METAL TILE INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE GUIDE

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Metal tile is a decorative surfacing material manufactured using stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, titanium-coated metals, metal composites, or metal-faced tile assemblies. Metal tile is valued for its contemporary appearance, reflective qualities, and unique finishes and is commonly used in backsplashes, feature walls, accent installations, and decorative commercial applications.

Metal tile products may exhibit variations in color, sheen, texture, reflectivity, brushing patterns, and surface appearance. These characteristics are inherent to the manufacturing process and contribute to the unique appearance of the material.

METAL TILE CHARACTERISTICS

Metal tile products may exhibit:

·       Color variation

·       Brushed finish variation

·       Reflective variation

·       Surface texture variation

·       Natural oxidation characteristics

·       Patina development

·       Directional grain patterns

·       Sheet-to-sheet variation

·       Finish variation

·       Light reflection differences

Certain metal products may naturally age, oxidize, darken, or develop a patina over time.

These characteristics are inherent to metal surfaces and should not be considered manufacturing defects.

Samples, photographs, showroom displays, website images, and printed materials are intended only as general representations and may not accurately depict the full range of variation present in the material received.

Tile Club recommends blending material from multiple cartons prior to installation.

INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

Inspect Before Installation

All metal tile must be thoroughly inspected prior to installation.

Installation constitutes acceptance of the material.

Before installation:

·       Verify product name, finish, size, and quantity.

·       Inspect all material for visible damage.

·       Review finish consistency.

·       Blend material from multiple cartons.

·       Verify grain direction where applicable.

·       Confirm suitability for the intended application.

Do not install material that appears damaged or unacceptable.

Claims regarding visible defects, scratches, dents, finish concerns, or appearance issues cannot be honored after installation.

RECOMMENDED APPLICATIONS

Metal tile is primarily intended for decorative wall applications.

Interior Applications

·       Kitchen backsplashes

·       Feature walls

·       Accent walls

·       Decorative wall installations

·       Fireplace surrounds (outside direct heat source)

·       Bar areas

·       Residential wall applications

·       Commercial decorative walls

Commercial Applications

Certain metal tile products may be suitable for:

·       Hospitality projects

·       Hotels

·       Restaurants

·       Retail environments

·       Commercial lobbies

·       Office interiors

Suitability should be evaluated based on project requirements and environmental conditions.

APPLICATION LIMITATIONS & SPECIAL USE AREAS

Metal tile products vary significantly in composition, finish, and performance characteristics. Product suitability should always be verified before installation.

Wet Area Applications

Certain stainless steel and corrosion-resistant metal products may be suitable for limited wet-area wall applications when properly installed and maintained.

Long-term exposure to standing water, harsh chemicals, or moisture intrusion may affect certain finishes.

Shower Installations

Some metal tile products may be suitable for decorative shower wall applications when specifically approved by the manufacturer.

Shower installations require:

·       Approved waterproofing systems

·       Proper drainage

·       Routine maintenance

·       Regular inspection of grout and sealant joints

Exterior Installations

Most decorative metal tile products are intended for interior use only unless specifically approved for exterior applications.

Exterior exposure may result in:

·       Oxidation

·       Corrosion

·       Finish degradation

·       Discoloration

·       Accelerated aging

Pools, Spas & Submerged Installations

Metal tile is generally not recommended for:

·       Swimming pools

·       Spas

·       Water features

·       Fountains

·       Other submerged applications

unless specifically approved by the manufacturer.

Steam Rooms

Metal tile products are generally not recommended for steam room applications unless specifically approved by the manufacturer.

Floor Applications

Metal tile is generally not recommended for floor installations unless specifically rated for floor use.

Metal surfaces may be susceptible to:

·       Scratching

·       Denting

·       Wear patterns

·       Slip-related concerns

Applications Requiring Additional Evaluation

Consult a qualified design professional before installation in:

·       Exterior environments

·       Coastal environments

·       High-moisture areas

·       Commercial kitchens

·       Industrial facilities

·       Chemical exposure environments

·       Submerged applications

·       Steam rooms

·       Applications exceeding published product specifications

SITE CONDITIONS

Prior to installation:

·       Building must be enclosed and weather-tight.

·       HVAC systems should be operational where applicable.

·       Surface and ambient temperatures should remain between 50°F and 100°F (10°C–38°C).

·       Substrates must be fully cured and structurally sound.

SUBSTRATE REQUIREMENTS

All substrates must be:

·       Structurally sound

·       Clean and dry

·       Properly cured

·       Flat and level

·       Free of contaminants

·       Prepared according to ANSI and TCNA standards

Maximum Allowable Variation

For metal tile installations:

·       Maximum variation of 1/8” in 10 feet

·       Maximum variation of 1/16” in 24 inches

Smooth substrates are essential, as metal tile surfaces may reveal substrate irregularities.

LAYOUT REQUIREMENTS

Proper layout planning is critical to achieving a professional installation.

Dry Layout

Prior to installation:

·       Measure installation areas.

·       Establish reference lines.

·       Blend material from multiple cartons.

·       Review grain direction and finish consistency.

·       Verify pattern alignment where applicable.

·       Review cuts and transitions.

Grain Direction

For brushed, directional, or patterned metal finishes:

·       Maintain consistent grain direction throughout the installation.

·       Verify orientation before installation.

·       Dry-lay material when necessary to achieve the desired appearance.

Grout Joints

·       Maintain consistent grout joints.

·       Follow manufacturer recommendations.

·       Do not butt-joint tile.

Movement Joints

Movement joints must comply with TCNA EJ171 guidelines and should be installed:

·       Around room perimeters

·       At changes in plane

·       At transitions between materials

·       Around restraining surfaces

·       At intervals recommended by industry standards

INSTALLATION

Tile Club recommends installation by a qualified tile professional familiar with decorative metal tile products.

Setting Materials

Use manufacturer-approved setting materials.

Recommended materials may include:

·       ANSI A118.4 modified thin-set mortar

·       ANSI A118.15 high-performance thin-set mortar

·       Approved construction adhesives where specified

·       Manufacturer-approved installation systems

Always follow tile and adhesive manufacturer instructions.

Important Installation Considerations

Metal tile surfaces may be susceptible to scratching and denting during installation.

Tile Club recommends:

·       Wearing clean gloves during handling.

·       Protecting exposed surfaces during installation.

·       Performing a mock-up installation prior to full installation.

Mortar Coverage Requirements

·       Interior dry areas: Minimum 80% coverage

·       Wet areas (where approved): Minimum 95% coverage

Tile Placement

·       Press tile firmly into fresh setting material.

·       Verify complete coverage.

·       Remove excess adhesive from joints before curing.

Allow setting materials to cure fully before grouting.

CUTTING & FABRICATION

Metal tile should be cut using:

·       Metal-rated saw blades

·       Fine-tooth cutting equipment

·       Manufacturer-approved cutting methods

To minimize damage:

·       Protect finished surfaces during cutting.

·       Use sharp cutting tools.

·       Support material properly.

Minor edge imperfections resulting from field cutting may occur and are not considered manufacturing defects.

GROUTING

Allow setting materials to cure completely before grouting.

Recommended Grouts

For most metal tile installations, Tile Club recommends:

·       Premium non-sanded grout

·       High-performance grout systems

·       Manufacturer-approved grout products

Non-sanded grout is generally recommended for grout joints up to 1/8”.

Important Grout Considerations

Certain grout products and installation methods may scratch metal surfaces.

Prior to grouting:

·       Test grout in an inconspicuous area.

·       Verify compatibility with the finish.

·       Avoid abrasive cleanup methods.

·       Use clean water and non-abrasive sponges.

Grout Cleanup

Remove grout haze promptly according to grout manufacturer instructions.

Do not allow grout residue to cure on metal surfaces.

Improper grout selection or cleanup procedures may damage metal finishes.

SEALING

Metal tile generally does not require sealing.

Certain specialty finishes may have specific maintenance requirements.

Refer to product-specific recommendations where applicable.

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

To preserve the appearance of metal tile:

Routine Cleaning

·       Clean regularly using a soft cloth.

·       Use pH-neutral cleaners.

·       Dry surfaces after cleaning.

·       Remove fingerprints and residue promptly.

Avoid

Do not use:

·       Abrasive cleaning pads

·       Steel wool

·       Scouring powders

·       Bleach

·       Chlorine-based cleaners

·       Acidic cleaners

·       Harsh alkaline cleaners

·       Abrasive brushes

These products may permanently damage metal finishes.

Spill Management

Promptly remove:

·       Salt residue

·       Chemical cleaners

·       Food acids

·       Grease buildup

·       Household chemicals

Always test cleaning products in an inconspicuous area prior to full application.

SHOWER & WET AREA INSTALLATIONS

Tile and grout are not waterproof systems.

Wet-area installations require:

·       Waterproof membranes

·       Proper drainage

·       Appropriate slope to drains

·       Industry-approved installation methods

Waterproofing must be provided by the substrate preparation and membrane assembly.

INSTALLATION STANDARDS

Installations should comply with the latest editions of:

·       Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Handbook

·       ANSI A108 Standards

·       Applicable local building codes

·       Setting material manufacturer instructions

When requirements differ, the more stringent standard shall apply.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Tile Club warrants that its metal tile products conform to applicable industry standards at the time of shipment.

Purchaser’s sole remedy under this warranty is limited to replacement of defective material or, at Tile Club’s sole discretion, a refund of the original purchase price of the defective material.

Warranty Exclusions

This warranty does not cover:

·       Installation labor costs

·       Removal or reinstallation expenses

·       Freight or transportation charges

·       Project delays

·       Loss of use

·       Improper installation

·       Improper substrate preparation

·       Failure to follow installation standards

·       Structural movement or substrate failure

·       Improper maintenance or cleaning

·       Chemical damage

·       Corrosion resulting from environmental exposure

·       Oxidation

·       Patina development

·       Surface scratching

·       Denting

·       Finish wear

·       Moisture-related deterioration

·       Normal aging of metal surfaces

·       Normal wear and tear

·       Product use outside approved applications

Claims & Inspection

All products must be inspected prior to installation.

Any concerns regarding product quality, appearance, finish, color, size, or suitability must be reported before installation.

Installation constitutes acceptance of the material and acknowledgment that the product is suitable for the intended application.

No claims will be accepted for visible defects or conditions that could have been identified prior to installation.

Limitation of Liability

Tile Club’s liability, if any, shall be limited solely to the replacement value of the defective material.

Under no circumstances shall Tile Club be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including labor charges, removal costs, installation expenses, project delays, loss of profits, or other related costs.

No representative, dealer, installer, contractor, or third party is authorized to modify or extend this warranty.

METAL TILE DISCLAIMER

Metal tile products may exhibit variations in color, sheen, texture, brushing patterns, reflectivity, and finish. These characteristics are inherent to the manufacturing process and contribute to the unique appearance of the material.

Certain metal products may naturally oxidize, darken, age, or develop a patina over time. These changes are inherent characteristics of metal surfaces and are not considered manufacturing defects.

Samples, showroom displays, website photography, printed materials, and marketing images are intended only as general representations and may not precisely match the material received.

Tile Club recommends blending material from multiple cartons and reviewing all material prior to installation to achieve the most aesthetically pleasing result.