INSTALLATION:
Ceramic, Mosaic, Quarry, Paver, Slate, Marble and Granite

SPECIFICATION				KER 121
Universal Polymer-Modified Thin set Mortar for Ceramic. Porcelain and Natural Stone Tiles

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DESCRIPTION: An easy-to-use high performance, single component, polymer-modified thin-set mortar which is mixed only with water for ceramic tile, marble, granite and porcelain stoneware tiles installation.

	Specify for interior and exterior applications (see LIMITATIONS in data sheet)

Specify for floor and wall installations for the installation of ceramic, porcelain, clay, glass and natural stone tiles over most traditional well prepared non-deflecting substrates.  (Maximum deflection no to exceed L/360.)  (See LIMITATIONS and RECOMMENDED SUBSTRATES in data sheet.)

Specify for interior installation over most non-traditional, sound, well prepared, existing surfaces including cementitious terrazzo floors, unglazed quarry tiles, pavers, cut-back adhesive residue, vinyl composition tiles, vinyl asbestos tiles, and non-cushioned vinyl sheet goods provided these surfaces are well bonded to an approved substrate.  (See RECOMMENDED SUBSTRATES in data sheet.)

Specify for interior residential and light duty commercial floor and counter-top installations (in dry areas only) over two 15mm (5/8”) thick layers of EXTERIOR grade plywood.  (See RECOMMENDED SUBSTRATES in data sheet.)

Specify for installing porcelain tile up to 300mm  300mm (12”  12”) in exterior horizontal application.

DO NOT specify over particleboard, masonite, chipboard, Lauan, gypsum floor patching compounds, metal or similar dimensionally unstable materials.

DO NOT specify for installations subject to prolonged water immersion (pools, fountains, Jacuzzis, etc.).  Specify KERACRETE®, GRANI/RAPID, or KERALASTIC systems.  (See respective data sheets for details.)

DO NOT specify KER 121 mortar for installing white, light colored or translucent marble.  Specify WHITE GRANI/RAPID or WHITE KERAQUICK M.  (See respective data sheets for details).

When specifying KER 121 in the Tile Selection selected – ceramic, mosaic, quarry, paver, slate, marble or granite – add the appropriate articles or paragraphs under the applicable PART as indicated.

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PART 1 GENERAL

	REFERENCES

ANSI A108.5 - Installation Specification for Ceramic Tile Installed with Dry-Set Portland Cement Mortar or Latex-Portland Cement Mortar
	
ANSI A118.4 - Material Specification for Latex-Portland Cement Mortar
	
ANSI A137.1 - Material Specification for Ceramic Tile
	
	Tile Council of America, Inc. (TCA) - Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation

	SUBMITTALS
	
Product Data: Submit manufacturer’s technical information and installation instructions for materials required.
 	
	QUALITY ASSURANCE

Provide tile, grout and setting materials from one source.  Additives, dry-set mortars, installation materials and grouts shall be from the same manufacturer.

	DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING
	
Deliver and store packaged materials in original containers with seals unbroken and labels intact until time of use.  Prevent damage or contamination to materials by water, freezing, foreign matter or other causes.

Deliver and store materials on site at least 24 hours before work begins.

Provide heated and dry storage facilities on site.

	PROJECT CONDITIONS

Maintain environmental conditions and protect work during and after installation to comply with referenced standards and manufacturer’s printed recommendations.

Vent temporary heaters to exterior to prevent damage to tile work from carbon dioxide build-up.

Maintain temperature at not less than 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) in tiled areas during installation and for 7 days after completion, unless higher temperatures are required by referenced installation standards or manufacturer’s written instructions.

PART 2 PRODUCTS

	MORTAR MATERIALS

LATEX-PORTLAND CEMENT MORTAR: KER 121 polymer-modified, one step, floor and wall Portland cement mortar, as manufactured by MAPEI CORPORATION, ANSI A118.4. Water added only.

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When specifying KER 121 in performance specification, call MAPEI CORPORATION’s Technical Service Department toll-free number for assistance with product characteristics.

When specifying GROUT MATERIALS, refer to respective suggested grout specification – ULTRA/COLOR polymer-modified sanded grout or KER 200 Sanded Polymer Modified Portland Cement Ceramic Tile Grout or KER 800 Unsanded Polymer Modified Portland Cement Ceramic Tile Grout (ANSI A118.6) or KERAPOXY 100% solids epoxy grout (ANSI A118.3).  Grout tiles according to grout instructions and ANSI A108.10 or A108.6 specifications.
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MIXES

Proportion and mix factory-prepared mortar in accordance with manufacturer’s printed instructions.

PART 3 EXECUTION

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Specifications for surface conditions are listed in the beginning of the specification section of MAPEI’s Architectural Binder.  These specifications should be called out with the related work sections.  Delete non-applicable conditions.  (Refer to ANSI EXPLANATION AND NOTES section: AN-3 RELATED WORK SPECIFIED IN OTHER SECTIONS.)
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EXAMINATION

Examine surfaces to receive tile work and conditions under which tile will be installed.  Do not proceed with tile work until surfaces and conditions comply with requirements indicated in referenced tile installation standards and manufacturer’s printed instructions.

INSTALLATION

Install tile in accordance with manufacturer’s printed instructions and ANSI A108.5.

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Select TCA method to be used and delete non-applicable methods.  (Select from latest edition of the TCA Handbook.)
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	[Floor Tile: Install in accordance with TCA method
	[F101], [F102], [F103], [F111], [F112], [F113], [F114], 
	[F115], [F122], [F141], [F144], [TR712], [TR912].]

	[Wall Tile: Install in accordance with TCA method
	[W201], [W202], [W211], [W221], [W222], [W231], [W241], 
	[W243], [W244], [B412], [B413], [B414], [B415], [TR713].]

	[Countertop Tile: Install in accordance with TCA method [C511], 
	[C512], [C513].]

	Install expansion and control joints in accordance with TCA method EJ171.

	Grout joints shall be clean and free from standing water, dust and foreign substances.
	
	Tile surfaces shall be clean and dry.

PROTECTION

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Select appropriate statements for installation – floor, wall or both.  Delete non-applicable statements.
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[Protect floors from general traffic for at least 72 hours after installation.  Plywood or stepping boards may be used after 24 hours when occasional stepping on the floor is unavoidable.]

[Protect walls from impact, vibration and heavy hammering on adjacent and opposite walls for at least 14 days after installation.]

Protect from freezing and total water immersion for at least 21 days after installation.

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When dealing with cement-based products, it should be noted that temperature and humidity during and after installation of tile affect final curing time, i.e., low temperatures (60 degrees and under) and high humidity (70% and above) will delay final cure time.
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For further information and technical assistance, contact:

				     MAPEI CORPORATION
				     1501 WALL STREET
				     GARLAND, TEXAS 75041–4046
				     1-800-992-6273