SUBSTRATE READINESS BEFORE COMMERCIAL TILING
Tiling should not be programmed simply because an area looks ready. The type and condition of the background, the specified finish and the selected installation system all affect when work can begin.
Technical note: This is general project-planning guidance, not a specification or design approval. Check the current project documents, applicable standards and system manufacturers' instructions.
Identify the background
Confirm whether the area involves concrete, screed, timber-based construction, existing finishes or a prepared wall system. Record transitions and any known repairs. Different backgrounds require different assessment and preparation.
Check condition and tolerances
Inspect for movement, cracking, contamination, weak surfaces, unevenness and other defects that may affect the proposed finish. The required flatness depends on the specified tile format and installation system; agree corrective works rather than attempting to compensate during fixing.
Understand moisture and curing
Agree who is responsible for checking moisture conditions and confirming that screeds, repairs and levelling products have met the chosen system's requirements. Do not assume a surface is ready merely because it looks dry.
Record the handover
Before accepting an area, document outstanding preparation, access constraints and any incompatible work by preceding trades. Confirm the acceptance criteria in the specification and the relevant manufacturer's instructions.
The key takeaway
A clear substrate handover reduces avoidable delays, variation disputes and failures after installation.
Relevant service: Commercial substrate preparation · All technical guidance
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