By Annika Oeing, Marketing & Communications Manager, ARDEX Americas
The Mountain View Mansion is a beautiful residence in Calgary, Canada. And it was also the biggest single project that LFT Professionals, Inc. had executed to that point, and the harsh weather in Alberta made the conditions even more challenging.
Tile Contractor: LFT Professionals Inc.
Architect: Designer: Kaza Design Group
Job Location: Calgary, Alberta (Canada)
ARDEX Products Used
- ARDEX X 77™ MICROTEC® Fiber Reinforced Tile and Stone Mortar
- ARDEX 8+9™ Rapid Waterproofing and Crack Isolation Compound
- ARDEX X 90 OUTDOOR™ MicroteC3 Rapid-Set, Flexible Tile and Stone Mortar
- ARDEX P 4™ Pre-mixed, Rapid-Drying, Multipurpose Primer
- ARDEX WA™ High performance, 100% Solids Epoxy Grout and Adhesive
A New Challenge
LFT Professionals Inc. signed a contract for project in the Edgemont community, consisting of installing flooring, bathroom tile, a spa room, and exterior thin porcelain tile. This was the largest scale project that LFT Professionals Inc. ever executed for exterior wall cladding and tiling.
The ARDEX Solution
Proper Prep is Crucial
First, the exterior substrate was prepared for stucco installation, therefore, all flashings and vapour paper from the existing substrate had to be removed and replaced with new flashing systems and drip edge. All surfaces were primed using the rapid-drying, multipurpose primer ARDEX P 4, which offered a nice drip and splash-free consistency. Then, cement board was installed using the fiber reinforced ARDEX X 77™ MICROTEC® mortar. All boards were screwed down with concrete board screws every 10” to center of studs.
After the board installation was completed, seams and corners were taped with mesh tape. The entire surface was waterproofed with three layers of ARDEX 8+9™ Rapid Waterproofing and Crack Isolation Compound, with each layer of membrane overlapping in a different direction than previous application. The first layer was troweled through, and the other two layers were rolled in. This process ensures proper installation and provides the building with an envelope system that is completely waterproofed and protected from weather elements.
Installing Porcelain Tile
Next up was the installation of the Fondovalle Calacatta Gold porcelain panels. They were fabricated on-site and perfectly book matched, and then installed using ARDEX X 90 OUTDOOR™ MicroteC3 Rapid-Set, Flexible Tile and Stone Mortar. X 90 OUTDOOR can be installed in temperatures as low as 40˚F (5˚C) due to its high levels of freeze-thaw resistance and can withstand driving rains within only 2 hours; making it the right choice for the unpredictable weather conditions in Alberta, Canada.
The mortar was troweled horizontally using a 15mm square-notched trowel to create the shortest way for air escape from behind the tile. Tile backs were troweled with the same trowel, in the same direction as the substrate. After the tile was placed, a Raimondi Volpino Vibrator for Large Format Tiles was used to remove air from behind the tile and collapse the trowelling ridges, achieving a full bond.
To avoid lippage on seams, Raimondi tile levelling system (3mm – 1/8”) was used. Additionally, all external corners were mitered and glued with Integra Outdoor surface bonder, a two-part epoxy glue. After curing, the corners were polished and rounded, and a UV-resistant silicone was applied on the internal corners. Finally, the installation was completed by grouting the joints with the solvent-free, high-performance epoxy grout ARDEX WA™.
Despite the challenges and the unpredictable conditions, the project was completed to the highest standards possible. Meeting the approval of the design team, the homeowner and the most critical eye of them all, LFT Professionals Inc.
For more information about ARDEX and our products, visit www.ardexamericas.com or call 888-512-7339.
