Challenge
While the deck area was properly sloped, the blue stone posed a challenge. The construction elevation to install directly over the blue stone was limited with entrance height transitions 3/4” to 7/8” but tearing it out would be a very costly compromise. In addition, two stone walls were in place with wavy perimeters that would require some intricate tile cuts.
Participants
Installer – Pavlo (a.k.a. Pasha) Starykov; Star Tile & Stone, Portland OR
Situation
The luxurious Allison Inn and Spa in Newberg, Oregon, wanted to update their outdoor relaxation and massage area adjacent to the indoor massage suite. The 400 sq.ft. outdoor area overlooks a beautiful, wooded area, has a glass roof over part of the deck and blue stone installed in 2008 that was overdue for an update.
Solution
Dekton Trilium 28″ x 28″ (70cm x 70cm) tiles from Cosentino Center (Portland, OR) were specified for the project. William White, ARDEX Field Marketing Specialist recommended the ARDEX Watec® Exterior Drainage System, because the system is loose laid and can be placed directly over the existing pre-sloped surfaces. ARDEX provided technical support throughout the project including doing a test area created to determine the viability of the Watec System for the project. The Watec System performed as promised and the project was approved to move forward.
The ARDEX Watec Drainage System is a capillary passive drainage system designed to move water away from the installation and is designed for use with commonly installed tile and stone where construction elevations are limited. The system begins with the ARDEX UD 150™ Watec Drainage Mat loose laid over a pre-sloped substrate. The Dekton Trilium Tile was flat troweled and then set directly over the Watec Mat with ARDEX X 90™ OUTDOOR MicroteC3 Rapid Set, Flexible Tile and Stone Mortar which has been tested at 150+ freeze thaw cycles and can be installed and will set at temperatures as low as 40F (5C).
Pasha Starykov said “ARDEX X 90 is a great mortar that is very creamy and performs consistently whether being installed on cool mornings or hot afternoons. And, it has an excellent working time and pot life”.
The finishing touch was to fill the joints with ARDEX SX™ 100% Silicone Sealant to provide proper movement throughout the installation during the frequent expansion and contraction experienced in outdoor installations. DTA profiles (an ARDEX company) were also used on this installation.
Pasha also commented “The ARDEX Watec Drainage System was easier to install than anticipated and exceeded my expectations. I plan on using this unique system often for exterior tile and stone installations”.
Download the Case Study here: ARDEX Case Study – Allison Inn and Spa
