Installation + Maintenance

SURFACE PREPARATION
Ensure all contaminants and debris are removed from the base of the installation surface. Ensure the substrate is stable and the base surface is level.


PRE-SEALING
Aura Tiles Breeze Blocks may be pre-sealed prior to installation to further protect from staining. A single pre-sealing coat is recommended, assuring 100% coverage of the visible surfaces of the block (sides may be sealed if required). You may also utilize the dip-seal method if desired, however, it is imperative you contact the sealer and mortar manufacturer to ensure the products are suitable for use together.


RECOMMENDED PRODUCT | Aqua Mix ProBlock – Pre-Sealer
RECOMMENDED PRODUCT | Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions with regard to preparation, application, and clean- up of pre-sealing products.

NOTE: If you intend on using an enhancing/surface sealer on the surface once installed, ensure you contact the sealer manufacturer to discuss your options, as enhancing sealers will not bind to the surface of a tile pre- sealed with the above products.


BLOCK PREPARATION

• Installation of Aura Tiles products should be carried out by a skilled, licensed installer. Tools used should be in good condition and appropriate for use (ie; trowels, rubber mallets, sponges, etc). Check the information contained on the packaging beforehand, and meticulously follow the manufacturers recommendations.

• Check that the substrate is stable and the base is suitable for installing Breeze Blocks; rough texture, non-friable, completely flat and level.

• Blocks and surfaces must be completely dry, free of dust and any contaminants which could impair adhesion with the mortar. For specific installations or particular design constraints, request additional information for each application.

• The workspace must be adequately lit to detect possible installation defects Electric site lighting is essential, to provide brighter than normal light.

• Great care should be taken when handling to avoid scratching, breaking or chipping the Breeze Prior to installation, check that all blocks are free from defects – once the Breeze Blocks are installed Aura Tiles do not accept claims for colour/design/batch variation.
  
  

CUTTING
We recommend the use of a new diamond cutting blade when cutting Breeze Blocks. The most effective tool for cutting blocks is a wet bench saw paired with a sharp diamond blade. Handheld grinders may be used in conjunction with a sharp diamond blade for small, tedious cuts.

SOAKING
Breeze Blocks are highly porous, and if installed without first wetting the base of the tile, may suck the moisture from the mortar before it has time to set. To dissuade this, soak the blocks in clean water for 20 seconds prior to applying mortar and laying the block.


MORTAR
Refer to your preferred mortar manufacturer for suitability to lay the Breeze Blocks. The choice of block and mortar are critical to the subsequent performance of the finished system. Factors to take into account are:

• the type of block material (including water absorption, bonding surface)
• block format
• substrate

Aura Tiles recommends a Portland Cement Mortar in a neutral colour suitable for the colour of the Breeze Block being installed. Please consult the mortar manufacturer for specific mortar advice.

Follow manufacturers recommendations for preparation and use of mortars.

Both during installation and at the end of the day, check the quality of work before the bonding material sets. Correct any defects using rubber mallets.

INSTALLATION TECHNIQUE
Aura Tiles recommends the following technique is used when installing Breeze Blocks, in conjunction with advice from a licensed installer.

1. Measure the height and width of the screen wall.

2. Equally divide the distance of the blocks. We recommend a joint size between 5-10mm.

3. Use levelling tools to ensure the wall is laid perpendicular to the base surface.

4. Start installation from the bottom corner.

5. Apply approximately 10mm of mortar as a base strip.

6. Apply approximately 10mm of mortar to each of the sides and the top of the piece, fixing in the correct position, and either raking the joint or finishing flush with the surface of the block.

7. A normal tile wet saw may be used to cut the pieces if required.

8. We recommend fixing with brick tiles, re-bars and/or proprietary systems such as Bricktor.

9. We recommend a structural steel beam (or similar) is used if the wall is over 2.5 metres.

10. We recommend fixing the wall in place between concrete/brick pillars if wider than 4 metres.

NOTE: Breeze Blocks are not load bearing, and are therefore not to be used in structural applications. For all complex installations, Aura Tiles recommends engaging a licensed Structural Engineer to provide an engineered solution for your project.

MORTAR JOINTS
Mortar joints must be used in all applications – we do not recommend butt joining blocks (zero mortar). Please follow the below minimum recommendations when selecting joint widths for the blocks:

BREEZE BLOCKS
10mm for all applications

MOVEMENT JOINTS
Take account of structural joints. Movement joints should be directed as per the project designer and/or engineer.

SEALING
Breeze Blocks are a porous material and may be sealed to protect the aesthetic and extend the performance of the surface. Sealing should occur once the blocks are installed and cleaned but prior to use.


RECOMMENDED PRODUCT | Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold

NOTE: Aura Tiles recommends testing the sealer on a sample block prior to use to ensure the finish is the desired result. For specific sealing applications, seek advice from the sealer manufacturer.

POST INSTALLATION CLEAN
Breeze Blocks must be cleaned effectively after installation to ensure all mortar residue is removed from the surface and does not impact future maintenance.

1. Sweep all loose contaminants and debris from the surface.

2. Liberally apply a pH neutral cleaner to the installed surface, diluted as per manufacturers instructions.

3. Allow the cleaner adequate dwell time according to manufacturers instructions, before agitating the surface with a nylon bristled decking brush.

4. Remove all remaining residue with a squeegee, wet-vac or continuously rinsed mop.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT | Aqua Mix Concentrated Stone & Tile Cleaner

NOTE: Never use acidic or alkaline cleaners without seeking advice from the manufacturer first. For specific cleaning recommendations for commercial projects, please contact your sales representative.


CURE TIME
All new installations will require a period of time for the installation products to properly cure. Under standard conditions of 21°C, the installation needs to cure for a minimum of 48 hours.