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SmartBricks™ Rubber® Tile Surfacing Installation Instructions

Installation Guide - (using Square Yard or I-Tiles)

(Please Read Thoroughly Before Beginning Your Project)

BASE: SmartBricks™ Square Yard Tiles 1/2”, or 1" can be installed over plywood, 2x4, 2x6, cement or asphalt.  For decks, it is recommended to cover the deck with plywood, however if installing over 2x4, or 2x6, gaps between the boards cannot exceed ¼”, and planking must be straight and free of rot.  If any rot is apparent, replace boards as necessary.  For cement, ensure cracks are filled.  Note: if foundation problems are present, contact your local contractor any damage to SmartBricks tiles resulting from foundational problems, are not eligible for warranty. 

The adhesive comes in 1-5 gallon pails, and is used to adhere the tiles to various surfaces, including plywood, cement or asphalt.  The urethane is activated by moisture; therefore any large amount of moisture will result in the urethane to over react, causing a porous foam effect. Thus the install has to be finished 12 24 hours before moisture can be introduced to allow the urethane to cure for best results.  You will need different quantities of urethane depending upon the application;

URETHANE ADHESIVE:

One gallon of Urethane Adhesive is sufficient for:
90 110 sq.ft. Plywood may have to double coat as the wood may soak the first application of adhesive
110 125 sq.ft. Cement (relatively smooth)
80 90 sq.ft. Asphalt

SUPER GLUE (1 lb. Bottle):

The Super Glue & Super Glue Activator “accelerator” (spray bottle) is used to bond the corners of the tiles, while waiting for the urethane adhesive to cure beneath the tiles.  It is recommended to use the super glue along 5-6 inches of the sides of the tiles.  This is extremely important, as the tiles tend to expand and contract in varying temperatures.  For example, if one installed the tiles during a warm day, using just the urethane adhesive for the base of the tiles, and the temperature cooled off at night, if the urethane beneath the tiles has not cured, there is a risk that some tiles will contract slightly, leaving slight gaps between the tiles.  However, if the super glue is used, the tiles will stay bonded tight together until the adhesive has set up.  When applying the superglue, only a very thin layer is required.  When too much is used, the accelerator cannot work through the whole layer of super glue, and you will have difficulty getting the tiles to stay bonded.   One pound of Super Glue is sufficient for; approx. 800 sq.ft if square yard tiles are used.  For every pound of super glue, approx. 1,000ml (32oz) of accelerator is required.

WHEN READY TO INSTALL:

1. Lay out tiles and determine desired pattern, and level of cuts. We recommend that the bottom side of the tiles be flashed or wiped with paint thinner or solvent, so that the surface of the tile is cleaned of all releaser agents, thus allowing the adhesives to bond properly.

2. Pour a small portion of urethane adhesive onto surface, and spread with a 16^th of an inch trowel, flat trowel or smooth paint roller.

3. Trowel over desired area to 1/6^th of an inch. 

4. During installation, IF excessive gapping occurs, staggering of the tiles will allow the tiles to relax closer to each other leaving a not so noticeable seam. This tip is most commonly used when installing the I-Mat tiles which interlock on one side and not the other but is common practice in the use of all rubber products.  Super glue should also be used in this situation to hold the tiles tight in place as you progress with the installation.

5. Begin laying the tiles, no more than four at a time. 

6. Apply a thin layer of super glue to the sides of the tile where the tiles meet, only apply 4 -5” from the corner of each tile, as well as a 4 -5” area in the center. 

7. Spray the super glue with the accelerator, one generous time, and adhere the tiles together.  (You only have a few seconds to do this, so you need to work quickly). 

8. If you happen to make a mistake, simply cut between the tiles, and try again. 

9. Note; when installing over 2 x 4, or 2 x 6, you will need to apply using a low pile paint roller.

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

1. For decking, an alternative to using the superglue for the seams would be to use finishing nails in the corners of the tiles.  (There is no alternative when installing over asphalt or cement.)

2. If installing over living quarters, it is recommended to use a waterproof membrane under the tiles... Do Not Use Nails.

3. It is important to use either super glue to adhere seams, or finishing nails, as tiles may contract slightly as temperatures vary.  If super glue or finishing nails are not used, slight gaps between tiles may result. 

4. Tiles will expand in high heat, therefore it is recommended to install in 10-20 degree Celsius temperature, or in shade.

5. If the urethane adhesive seeps up between the tiles, allow drying and peeling off with a knife or screwdriver.  It is easier to peel off when it has dried some.

6. Use a utility knife to cut the tiles, make your first cut, then slightly bend the tile, & cut again.

7. The tiles are coated with a silicone releaser when new; allow 3-5 days in the sun to dissipate on its’ own or refer to install # 1.

Installation Guide - Over sand base: In Ground:

Tools Required:

1. Gloves

2. Tape measure

3. Chalk

4. 4' - 2" x 4"

5. Plate tamper

6. Wheel barrel

7. Safety glasses

8. Chalk line

9. Sharp utility knife

10. Saw:  saber saw/hand jig saw with knife blade or a band saw

11. 2 lengths of pipe (for screeding)

12. Shovel

Base Preparation:

1. Remove any old pavement and/or existing soil. *Excavate to proper depth depending on traffic. Spread and compact (using mechanical tamper) road base or road crush evenly over the entire area. The elevation of the compacted base should be 2-3/8" to 2-7/8" below the finished rubber tile surface.

2. Once the base is completed, edge restraints should be installed to prevent any lateral movement of the tiles (pathways, or areas without walls). Edge restraints should be installed to sit flush with or just below the finished height of the tile.

3. With the edge restraints installed, 1” to 1.5" of coarse sand is spread evenly over the compacted base. Screeding must be done to ensure an even bedding surface is established. Two lengths of pipe (1" to ½" O.D.) are placed parallel to one another, directly on the crushed rock. A 2" x 4" board is then pulled across the pipe, ensuring that the sand is at a uniform height. (Avoid walking on screeded surface).

4. Commence laying tiles in the pattern you wish to create. It is important that the tiles are taken from two to three different bundles to ensure a proper color blend. Start installation of tile at the edge or corner whenever possible. This will minimize cuts.

5. Using masonry string will allow for your pattern to run true throughout the project. Any cuts should be done as needed to keep your pattern consistent.

6. Once tiles are all in place, sweep the entire surface to prepare for mechanical tamping.

7. Begin tamping the entire surface, tamping in both directions until the surface is bedded down uniformly. Tamp the entire surface again.

*Before you dig, please call Gas and Cable Companies to ensure your safety.

Warranty:

All SmartBricks products manufactured and distributed are warranted for a period of two years against manufacturer’s defect on residential applications and a one year warranty on commercial applications. Weathering of color in SmartBricks tiles is a characteristic of the product and is not covered by warranty. Manufacturer does not warrant improper installations that do not comply with the installation guide. Damage caused to SmartBricks tiles due to base failure is not covered by warranty. Damage caused by abuse or neglect, voids all warranty privileges. SmartBricks products are not warranted against foreign contaminants such as; oil or products containing an oil substance. SmartBricks products were not intended to provide waterproofing qualities.