Application Guidelines for Tile Floors over 7/16" Cementitious Backer Units on a Wood Floor Joists System Installation
(Based on Procedures for Cork Composition Underlayment
Recommended by the Tile Council of America)

SONICORK

Tecnicor's Sonicork (CCB - 12/16) cork composition underlayment is an effective acoustical control solution under ceramic tiles and hardwood flooring. Sonicork consists of pure granulated cork combined with a polyurethane resin binder, a plasticizer and a fungicide. The product's dimensions are: 6 mm (gauge tolerance is .237 ± .015) x 49" x 98', for a total of 400.17 square feet. The product has a density which is a miminum of 10 pounds per cubic foot, and is formulated to not exceed 16 pounds per cubic foot.

Due to its compressibility and tensile strength, Sonicork provides protection against cracking in marble, tile and grout. Additionally, it guards against the invasion of moisture. The combination of a relatively low cost, sound reduction qualities, durability and ease of installation make Sonicork an attractive underlayment.

SUBFLOOR PREPARATION

All subfloor shall be structurally sound, smooth, clean and level, in accordance with manufacturer's recommended installation instructions for appropriate floor construction and in compliance with ANSI A108.1 A, B, C and A108.4 or A108.5 (depending on the method of installation). All subfloor work shall be in accordance with recommended installation procedures for various floor systems as published by the Tile Institute of America and specified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

ISOLATION BARRIER

Install a Sonicork 6 mm thick cork isolation barrier approximately 2" wide around the perimeter of the entire floor, including any openings in the subfloor installation. Spot tack the isolation barrier with an all-purpose type adhesive or a bead of acoustical sealant. Do not mechanically fasten the isolation barrier with screws, nails or staples, as this will severely diminish the acoustical values of the isolation barrier. (After the floor tile is installed and grouted, the isolation barrier will be trimmed.)

SONICORK  UNDERLAYMENT

Cut Sonicork 6 mm to desired length and install directly over the subfloor. Depending on the subfloor and method of installation, glue the Sonicork to the subfloor with a Type 1 organic adhesive and roll Sonicork from the center out with a 75-100 lb. roller, removing all trapped air (loose lay when an overlayment is used). Be sure to butt cork tightly to the isolation barrier already installed. Joints shall be butted together tightly. Sonicork should completely cover the floor area. Never mechanically fasten the cork to the subfloor, as this will severly diminish the acoustical values of the system.

CEMENTITIOUS BACKER

The 7/16" cementitious backer should be applied directly to the completed floor covering, perpendicular to the direction of the cork at 1/4" gaps. Utilizing 2" high strength fiberglass tape, join the units at the bottom of each unit. Fill the existing gap joint between the two units with a multipurpose thin set mortar. Then level the top of the joint for an even, smooth surface for the tile installation. The 1/4" gap should be maintained between the wall and the tile, and filled with acoustical sealant to prevent sound transmission through the walls. Allow a 48-hour period to pass before permitting traffic in the area.

FLOOR INSTALLATION

Ceramic tile and parquet floor should be installed according to manufacturer's recommended instructions, making sure that sealant/caulk is utilized to avoid diminishing the acoustical values. After the tile floor is installed and grouted, trim the isolation barrier 1/4" below the finished floor surface. Caulk the rimmed joint with an acoustical sealant level with the finished floor.

Hardwood flooring may be applied in a similar application process, being careful not to use nails or screws over the Sonicork underlayment. Utilize an adhesive recommended by the flooring manufacturer.

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