When laying a screed outside, whether for a patio, a pool surround, or to put down an artificial lawn, the quality of the substrate is just as important as for an indoor installation. Tilemaster External Leveller was developed specifically to fill a gap in the market for a practical, easy-to-apply smoothing compound for external use. It is fast setting, free flowing and suitable for use in damp or even wet conditions, such as swimming pools or under an epoxy surface DPM at depths from 2mm to 50mm. It is suitable for use with tiles and artificial turf and can even be left as a wearing surface.
When fixing tiles to an external screed, it is important to make sure that there is full coverage between the tile and the substrate. Tilemaster Adhesives recommends the use of the Tilemaster Setaflex range. These flexible, polymer-modified adhesives are unaffected by frost after setting and can be used in areas exposed to water for long periods, so are perfect for outside use.
The range consists of three products: Standard Set Setaflex has an extended pot life of approximately three to four hours, meaning the fixer has plenty of time to install the tiles and manoeuvre them once in place, making it ideal where longer working times are required. There is a 24-hour wait before grouting and foot traffic. Where more speed is required, the Rapid or Semi-Rapid set versions should be used. Tilemaster Setaflex Semi-Rapid has a pot life of 90-120 minutes and is ready for grouting after approximately six hours. Tilemaster Rapid Setaflex has a 30-minute pot life and is ready for grouting after approximately three hours.
Tilemaster Grout 3000 should be used to grout the tiles after waiting the appropriate amount of time for the adhesive to harden. It can be used for joints up to 20mm thick and is impervious to frost once it has set.
