Installation Instructions
1. | Determine floor/wall layout. |
2. | Check for floor/wall flatness. Apply underlayment leveling products as needed to floors or fix walls according to TCNA industry standards. |
3. | Use ½” notched trowel or larger for large format tiles. See TCNA guidelines for proper mortar coverage requirements. Back butter tiles if necessary. |
4. | We recommend LHT style thinset mortar for any large format tiles, per industry standards. |
5. | Use only one leveler per intersection. Other systems require 3 or 4 per intersection because they have solid plastic on the bottom which would break the direct bond in the weakest point of any installation, namely the corners. Leveling Spacers™ patented “I shaped footer” allows installation at the intersection without compromising the bond of tile to thinset to the subfloor/wall. Never leave a separation of more than 24” between levelers. They are not designed to span greater than 24” apart. |
6. | If the tiles themselves are bowed, you may need to apply more levelers to shape them into place. |
7. | Before inserting the wedges, tap the tiles gently into the mortar using a rubber mallet to obtain optimum transfer of mortar to tile. Use your hands to determine if certain tiles need to be tapped in slightly more, or if some tile need to be lifted and more mortar installed below. |
8. | Insert wedges until strong resistance occurs. No need to over tighten. Only apply enough pressure to level the tile surfaces. Specialized tools may be used but due to the slant of the wedge teeth, they are not necessary to obtain perfect pressure. It is really a user preference. |
9. | If sideways spacing is desired you can either use a standard spacer or use the leftover portion from the leveler broken off the day before. The upper broken-off portion of the leveler from the day before, is now basically a horseshoe spacer. |
10. | Don’t be afraid to use the levelers in the corners because our patented “Window Wedge” allows the installer to see if the tiles are properly aligned. This is unique to Acufloor™. |
11. | When the mortar is dry, simply remove the levelers from the installation by swiftly kicking sideways, sliding your foot parallel to the floor. For wall removal, use a rubber mallet or other non-marking method, sliding sideways and parallel with the surface. Do not strike the leveler at an angle to the floor (downward swing). It is not dangerous, but it will often result in improper breakage causing extra work for complete removal. No need to remove the wedges. They actually help the removal. |
12. | Leveler should easily break all the way down the footer below the tile bottom surface. This will not impede any grouting process. In the unlikely event that a portion of the leveler occasionally remains, simply remove it with pliers, knife or whatever method you are most comfortable. |