Good Industry Practices Agglomerated Stone Tiling

2.0 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

2.1 Tile selection

It is important to consider the physical characteristics of resin based agglomerated stone tiles and
the service conditions of the tiled location.

Agglomerated stone tiles are normally available in thicknesses between 10mm-12mm. Thicker
agglomerated stone tiles are also = available for heavy duty conditions.

The surface finish should be considered with regard to slip resistance, traffic conditions, spillage
and maintenance.

The common reference standard for agglomerated stone floor tiles is BS EN 15285:2008
Agglomerated Stone – Modular tiles for flooring and stairs (Internal and External). The essential
characteristics to take note for specifications and product information are:

Maximum dimensional tolerances– BS EN 14617-16:2013

Determination of dimensional stability - BS EN 14617-12:2012

Water absorption (%) – BS EN 14617-1:2013

Bending strength (MPa) – BS EN 14617-2:2008

Abrasion resistance (mm3) – BS EN 14617-4:2012

Chemical resistance (in % gloss loss) – BS EN 14617-10:2012

Slip resistance – SS 485:2011 or BS EN 14231:2003

Impact resistance – BS EN 14617-9:2005

Thermal shock resistance – BS EN 14617-6:2012

Coefficient of linear thermal expansion – BS EN 14617-11:2005

The important characteristics to consider are:

1. Coefficient of linear thermal expansion
• The resin may expand excessively under heat
• Do consider having a flexible tile adhesive

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2. Dimensional stability on prolong exposure to presence of water

• Staining issues range from water trapped in substrate (insufficient curing or
condensation), water through untreated edges thru pointing or wet mopping and
spilled liquid on the surface
• Use only reaction resin or fast-setting cementitious adhesive
• Always ensure substrate is properly cured
• Do consider application of an impregnator to prevent stain from being trapped
inside the tile

3. Discolouring
• May discolour under prolong exposure to UV from the sun but its strength and its
chemical and physical characteristics will not be affected
• Some may come with gel coat that contains UV stabilisers to ensure colour stability
and gloss
• When in contact with moisture, some agglomerated marble tiles may turn
yellowish due to its iron content

4. Abrasion resistance (mm3)

• For high traffic areas, agglomerated quartz will be more suitable than
agglomerated marble

5. Chemical resistance (in % gloss loss)

• Agglomerated quartz is more chemical resistant than agglomerated marble

Surface staining of compressed marble due to penetration of water or chemical

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2.2 Finishes

Common choices of finishes are polished or honed. Polished finishes are generally used where a
reflective surface is required and slip resistance is less important. A honed finished tile is chosen
for its matt appearance where reflective surface is not required and where improved slip resistance
is important. A sand blasted finish is used when higher slip resistance is required e.g. intermittent
wet locations.

The surface texture will affect the cleaning regime required. When considering choice of finishes, it
is important to understand that there is a compromise between slip resistance and ease of cleaning
and/or maintenance.

As the finishes on the edges are typically either square or micro bevelled, extra effort is required
to prevent the edges from chipping off during handling, especially when the tiles are positioned
vertically.

For residential projects, consider putting in the specification for a light polishing and sealing after
installation and before handing over. Due to grinding of edges to remove lippages and patchy spot
polishing after grinding, the floor may look wavy or dull (matt) at an angle. The tile joints maybe
visible too, especially after filling with cementitious grout for straight edge joints.

A light polishing and sealing before handing over is recommended to achieve the perfect flush
look.

2.3 Slip Resistance

Slip resistance should be one of the most important design considerations for safety reasons.

Agglomerated stone tiles, like natural stone, have good slip resistance in clean and dry conditions
regardless of the type of finished surface. However, the performance when wet or contaminated,
would depend on the roughness of the finished surface and the type of contaminant present.

For use in public areas, the SS 485:2011 specification for slip resistance classification of pedestrian
surface materials should apply. Below is the pedestrian flooring selection guide (including ramp)
for various public areas:

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Table 4.1 Pedestrian Flooring Selection Guide – Minimum pendulum or ramp

recommendations for specific locations

Location Pendulum Ramp

External colonnades, walkways and pedestrian crossings W R10
External ramps V R11
Entry foyers hotel, office, public buildings - wet X R10
Entry foyers hotel, office, public buildings - dry Z R9
Shopping centre excluding food court Z R9
Internal ramps, slopes (greater than 2 degrees) - dry X R10
Lift lobbies other than entry foyers Z R9
Other shops with external entrances - entry area X R10
Food outlets including fast food outlets, buffet food X R10
servery areas
Hospitals and aged care facilities - dry areas Z R9
Hospitals and aged care facilities - ensuites X A or R10
Shop and supermarket aisles except fresh food areas Z R9
Shop and supermarket fresh food areas X R10
Communal changing rooms X A
Swimming pool surrounds and communal shower rooms W B
Swimming pool ramps and stairs leading into water V C
Toilet facilities in offices, hotels, shopping centres X R10
Undercover concourse areas of sports stadium X R10
Accessible internal stair nosings (dry) -handrails present X R10
Accessible internal stair nosings (wet) -handrails present W B or R11
External stair nosings W R11

In accordance to SS 485:2011, dry floor friction test is for internal floors. The standard indicates that
floors should have a dry floor friction classification of F unless normal usage dictates that the floor
should have a low dry coefficient of friction, e.g. dance floors.

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Table 4.2 Classification of pedestrian surface materials according to the dry floor friction
test

Classification
Test Result Mean Value
(Notional contribution to risk)
(COF)
(SS485:2011)

F (Moderate to very Low) ≥ 0.4

G (High to very High) < 0.4

For safety reasons, it is highly recommended that the slip resistance class of the selected
agglomerated stone tile is established, rather than taking the slip resistance class provided by
the manufacturer at face value. For public areas with high traffic, wet areas like the main entrance
should have a safe slip resistance class under wet conditions. Hence for large public areas, the
choices of stone finishes can vary depending on the designation (zoning) of wet and dry areas or
service conditions.

Pendulum test equipment Ramp Test

To reduce water ingress, particularly for high traffic areas (commercial buildings), high quality mat
well (recessed type preferred) could be provided at the entrance to trap water, especially during
the rainy season. In addition, introduction of secondary matting and external canopies can help to
further reduce water ingress.

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Mat well for trapping water and grits

To improve slip resistance of existing floor tile, a mineral or resin polymer non-slip coating will
help. The slip resistance of resin polymer non-slip coating in wet conditions is better but not as
aesthetically pleasing as it will leave a matt sheen when it dries. Mineral non-slip coating is almost
translucent and will not affect the aesthetics of the tile, but it has a lower Slip Resistance Value
(SRV).

2.4 Thermal Sensitivity

Agglomerate stone tiles are more prone to thermal expansion and contraction especially in areas
with prolong exposure to direct sunlight such as conservatories, atria, open balconies or where this
is underfloor heating/cooling. It is recommended to always consult the manufacturer for suitability
for such applications.

BS 5385-5: 2011 recommends greater frequency of movement joints in bays not greater than
25m² in size with an edge length that is not greater than 6m, to accommodate the high thermal
expansion of the resin agglomerated stone tile.

Where underfloor heating/cooling system is used, the pipes or cables should be suitably located
to ensure that the system is contained within the pattern of movement joints. Where large format
tiles (i.e. with a single side 600mm or greater) are being used, adopting wider joint widths and
smaller bay sizes should be considered. It is important to ensure that there is no contact between
the heating/cooling cable, mesh and the back of the agglomerated stone tile. This can be achieved
using a self-levelling compound or a thin layer of tile adhesive that is allowed to cure and dry
before the agglomerated stone tiles are fixed.

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2.5 Wet Areas

Due to the higher coefficients of moisture expansion for resin-based agglomerated stone tiles,
assurances should be sought from the supplier or manufacturer that it is fit for use in wet areas
like toilets and whether any precautionary measures should be taken during and post installation.

The design for shower area should ensure that water is quickly and effectively channelled away
from the tiled floor area to the drainage outlet in order to keep water contact to a minimum.
Consideration may be given to the use of epoxy resin grouts (commonly known as marble glue) to
help provide impervious joints. A proprietary tanking system should be applied to the substrate.

2.6 Pool & Fountains

Due to the high degree of moisture expansion, the use of resin-based agglomerated stone tiles in
a total immersion situation such as swimming pools, fountains etc. is not recommended.

2.7 Floor Substrate

Agglomerated stone tiles should be fixed on to a dry, flat, cohesively strong, stable and rigid
substrate that is free from surface contaminations such as dust, laitance, grease, wax, loose or
flaking areas etc.

Levelness of substrate should be not more than 3mm over 2m in length or to SR1 as specified in BS
8204. Final finishing with a self-levelling compound is recommended especially for screedless floor
slab. For power floated concrete, sealer or shot blasting is required to improve bonding.

Any cementitious floor screed (ditto for render) or concrete slab (screedless flooring system) to
receive resin agglomerated stone tiles should be completely cured (approximately 2 weeks) for
50mm thick Cement & Sand (C&S) screed and tested. A quick check using a portable hygrometer
(e.g. Tramex, Portimeter, etc) is recommended. The permissible moisture level will depend on the
type of adhesive used, i.e. to follow the adhesive supplier’s recommendation.

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Self-levelling cements to achieve or correct level of substrate

Due to the limitation on the depth coverage of the portable moisture meter (normally around
25mm), when in doubt, do consider other more invasive methods by inserting the RH probes into
the middle of the slab, e.g. ASTM F2170 – 11 method. In view of the high RH (relative humanity)
in the air locally (almost 95%), the workable moisture content range should be around 2% by
weight or < 75% in relative humidity. Technically it is called the “equilibrium relative humidity
(ERH) of the screed” to minimise/eliminate the movement of moisture between substrate and the
agglomerated stone.

In any case, consultation with the agglomerated stone manufacturer should also be undertaken to
ascertain the maximum moisture levels permitted prior to the installation of their material.

Checking of moisture level of substrate with portable moisture meter.

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2.8 Wall substrate

Wall substrates, particularly drywall with plasterboard, should be strong enough to take the weight
of the agglomerated stone tiles and the associated adhesive bed. The average weight restriction
on plasterboard as a wall substrate is around 32 kg/m2.

The general weight of agglomerated stone tiles for common thickness are as follows:
• 25 Kg/m² for 10 mm thick
• 30 Kg/m²for 12 mm thick
• 50 Kg/m² for 20 mm thick

A 1 mm thickness of tile adhesive will add a further 1.5Kg/m²

2.9 Adhesive Selection

As some of the agglomerated stone tiles are susceptible to moisture deformation (warping /
curling), care is required to ensure compatibility with the adhesive used, i.e. to limit water from
adhesive to the agglomerated stone.

Dimensional stability test due to moisture

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Reaction resin adhesives and rapid setting cementitious adhesives work well with agglomerated
stone tiles (as recommended in BS 5385-3:2009).

For agglomerated stone tiles (e.g. Rosso Levante or Verde Tirreno) that are more water sensitive
which affects the dimensional stability, use only water-free reaction resin adhesive and ensure that
the substrate is properly cured.

Rosso Levante Verde Tirreno

Note: If the agglomerated stone tile binder is epoxy, it is advisable to use an epoxy based adhesive.

For light coloured agglomerated stone tiles, it is recommended to select white adhesives to avoid
colour distortion particularly where the tiles are translucent or partially translucent.

In general, the low water absorption necessitates the use of adhesives that develop high adhesion
strength and a strong bond.

The other aspect to consider is the thermal expansion of agglomerated stone tile caused by
temperature change such as underfloor heating/cooling systems, direct sunlight or from general
changes in the ambient conditions. Hence, adhesive selected will need to be deformable to
accommodate such movement.

Based on BS EN 12004, adhesive for agglomerated stone tiles should be:

• Reaction resin adhesive type R1 or R2 for moisture sensitive (1 or 2 denotes the
strength)
• Rapid setting cementitious adhesive type C2F S1 and C2F S2 (S1 or S2 denotes
deformable class)

Note: Cement-based adhesive with S2 (highly deformable) classification should be used where the
loading and traffic conditions are not heavy.

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Table 5.1 Classification and Performance criteria for cementitious adhesive based on EN
12004/12002 and ISO 13007-1

CLASSIFICATION CHARACTERISTICS REQUIREMENT

C1 – Normal Tensile strength @ 28 days ≥ 0.5 N/mm2
(Open time @ 20 minutes)
C2 – Improved High tensile strength @ 28 days. (Open ≥ 1.0 N/mm2
time @ 20 minutes)
F – Fast setting Early tensile strength @ 6 hours. ≥ 0.5 N/mm2
T – Slip (Non-sag) Downward movement of a tile on a ≤ 0.5 mm
vertical surface.
S1 – Deformable Capacity of a hardened adhesive to be < 5 mm ≥ 2.5 mm
deformed
S2 – Highly Deformable Capacity of a hardened adhesive to be ≥ 5 mm
deformed
E – Extended open time Extended open time @ 30 minutes with ≥ 0.5 N/mm2
the tensile adhesion strength

Table 5.2 Quick reference guide for combinations of finishes, locations and substrates

TYPE OF FINISH LOCATION SUBSTRATE SUGGESTED

ADHESIVE
CLASSIFICATION IN
COMPLIANCE WITH
ISO 13007-1 EN
12004/12002
Natural Marble & Wall & Floor Concrete/Cement C2 TE
Granite (Internal/External) render/Screed
Natural/Agglomerated Wall & Floor Concrete/Cement C2 F/S1
Stones (prone to (Internal) render/Screed 2-Component
moisture and staining)
Natural/Agglomerated Wall & Floor Concrete/Cement C2 FTE /S1
Stones with size (Internal) render/Screed
600x600 mm or more Deformable substrates C2 FTE/S2
such as drywall, board
and plywood

It is advised that further guidance should be sought from the tile and adhesive manufacturer for
the right type of adhesive to be used. It is recommended to always do a mock up as early as
possible to ensure compatibility. Though optional, pull out and shear tests to verify the design can
be conducted.

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2.10 Grout

In considering the moisture sensitivity and thermal stability, resin based agglomerated stone tiles
should be grouted with improved cement-based grouts classified CG2 to BS EN 13888 (e.g. CG2A,
CG2W or CG2WA) or alternatively with water-free resin grouts. Cement-based grouts are cured
faster due to rapid setting but may still contain water as compared to water-free resin-based grout
which is better in deformity but takes longer to cure. Water during maintenance may slip through
the grout joint and stain the agglomerated stone from the sides.

Another aspect to consider is whether the agglomerated stone tiles require sealing as it may affect
the adhesion of the grout if it is accidently applied to the sides of the stone.

For straight-edged agglomerated stone tiles, resin-based grout will provide a “seamless” finish (i.e.
which make the whole tiled area look monolithic), especially when another round of polishing and
coating (optional) is done after grouting. The silhouette of any straight object, e.g. window, sliding
door etc., will appear straight rather than wavy at an angle.

BS EN 13888 Table 7 – Classification and designation

Symbol Type Class Description

CG 1 Normal cementitious grout
CG 2W Improved cementitious grout with additional characteristic
of reduced water absorption
CG 2A Improved cementitious grout with additional characteristic
of high abrasion resistance
CG 2WA Improved cementitious grout with additional characteristics
of reduced water absorption and high abrasion resistance.
RG Reaction resin grout

Cement Based Grout Epoxy Based Grout

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It is important to consult the supplier of the agglomerated stone tiles to establish if the tiles should
be sealed before the grouting process begins. To ensure good adhesion of the grout mortar in the
joints, care should be taken to ensure that the sealer is confined to the surface of the tiles and that
the sides of the tiles remain untreated.

To ensure full/maximum penetration/filling of the joint, un-sand/non-sand cement-based grout

should be specified for tile joints of 3 mm and below. The un-sanded grout is better suited to fill
smaller gaps, flows better and has the ability to stay consistent. Sanded grout will not achieve the
required depth of penetration in smaller joints and its consistency will change when spread. The
sand component will become heavy while the cement component becomes light. This makes for
very weak grout which may loosen and come off with scrubbing or pressure cleaning.

Polyester resins are rigid once cured and do not expand nor contract to different temperature
variations and in extreme case, may be prone to delamination. Epoxy resin however will soften and
lose its structural strength once exposed to temperatures above 65°C.

Resin-based RG grouts costs more and is more tedious to apply (as it sets quickly) and rectify as
compared to cement-based grouts. While resin-based RG grout is stain-proof, it hazes or residues
on tile surfaces with a glossy sheen and looks plastic. To avoid this, it is important that the installer
cleans the tiles properly before and after grouting as it will be very difficult to clean once cure.

2.11 Impregnator

For agglomerated stone tiles that will be installed in an environment prone to staining, the
application of a good-quality impregnator should be considered on the top surface. The main
objective of an impregnator is to block contaminants from entering the substrate of the stone
while at the same time allowing it to expel interior moisture. They are therefore ‘breathable’ or
vapour permeable.

Often confused with sealer which seals agglomerated stone tiles at the surface, the impregnator
seals the agglomerated stone from the inside. Sealers are much cheaper than impregnators but
require frequent stripping and re-application especially at high traffic areas. Unsightly scuff marks
will appear and will slightly darken the shine and colour of the agglomerated stone.

Impregnators can either be solvent-based or water-based. The solvent or water acts as the carrier
which brings the resins into the stone. As the carrier evaporates, the resins are left in the stone to
seal. Generally, solvent-based impregnators are better and lasts longer as they penetrate deeper
into the agglomerated stone. However, they may not be environmentally friendly due to the
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contents.

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Another aspect to consider is whether the impregnator is an olio phobic or hydrophobic product. An
olio phobic impregnator will repel oil and water-based liquids whereas a hydrophobic impregnator
will only repel water-based liquids. Many hydrophobic sealers are labelled ‘oil resistant’. However
this only means that they will slow down the absorption of oil while still allowing it to eventually
enter the stone. Olio phobic impregnator is suitable for use in the kitchen area and bathrooms. The
kitchen area is where a range of different liquids are likely to stain and damage the agglomerated
stone while bathrooms are where there can be a high concentration of body fats.

The most popular resins are silicone, silane, siloxane, ester epoxy and fluorocarbon alphatic
(a.k.a. fluorochemicals). Fluorocarbon alphatic resin is recognised as the best and longest lasting
performer. It is also easier to produce in a formulation that can be carried by water, which eliminates
the use of volatile and hazardous mineral solvent.

Sealers on the other hand will provide protection on the surface and can better resist stains but
are susceptible to change in appearance (create shine and darker tone of colour) and will require
frequent stripping and reapplication.

Nevertheless, it is always recommended to consult the manufacturer whether the selected

agglomerated stone requires an impregnator, especially if the water absorbency is lower than
0.02% by weight. Green Marbles (Serpentinite) require sealing when installed in an environment
where staining is likely to happen.

A simple test can be done by placing a drop of water on the agglomerated stone tile. Let it dwell
for about 5 minutes and then wipe it dry. If a darkened patch appears where the water droplet was
(it will disappear once the water evaporates), it would mean that some of the water was absorbed.
Hence, an impregnator should be considered if the agglomerated stone is to be installed in an
environment prone to liquid staining.
Stain

Impregnator

Stone

Substrate

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2.12 Movement Joints

Resin based agglomerate stone tiles are more sensitive to thermal expansion and contraction as
well as dampness from underlying screeds, thus requiring more movement joints to be installed
as compared to stone or ceramic floor tiles. BS 5385-5:2011 (Code of Practice on design and
installation of terrazzo, natural stone and agglomerated stone tile and slab flooring) advises that, in
normal conditions, movement joints should be installed at bay sizes not exceeding 36m2 as resin
based flooring units can have a coefficient of thermal expansion more than three times that of
cement terrazzo and natural stone.

Movement joints for the flooring described in BS 8204-1 are as follows:

1. flexible joints aligned to structural movement joints
2. flexible movement joints to accommodate smaller movements than structural joints
3. contraction joints which are non-compressible to relieve tension

BS 5385-5:2011 also advise that structural movement joints should be provided where flooring
abuts restraining surfaces (e.g. perimeter walls, columns, kerbs, steps and plant fixed to the base)
that are more than two metres apart. Movement joints should be contiguous with the perimeter
movement joints and placed where the flooring runs across door thresholds.

For agglomerated stone tiles bedded on substrate with higher differential movement characteristics
(e.g. metal panel, aerated concrete, etc.), minor spalling at grouted joints or fracture and major
dislocation of the agglomerated stone tiles may occur. Installing stress relieving movement joints
is recommended as it prevents damage from restrained dimensional change.

It is also important to note that where resin based agglomerated stone tile flooring is subjected to
high temperatures (i.e. from strong sunshine), an assessment of the likely temperature range and
corresponding linear changes should be made.

A typical installation of agglomerated stone tiles should include movement joints within the tiled
area itself and on internal corners of walls, along with the floor-to-wall connection. They should
also be used at the perimeter of applications of over two metres, or where there is excessive
thermal and vibration movement. A movement joint must be inserted where the floor goes over a
structural beam or where there’s a supporting wall below.

All movement joints must be properly formed, according to the degree of exposure, with a suitable
flexible material. The extension capability and recovery performance of the chosen joint former
or sealant would determine the actual joint width. In this guidebook, the recommendations for
spacing and sizes of movement joints are based on the context of a typical indoor environment in
Singapore.

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It is important that the designed minimum gap is not obstructed. Checks should be carried out
before joints are sealed. Perimeter joints can usually be hidden beneath the skirting.

If there is presence of day-work joints, they should be bonded during screed installation as
recommended in BS 8204-1 (BS 8204-1:2003 + Amendment 1:2009 Screeds, bases and in situ
floorings). As for movement joints, they should be post-cut in the screed during setting out of the
floor tiling.

Reinforcement in screeds should cross all day-work joints to ensure that no unpredicted movement
can affect the performance of the agglomerated stone tile flooring particularly where the
agglomerated stone tiles are installed using adhesive.

Where underfloor heating/cooling system is used, the pipes or cables should be strategically
located to ensure that the system is contained within the pattern of movement joints.

Pre-formed movement joints come in various widths. The amount of movement that can be
absorbed depends on the size of the joint and the compressible material used. Thus, it is important
to consider the thermal movement and traffic density of the target area when selecting the width
and material (e.g. brass, aluminium, stainless steel and PVC) of the movement joint. If not, the
installation is likely to fail.

Pre-formed plastic expansion joint

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When selecting the suitable width, it is useful to note that pre-formed surface joints usually
accommodate movement up to 20% of the movement zone width. Thus, a 10mm-width joint will
extend and compress by approximately 2mm. As for the suitable type of material, aluminium is
generally ideal for commercial use, whereas brass and stainless steel are used for heavy commercial
and industrial projects such as warehouses, production facilities and airports (i.e. where the tiled
surface is cleaned by a scrubbing machine or where there are rolling loads such as pallet trucks and
metal-rimmed trolleys). Stainless steel is also ideal where chemicals are used, such as laboratories
and food processing plants. PVC can be used for residential and medium duty commercial
applications including offices and swimming pools, and areas subjected to light mechanical
loading such as showrooms and car dealerships.

Aluminium or Steel strip can be used as divider

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