US SPEC Multi-Purpose Thin Set Mortar

Identification & Functionality

Product Type

Grout

Technologies

Ready-to-Use Products

Product Families

Ready-to-Use Products — Construction Materials

Mortar & Grouts

Features & Benefits

Benefits

• Outstanding workability : Smooth spreading ability lends itself to a quality application.
• Strength : Superior bond and flexural strengths.
• Resilient : Highly water and impact resistant.
• Versatile : Apply over wood, concrete, masonry, ceramic tile, marble, cement backer units.
• Tested : Exceeds ANSI 118.4 for latex portland mortars.
• Consistent : Strict Quality Control testing and standards.

Applications & Uses

Markets

Building & Construction

Applications

Building & Construction — Building Materials

Wall Panels

Building & Construction — Infrastructure, Roads & Paving

Repair & Rehabilitation

Application Area

Ceramic Tiles

Compatible Substrates & Surfaces

Concrete,

Stone

Uses

Multi-Purpose Thin Set Mortar is ideal for the installation of non-vitreous (high absorption) and vitreous (low absorption) tile, quarry, pavers, and natural stone for both (exterior and interior) floor and wall applications.

Application

Surface Preparation:

All surfaces in contact with Multi-Purpose Thin Set Mortar shall be free of dirt, oil, grease, laitance and other contaminants that may act as bondbreakers. All unsound concrete should be removed to ensure a good bond.
Cement Substrates: Cleaning may be accomplished via mechanical sanding, scraping, or chipping. If muriatic acid is used to clean the surface, it must be flushed and neutralized before receiving tile. It is advisable to roughen smooth concrete surfaces to ensure a good bond. Dampen concrete surfaces prior to placement, but take care to remove standing water.
Non-Cementitious Substrates: Exterior grade plywood and cement backerboard must be structurally sound and securely fastened with screw type or ring shank nails. A gap of 1/8”–3/16” shall be left between plywood to allow for expansion. Note: All wooden flooring, when placed over floor joist or other systems should be of a design and thickness so as to maintain a substrate of deflection not to exceed 1/360 span, including live load.
Ceramic Tile Substrates: The existing tile must be well bonded. Prepare ceramic tile substrates in the same manner as cementitious surfaces. Surface must be thoroughly abraded.

Yield:

50 lbs (22.7 kg) will fill approximately 0.43 ft³ (0.012 m³) when 5.0 quarts mixing water is used.

Coverage:

Approx. square feet of tile installed per 50 lb (22.7 kg) bag:

1/4” x 1/4” Square Notched Trowel 77 ft²

1/4” x 3/8” Square Notched Trowel 66 ft²

1/2” x 1/2” Square Notched Trowel 40 ft²

Mixing:

For best results, use a mechanical mixer with rotating blades or use a heavy duty 1/2” (15 mm) (or larger) low-speed, corded drill and mixing paddle #6 per ICRI Technical Guideline 320.5. Pre-wet mixer and empty excess water. Place 5.0 quarts of cool, clean potable water per 50 lb (22.7 kg) bag in mixer, then add dry material. Mix on low RPM for a total of 3 to 5 minutes until a homogeneous mixture is achieved. Mix only enough material that can be placed within working time. Let mortar sit undisturbed for 5 minutes then remix. The proper consistency is such that when applied with a notched trowel, the mortar ridges formed will not flow or slump. During use, re-mix the mortar occasionally, but do not re-temper with water as this will cause a loss of bond and compressive strength. Do not blend excess water as this will cause bleeding and segregation. Do not use any other admixtures or additives.

Placing:

Apply Multi-Purpose Thin Set Mortar with the flat or straight edge of a trowel. This puts irregularities and other material into the surface for maximum adhesion. Comb additional mortar to a depth sufficient to be notched with a suitable trowel that will leave enough mortar for 100% contact with the back of the tile and a mortar bed of 3/32” to 3/16”. Immediately press the tiles into place with a slight twisting motion to ensure good contact with the mortar. Adjust tiles and beat in with a block and rubber mallet. “Back butter” large tiles to provide full bedding and firm support. Do not spread more mortar than can be covered with tiles in 15 minutes. Clean all joints and wipe the face of the tile.

 

Properties

Physical Properties

Property and Test Method	Results
Compressive Strength	1 Day	3 Days	28 Days
ASTM C109	500 psi (3.44 MPa)	1,000 psi (6.89 MPa)	1,500 psi (10.34 MPa)
Rate of Set	Working Time	Initial	Final
ASTM C266	3:00	4:30	6:00
Shear Bond ANSI 118.4	Type	Standard	Multi-Purpose Thin Set Mortar
	Glazed Wall Tile	>300 psi	7 Days 309 psi 28 Days 323 psi
	Ceramic	>200 psi	7 Days 337 psi
	(Porcelain) Mosaic Tile		28 Days 337 psi
	Quarry Tile	>100 psi	7 Days 183 psi 28 Days 240 psi

Regulatory & Compliance

Standards

Multi-Purpose Thin Set Mortar has been formulated to meet and exceed ANSI A118.4 for latex modified portland cement mortars.

Technical Details & Test Data

Limitations

within 24 hours. Do not apply over surfaces that are frozen or contain frost. Allow concrete to fully cure for 28 days before the use of this product. Do not walk on or grout the tile for at least 24 hours after application.

Safety & Health

Danger

This product contains Crystalline Silica (CAS# 14808-60-7) and Portland Cement (CAS# 65997-15-1). Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye damage. May cause an allergic skin reaction. May cause cancer. May cause respiratory irritation. Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Contaminated work clothing must not be allowed out of the workplace. Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Do not breathe dust. Keep away from children. Store locked up. Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations.

First Aid

• If swallowed : Immediately call a poison center/doctor. Rinse mouth.
• If in eyes : Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Immediately call a poison center/doctor.
• If on skin : Wash with plenty of water. Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
• If skin irritation or rash occurs : Get medical advice/attention.
• If inhaled : Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. Call a poison center/doctor if you feel unwell.

Packaging & Availability

Packaging Type

Bags

Packaging

50 lb (22.7 kg) bag, 63 bags per pallet.

Storage & Handling

Storage

Normal cement storage and handling practices should be observed. Store material in an interior, cool, dry place. Shelf life is one year in original, unopened container.