Bomanite Thin-Set Specification
Notes:
1. A specifier is within his rights to issue a proprietary specification that
names only one brand. If in the informed and professional judgement of the
specifier, his client’s needs will be best served by naming a particular
brand, then he has the responsibility to limit his specification to one source.
This practice is even acceptable on publicly funded projects. This principle
of proprietary specification has found legal support in the case of Whitten
Corp. v. Paddock Pool Builders, Inc., a Federal District Court case from
Massachusetts (376 F. Supp. 125). Further support came in 1975 when
the U.S. Supreme Court rejected further appeal and review.
2. This specification applies only to Bomanite Thin-Set bonded to
concrete substrates. Bomanite is most often installed as a monolithic slab
on grade with a thickness of 4” (10.2 cm) or greater (which is covered
by separate specifications from these).
1.00 GENERAL
1.01 Description - Bomanite Thin-Set applications include:
a. Renovation projects where there is an existing slab and an
increase in grade of more than 1” (2.5 cm) is not possible.
b. Interior flooring in new construction where there are good reasons
to install a rough construction grade slab first and later a finished
thin topping.
c. Re-grading where changing drainage on an existing slab is needed.
d. Interior and exterior renovation projects requiring resurfacing of
existing or damaged concrete.
1.02 References and Standards - The licensed Bomanite
contractor is normally a subcontractor and Bomanite Thin-Set is called out in
a section separate from the regular concrete work in Division 9. Depending
on the project, Bomanite Thin-Set may also be included in Divisions 2 or 3.
The contractor for this work shall be the following Bomanite licensed
contractor, who has been trained and equipped by Bomanite Corporation:
Name of Bomanite contractor ____________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________
Telephone_____________________________________________________
Fax __________________________________________________________
1.03 Definitions - Bomanite Thin-Set, a system that employs the
use of a hybrid polymer bond coating and the use of a modified polymer
cement mixture.
1.04 Scope - All work in this section shall be designated Bomanite
Thin-Set in the plans. The work shall include all labor, material, equipment
and transportation required to install Bomanite Thin-Set. The contractor for
this work shall be licensed, tooled and trained by Bomanite Corporation to
utilize the materials and processes specified as Bomanite Thin-Set. The
contractor shall be required to provide a foreman or supervisor who has
done at least three Bomanite Thin-Set installations.
Bomanite Thin-Set shall be bonded to an existing structurally sound substrate
(installation of substrate not included in this specification). The substrate shall
be structurally sound at the surface, free of substantial cracking and/or
movement and shall have minimum compressive strength of 3000 psi
(21 MPa); 4000 psi (28 MPa) in freezing areas where applicable. New
substrates shall be properly cured for a minimum of 28 days.
Work provided by the Bomanite contractor shall include:
a. Provide materials: Bomanite Bond Coat Liquid, Integrally Colored
Bomanite Thin-Set, Bomanite Chemical Stain (optional), Bomanite
sealer and grout (optional).
b. Provide Bomanite/Bomacron imprinting tools.
c. Application of Bomanite Con-Shield as required.
d. Prepare surface of substrate for bond coat.
e. Apply Bomanite Bond Coat Liquid.
f. Blend Bomanite Thin-Set Topping Mix following manufacturer’s
recommendations.
g. Place Bomanite Thin-Set Topping Mix at desired thickness.
h. Apply Bomanite Release Agent.
i. Apply Bomanite/Bomacron imprinting tools.
j. Apply Bomanite Chemical Stain (optional).
k. Apply Bomanite water-based or solvent-based sealer.
l. Grout joints (optional).
m. Perform final clean up.
1.05 Quality Assurance
a. All work shall be installed by a licensed Bomanite contractor who
shall provide a foreman or supervisor who has experience with
and knowledge of special processes used to install Bomanite Thin-
Set. Evidence that the Bomanite contractor is qualified to complete
the project as specified herein shall be submitted to, and subject
to approval of, the architect/designer.
b. The licensed Bomanite contractor shall provide a job-site sample
(100 square feet or 9.3 square meters minimum) to be approved by
the architect prior to the start of the construction. Said sample shall be
the standard for the balance of the work installed, and shall be
protected against damage until final approval from the architect. The
cost for the construction and protection of the referee sample shall be
borne by the owner/agent and shall be part of the contractor’s bid.
2.00 PRODUCTS AND MATERIALS
2.01 Bomanite Bond Coat Liquid
Bomanite Bond Coat Liquid: A hybrid polymer coating system specially
formulated to ensure permanent adhesion of Bomanite Thin-Set
Topping Mixes.
2.02 Bomanite Thin-Set Topping Mix
The Bomanite Thin-Set Topping Mix shall be mixed thoroughly using a
bucket, drill motor and manufacturer’s approved mixing paddle, or in a
standard cement mortar mixer in strict accordance following manufacturer’s
guidelines. Mixing water shall be fresh, clean and potable. The use of
non-chloride accelerators shall be permitted when necessary.
2.03 Coloring Method
a. Bomanite Thin-Set shall be colored integrally and the color selected
from the Bomanite Color Hardener/Release Agent Color Chart (or
in special cases custom blended for a specific project).
Color shall be blended using either of the following methods:
• Bomanite Thin-Set Color Packs blended with a Base (uncolored)
Bomanite Thin-Set Topping Mix in strict accordance following
manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Pre-blended Bomanite Thin-Set bag mixes provided by
Bomanite and mixed in strict accordance following
manufacturer’s guidelines.
b. Bomanite Release Agent: Specially formulated for installation of the
Bomacron process to produce clean tooling release and give a
colored, antiquing effect to the surface. The color(s) shall be:
_________________________________________________.
c. Bomanite Chemical Stain (optional): The concrete shall be colored
with Bomanite Chemical Stain. The color(s) shall be:
_________________________________________________.
d. Bomanite Sealer: Water-based or solvent-based Bomanite sealer
depending on application.
e. Grout: A mixture of sand, cement and water (and optionally,
color pigments).
3.00 EXECUTION
3.01 Substrate/Substrate Preparation
a. Substrate shall be prepared by removing any dirt, oil, soap or
grease using a caustic soda or Trisodium Phosphate wash and
then rinsed thoroughly with clean water. Any loose or unstable
coatings shall be removed from the substrate chemically or
mechanically prior to cleaning.
b. Interior Concrete: Concrete shall be tested for vapor emission
levels in accordance with ASTM D 4263. If vapor emission levels
Bulletin 203.4
BOMANITE CORPORATION
BOMANITE
10
04 2,3,9 SITE CONSTRUCTION
CONCRETE
FINISHES
exceed 5 lbs., Bomanite Con-Shield shall be applied according
to manufacturer’s recommendations.
c. Exterior Concrete: Concrete cannot be effectively tested for vapor
emission levels outdoors. If moisture problems are suspected, apply
Bomanite Con-Shield following manufacturer’s recommendations.
Concrete subject to freeze/thaw conditions shall be treated with
Bomanite Con-Shield according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
d. Concrete shall have a pH range between 8-9. If pH levels fall below or
above this range, contact Technical Services at Bomanite Corporation.
e. If the substrate is powdery or soft, floor shall also be treated with
Bomanite Con-Shield to harden/stabilize and ensure proper adhesion of
the Bomanite Bond Coat Liquid. Floor shall be clean and free of
moisture prior to application of the Bomanite Bond Coat Liquid.
f. Substrate shall have a minimum surface temperature of 40 °F (5 °C)
throughout placement and cure of Bond Coat and until the
topping mix has reached a 24-hour cure.
g. Bomanite Bond Coat Liquid shall be applied to a dry, prepared
substrate using a manufacturer’s approved squeegee. The
Bomanite Bond Coat Liquid shall be mixed and applied following
manufacturer’s recommendations.
h. Optional: Repair cracks as identified by contractor/client using
Bomanite Crack Repair Kit.
3.02 Installation Procedures
a. After the bond coat is dry, a pre-colored mix or color pack added to
white or gray Bomanite Thin-Set Topping Mix shall be placed and
screeded to the proper grade using concrete tools to smooth the surface.
b. An initial scrub coat of Thin-Set Topping Mix shall be applied,
then immediately covered to the desired thickness.
c. Thin-Set topping mix shall be placed at a minimum of 3/8” to
accommodate most imprinting tools. When deeper-bladed tools are
required, thickness shall increase accordingly.
d. While topping is still in the plastic stage of set, Bomanite/Bomacron
imprinting tools shall be applied to make the desired patterned
and/or textured surface. Bomanite Release Agent shall be applied to
the surface prior to the use of Bomacron tools.
e. Bomanite sealer shall then be applied uniformly in accordance with
manufacturer’s recommendations.
f. After 48-hour curing periond, the impressions may be grouted. A
slurry of grout shall be spread over the surface with a squeegee,
and the surplus grout shall be removed.
g. When grouted, the surface shall be cleaned using sponges to remove
the wet grout, then residual dust removed using a fine brush.
h. From date of installation of Bomanite Thin-Set, slab temperature shall
be maintained at a minimum of 40 °F (5 °C) for the first 15 days and
a minimum of 33 °F (1 °C) for the second 15 days. There shall be no
deviation from this most important temperature requirement.
i. Sealing with water-based Bomanite Hydrocoat or solvent-based
Bomanite I-18 shall be done after a two-day minimum hydration
period or until all blotchiness from moisture is gone.
3.03 Protection and Maintenance
Newly completed surfaces should be protected from water until sealed
by the Bomanite contractor. Water left on the surface before sealing
could result in a white film. This will not affect the adhesion or durability
and can be cleaned prior to sealing.
Maintenance will vary depending on a number of factors including volume
and intensity of traffic, UV exposure, geographic location and weather
conditions. For instance, interior applications will require a different routine
maintenance program than exterior products. Residential applications
typically require less cleaning and maintenance than commercial and
municipal projects. In large interior commercial applications, a qualified floor
maintenance contractor is recommended for routine cleaning. Exterior
Bomanite Thin-Set surfaces should be resealed annually depending on
traffic, especially in freeze-thaw locations. Routine cleaning and maintenance
of interior floors shall be done in accordance with job requirements.
All Bomanite Thin-Set installations should be professionally cleaned and
resealed periodically by your local Bomanite contractor or a qualified floor
maintenance contractor in order to maintain a top-quality appearance. In
general, expect the need for professional maintenance to occur every 12-24
months. Protective maintenance coats of sealer shall be applied periodically
to assure the desired level of gloss is maintained. Contact your local
Bomanite contractor for the proper maintenance program in your area.
LIMITATIONS
Bomanite Thin-Set is a thin cementitious system that tenaciously bonds to any
stable concrete substrate. As such, it is subject to the structural limitations of the
substrate and its subgrade. If the substrate has cracks or cracks later due to
temperature changes and/or ground movement, then these cracks may transfer
through the Bomanite Thin-Set. Therefore, Bomanite Thin-Set should not be
installed over a substrate that has excessive cracking and evidence of movement.
If Bomanite Thin-Set is to be installed under cold weather conditions, the slab
temperature must be kept safely above freezing during the first 30 days.
Temporary heat should be provided if needed. Bomanite Thin-Set should
never be installed unless these temperature conditions can be maintained. In
freeze-thaw areas, weak or improperly air-entrained concrete will result in an
unstable surface and poor adhesion.
Avoid placement of Bomanite Thin-Set when the following weather
conditions are present:
a. Excessive heat/wind conditions – encourages shrinkage cracking.
b. Surfaces below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) during
installation or the first 15 days of curing – Bomanite Thin-Set improperly
adheres to substrate.
c. Surfaces below 33 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) in the second
15 days of curing – inadequate strength or bond of Bomanite Thin-Set.
Bomanite Thin-Set, on its own, will not bridge control joints in the substrate
without cracking in that vicinity. Therefore, a similar control joint should be
located in the Bomanite Thin-Set exactly over the one in the substrate. Control
joints and cracks in the existing substrate are expected to transfer through the
surface of the topping. Use Bomanite Crack Repair Kit according to
manufacturer’s recommendations to bridge the joints and/or cracks prior to
installation of the Bomanite Thin-Set Topping. The Bomanite Thin-Set system will
bond tenaciously to foreign materials that are bonded to the substrate, but the
ultimate bond strength is dependent on the bond strength of the foreign material.
Bomanite Thin-Set will not properly adhere to the following:
a. Freshly placed concrete that has not fully cured.
b. Salt-contaminated surfaces due to deicing salts or the presence of
calcium chloride.
c. Surfaces with excessive vapor emission levels or high pH.
CODES AND CERTIFICATION
All materials manufactured by Bomanite Corporation are warranted to be of
uniform quality within manufacturing tolerances. Since control is not exercised
over their use, no warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the effects of
such use. Bomanite Corporation’s obligation under this warranty shall be limited
to refunding the purchase price of that portion of material proven to be
defective. Please contact your local Bomanite contractor for available warranties
on workmanship. Bomanite Corporation makes no warranty, expressed or
implied, as to the quality of the workmanship by local Bomanite contractors.