Facade Cladding

How to lay exterior facade tiles in 6 steps

1. Prepare the substrate — A sound, flat, dry and clean wall. On a new wall, allow 28 days for the concrete/render to cure. Dust it off, then apply a bonding primer.
2. Set out the layout — Chalk out the setting-out lines: mark the centre of the wall, the vertical axis and the first level horizontal line. Allow for a sacrificial joint (movement joint) every 4 linear metres.
3. Prepare the adhesive mortar — Class C2 S1 adhesive mortar as a minimum (EN 12004 standard), exterior-grade and resistant to frost/UV and standing moisture. Mix as directed by the manufacturer.
4. Apply with double buttering — Spread the adhesive with a U6 or U9 notched trowel onto the wall (10–20 m² at a time) and onto the back of the tile (double buttering is mandatory outdoors).
5. Bed and tap in — Place the tile on the adhesive and press with a slight twisting motion to expel the air. Tap it home with a rubber mallet. Check the level and the joints (5–10 mm spacers).
6. Grout once dry — After 24 h of drying, remove the spacers. Apply a weatherproof exterior grout (mortar or silicone) with a grouting bag. Smooth it with a jointing tool, then clean with a damp sponge.