensures that the product is used in the way the manufacturer intended.
It’s also worth keeping a record on completion of the job, noting that all works have been carried out in accordance with the provisions of the relevant TDS, as this may assist with any issues that arise post-installation.
The TDS provides essential reference for the tile fixer both before and during product use. This is especially true with today’s specialist and high-performance materials, where the various specification and installation parameters may be different from those with which the tiler might be more familiar.
With reference to British Standards (principally BS 5385) and also, the guidance documents provided by The Tile Association, these will provide a much broader insight into the wider structural considerations of a tiling installation, with for example specific methods of substrate preparation, tile types and movement joints. They will normally provide guidance to a much greater degree than would be the case for a single product technical data sheet, and these ‘codes of best practice’ will also assist with compliance, safety and reassurance in the event of warranty claims or disputes.
If problems are encountered because the product was used outside the scope of the relevant TDS, responsibility can be more easily determined. It will reduce the risk of failure caused by debonding, cracks, substrate issues, moisture ingress and problems caused by movement or vibration.
So, it’s important that fixers and contractors download and read the TDS and also supporting references to codes of practice and specific technical guidance documentation before starting any job. They should also be aware that TDS are subject to change, as manufacturers carry out updates or product alterations and improvements. Don’t assume that the one you’ve had printed out in the office for a few years is still correct in all regards.
The TDS is then an important tool to which the specifier and tile fixer should devote some time and attention before, during and after any tiling installation, particularly one involving the new generation of more technical products, to help ensure a successful installation and maximum client satisfaction.
0151 486 6101
sales@palacechemicals.co.uk
www.palacechemicals.co.uk
