BRITISH STANDARD BS 5385-2:

1991
Incorporating
Amendment No. 1

Wall and floor tiling —

Part 2: Code of practice for the design
and installation of external ceramic
wall tiling and mosaics (including terra
cotta and faience tiles)

ICS 91.060.10; 91.060.30

BS 5385-2:1991

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Elements and
Components (of Diverse Materials) for Buildings Standards Policy Committee
(ECB/-) to Technical Committee ECB/16, upon which the following bodies were
represented:

British Adhesives and Sealants Association

British Ceramic Research Ltd.
British Ceramic Tile Council
Building Employers Confederation
Chartered Institute of Building
Concrete Society
Contract Flooring Association
Department of the Environment (Building Research Establishment)
Institute of Clerks of Works of Great Britain Inc.
Mortar Producers’ Association Limited
National Federation of Clay Industries Ltd.
National Federation of Terrazzo-Mosaic Specialists
National Master Tile Fixers’ Association
National Tile, Faience and Mosaic Fixers’ Society
Royal Institute of British Architects
Terra Cotta Association 1937

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Elements and
Components (of Diverse
Materials) for Buildings
Standards Policy Committee,
was published under the
authority of the Standards
Board and comes
into effect on
31 January 1992

© BSI 03-2001

First published as CP 212-2,

June 1966
Second edition, as BS 5385-2, Amendments issued since publication
February 1978
Third edition, February 1978 Amd. No. Date Comments
Fourth edition January l992
10822 March 2001 Amends 19.1 paragraph 2.
The following BSI references
relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference ECB 16
Draft for comment 90/11318 DC

ISBN 0 580 20236 4

 BS 5385-2:1991

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword iv
Section 1. General
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 Exchange of information and time schedules 1
3.1 Exchange of information 1
3.2 Provision of utilities, facilities and materials 1
3.3 Time schedules 1
Section 2. Materials
4 Transport and storage 3
5 Ceramic tiles 3
6 Mosaics 3
7 Architectural terra cotta and architectural faience tiles 3
8 Cement 3
9 Sand 3
9.1 General 3
9.2 Sand for cement : sand rendering and mortar beds 3
9.3 Sand for grouting 3
10 Water 4
11 Adhesives 4
11.1 Cementitious adhesives (hydraulically-hardened mortars) 4
11.2 Organic adhesives 4
11.3 Admixtures to adhesives 4
12 Bonding agents 4
13 Sealants and back-up materials for movement joints 4
13.1 Sealants 4
13.2 Back-up materials 4
14 Grouts 4
14.1 General 4
14.2 Types of grout 4
15 Reinforcement for cement : sand rendering 6
Section 3. Design
16 General 7
16.1 Initial considerations 7
16.2 Appearance and effect 7
16.3 Exposure conditions and protection 7
16.4 Suitability of tiles or mosaics 8
16.5 Cleaning and maintenance 8
17 Backgrounds 8
17.1 General 8
17.2 Soluble salts in backgrounds 8
18 Preparation of backgrounds 11
18.1 General 11
18.2 Treatment of backgrounds to receive cement : sand rendering 11
18.3 Treatment of backgrounds to receive tiles by direct bedding 13
19 Cement : sand rendering 13
19.1 General 13

© BSI 03-2001 i
BS 5385-2:1991

Page
19.2 Rendering through anchored reinforcement 14
19.3 Mix for rendering to various backgrounds 15
19.4 Application and trueness of rendering 15
20 Movement joints 16
20.1 General 16
20.2 Location 16
20.3 Disposition and forming 16
20.4 Back-up materials 16
20.5 Sealants 17
Section 4. Application of tiles: methods and materials
21 General 20
21.1 Workmanship 20
21.2 Bedding methods 20
21.3 Compatibility of backgrounds and tile beds 20
21.4 Setting out 20
21.5 Preparation of the tiles 20
21.6 Tolerances for finished tile surfaces 20
21.7 Tile joint treatment 20
21.8 Movement joints 20
21.9 Mixing of tile bed materials 20
22 Bedding in adhesives 20
22.1 General 20
22.2 Backgrounds 21
22.3 Inspection and preparation of tiles 21
22.4 Application of adhesive and tiles 21
23 Tile joint treatment 21
23.1 General 21
23.2 Grouting procedure for joints up to 3 mm wide 21
23.3 Wide joint filling 22
23.4 Application of coloured grout 22
Section 5. Application of mosaics: methods and materials
24 General 23
24.1 Preliminary considerations 23
24.2 Workmanship 23
24.3 Tolerance for finished mosaic surfaces 23
24.4 Mosaic beds 23
25 Setting out 23
26 Preparation of mosaics 23
27 Bedding methods for mosaics 23
27.1 Bedding in adhesives 23
27.2 Bedding in cement : sand mortar 23
28 Application of mosaics 24
28.1 Pregrouting 24
28.2 Sequence and method of fixing 24
29 Grouting of mosaics 24
30 Glass mosaics 24

ii © BSI 03-2001
 BS 5385-2:1991

Page
Section 6. Cleaning and maintenance
31 Cleaning 25
31.1 General 25
31.2 Glazed tiles 25
31.3 Unglazed tiles 25
32 Maintenance 25
Figure 1 — Typical movement joint details in external wall tiling 18
Figure 2 — Position of movement joints in concrete frame construction at
abutment of brick/block infill 19
Table 1 — Sand for grouts for joints less than 6 mm wide 4
Table 2 — Flexible sealants: summary of properties 5
Table 3 — Backgrounds: summary of data and suitable tile beds 9
Publication(s) referred to Inside back cover

© BSI 03-2001 iii

BS 5385-2:1991

Foreword

This code of practice has been prepared under the direction of the Elements and
Components (of Diverse Materials) for Buildings Standards Policy Committee. It
is a revision of the 1978 edition, which is withdrawn. The code now recommends
that only adhesives should be used for bedding external tiling, although
cement : sand mortar remains as an alternative for bedding mosaics,
architectural terra cotta and architectural faience tiles. Illustrations of
movement joints have been added, the tables for sealants and backgrounds have
been revised and a cleaning and maintenance section has been added.
Throughout this code, references to tiles and tiling are intended to apply equally
to architectural terra cotta, to architectural faience and to mosaics and mosaics
work except where the requirements for mosaics are different as in section 5.
The other parts of BS 5385 are as follows:
— Part 1: Code of practice for the design and installation of internal ceramic
wall tiling and mosaics in normal conditions;
— Part 3: Code of practice for the design and installation of ceramic floor tiles
and mosaics;
— Part 4: Code of practice for ceramic tiling and mosaics in specific conditions;
— Part 5: Code of practice for the design and installation of terrazzo tile and
slab, natural stone and composition block floorings;
Assessed capability. Users of this British Standard are advised to consider the
desirability of assessment and registration of a supplier’s quality systems against
the appropriate part of BS 5750 by a third party certification body.
Enquiries as to the availability of third party certification schemes will be
forwarded by BSI to the Association of Certification Bodies. If a third party
certification scheme does not already exist, users should consider approaching an
appropriate body from the list of Association members.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv,
pages 1 to 26, an inside back cover and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the
document was last issued.

iv © BSI 03-2001
 BS 5385-2:1991

Section 1. General

1 Scope g) Health and safety. Information on articles and

substances for use during the work that are liable
This part of BS 5385 gives recommendations for the
to be a health risk.
design and installation of external ceramic,
architectural terra cotta and architectural faience h) Time schedule. A time schedule for the
wall tiling and mosaics in normal conditions. It progress of the work. (See 3.3.)
deals with the types of backgrounds and their i) Testing. Details of any compliance testing
suitability to receive tiling using the following fixing required.
methods: 3.2 Provision of utilities, facilities and
a) bedding in cementitious or organic adhesives materials
on an intermediate substrate or as a direct To prevent misunderstanding, particularly at the
bedding method; tendering stage, and to avoid possible situations
b) bedding mosaics in cement : sand mortar on detrimental to installation, it should be made clear
rendering or as a direct bedding method. whether or not the following will be provided and by
NOTE 1 Cement : sand mortar is seldom used as the bed for whom:
external wall tiling but, if required, see 23.3 of BS 5385-1:1990.
NOTE 2 The titles of the publications referred to in this
a) adequate clean, dry, lockable storage space
standard are listed on the inside back cover. protected from frost if necessary;
b) clean water supply adjacent to working areas;
2 Definitions c) adequate artificial lighting if required,
For the purposes of this part of BS 5385 the e.g. for tiling within a protected enclosure;
definitions given in BS 6100 and BS 6431-1 apply. d) safe means of access and places of work, to
include, where required, suitable scaffolding and
3 Exchange of information and time staging, which should comply with BS 5973 or
schedules BS 5974;
NOTE This clause deals with the exchange of information for NOTE Attention is also drawn to the requirements of the
the whole wall, including tiles, tile bed, background and Building and Construction Regulations made under the
intermediate substrate (if any). Factories Act.
3.1 Exchange of information e) unloading and hoisting facilities;
Working drawings and specifications should be f) electric power supply adjacent to working
prepared in sufficient detail to afford proper areas;
guidance in the design and execution of the work. At g) protection of work during and after fixing;
the tendering stage the following information h) supplies of cement and sand in accordance
should be provided. with clauses 8 and 9.
a) Site. Location and means of access. 3.3 Time schedules
b) Building. Nature of building and particulars of
The time schedule for the whole building work
corrosive or other potentially damaging
should be planned in the initial stages before
conditions to which the installation may be
operations are begun and, where possible, in
subjected in service (e.g. mechanical cleaning).
consultation with those who will become responsible
c) Wall(s). Type and age of construction, location, for carrying out the work of each of the trades
type and accuracy of backgrounds and need for concerned.
intermediate substrate.
In preparing the time schedule for the work, each
NOTE Permissible deviations from horizontal and operation should be considered in relation to others.
perpendicular lines in building construction are usually
greater than are appropriate for ceramic tiling or mosaic Due consideration should be given to the most
finishes. economical use of general plant and scaffolding by
d) Associated work. Elements embedded in or all trades, also to ensure that the various trades do
passing through the wall, skirtings and not interfere unduly with each other’s work.
abutments, junctions with other adjacent
finishes.
e) Finishes. Type(s) of tiles and/or mosaics,
bedding and jointing requirements and required
surface plane.
f) Contract. Particulars if the work is to be
completed in any specific order or in sections.

© BSI 03-2001 1
BS 5385-2:1991

For economic and efficient application of external The time schedule should also provide for the
tiling and mosaics, the work should begin at the completion of all necessary subsidiary work before
highest point of the building. Also, in certain forms the fixing of tiles or mosaics begins. The schedule
of a multistorey construction, some deflection of the should include times for commencement and
building can occur at lower levels as the building completion of tiling or mosaic work in the different
increases in height and loading consequently parts of the building, allowing sufficient time
increases. It is important, therefore, that intervals between the operation of the bedding,
application of tile or mosaic cladding should not grouting and final cleaning down.
commence until the building has been constructed The time schedule should include a provision for
to its full height. adjustment to allow for suspension of operation due
At least 6 weeks should be allowed in the time to frost or other unfavourable weather conditions
schedule for the drying out and initial shrinkage of that may jeopardize the safety of workers and/or the
the structural or non-structural fabric before the success of the installation.
application of an intermediate substrate, Alternatively, consideration should be given to the
e.g. rendering. If rendering is subsequently to be possibility of providing a protective enclosure,
applied it should be left for at least a further e.g. cocooning, to enable work to continue during
2 weeks. The schedule should allow also for all unfavourable conditions. In addition heating may be
cutting of holes and chases and/or other work necessary.
involving the use of percussion tools in or on the
walls to receive a bedded finish, and adjacent walls,
to be completed before a substrate is applied. All the
time allowances mentioned are equally relevant
where a substrate is to be omitted and the tile or
mosaic finish bedded directly to the structural
background.

2 © BSI 03-2001
 BS 5385-2:1991

Section 2. Materials

4 Transport and storage 7 Architectural terra cotta and

The delivery of materials should be so arranged as architectural faience tiles
to minimize handling. Adequate precautions should Architectural terra cotta tiles are unglazed,
be taken to guard against the possibility of damage. self-coloured, frost-resistant tiles made from a fine
Products should be stored in a clean, dry, frost-free clay plastic body or by the cast process. They may
(if necessary) lockable storage to avoid excessive have decorative moulded faces.
handling, theft and damage. Architectural faience tiles are glazed frost-resistant
tiles made from a fine clay plastic body or by the cast
5 Ceramic tiles process. They should be glazed over all faces that
Ceramic tiles should have a water absorption of not will be exposed in service. The body may have a
more than 3 % and should be either extruded tiles coarse texture but it should be uniform without
type AI as specified in BS 6431-2 or dust-pressed voids.
tiles type BI as specified in BS 6431-6. Architectural terra cotta and faience tiles are
Ceramic tiles that are to be fixed in locations liable generally thicker than tiles manufactured to comply
to frost should not be damaged when tested for frost with BS 6431 and facial dimensions may be up
resistance by the method described in BS 6431-22. to 60 cm. They may be manufactured to fit specific
positions on elevations.
Thin tiles are more vulnerable to impact damage
and generally tiles should have a minimum Tiles with facial sizes over 20 cm are usually
thickness of 8 mm. cramped in position as well as bedded with a solid
layer of adhesive or cement : sand mortar.
6 Mosaics Architectural terra cotta and architectural faience
tiles should not be damaged when tested for frost
Mosaics are available in glazed and unglazed
resistance by the method described in BS 6431-22.
ceramic, glass and marble and in a variety of shapes
and sizes. To facilitate ease of handling, mosaics are
assembled as sheets, the individual tessera being
8 Cement
glued either face down to paper (paper-faced Cement should comply with BS 12, BS 4027 or
mosaics) or bed side down to a synthetic mesh or to BS 5224.
small tabs. Cement should be stored under dry conditions and
It should be noted that paper-faced mosaics are used in order of delivery. Cement which contains
preferable since they allow full contact to be air-set lumps should not be used.
achieved with the mortar or adhesive bed. When
sheets are assembled by means of a backing mesh it 9 Sand
should be made of water-resistant synthetic fabric 9.1 General
such as nylon, not cotton or paper.
All stocks of sand should be protected from rain,
For a mosaic which has been assembled with a
frost and any form of contamination.
backing fabric or tabs it is essential that:
9.2 Sand for cement : sand rendering and
a) the fabric or tabs and their adhesive should not
mortar beds
occupy more than 25 % of the area of each
tessera; the critical factor is the contact of the Sand should comply with type A of Table 1 of
adhesive with the backs of the tesserae; BS 1199:1976.
b) the fabric or tabs and their adhesives should be 9.3 Sand for grouting
water-resistant, should not weaken when 9.3.1 For joints of nominal widths 6 mm and
exposed to moisture and should be compatible above
with the mortar or adhesive bed.
Sand for grouts should comply with the grading
Ceramic tesserae should comply with the relevant limits of type B of Table 1 of BS 1199:1976.
physical and chemical properties given in Table 3 of
BS 6431-6:1984. For mosaics in locations liable to 9.3.2 For joints less than 6 mm wide
frost, ceramic tesserae should not be damaged when Sands for grouts should comply with the grading
tested for frost resistance by the method described limits given in Table 1. Sands complying with
in BS 6431-22. type G of Table 1 of BS 1200:1976 may be suitable,
Before selecting a particular type of mosaic, advice but the fraction greater than 2.36 mm should be
about its suitability should be obtained from mosaic screened off.
suppliers or mosaic fixing specialists.

© BSI 03-2001 3
BS 5385-2:1991

Table 1 — Sand for grouts for joints less Bonding agents are usually mixed with cement and
than 6 mm wide sand or cement only and applied as a wet wash or
BS 410 sieve Percentage by mass passing BS
stipple immediately prior to the application of the
sieves mortar. Application of the bonding agent as a neat
mm %
film should not be attempted with materials such as
polyvinyl acetate, homopolymers and other bonding
2.36 100 agents that are affected by moisture.
1.18 95 to 100 Gypsum plaster should not be used in any
circumstances.
mm
600 80 to 100 13 Sealants and back-up materials for
300 30 to 100 movement joints
150 0 to 60 13.1 Sealants
75 not greater than 7 Guidance on the selection and application of joint
sealants is given in BS 6213.
10 Water Materials for movement joints should be non-rigid;
Water should be fresh and clean. Sea water should they should combine the properties of resilience
not be used. All containers used for storing or and/or plasticity within the maximum temperature
carrying water or for soaking tiles should be clean. ranges likely to be encountered and should be
resistant to mould growth. Table 2 provides a guide
11 Adhesives to most of the sealants in general use and a
summary of their properties.
11.1 Cementitious adhesives
(hydraulically-hardened mortars) 13.2 Back-up materials
Cementitious adhesive should comply with the These should be compressible materials that will
requirements of type 1, class AA or class A in not be extruded when the joint closes. Suitable
BS 5980. materials include closed cell cellular polyethylene
which is available in sheet strip, and circular cord
11.2 Organic adhesives forms of various sizes.
Organic adhesives should comply with the
requirements for class AA or class A, for the 14 Grouts
following types given in BS 5980.
14.1 General
Type 3. Dispersion/cement adhesive.
Grouts should have good working characteristics,
Type 5. Reaction resin adhesive. low shrinkage and good adhesion to the sides of the
11.3 Admixtures to adhesives joints. When selecting a grout the specifier should
establish that it is suitable for external conditions.
A polymer additive or some other liquid or powdered
product may be incorporated in adhesives to obtain 14.2 Types of grout
greater adhesion, improved resilience or some 14.2.1 Proprietary grouts
degree of water repellence.
These are generally one of the following types:
Admixtures should be used strictly in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions, and they a) mixes based on cement and sand but modified
should not be added to an adhesive unless approved by the inclusion of various additives, including
by the manufacturer of the adhesive. pigments, that require only the addition of clean
water to obtain the desired consistency;
12 Bonding agents b) mixes based on epoxide resin; these are
supplied as two or three separate components, in
Bonding agents may be used to improve the pregauged proportions, which have to be mixed
adhesion of renderings and/or tile beds to
together immediately before use.
backgrounds. Manufacturers recommend particular
NOTE Epoxide resin mixes are more expensive than those
grades and methods of application depending on the based on cement and the treatment of joints using these
materials involved, and their instructions should be compositions is slower.
followed. Proprietary grouts should be stored and used in
accordance with the particular manufacturer’s
instructions but, in general, they do not require
prior wetting of the tile joints before use.

4 © BSI 03-2001
 BS 5385-2:1991

Table 2 — Flexible sealants: summary of properties

Type Movement Service Hardness Cure time before serviceable
accommodation temperature (e.g. washing down, etc)
factor limits
(See note 2) (See note 3) (See note 4)
% ºC IRHD ( º ) Days

Epoxide 5 to 10 – 20 to + 80 70 to 95 1 to 7
polysulfide and Chemical cure. Rate of cure depends
flexibilized on temperature
epoxide
(two-part)
Acrylic 20 – 35 to + 90 25 to 30 3 to 14
(solution type) Set by solvent loss
Polysulfide 25 – 20 to + 80 15 to 40 7 to 21
(one-part) Moisture cure. Rate of cure depends
on temperature and relative
humidity
Polysulfide 1 to 7
(two-part) Chemical cure. Rate of cure depends
High modulus 20 – 20 to + 80 40 to 60 mainly on temperature
Low modulus 35 – 20 to + 80 15 to 20
Polyurethane 25 to 35 – 40 to + 70 15 to 40 3 to 14
(one-part) Moisture cure. Rate of cure depends
on temperature and relative
humidity
Silicone 1 to 14
High modulus 25 – 60 to + 180 20 to 30 Moisture cure. Rate of cure depends
Low modulus 50 to 100 – 50 to + 120 10 to 20 on temperature and relative
humidity
NOTE 1 Under favourable conditions the expected service life of the sealants listed is 15 to 20 years for the acrylic solution type
and not less than 20 years for the others.
NOTE 2 The values quoted are average values varying within wider or narrower limits according to manufacturer: Where the
movement accommodation factor (see BS 6213) is below 15 % the sealant is not to be used over structural movement joints.
NOTE 3 The figures quoted are as measured on an IRHD meter (see BS 903-A26). Low figures indicate that the sealant is soft,
high figures that the sealant is hard, e.g. tyre tread would have a hardness of 60º to 70º on this scale. Ranges are shown for each
sealant in the table, reflecting variations encountered in practice according to the manufacturer of the product. Hardness measured
in Shore “A” units is similar in value to that measured in IRHD units.
NOTE 4 Cure times vary according to environmental conditions, but the ranges shown in the table also reflect variations between
different manufacturers’ products.

14.2.2 Cement : sand mortar grouts 14.2.3 Admixtures to grouts

These are sometimes used for grouting joints A polymer additive or some other liquid or powdered
over 3 mm wide. Mixes of this kind require product may be incorporated in a cement : sand
dampness in the joint cavities to promote good mortar grout mix to obtain greater adhesion,
adhesion and are best suited for use with improved resilience or some degree of water
cement : sand mortar bedding systems where, if repellence.
necessary, the joints can be rewetted without Admixtures should be used strictly in accordance
affecting the bed. with the manufacturers’ instructions, and they
NOTE The physical properties of a cement : sand mortar grout should not be added to a proprietary grout unless
are likely to be inferior to those of proprietary grouts, which offer approved by the manufacturer of that product.
the advantages of controlled formulations and consistency.
Neat cement mixed with water is not a satisfactory
grout, except for mosaics, and should not be used.

© BSI 03-2001 5
BS 5385-2:1991

15 Reinforcement for cement : sand

rendering
Metal reinforcement should be of austenitic
stainless steel wire. The wire should be 2.5 mm
diameter welded into a mesh size of
approximately 50 mm × 50 mm. Fixings should be
of austenitic stainless steel. The type of fixing
required depends upon the background.
Galvanized reinforcement should not be used in
rendering as recommended in Part 1 of this
standard, except that it may be suitable for small
areas in sheltered locations.

6 © BSI 03-2001
 BS 5385-2:1991

Section 3. Design

16 General 16.3.2 Thermal effects

16.1 Initial considerations Where it is suspected that thermal movement of the
tiling and background may be excessive, special
In the early stages of designing external wall tiling,
precautions or provisions of additional movement
consideration should be given to the following:
joints should be considered. Adhesives complying
a) the type, size and colour of tile; with the requirements of type 3 in BS 5980 should
b) the type and width of the joints; be used.
c) the type and age of backgrounds; NOTE Dark-coloured tiles absorb and lose heat more readily
than light-coloured tiles.
d) the method and materials to be used for
bedding the tiles; 16.3.3 Design of joints
e) the position and requirements for movement Width of joints between tiles will be influenced by
joints. the variations in tile size and the depth of joint
required. With extruded tiles the joint width should
16.2 Appearance and effect usually be 8 mm to 10 mm, whilst joints between
Many types of tiles and mosaics are available to the dust-pressed tiles can be less, depending on size
designer but, as with most other building materials, tolerance. The nominal joint width selected should
some slight variations in shade can occur. In allow for some setting-out adjustments during
selecting tiling for architectural effect some fixing so that variations in joint width, required to
limitation on the choice may be imposed by the accommodate tile size tolerances, will not be too
ability of the tile or mosaic to fulfil the necessary evident in the finished tiling.
durability requirements demanded in specific Joints should be sufficiently wide to enable the
applications. joint-filling material to be inserted, without undue
The effect created by the joints in tiling is an difficulty, to the full depth of the joints and thus
integral feature and should be taken into achieve solid joints as far as practicable without
consideration. Joint widths should be as uniform as voids or cavities where water could collect.
possible throughout the installation (see 16.3.3). Cement : sand and proprietary mortar grouts are
Attempts to make the joints less conspicuous by resistant to wet and freeze/thaw conditions but are
tinting to match the colour of the tile or by reducing not normally impervious. Modified cementitious
their width below those given in 16.3.3 are not mortars may inhibit water penetration; however, if
recommended as this tends to emphasize any a totally impervious joint is required, an epoxide
difference in plane between adjacent tiles. resin grout should be used.
The colour of joints should preferably contrast with If it is intended to allow for the passage of water
the colour of the tiles and usually the natural colour vapour through the tile bed via the joints, the
of cement joint filling is satisfactory. Tinted joint vapour permeability of the jointing, bed and
materials may fade or become obscured by the background should be carefully considered as well
deposition of atmospheric dirt. When joint lines are as the proportion of the surface area of the joints in
strongly defined, the designer may consider it the finished tiling. Wall surfaces being tiled should
important to ensure that the sizes of walls, openings have a ventilated cavity behind them or a vapour
and margins are planned to accommodate whole check between the wall and the interior of the
tiles. Similar considerations apply to mosaic work. building.
16.3 Exposure conditions and protection 16.3.4 Waterproofing details and external
16.3.1 General features

Exposure to thermal effects, water penetration, 16.3.4.1 General

pollution and frost should be anticipated and External features should be designed to protect the
considered in relation to the choice of tile and tile tiling at positions where it may be vulnerable to
bed, the design of joints and the detailing of water penetration or discolouration from the
architectural features. Relevant information is deposition of waterborne dirt. This protection
given in clauses 5, 6, 7, 16.3.2, 16.3.3, 16.3.4 and should prevent the ingress of water to the back of
section 4. the tiling.
Flashing and edge trims covering the top edges of
tiling should be designed to prevent driven rain
seeping into the structure over the top edge of the
tiling. Gutters and water heads should be of
adequate capacity.

© BSI 03-2001 7
BS 5385-2:1991

16.3.4.2 Parapet walls 16.4 Suitability of tiles or mosaics

The walls and top edge of cladding should be Guidance and recommendations on the selection of
suitably capped with preformed units designed to suitable materials are given in clauses 5, 6 and 7 in
provide weather-tight protection. Water should also conjunction with 16.3.
be prevented from penetrating through to the The effects of solar heat when dark-coloured tiles
cladding from behind; suitable protection should be are used are referred to in 16.3.2.
applied to the backs of the walls and, in the case of
Tiles and mosaics as defined in clauses 5, 6 and 7
cavity walls and walls of permeable construction,
are non-combustible and when used as cladding can
where height allows, provision should be made for
contribute to the fire resistance of a wall.
ventilation under the capping and drainage at the
base. 16.5 Cleaning and maintenance
16.3.4.3 Sills Provision should be made for access to external
elevations for regular cleaning, maintenance and
Preformed units designed to provide weather-proof
close inspection of the tiling and movement of joint
protection to the structure should be specified for
sealant. Recommendations for the cleaning and
sills. These should be suitably bedded to form an
maintenance of external tiling are given in
adequate seal over the top of the cladding below.
section 6.
Where there is less risk of water penetration, sills
may be tiled to provide a self-draining sloping
surface with nosings overhanging the tiling below
17 Backgrounds
and with all joints completely filled. 17.1 General
NOTE 1 Improved protection can be provided by the use of Properties of background materials that determine
epoxide resin grout.
their suitability include integral strength, freedom
NOTE 2 The practice of continuing mosaic cladding over sill
ledges is not recommended. from contamination, trueness of construction,
physical key, porosity, suction, moisture movement,
16.3.4.4 External corners
thermal movement, drying shrinkage and creep.
In conditions that may introduce a substantial risk It is essential that backgrounds should have a
of damage, for example from mobile plant, suitable sufficient integral strength to support the weight of
robust corner pieces should protect the tiling or be any rendering, the tiles and the tile bed.
substituted for it.
Dense backgrounds should dry out for at
16.3.4.5 Treatment at base least 6 weeks before preparation commences to
A space should be left between the bottom edge of receive rendering or tiling. Porous backgrounds
cladding and paving to avoid possible disruption by should be protected from rain. Before starting work,
any movement in the latter. At this position, and it should be ensured that the temperature of the
elsewhere where the cladding is similarly background is at the least above freezing,
interrupted horizontally, a drip should be formed. irrespective of the ambient temperature.
Tiling should not be carried across the exposed The drying shrinkage movement expected of
edges of horizontal damp-proof courses without a concrete and concrete products will vary according
break, since it may transmit moisture past the to the type of aggregate used and/or the free
damp-proof course and make the latter ineffective; water : cement ratio.
also, movement of the building on the damp-proof Some types of clay bricks and blocks contain
course may cause damage to the cladding. The top substantial amounts of soluble sulfates and should
edge of tiling immediately beneath a damp-proof not be used as backgrounds for tiling.
course should be protected by the latter, which
Preparatory treatments are given in clause 18.
should be designed to project through the tiling to
Table 3 summarizes the properties of backgrounds,
serve as a flashing. Suitable provision should be
their preparation and the suitability of fixing
made to discharge water from damp-proof courses
materials.
through the tiling. (See also 17.2.)
17.2 Soluble salts in backgrounds
16.3.4.6 Horizontal surfaces
Where backgrounds are likely to become damp and
Horizontal surfaces should be avoided and a slope
remain so for prolonged periods, soluble salts in
provided to inhibit the retention of water, especially
them will migrate and may result in adhesion
where this is likely to contain potentially aggressive
failure or disruption of the rendering.
substances.

8 © BSI 03-2001
 Table 3 — Backgrounds: summary of data and suitable tile beds
© BSI 03-2001

Background Details Drying shrinkage Surface character Preparation of background Materials for direct fixing of tiles and
material movement (see 17.1) mosaics
For direct For rendering Cementitious Organic Cement :
bedding with or mortar adhesives adhesives sand mortar
adhesive bedding (see note 2)
Concrete: in Dense aggregate May vary from Low to moderate See 18.3.1 See 18.2.2.2 S S S
situ or precast low to moderate suction
Lightweight Moderate to high Moderate to high See 18.2.4.1 S S U
aggregate: open suction
surface
Lightweight Moderate to high Moderate suction S S U
aggregate: closed
surface
Autoclaved Moderate to high Moderate to high S S U
aerated suction
No fines Low to moderate Low to moderate Unsuitable See 18.2.5.1 C C S
suction
Concrete: Dense aggregatea Low to moderate Low to moderate See 18.3.1 See 18.2.2.2 S S U
blocks and suction
bricks Lightweight Moderate to high Moderate to high See 18.2.4.1 S S U
aggregate suction
autoclaved open
surfacea
Autoclaved, Moderate to high Moderate suction S S U
closed surfacea
Clay: bricks, High-density Negligible. May Low suction See 18.2.2.1 S S U
blocks and bricks and blocks expand slightly
tiles Normal bricks Negligible. May Moderate or high See 18.2.3.1 S S U
and blocks expand slightly suction
Tiles and glazed Negligible. May Very low suction See 18.3.4 See 18.2.2.4 C S U
bricks expand slightly

BS 5385-2:1991
NOTE 1 Properties of backgrounds indicate only relative characteristics of the materials.
NOTE 2 Cement : sand mortar is seldom used for fixing tiles externally and has been included in this table as an alternative method of fixing mosaics. For fixing tiles in
cement : sand mortar see 23.3 of BS 5385-1:1990.
NOTE 3 S denotes “suitable”, U denotes “unsuitable” and C denotes “confirm adhesive’s suitability from manufacturer”.
a
Confirm with the block manufacturer that the treatment recommended is appropriate to his product.
9
 Table 3 — Backgrounds: summary of data and suitable tile beds
10

BS 5385-2:1991
Background Details Drying shrinkage Surface character Preparation of background Materials for direct fixing of tiles and
material movement (see 17.1) mosaics

For direct For rendering Cementitious Organic Cement :

bedding with or mortar adhesives adhesives sand
adhesive bedding mortar
(see note 2)

Calcium Hard bricks Low to high Moderate suction See 18.3.1 See 18.2.3.2 S S U
silicate bricks Soft bricks Low to high Moderate suction See 18.2.4.2 S S U
Natural stone Hard stone Negligible Low suction See 18.3.1 See 18.2.2.3 S S U
Soft stone Negligible Moderate or high Unsuitable See 18.2.4.2 U U U
suction
Cement : sand New Moderate Moderate suction See clause 19 See 27.2 S S S
rendering Existing Negligible Moderate to high See 18.3.2 Unsuitable S S S
suction
Other surfaces Fibre cement Moderate to high True and smooth See 18.3.1 See 18.2.5.3 C S U
board. and 18.3.3
Wood-based
panel products
Paintwork Not applicable Not applicable Unsuitable See 18.2.5.2 U U U
Metal surfaces Nil Low suction and See 18.3.1 See 18.2.5.3 U S U
poor key and 18.3.5
NOTE 1 Properties of backgrounds indicate only relative characteristics of the materials.
NOTE 2 Cement : sand mortar is seldom used for fixing tiles externally and has been included in this table as an alternative method of fixing mosaics. For fixing tiles in
cement : sand mortar see 23.3 of BS 5385-1:1990.
NOTE 3 S denotes “suitable”, U denotes “unsuitable” and C denotes “confirm adhesive’s suitability from manufacturer”.
© BSI 03-2001
 BS 5385-2:1991

The risk is greatest if soluble sulfates are present. Separately from the need to correct irregularities,
These react with Portland cement in the mortar of rendering may still be advisable. The benefits to be
the joints or the rendering to form the mineral derived from the use of thin-bed adhesives as a bed
“ettringite”. The formation of this mineral is for tiling are realized only when the adhesives can
accompanied by expansion. In these circumstances be spread to a recommended and consistent
the use of sulfate resisting cement for both the brick thickness; thus the accurate surface that can be
joints and the rendering may be beneficial and provided by a rendering makes an important
should be considered. contribution to the cladding system as a whole.
18.2 Treatment of backgrounds to receive
18 Preparation of backgrounds cement : sand rendering
18.1 General 18.2.1 General
The suitability of a background to receive tiling Before applying cement : sand rendering it should
depends on the quality of its surface relative to the be ensured that the substrate has dried out,
various methods and materials that can be used to especially where the background consists of
fix the tiles. It may be necessary to introduce some materials such as lightweight concrete blocks,
intermediate treatment of which the following are calcium silicate bricks, concrete bricks and concrete
examples: blocks, which can have an appreciable drying
a) hacking back and making good the background shrinkage related to their composition and degree of
prior to application of any intermediate saturation (see also Table 3).
substrate; Any laitance on the surface and contamination by
b) application of a bonding agent to improve the oil, grease or any other substances that inhibit
adhesion; adhesion of the rendering should be cleaned or
c) keying of the surface; removed. All loose material on the surface should be
brushed off.
d) welded stainless steel mesh reinforcement
anchored to the background; It is essential that the surface to be rendered should
provide a good key, a good bond being dependent
e) utilizing an intermediate substrate to provide
upon a mechanical key and adequate suction and/or
the necessary measure of suction and/or
the use of a suitable bonding agent. A suitable
accuracy.
treatment may be one or more of the following.
All backgrounds should be inspected for
a) Mechanical preparation. The surface should be
contamination and any potentially deleterious
removed to a depth of about 3 mm by means of a
material removed.
hand scabbler, by bush-hammering,
Backgrounds not built accurately to a true plane, or shot-blasting or water scabbling as appropriate.
having surfaces that are uneven, may have
b) Indented keys. These are formed in concrete by
deviations too great to be accommodated within the
rubber or composition formers fixed to the
recommended bed thickness. In such cases, the
shuttering. Clay bricks are available with
background should be cut back and/or made good as
indented keys.
a separate operation. Where backgrounds are
bricks, blocks or concrete, it is recommended that a c) Spatterdash. A mix of cement and sand, or a
rendering should be applied to provide a true proprietary composition, should be applied over
surface. Where backgrounds are sheets, boards, the surface in the form of closely spaced globules.
metal, tiles or glazed bricks, tiles should be bedded d) Retarders. These are painted on shuttering to
directly to them with a suitable adhesive (see 18.3). enable a good key to be formed on the surface of
Tile beds of thicknesses greater than those concrete. After removal of the shuttering
recommended in section 4 should not be used to considerable care should be taken to ensure that
accommodate inaccuracies in a background surface, all traces of retarder, unset cement and loose
especially if the bed thickness is not consistent particles are removed and that the aggregate is
throughout the installation. This can give rise to exposed uniformly: this can be done by wire
variable stresses and possible loss of adhesion or brushing and thorough washing using clean
cracking. water with a suitable detergent, followed by a
final washing down with clean water. Retarders
and detergents containing coloured dyes are
recommended so that their removal can be seen
to be complete when no traces of the dyes remain.

© BSI 03-2001 11
BS 5385-2:1991

e) Metal laths and reinforcement. Suitable 18.2.2.2 Dense concrete (precast or in-situ)
stainless steel laths and mesh should be used and Ridges and fins left on concrete by shuttering
secured with stainless steel fixings at intervals imperfections should be removed before cleaning
such that the applied rendering is rigid. Laths down. Methods of providing a good key are given
and mesh made of other non-corrosive materials in 18.2.1. Joints in new and old concrete
should be suitably secured to ensure its rigidity block-walling should be treated as described for
and to support its weight and that of the tiling. brickwork.
Where laths or mesh are fixed onto a ventilated
timber framework, a vapour-control membrane, 18.2.2.3 Hard natural stone
e.g. polyethylene, should be fixed between the Dense or smooth stone should, if necessary, be
mesh and the timber. Provision should be made treated to form a key (see 18.2.1).
for movement joints in the rendering and tiling at 18.2.2.4 Tiles and glazed bricks
all perimeters of the laths or mesh areas.
[See 20.3 c)]. Rendering should be applied through anchored
reinforcement as described in 19.2.
f) Bonding agents. Several different chemical
types of bonding agents are available. Before 18.2.3 Moderately strong and porous materials
deciding on a proprietary bonding treatment the 18.2.3.1 Clay bricks and blocks
advice of the manufacturer of the bonding agent
Treatment should be as described in 18.2.2.1.
should be obtained as to its suitability, the
method of application and the physical and 18.2.3.2 Calcium silicate bricks and concrete bricks
mechanical properties necessary in the surface to and blocks
receive it. The bonding agent should be one that Joints should be raked back (see 18.2.2.1). With
does not deteriorate after application. Bonding some types of extremely smooth calcium silicate
agents may be applied by one of the following bricks, spatterdash coat, laths or mesh may be
methods: required (see 18.2.1).
1) as a coating without additives before Unusually smooth blocks may require treatment as
rendering; described for brickwork (see 18.2.2.1).
2) as a slurry formed by mixing with cement or 18.2.4 Moderately weak and porous materials
cement and sand, applied before rendering;
18.2.4.1 Lightweight concrete blocks and panels,
3) as an admixture to the rendering mix, concrete containing lightweight aggregates and
partially or completely replacing the gauging autoclaved aerated concrete
water;
Rendering should be applied through anchored
4) by combining 1) or 2) with 3) in one
reinforcement as described in 19.2.
rendering operation.
18.2.4.2 Soft natural stone and soft calcium silicate
Backgrounds on which bonding agents may be
bricks
used are included in Table 3.
Porosity and suction affects the adhesion of Rendering should be applied through anchored
cement : sand rendering. The amount of wetting, if reinforcement as described in 19.2.
required to reduce suction and to ensure uniformity 18.2.5 Other backgrounds
of suction, depends upon the nature of the 18.2.5.1 No-fines concrete
background, type of mix, method of application and
weather conditions. Wetting should be carefully This should usually require no preparation other
controlled and only the minimum amount of water than cleaning (see 18.2.1).
applied. 18.2.5.2 Painted surfaces
18.2.2 Dense, strong and smooth materials Existing paint should be removed using an abrasive
18.2.2.1 High-density clay brickwork and clay technique, grit blasting or similar, to expose a clean
blocks and sound background suitable for direct fixing.
Where existing painted surfaces require to be
Where the joints of brickwork have not been raked rendered either the paint should be removed and
back during construction, this should be done to a the surface mechanically prepared to receive a
depth of 13 mm if the joints are soft enough. If the cement : sand rendering, or the rendering should be
mortar is too hard for raking back or if the bricks or supported by reinforcement mechanically fixed to
blocks are very hard and smooth, other methods of the background. (See 19.2.)
forming a key should be used (see 18.2.1). Walls
constructed of keyed bricks need no raking back.

12 © BSI 03-2001
 BS 5385-2:1991

18.2.5.3 Other substrates Sheets and boards should be fixed to the supporting
These should be inspected and a decision taken as to framework with screws and not nails to provide a
whether or not cement : sand rendering is rigid surface, free from undulations that will not
compatible with them and whether or not they have distort after the tiling is applied. Where sheets or
sufficient integral strength to support both boards have a smooth and rough side, tiling should
rendering and subsequent applied tiling. be applied to the latter surface which should be
clean and free from dust and other forms of
18.3 Treatment of backgrounds to receive tiles contamination. Treatment, if any, to the face sides
by direct bedding of sheets and boards should comply with the
18.3.1 General recommendations of the adhesive manufacturer.
Tiles may be bedded directly to a background using Movement joints should be incorporated in the tiling
adhesive or cement : sand mortar as the bed. where differing background materials meet
Methods of application and suitability of (see clause 20).
backgrounds to accept these methods are described 18.3.4 Existing glazed and unglazed tile and
in section 4 and Table 3. glazed brick surfaces
Where the tiles are to be bedded in thin-bed If these surfaces are sound and stable they are
adhesives, the trueness of the background surface suitable for direct fixing by adhesives but the
should be such that, when checked with a 2 m surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned and abraded
straightedge, any gap under the straightedge, to completely remove all traces of grime, grease and
between points of contact, does not exceed 3 mm. other contaminating residues that would impair
Where the gap exceeds 3 mm, local correction of the adhesion. Existing tiles should be sufficiently well
background or, alternatively, the use of a thick-bed adhered to support the new tile bed and withstand
adhesive may be necessary; this also applies to any stresses between the new tile bed and backing
backgrounds not built accurately to a specified from thermal effects. Advice should be sought from
plane, e.g. not upright. Isolated depressions up adhesive manufacturers for suitable adhesives.
to 6 mm can be overcome by using thick-bed If any of the existing tiling is found to be loose, a
adhesives. thorough check should be carried out to ascertain
When a cement : sand mortar tile bed is to be the adhesion of the remaining tiling and a decision
applied directly to a background, the surface should should be made, either to repair loose areas and
be treated as described for cement : sand rendering proceed as previously described, or to remove the
in 18.2. existing tiling and fix to the exposed, sound backing.
18.3.2 Existing rendering 18.3.5 Other backgrounds
Existing renderings should be inspected to ensure There are a few other backgrounds that are suitable
that they are well adhered to the background and for direct fixing by adhesives. All backgrounds
free from efflorescence and any other should be durable, of adequate dimensional stability
contamination. Any such surface contamination and compatible with the tile adhesive being used.
that would inhibit adhesion of the adhesive should Some of these backgrounds may present special
be cleaned or removed, including loose surface problems and a decision should be taken, either to
material which should be brushed off. use an intermediate background such as a
18.3.3 Sheets and boards reinforced rendering, or to consult an adhesive
manufacturer for advice on a suitable adhesive after
Plasterboard, fibre building board, ordinary giving full information on the application and
plywood and wood chipboard should not be used as service conditions.
backgrounds for tiling and mosaics in external
situations. Some types of mineral fibre boards and 19 Cement : sand rendering
marine plywood may be used where the life of the
installation is expected to be limited and should be 19.1 General
restricted to small areas not exceeding 3 m in height It is essential that the rendering is compatible with
above pedestrian footways. These boards should be the background to which it is applied and the
fixed to framed or battened construction which, bedding materials appropriate to the tiling.
together with the backs and edges of the boards, Recommendations for achieving the best
should be sealed against water penetration and relationship between the component materials in
atmospheric moisture to avoid deterioration and respect of their strength and shrinkage movement
warping. factors are included in Table 3.

© BSI 03-2001 13
BS 5385-2:1991

The rendering should be true, free of The reinforcement should be applied with the
hollow-sounding areas and firmly bonded to the horizontal wires outwards and should be fixed by
background. The rendering should be protected, if means of 50 mm × 10 mm austenitic stainless steel
necessary, to prevent rapid drying-out for at least anchors, or by drilling holes for plastics anchors to
the first 3 days after application and should be receive stainless steel screws with countersunk
completed at least 2 weeks before fixing tiles begins. heads. Tapered, not parallel-sided, screws should be
This period will need to be extended under adverse used at least 38 mm × 10 gauge complying with
weather, humidity and site conditions. BS 1210. Plastics anchors should be
NOTE 1 Adhesion is not essential with reinforced renderings. approximately 50 mm in length although 40 mm
NOTE 2 Fine shrinkage cracks not accompanied by debonding may be used in dense strong background materials.
can generally be accepted. Fixings should be set at approximately 450 mm
Rendering should not have a total thickness in centres in both directions, staggered, and located so
excess of 20 mm as this may result in unduly high that the horizontal wires rest on the screws, thus
shrinkage stresses and consequent cracking. Each providing direct support for the mesh. Vertical wires
coat of rendering should be not less than 8 mm of the mesh should be spaced approximately 4 mm
thick, nor greater than 16 mm thick. from the background by stainless steel or plastics
Care should be taken to ensure that surfaces wetted washers placed as the screws are inserted.
down to control suction do not dry before the Sheets of mesh should overlap by
rendering is applied. The rendering should keep approximately 100 mm at all junctions including
pace with the wetting or the surfaces should be external angles. They should be secured to the
rewetted as necessary. fixings by austenitic stainless steel binding wire of
Rendering through anchored reinforcement is similar quality and 1.22 mm diameter, twisted
recommended for work above first floor and in any tightly with its ends turned inwards. Alternatively,
situation where differential movement may be the mesh may be cramped back by placing stainless
expected or the background material is considered steel washers on the inner and outer faces under the
too weak or friable to support rendering and/or heads of the fixing screws or bolts thus holding the
tiling without such treatment, for example concrete mesh firmly against the spacers.
and concrete blocks containing lightweight A slurry coat of neat cement should be brushed on
aggregate. (See 19.2.) the background and the mesh; whilst this is still
19.2 Rendering through anchored wet, the rendering should be applied, working
reinforcement around and through the wires and ensuring that the
rendering is in full contact with the background and
Wire mesh should be firmly secured to the that the mesh is covered by a thickness of
background. The rendering should be applied so about 7 mm.
that the mesh is completely embedded to ensure
that, in the event of adhesion failure between the Spatterdash may be used instead of slurry and
rendering and the background, the rendering and should be a mix of 1 : 2 cement : sand by volume,
the applied cladding remain intact and fully thrown by mechanical means or by a dashing scoop
supported. over the background to an average thickness of
about 3 mm, then allowed to dry slowly in order to
Austenitic stainless steel welded-fabric reinforcing cure before the rendering is applied.
mesh consisting of 50 mm × 50 mm squares, having
wires not less than 2.5 mm in diameter, should be Where, in order to bring the background to the
fixed to the background. It is essential that the desired plane, it is necessary to apply dubbing or a
fixings in to the structural wall be made to a depth first coat of rendering in thicknesses in excess
of 40 mm or more, depending on the strength of the of 20 mm, a slurry coat or spatterdash should be
background, passing through any dubbing or first applied; this should be followed by the dubbing or
coat of rendering, as described in this clause. rendering in single coats each 8 mm to 13 mm in
thickness, combed and then cured as described
in 19.1 before the reinforcing mesh is fixed. It is not
advisable to exceed a total thickness of 25 mm of
dubbing or rendering before the mesh is fixed and
further rendering is applied.

14 © BSI 03-2001
 BS 5385-2:1991

19.3 Mix for rendering to various backgrounds Any admixtures such as plasticizers and
19.3.1 General water-proofers should not adversely influence the
adhesion strength, contraction or expansion of the
The relationship between the background, mortar and should be used in accordance with the
rendering, adhesive or mortar bed and the tiles is manufacturer’s instructions.
very important in respect of two properties of the
components: their strength and drying shrinkage 19.3.2 Dense, strong and smooth or moderately
movements. Attention has been drawn in 18.2.1 to strong and porous backgrounds
the variation in strength and drying shrinkage On backgrounds such as high-density clay bricks or
movement of the common backgrounds. blocks, dense concrete (either precast or in situ) and
Masonry cement and sand mixes may be used as an stone, the rendering should consist of one part of
alternative. These mixes, providing equivalent cement to between 3 and 4 parts of sand by
strength to the cement : sand mixes described volume (1 : 3.5 to 4.5 by weight) when based on dry
in 19.3.2 and 19.3.3, should be used in accordance sand. Sand is usually delivered and used in the
with the instructions of the manufacturers of any damp state and if no allowance is made for this, the
proprietary materials employed. mix (particularly if volume batched) may be richer
than is desirable. Therefore, based on damp sand
Weight batching should be adopted whenever
with the maximum effect of bulking, the mix should
practicable as this will help to ensure uniformity of
consist of one part of cement to 4 to 5.5 parts of sand
mix proportions and thus the uniformity of the
by volume. If a mix is too strong the drying
quality of the material.
shrinkage is increased and if a mix is too lean it may
Where weight batching is impracticable, mortar be too weak to support the tiling.
batches should be based on multiples of a whole bag
of cement (50 kg, approximately to 0.035 m3 19.3.3 Moderately weak and porous
or 35 L). In such cases the sand and water should be backgrounds
measured by volume using correctly made gauge For backgrounds such as certain types of
boxes or other suitable containers of fixed, lightweight aggregate concrete, autoclaved aerated
measurable volume. This method allows water concrete, and bricks of relatively low strength, the
addition to be checked and thus permits appropriate rendering mix should be one part cement to four
mix proportions to be established and maintained. parts sand by volume (1 : 4.5 by weight) when based
Batching by the shovelful should never be allowed on dry sand.
as it eliminates any possibility of establishing and 19.3.4 Mixed backgrounds
controlling mix proportions. Where tiling is continuous across backgrounds of
Wherever it is practicable, mixing of mortars should varying types, their differential movements may
be by machine and preferably of the forced-action induce cracking. This risk should, if necessary, be
type. Quantitative measurements of consistency, as avoided by incorporating a movement joint in such
described in BS 4551, should preferably supplement positions.
subjective estimations when establishing or
19.3.5 Reinforced renderings
controlling mix proportions. It is recognized,
however, that it will not always be practicable to Mixes for reinforced renderings should be as given
adopt these recommendations particularly in the in 19.3.2.
cases of small tiling operations and work in 19.4 Application and trueness of rendering
restricted surroundings.
If two coats are required, the first coat should be
NOTE BS 4551 warns that, where samples of the cement and “combed” before it hardens to provide a key for the
aggregate used are not available, the analysis of the mortar may
lead to inaccurate assessment of the mix proportions and that the following coat. The comb, which is usually a wooden
use of assumed data may give results which could be at variance handle with metal teeth 20 mm apart, is used to
with the true mix proportions. create wavy horizontal furrows about 5 mm deep.
Where mixing by machine is not possible, mortars First coats should be allowed to harden and dry out
may be mixed on a clean non-absorbent surface to permit shrinkage to take place before a second
using clean hand tools. Whatever method of mixing coat is applied. The second coat should not be richer
is used, the materials should be thoroughly blended than the first and should be less thick.
in the dry state before water is added. Mixing should If the tile bed is to be cement : sand mortar the final
be continued until the batch has a uniform coat should be lightly combed; but if an adhesive is
consistency. to be used the surface should have a wood float
No water should be added once mixing is complete. finish.
Any mortar unused within 2 h of adding the mixing
water should be discarded.

© BSI 03-2001 15
BS 5385-2:1991

Where the tile bed is to be an adhesive, the trueness d) at storey heights horizontally and
of the rendering surface should be such that, when approximately 3 m to 4.5 m apart vertically;
checked with a 2 m straightedge, any gap under the ideally, they should be located over movement
straightedge, between points of contact, does not joints in the structural background and at
exceed 3 mm. structural material changes; for example,
horizontal joint at top and bottom of floor slab,
20 Movement joints vertical joint at internal corners and at junctions
with columns;
20.1 General
e) at external angles, vertically between 0.25 m
Consideration should be given at the design stage to
and 1 m from the angle and symmetrically
the provision of movement joints. The type and
wherever possible.
location of movement joints are influenced by
considerations of construction, materials, bedding Where movement joints in tiling occur over
systems, anticipated temperature and humidity movement joints in the background, they should
conditions, areas involved and the setting out of the coincide and be continuous with these joints and
tiling. should be of a suitable width to permit the sealant
to accommodate the expected movement.
Stresses occur in the tiled installation as a result of
movement due to such factors as drying shrinkage All joints should be rectangular in section, with
and moisture, thermal changes and creep and can firm, straight, smooth edges, free from cavities and
sometimes cause loss of adhesion, bulging or irregularities. The width : depth ratios and
cracking of the tiling but these stresses can be dimensions of the sealant profile in a joint should
localized by incorporating movement joints. accord with the recommendations of the sealant
manufacturer. When forming the joints it is useful
Material for movement joints should be in
to insert a suitable filler strip or batten to ensure
accordance with clause 13.
smooth clean faces to the joints, and remove it only
20.2 Location when the tiling is sufficiently firm. Care should be
Movement joints should be located in the tiled taken to avoid grout or other materials becoming
installation to coincide and be continuous with all trapped in the joint cavity, as these will prevent the
existing structural movement joints, although they proper application of the back-up and sealant.
will actually be isolated by suitable thicknesses of Typical movement joint details are shown in
back-up material. Figure 1 and an example of their positions in
Where tiles are fixed to an intermediate substrate, Figure 2.
the movement joint should extend through the 20.4 Back-up materials
intermediate substrate.
From both functional and economic standpoints a
Where backgrounds are mature and stable, the compressible back-up material should be
movement joints in the tiling, which are not to be incorporated in the joint to achieve the required
confused with structural movement joints, should depth of sealant. The sealant should be applied and
extend only through the tiling and its bed, and tooled to ensure proper adhesion and surface finish.
should be a minimum of 6 mm wide.
Sealants should be bonded only to the opposing
20.3 Disposition and forming faces of the joint, allowing the sealant to stretch or
In detailing the disposition of movement joints, the compress freely when subjected to movement. If the
designer should consider the following locations in sealant is bonded to a third surface at the back of
relation to their effect on the setting out of the tiling: the joint this will inhibit movement accommodation
and increase the stress on the joint and the
a) over existing and/or structural movement
likelihood of sealant failure.
joints;
The compressible back-up material should be a
b) where tiling abuts other materials;
material to which the sealant will not adhere, or one
c) at junctions between different background which may be covered with a bond breaker tape to
materials, where tiling is continuous across prevent adhesion. Where there is insufficient depth
them; in the joint to accommodate a compressible back-up
material, a bond breaker tape at the bottom of the
joint will improve performance. Bond breaker tapes
are generally self-adhesive polyethylene or
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tapes.

16 © BSI 03-2001
 BS 5385-2:1991

The back-up material in the lower part of the joint In most cases the sealant should not be applied until
should be compatible with the sealant used, should the joint spaces are thoroughly clean and dry, but
recover after compression and should support the special sealants are available which can be applied
sealant. It should not exude bituminous or oily under wet conditions. Preferably, joints awaiting
products and should not absorb excessive amounts sealing should be protected from the ingress of
of moisture. In particular its compressibility should foreign matter by being covered, e.g. by an adhesive
be such that when the joint closes the sealant is not tape or batten, but when moisture or solvents are
forced out. Suitable materials include closed cell present in the bed or the background, the joints
cellular rubber and plastics, such as cellular should be left exposed until all moisture has dried
polyethylene, some fibre building boards, cork out and any solvents have dissipated. Joint spaces
boards and mineral or synthetic ceramic cords or left open and uncovered may collect deleterious
blankets. Back-up materials are available in sheet matter and should be thoroughly cleaned before
strip and cord form in a range of sizes. sealing.
The filler should be placed so that it allows the If the sealing of the joints is to be carried out by a
application of an adequate depth of sealant into the specialist, the tiling contractor should be made
joint to perform satisfactorily; the minimum depth aware of any requirements in the instructions for
should be 6 mm. applying the sealant that affect his operations.
20.5 Sealants Particular care may be necessary to avoid
contamination of the joint.
A summary of the more important properties of
Any provision of drainage through the movement
recommended sealants is given in Table 2 but the
joint, for example by means of plastics tubes, should
sealant manufacturers’ advice should be taken into
account as the properties of individual sealants may not impair the integrity of the seal.
vary. Generally, a sealant should be capable of
accommodating the anticipated amount of
movement without loss of adhesion to the sides of
the joints and be able to withstand the normal
service conditions affecting the installation,
e.g. resistant to water, ultraviolet light.
Where movement is large and frequent, elastomeric
sealants such as silicones and polyurethanes are
most suitable; however, where movement is large
but infrequent, polysulfide sealants can give better
results.

© BSI 03-2001 17
BS 5385-2:1991

Figure 1 — Typical movement joint details in external wall tiling

18 © BSI 03-2001
 BS 5385-2:1991

NOTE Construction details irrelevant to tiling are not shown.

Figure 2 — Position of movement joints in concrete frame construction at abutment of
brick/block infill

© BSI 03-2001 19
BS 5385-2:1991

Section 4. Application of tiles: methods and

materials
21 General b) The lower extremities of a wall may not be
level, requiring a course or courses to be cut with
21.1 Workmanship
a raking edge. Wherever possible, the horizontal
The application of wall tiling demands that there joints should be positioned so that the whole of
should be efficient supervision and the employment the rake can be taken up within the height of the
of skilled operatives working safely using protective tile in the cut course.
clothing and equipment where appropriate c) If it is thought desirable to align a joint with a
(see BS 8000-11.1). feature, this may initiate the need for, and
21.2 Bedding methods frequently dictate the location of, cut courses.
Adhesives should preferably be used for fixing tiles To ensure that rows of tiles are truly horizontal, a
externally. Cement : sand mortar is seldom used as level line should be established to position the
the bed for external wall tiling but, if required, starting course.
see 23.3 of BS 5385-1:1990. 21.5 Preparation of the tiles
21.3 Compatibility of backgrounds and tile For most bedding methods the tiles should be dry.
beds Faience tiles fixed in cement : sand mortar should,
NOTE In the context of section 4 the term “background” refers if required, be soaked and drained prior to fixing.
to the surface intended to receive the tile bed. This may be the
surface of a wall or the surface of an applied cement : sand 21.6 Tolerances for finished tile surfaces
rendering as described in clause 19.
The surface should be true such that, when checked
The preparation of backgrounds to receive with a 2-m straightedge, with 3-mm thick feet at
rendering and tiling is given in 18.2 and 18.3 each end, the straightedge should not be obstructed
respectively. The degree of surface unevenness in by the tiles and no gap should be greater than 6 mm,
the background that is acceptable is given in 22.2. i.e. a tolerance of ± 3 mm.
Preparatory work in the formation of backgrounds NOTE Where adhesives are used, this degree of accuracy can be
to meet the recommendations of this standard achieved only when the background surface is equally true.
should be completed before tiling is commenced. 21.7 Tile joint treatment
Sufficient additional time should be allowed for
To ensure a high standard of finish, careful
curing, commensurate with the extent of making
attention should be given to the selection of the
good.
methods and materials to be adopted in filling and
Care should be taken to ensure that the finishing the joints. The selection will depend upon
temperature of the background is at least above the joint widths and the functional and aesthetic
freezing, irrespective of the ambient temperature. requirements of the installation.
21.4 Setting out 21.8 Movement joints
It is important to the appearance of the finished Provision should be made to incorporate movement
tiling that unsightly cut tiles should be avoided and joints in appropriate positions when setting out the
that joints should be generally of a uniform width. tiling (see clause 20). Movement joints should
Allowance should be made for an adequate specified extend through the tile, bed and rendering where
width of joint which in external tiling is often a applied.
feature of the installation.
21.9 Mixing of tile bed materials
Cut courses, both vertical and horizontal, should be:
When a proprietary adhesive is used as the tile bed,
a) kept to a minimum; strict attention should be paid to the manufacturer’s
b) determined in advance; instructions.
c) as large as possible;
d) arranged in the least prominent of alternative 22 Bedding in adhesives
locations. 22.1 General
Where wall surfaces are interrupted by features The method to be adopted for fixing tiles should
such as windows, pillasters or movement joints, achieve solid bedding. It is important to follow the
guidance on how the tiles are to be set out should be precise recommendations of the adhesive
sought from the designer. manufacturers concerning, for example, the type of
The positioning of horizontal joints and cut courses trowel, the mixing procedure, the working time
depends on several factors of which the following are after spreading and the suitability of the
examples. background.
a) Tiled areas that adjoin or are adjacent should Whichever adhesive is selected for fixing, it should
be set out so that horizontal joints are aligned. comply with 11.1 or 11.2.

20 © BSI 03-2001
 BS 5385-2:1991

22.2 Backgrounds 22.4.2 Buttering method

Surfaces for which adhesives are suitable are given This may be necessary for occasional awkward tiling
in Table 3. The backgrounds should be dry and the positions, e.g. around openings and restricted areas
surface should not be dampened before applying the where the notched trowel and buttering method
adhesive. cannot be used. Where this technique has to be
The trueness of the background surface required for adopted the adhesive should be spread evenly over
adhesive beds should be such that, when checked the whole of the back of each dry tile with a trowel.
with a 2-m straightedge, any gap behind the The bed thickness should be slightly greater than
straightedge, between points of contact, does not the final thickness required so that when each tile is
exceed 3 mm. Where the gap exceeds 3 mm, local pressed or tapped firmly into position the correct
correction of the background by dubbing out up thickness is achieved. The thickness should not be
to 6 mm thick can sometimes be done using the greater than the maximum recommended by the
same adhesive, but advice on this should be sought manufacturer of the adhesive. Care should be taken
from the manufacturer of the adhesive. to ensure that as far as possible no voids are left
behind the tiles.
The preparation of various backgrounds to receive
adhesives and the precautions that should be
23 Tile joint treatment
adopted in each instance are described in 18.3.
23.1 General
22.3 Inspection and preparation of tiles
Before fixing commences, shade or colour variations A wide range of grouts is available (see clause 14)
for filling the joints between tiles. The methods to be
between tiles should be confirmed as acceptable by
employed in using these products for treating the
the designer. Variegated tiles should be thoroughly
joint spaces between tiles, other than movement
mixed.
joint spaces (which require different and special
22.4 Application of adhesive and tiles treatment), are described in 23.2, 23.3 and 23.4.
22.4.1 Notched trowelling and buttering When using proprietary grouts, usually the joint
method cavities are not wetted. This is desirable,
Adhesives should be applied to the background with particularly where fixing is being carried out with
a trowel as a floated coat, pressing the adhesive into adhesives, because of the possible adverse effect of
the surface and then it should be combed through water on the bed whilst this is setting behind the
with a notched trowel of the type recommended by tiles.
the adhesive manufacturer for external tiling. When grouting with cement : sand mortar, however,
Whatever type of trowel is used, it should apply the there should be dampness in the joint cavities and if,
adhesive at a thickness no greater than that in the interval between the completion of tile fixing
recommended by the manufacturer and should be and the start of grouting, the cavities have dried out,
such that maximum contact between tile and they should be rewetted.
adhesive is assured. 23.2 Grouting procedure for joints up to 3 mm
A thin coating of adhesive should be buttered over wide
the backs of the tiles as a contact layer and to fill the
Grouting of the joints may be carried out at any time
keys before placing the tiles on the combed adhesive
to suit the convenience of the work, although it is
bed. Each tile should then be pressed or tapped
essential that sufficient time should elapse to
firmly into position.
ensure adequate setting of the bed to preclude
The period of time during which tiles can be disturbance of the finish during the grouting
adequately bedded after spreading the adhesive operation. Drying out may take longer from dense
should usually be about 20 min but this will vary backgrounds and grouting should, if necessary, be
according to the prevailing atmospheric conditions. delayed for 3 days. However, grouting should not be
It is important that more adhesive should not be delayed unduly as the open joints may collect
spread on the wall than can be covered with tiles general building dust and deleterious material.
within the open time.
Proprietary grouts should be mixed and applied
As fixing proceeds a tile should be removed strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s
occasionally to check that the maximum possible instructions.
contact is being maintained with the adhesive.
NOTE This bedding method aims to achieve a solid bed but in
practice it is inevitable that there will be a number of small voids.

© BSI 03-2001 21
BS 5385-2:1991

The usual procedure is to apply the grout to as large Surplus mortars should be cleaned off the face of the
an area as can be worked before hardening work with a rubber squeegee which also helps to
commences, this being dependent on climatic ensure that all joints are filled. When the jointing
conditions. The grout should be applied with a mortar is sufficiently stiff, the work should be
rubber squeegee or grouting trowel, working back carefully washed down and, when dry, polished with
and forth over the area until the joints are a clean, dry cloth.
completely filled. Surplus grout should be removed Care should be taken when jointing glazed tiling to
from the tiles with the aid of a rubber squeegee or avoid damage to the surface.
grouting trowel and a damp, not wet, cloth. The
joints should be filled and their surface should be 23.4 Application of coloured grout
even. After the grout has dried, the tile surface Where coloured grouts are required, it is advisable
should be given a final polish using a clean, dry to check the potential risk of staining by applying
cloth. the grout to a few tiles in a small trial area. In any
23.3 Wide joint filling doubtful case, this would enable an alternative
grouting procedure to be adopted, or, alternatively,
Proprietary jointing mortars are recommended for the use of a proprietary tile sealer may be
wide joint filling and should be prepared and considered. Proprietary tile sealers should be used
applied strictly in accordance with manufacturer’s strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. instructions and should be applied before grouting
Where mortar is used for wide joint filling, it should is carried out to provide a protective coating that can
be a stiff, slump-free mix consisting of one part readily be removed after completion of grouting.
cement and three parts sand mixed with the For colouring cement : sand grout, the pigment
minimum of water necessary to achieve workability. should be thoroughly mixed with the dry cement
Admixtures may also be incorporated (see 14.2.3). before this is added to the mix in order to obtain the
The consistency of the jointing mortar should be best staining power and homogeneity; alternatively,
such that no slumping of the mortar occurs during coloured cement can be used, as supplied by the
setting. The wider the joints, the greater should be manufacturer. In the case of proprietary grout,
the stiffness of the mix. pigments may be incorporated at source by the grout
Joints should be well filled and their surfaces should manufacturer, or subsequently by the user on site,
be even. in which case the instructions of the pigment
manufacturer should be followed.
Using a rubber float or similar tool, the mortar
should be applied over the surface of the finished Mineral pigments may be incorporated in
work to as large an area as can be worked before cementitious or epoxide resin proprietary grout
hardening commences. compositions, usually in amounts of up to 5 % by
mass, depending on the shade required. Some
organic pigments may be suitable for incorporating
in epoxide resin grouts. With most tiles no problems
should arise provided surplus coloured grout is
cleaned off promptly in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions. However, coloured
grouts may prove more difficult to remove from matt
glazed tiles, tiles with textured surfaces and some
unglazed tiles and, in general, grouts containing
finer-grained pigments are likely to prove more
troublesome in this respect than those containing
coarser-grained pigments.

22 © BSI 03-2001
 BS 5385-2:1991

Section 5. Application of mosaics: methods and

materials
24 General A gauge rod should be made indicating the overall
measurement of a given number of sheets of mosaic
24.1 Preliminary considerations
with the specified joint widths. Using this rod the
The description of mosaics is given in clause 6. The best arrangement of sheets should be determined so
recommendations for the application of tiles, that, as far as possible, uncut tesserae occur at
including suitable backgrounds and movement external corners and prominent features and cut
joints given in section 4, are of equal importance to tesserae are located at internal corners where they
the success of mosaic installations but some will be less noticeable.
modification is necessary concerning the setting out, No attempt should be made to minimize cutting of
preparation of mosaics, placing in position and the tesserae by adjusting joint widths where the
grouting. It is recommended that if, in the absence bedding has partly set since this could break the
of experience, there is doubt as to the suitability of a bond between the tesserae and the bedding. This
bedding method for a particular kind of mosaic, condition can arise if a long interval is allowed to
advice should be sought from the adhesive elapse between the fixing and the removal of any
manufacturer, or fixing specialist. paper facing.
24.2 Workmanship
Mosaics should be applied using efficient 26 Preparation of mosaics
supervision and the employment of skilled All mosaics should be inspected and damaged
operatives working safely using protective clothing tesserae should be removed and replaced. Designs
and equipment where appropriate and murals should be laid out prior to fixing.
(see BS 8000-11.1). The paper of paper-faced mosaics should be clear of
In the finished work the outline of the sheets of the edges to assist with joint alignment whilst the
mosaic should not be apparent, the joints between sheets are being fixed.
them being the same as those between the tesserae.
Joints within the mosaic sheets are defined in 27 Bedding methods for mosaics
manufacture and are usually less than 3 mm wide.
27.1 Bedding in adhesives
24.3 Tolerance for finished mosaic surfaces
Both cementitious and organic adhesives are
Unless an uneven surface is specified or the tesserae suitable and the information given in 22.1 is
are made with irregular or distorted faces, there relevant. The precise recommendations of the
should be no significant visible change of plane adhesive manufacturer should be followed
between adjacent tesserae. Surface tolerances concerning the suitability of the background, the
should comply with 21.6. mixing procedure, the method of use, the thickness
24.4 Mosaic beds of adhesive and the open time after spreading.
Suitable beds for mosaics are: 27.2 Bedding in cement : sand mortar
a) adhesives complying with types 1, 3 or 5 of Cement : sand mortars should be adequately
BS 5980 (see 22.1); cohesive and water retentive but should be neither
b) cement : sand mortar (see 27.2). richer than 1 : 3 nor leaner than 1 : 4 cement : dry
sand by volume (1 : 3.4 to 1 : 4.5, by weight). Within
NOTE If the background surface to receive the mosaic bed is
not flat and true, the use of adhesive fixing methods may be these limits, the precise proportion should be
precluded. governed by the need to produce a mortar of the
Cement : sand mortar beds only should be used with required properties with the minimum water
paper-faced mosaics as these beds require the content.
mosaics to be pre-grouted (see 28.1). When using admixtures such as plasticizers and
water-proofers they should not adversely influence
25 Setting out the adhesion strength, contraction or expansion of
Drawings provided for designs and murals should the mortar and should be used in accordance with
be checked before any fixing commences. the manufacturer’s instructions.
The setting out of the finished work should be Once the mix proportions are established, every
controlled from a given datum. To ensure the rows attempt should be made to minimize random
of tesserae are truly horizontal, a level line should variations. Materials should be batched by weight
be established to position the starting row of sheets. wherever possible and water addition controlled.

© BSI 03-2001 23
BS 5385-2:1991

The mix should be floated on to the background by 29 Grouting of mosaics

trowelling to a thickness not exceeding 10 mm and
The general information given in clause 23 for the
finished with a wooden float. To assist in supporting
treatment of tile joints is relevant.
the added weight the bed should be allowed to
stiffen slightly before the mosaic is applied. With paper-faced mosaics the grout should be
similar in type and colour to that used for any
28 Application of mosaics pregrouting.
28.1 Pregrouting The grout should be rubbed over the surface to fill
the joints, either as the work proceeds or when it is
Ideally paper-faced mosaics should be pregrouted. It sufficiently firm, and the surface given a
is not always practical to pregrout mosaics bedded preliminary cleaning.
in adhesives but paper-faced mosaics bedded in
cement : sand mortar should always be pregrouted After the grout has hardened sufficiently, the
with a neat cement grout. surface of the mosaic should be washed over with
water and left clean.
Where the joints are wider than 2 mm, or the
When a proprietary grouting material is used, the
mosaic thickness is greater than 4 mm, it is
manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning off should
advisable to mix fine sand with the cement to avoid
be followed.
cracking as the grout dries out. A suitable mix
is 1 : 1 cement : sand, by volume.
30 Glass mosaics
28.2 Sequence and method of fixing
Glass mosaics supplied paper-faced should always
Sheets of mosaic should be fixed in horizontal lines. be pregrouted before being fixed.
Each sheet should be hung in position as accurately
as possible and tapped with a laying-on trowel, or When fixing glass mosaics on a thin-bed of adhesive
wooden beater, so that full contact with the bed is the recommendations of the adhesive manufacturer
should be sought before fixing commences.
achieved.
If a cement : sand bed is used the incorporation in
Horizontal and vertical alignment should be
the neat cement pregrouting mix of a synthetic
checked as the work proceeds.
dispersion bonding agent is desirable to ensure good
The joint width between the tesserae established adhesion of the glass tesserae. The bonding agent
when the mosaics were assembled should be used should have properties, after applications, that
maintained between the sheets, otherwise the will not be impaired by moist conditions.
overall appearance of the mosaic will be marred by
NOTE The colour of grouting and bedding material, when seen
the outline of the sheets. through translucent tesserae, will affect the shade of the finished
Sheets of mosaic that have been pregrouted should work.
have the joints between them filled with grout as the
work proceeds.
A straightedge should be used to ensure that the
surface of the mosaic is true as defined in 24.3.
After the sheets have been firmly tapped in place,
any facing papers should be removed by soaking and
sponging; then, before the bedding sets, any
necessary adjustment of tesserae or joints should be
carried out.
Any surplus cement or adhesive remaining on the
face of the mosaic should be removed before it sets.

24 © BSI 03-2001
 BS 5385-2:1991

Section 6. Cleaning and maintenance

31 Cleaning As a new installation dries out, unglazed tiles may

also develop efflorescence which appears as a white
31.1 General
bloom on the surface of the tiles. This will diminish
Advice about suitable cleaning materials and and eventually disappear with weathering.
methods should be provided by the appropriate Routine cleaning should be done as for glazed tiles
manufacturers.1) (see 31.2).
Instructions should ensure that the suggested
cleaning materials do not have a deleterious effect 32 Maintenance
on other building elements.
Tiling should be regularly inspected for minor
31.2 Glazed tiles defects in the tiles or in the tile joints, which can
The method and frequency of regular cleaning of sometimes occur due to movement caused by drying
glazed ceramic wall tiles and mosaics will depend shrinkage of the background and climatic changes.
upon their location and the prevailing Minor defects should be treated early in which case
environmental conditions. they can usually be rectified simply. Further
Tiles in a sheltered and relatively clean deterioration may lead to water penetration into the
environment should, if wished, be cleaned with a tile backing/structure through cracks and may give
neutral low sulfate detergent, whereas tiles in a rise to a significant breakdown of the tiling.
dirty environment may require different cleaning The movement joint sealants recommended in this
procedures in respect of which specialist advice part of BS 5385 have only a limited effective life,
should be obtained. which can be as little as 15 years, depending upon
31.3 Unglazed tiles the type of construction, the sealant used, its
application, height, location and orientation.
At the completion of the tiling work, unglazed tiles
may retain a cement film which is insoluble in
water. This may be removed with suitable
proprietary acidic cleaners developed for this
purpose, which should be used strictly in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions, and then
rinsed with clean water. It is essential that great
care should be taken to avoid damage to adjacent
walls, fittings and paintwork when using such
cleaners.

1) Other information is given in the pamphlet “The Cleaning of Ceramic Tiles”, prepared jointly by the British Ceramic Tile

Council and the British Institute of Cleaning Science, obtainable from BCTC, Federation House, Station Road, Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 2RU.

© BSI 03-2001 25
26 blank
 BS 5385-2:1991

Publication(s) referred to

BS 12, Specification for Portland cements.

BS 410, Specification for test sieves.
BS 903, Physical testing of rubber.
BS 903-A26, Determination of hardness.
BS 1199 and BS 1200, Specifications for building sands from natural sources.
BS 1210, Specification for wood screws.
BS 4027, Specification for sulfate-resisting Portland cement.
BS 4551, Methods of testing mortars, screeds and plasters.
BS 5224, Specification for masonry cement.
BS 5385, Wall and floor tiling.
BS 5385-1, Code of practice for the design and installation of internal ceramic wall tiling and mosaics in
normal conditions.
BS 5385-3, Code of practice for the design and installation of ceramic floor tiles and mosaics2).
BS 5385-4, Code of practice for ceramic tiling and mosaics in specific conditions 2).
BS 5385-5, Code of practice for the design and installation of terrazzo tile and slab, natural stone and
composition block floorings2).
BS 5750, Quality systems2).
BS 5973, Code of practice for access and working scaffolds and special scaffold structures in steel.
BS 5974, Code of practice for temporarily installed suspended scaffolds and access equipment.
BS 5980, Specification for adhesives for use with ceramic tiles and mosaics.
BS 6100, Glossary of building and civil engineering terms.
BS 6213, Guide to selection of constructional sealants.
BS 6431, Ceramic floor and wall tiles.
BS 6431-1, Specification for classification and marking, including definitions and characteristics.
BS 6431-2, Specification for extruded ceramic tiles with a low water absorption (E  3 %). Group AI.
BS 6431-6, Specification for dust-pressed ceramic tiles with a low water absorption (E  3 %). Group BI.
BS 6431-22, Method for determination of frost resistance.
BS 800, Workmanship on building sites.
BS 800-11, Code of practice for wall and floor tiling.
BS 800-11.1, Ceramic tiles, terrazzo tiles and mosaics.

2) Referred to in the foreword only.

© BSI 03-2001
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