Ensure all surfaces are structurally sound, between 40° F (4°C) and 90°F (32°C), and free from all dirt, paint, concrete curing compounds, release agents and sealers.

NOTE Only install TIER® products on the following suitable substrates:

• Traditional unfinished Block Work
• Concrete (Scratch surface if very smooth)
• Approved Building Boards, Screw Capacity where required

Find the level of the first row of panels by dividing the height of the surface by 215 mm/8 ½” (the height of each TIER® panel). Until the adhesive has fully set the first row of TIER® panel will require temporary support. A straight edge (normally a timber lath) should be fixed to the substrate to provide support and a level starting guide.

When ready, mix a manageable amount of TIER® Adhesive (Masonry Installation System  MIS) by slowly adding TIER® adhesive to clean water at a ratio of 3kgs to 1 Litre of water(5 Litres of water to a 15kg Bag of TIER® adhesive). Mix with a slow speed mixer for one minute, or until a creamy, smooth consistency has been reached. Allow to slake for 5 minutes, remix and use. Only TIER® Adhesive (Masonry Installation System M IS) is recommended for use with TIER® Panel Systems.

NOTE

Only apply TIER® mortar adhesive to an area which can be covered with TIER® panel before the adhesives surface has begun to harden or s kin-over.  Environmental conditions vary, but this time period is normally between 15-20 minutes from application. Conduct a small test area for non-sag performance if necessary. Cement based products will take longer to harden and set at lower temperatures and should not be used below 5 degrees Celsius.

Start at the corners and spread the TIER® adhesive onto the substrate using the flat side of a notched trowel. Ensure 100% coverage. Comb on additional adhesive with the notched side of the trowel. (for best results use a 12 mm x 12 mm notched trowel) Apply TIER® adhesive to the back of the TIER® Panels using the same process. It is essential that TIER® adhesive is applied to both the substrate and the back of the panels, and that 100% coverage is achieved.

Start at the corners and work inwards  until panels meet. Place the adhesive covered TIER® Panel in the desired position and press against the adhesive covered substrate. The gentle use of a rubber mallet may be helpful. Slide the panel approx. 25 mm in a diagonal direction and then back to the desired final position while maintaining even pressure. No air gaps between the TIER® Panel and substrate should remain. Check for complete coverage by periodically removing a panel and inspecting the transfer of adhesive. Panels should be fitted tightly together. Small pieces of cement or adhesive can create gaps between panels, so ensure all panels are level and joints are thoroughly cleaned before fitting the next panel. No grouting or jointing is required after fitting.

If cutting is required, we recommend the use of a table saw (preferable) or a suitable 9  grinder with the appropriate diamond blade. If a grinder is used, slight blade movement can create high torsion forces which may occasionally dislodge a stone from the cement backing. This is quite normal and the dislodged stone can simply be stuck back on using TIER® Adhesive or, a high performance adhesive such as Xcel (MGA) Masonry Grab Adhesive. We recommend that TIER® Kerf Brackets or TIER® Stainless Steel fixing clips are used, in conjunction with TIER® adhesive, to areas of panel fitted above 3 metres from ground level.

Alternative Installation Method for TIER® OPUS Panel System. Ensure all surfaces are structurally sound, between 40° F (4°C) and 90°F (32°C), and free from all dirt, oil, grease, paint and concrete sealers or curing compounds. 

Apply 5 equally spaced vertical bead lines of Xcel MGA to the back of the stone panels. These should run 150mm from the top to the bottom of the panel. Install panels from bottom to top to avoid any slipping whilst the Xcel MGA adhesive is curing, ensure that panels are fitted with no joints. 

Push the panel firmly into place, interlocking it with any existing panels. The gentle use of a rubber mallet may be helpful.