| Intended Function |
Confirm that the sheet is designed for uncoupling, crack isolation, waterproofing, or a defined combination of functions. |
Use only the performance claims and applications stated in the current technical data sheet. |
A membrane marketed only for crack isolation should not automatically be treated as a waterproofing layer. |
Application approved: Yes / No |
| Applicable Tile-Membrane Standard |
Check whether the product has documented test results against the applicable membrane standard. |
For crack-isolation membranes, review the declared classification or test results under ANSI A118.12 where applicable. |
Standardized testing provides a more reliable basis for comparing performance than thickness or marketing terminology alone. |
Standard and classification recorded |
| Substrate Compatibility |
Verify approval for concrete, cement backer board, plywood, gypsum-based underlayment, or other proposed substrates. |
Substrate must be structurally sound, clean, dry as specified, and within the manufacturer’s flatness and moisture limits. |
Incorrect substrate selection can cause bond loss, telegraphing, cracking, or movement-related tile failure. |
Substrate and preparation method recorded |
| Substrate Flatness |
Measure the floor before installation using a straightedge or equivalent method. |
For large-format tile, common industry guidance is approximately 1/8 inch in 10 feet and 1/16 inch in 24 inches, subject to the governing specification. |
An uncoupling membrane is not a substitute for correcting excessive substrate variation. |
Measured deviation: __________ |
| Membrane Thickness and Format |
Record the nominal thickness, sheet or roll dimensions, and joint configuration. |
Thickness varies by product type; compare only values measured by the same method and confirmed in the technical data sheet. |
Thickness affects transitions, detailing, coverage, and compatibility with adjacent finished surfaces. |
Thickness: ______ Format: ______ |
| Mortar Selection |
Use the mortar type and classification specified for the substrate, membrane, and tile. |
Record the applicable ANSI A118 mortar classification, such as A118.1, A118.4, or A118.15, when specified. |
Mortar chemistry and working characteristics influence bond strength, open time, and curing beneath the membrane. |
Mortar classification recorded |
| Coverage Beneath Membrane |
Lift test sections during installation to check mortar transfer and eliminate voids. |
Coverage must meet the project specification; wet areas and exterior applications generally require more complete coverage than dry interior areas. |
Insufficient contact can create unsupported areas, movement, and localized tile stress. |
Coverage verified: Yes / No |
| Seam and Perimeter Detailing |
Follow the approved method for abutting, overlapping, sealing, or reinforcing membrane joints and penetrations. |
Use the membrane system’s specified accessories and joint treatment; do not improvise with unapproved tapes or sealants. |
Seams, corners, drains, and penetrations are common locations for water migration and installation defects. |
Details inspected and photographed |
| Movement Joints |
Locate and continue structural, perimeter, and field movement joints through the tile assembly as required. |
Follow the project movement-joint design and applicable tile-installation requirements; do not bridge structural joints with a membrane. |
Membranes cannot eliminate movement that must be accommodated by a properly designed joint. |
Joint layout approved: Yes / No |
| Open Time |
Check that mortar remains transferable before embedding the membrane. |
Open time depends on temperature, humidity, substrate absorption, air movement, and mortar type; use the current mortar data sheet. |
Installing over skinned or partially cured mortar can reduce bond and create hollow areas. |
Ambient conditions recorded |
| Membrane-to-Mortar Cure |
Observe the specified waiting period before heavy traffic, grouting, or tile installation when required. |
Do not use a generic cure time. Follow the membrane and mortar manufacturer’s stated cure time, which may range from same-day installation to approximately 24–72 hours depending on system and conditions. |
Premature loading can disturb the membrane, weaken the bond, or cause tile displacement. |
Required cure: ______ Actual cure: ______ |
| Tile Installation Over Membrane |
Confirm whether tile may be installed immediately or only after the membrane assembly has cured. |
Use the exact system instructions for tile size, mortar type, trowel selection, directional combing, and back-buttering. |
Large-format and heavy tile require consistent support and may need additional handling precautions. |
Tile size and method recorded |
| Grouting Procedure |
Apply grout only after the tile-setting material has reached the required cure stage. |
ANSI A108.10 addresses the installation of grout in tilework; follow its applicable procedures together with the grout manufacturer’s instructions. |
ANSI A108.10 is a grout-installation reference, not a substitute for the membrane manufacturer’s installation and curing instructions. |
Grout type and start time recorded |
| Grout Mixing and Application |
Control water addition, slaking, remixing, joint filling, cleaning, and final cure. |
Use measured water, observe the stated slake time where applicable, and avoid over-washing or adding water during cleanup. |
Excess water and improper cleanup can cause color variation, pinholes, weak joints, and surface erosion. |
Mixing and cleaning checks completed |
| Temperature and Humidity |
Record conditions during substrate preparation, membrane placement, tile setting, and grouting. |
Cure times generally increase in cool, damp, or poorly ventilated conditions and decrease in warm, dry, or windy conditions. |
Environmental conditions directly affect mortar open time, bond development, and grout cure. |
Temperature: ______ RH: ______ |
| Traffic Protection |
Restrict foot traffic and rolling loads until the complete assembly reaches the specified cure stage. |
Use rigid protection that will not puncture or shift the tile assembly; follow the system’s stated light-traffic and full-traffic times. |
Early traffic is a frequent cause of displaced tile, cracked grout, and disturbed membrane seams. |
Protection installed: Yes / No |
| Moisture and Waterproofing Verification |
Determine whether the project requires a waterproof membrane system rather than an uncoupling-only system. |
Review shower, wet-room, balcony, and exterior requirements separately; confirm flood-testing requirements where applicable. |
Uncoupling performance and waterproofing performance are different properties and must be verified independently. |
Waterproofing requirement: ______ |
| Documentation |
Retain the current technical data sheet, installation instructions, lot information, mortar data, and site-condition log. |
Document product type, substrate, mortar, installer, installation date, cure periods, and inspection results. |
Complete records make it possible to verify that the selected system was installed according to its published requirements. |
Documents complete: Yes / No |
