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Glass Tile Description

Glass tile is a tile having a 100% non-microcrystalline (no clay) body manufactured generally in one of the three following processes. Hot-Molten – (cast) glass tile is generally manufactured above 1500°F (816°C) using various base materials such as silica sand and recycled glasses from post consumer bottles and jars, collected civically and/or post industrial glass collected from commercial businesses. Using recycled glass dramatically reduces the amount of refuge taken to landfills. Warm – (fused, including sintered) glass tiles are typically produced from commercially manufactured flow (window type) glass altered through heat between 1000°F - 1499°F (538°C – 815°C). Heat at and above this range facilitates a fusion between the paints, foils, metals, glass frits and other materials to the glass tile’s body. Cold (low temperature) – This type of glass tile may also wear additional glass, paints, foils and other decorative products, however, they do not normally have the same performance qualities as “hot” or “warm” glass tile due to low, 500°F (260°C) or less, manufacturing temperatures, which do not allow the decorative materials to fuse to the glass tile’s body. CAUTION Cold applied glass tile may not be appropriate for use in wet areas such as showers, tub splashes (with showerheads), steam showers, pools and fountains. Cutting may also prove challenging as cold applications may be damaged during cutting, drilling and installation. Check the manufacturer’s written specifications to confirm intended uses and installation materials and procedures prior to commencing work. With so many glass tiles on the market care must be taken when specifying and installing these products. Installers are advised to research glass tile manufacturers recommendations for substrate preparation as well as installation materials and techniques for installing all glass tile products. If no or insufficient manufacturer recommendations exist, an architect or other design professional shall specify the appropriate substrate preparation methods from the current year TCNA Handbook . Additionally, an architect or design professional shall specify all installation and movement joint types, materials and locations to be used by the tile contractor/ installer.

of all net backed glass tile for use in all wet areas.

NTCA general substrate preparation methods recommended for glass tile are published in the TCNA Handbook . These procedures are general in nature as some installations may require more specific in-depth information. Consult an architect for more detailed information on substrate preparation. The performance of a properly installed thin-set tile application is dependent upon the durability and dimensional stability of the substrate to which it is bonded. The following recommendations are from the TCNA Handbook and are general in nature. FLOORS 1. Exterior: Concrete slab cured 28 days minimum, follow TCNA Handbook method F102 (recommended for freeze/thaw areas). 2. Interior: Concrete TCNA Handbook methods F111, F112 or F113-14. Additional preparation may be necessary depending upon its condition. Cement mortar beds should be cured a minimum of 7 days. 3. Interior Wood Sub-Floors: Cement mortar TCNA Handbook method F145 or cementitious backer board (CBU) TCNA Handbook method F144. WALLS 1. Exterior and Interior: (masonry or concrete) TCNA Handbook methods W201, W202, W211 or W231. 2. Interior Metal Studs: TCNA Handbook method W241 (must meet ASTM C955 or ASTM C645) or CBU over wood or metal stud* TCNA Handbook method W244. 3. Wood or Metal Studs: under gypsum board in dry areas only TCNA Handbook method W243. SPECIALTY 1. Bathtub Walls: wood or metal studs, cement mortar beds cured 7 days TCNA Handbook B411 or CBU TCNA Handbook B412. 2. Shower Receptors, Walls: wood or metal studs, cement mortar beds cured 7 days TCNA Handbook B414 or CBU TCNA Handbook method B415. 3. Countertops: cement mortar beds cured 7 days TCNA Handbook method C511 or CBU TCNA Handbook method C513. 4. Swimming Pools: cement mortar beds cured 7 days TCNA Handbook method P601. *Membrane (ANSI A108.M-2.8.1) of #15 roofing felt or 4-6-mil polyethylene film is required behind CBU. All joints on CBU should be taped with the CBU manufacturer’s recommended mesh tape and allowed to cure 24-48 hours prior to installation.

As with all net-backed tile, the manufacturers of net-backed glass tile products shall verify, in writing, the recommended use

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NTCA Reference Manual | 2024 / 2025

Chapter 5 | Material Specific Products and Installation