With the growing trend of homeowners taking on their own projects, there is an increased demand for innovative products that can assist them with their needs. As discussed in some of our previous blogs, porcelain pavers are too growing in popularity but have been a challenge to install properly on ground. That is until Gator Base came along and revolutionized the process. Here are details on how to install Gator Base for porcelain pavers.
The first thing to learn in how to install Gator Base for porcelain pavers, is the art of excavation. Excavate the area of your project to the depth required, which will include the Porcelain Paver height, Gator Base, compacted sand, plus any soft organic material that has to be removed. It is advisable to also excavate the perimeter an extra 6″ (15 cm) wider on all sides than the finished tile area requires.
It is important to have a slope of at least 2 degrees away from any structure such as a house. A plate compactor or hand tamper should be used to compact any of the existing soil.
The next lesson in how to install Gator Base for porcelain pavers is to cover the entire excavated and compacted area with a geotextile cloth. On top of that, spread an even layer of sand no more than 3/4″ thick (19 mm). Be sure to water the sand prior to compacting the layer until you obtain a final height of 3/4″ (19 mm) of compacted sand.
Once done, the next lesson in how to install Gator Base for porcelain pavers is to start laying the Gator Base units. Ensure they are staggered and are interlocked with the tongue and groove system. Be sure to install the Gator Base on the extended excavation area (as mentioned above total excavation should be 6″ (15 cm) wider on each side than the final tiled area).
Gator Spacers should be installed in each corner of the tiles to provide support and uniform spacing, using a generous amount of glue on each quadrant. Install the porcelain tile on the Gator Spacer, apply pressure or tap the tiles with a rubber mallet at all corners. Gator Spacers can be purchased in 1/4″, 3/16″, and 1/8″ (6.4 mm, 4.8 mm and 3.2 mm) joint sizes.
Install Gator Tile Edge on the Gator Base using Gator Base Screws. Make sure that Gator Tile Edge rests firmly against the tiles and use Gator Base Screws at every second hole.
Spread Gator Tile Sand onto the dry, tiled surface, spreading it over a small area before moving onto the next. Make sure to fill in the joints!
Using a rubber mallet and NOT a plate compactor, it is now time to compact the sand into the joints. Repeat filling followed by compacting of the tile joints, then sweep the surface with a fine bristle broom and remove all excess sand. Ensure the sand is 1/8″ (3 mm) lower than the tile chamfers. Use a blower to blow off all sand residue laying on the tile surface.
The final lesson on how to install Gator Base for porcelain pavers is to shower and rinse simultaneously on a section of approximately 100 sq. ft. (10 sq. m.). This will eliminate any residue left on the tiles, and any Gator Tile Sand residue should go directly into the tiled joints. Wait no longer than 2 to 3 minutes.
Use a leaf blower to remove any excess water remaining on the tiles or crevices. This is important as it will help to remove any remaining Gator Tile Sand residue left on tiled surfaces from the previous steps.
The water will activate a bonding action as well as condensing Gator Tile Sand in the joints. It is important to water a total of 3 times to ensure proper activation and performance of the Gator Tile Sand.
As you can see, from the lessons on how to install Gator Base for Porcelain Pavers is very easy for the average homeowner to master like a pro.
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