Gator Tile System

Gator Base is environmentally friendly, engineered to return water to the native soil due to the evacuation channels incorporated in the Gator Base. It will never leach chemicals or degrade in the native soil for over 100 years.

Gator Base Unit

• Eases installation of porcelain tile
• Increases efficiency
• Equivalent to 288 lbs (130 kg) of crushed stone
• Replaces 6 in (15 cm) of compacted crushed stone
• Evacuates water through the channel
• Manufactured using lightweight high-density polypropylene
• Environment-friendly and 100% recyclable
• Extremely durable, will not degrade in the ground
• Designed with a tongue and groove system
• Gator Base Insulation has an R-Value of 3.8 (per inch thickness)
• Will significantly reduce the number of freeze and thaw cycles

BETTER LOAD TRANSFER

One Gator Base panel engineered for paver and tile installation is equivalent to 6" of crushed stone. The interlocking panels distribute all dynamic loads to a very wide area practically eliminating any pressure on the ground.

BETTER FREEZE AND THAW PROTECTION

One Gator Base panel acts like 18" of crushed stone as a thermal blanket. It is 3 times more effective than crushed stone as an insulator thus significantly reducing freeze and thaw cycles.

The creation of the Gator Tile System allows for the installation of porcelain tile directly on top of the Gator Base using the Gator Spacer to provide uniform spacing and unparalleled stability. The Gator Spacer has been designed to provide the right support, load transfer and a monolithic surface binding all units together.

All Gator Spacer bars can be removed to create a flat disk to support larger tiles and uniformize the load transfer to all units. Simply break the spacer bar's bridge to obtain a flat disk.

The reverse side of the Gator Spacer has been designed and engineered to ensure ease of use and maximum grip of the Gator Spacer to the tile. The Tile Secure Lock will be ensured with the Flexlock Ultra Block Bond adhesive filling the reverse rivet holes creating a bond and a lock between both the Gator Spacer and the tiles.

Flexlock Ultra Block Bond ensures mechanical binding and structural integrity of the system. Binding the Gator Spacer to the porcelain tile minimizes any lateral movement due to the natural elements.

The spacer can be cut into either a half- or a quarter-unit (using an utility knife) to be used along the edge of a building or the Gator Edge. Take note that the spacer bar needs to be kept to ensure exact spacing when laying the tile.

TO CALCULATE THE AMOUNT OF SPACERS NEEDED FOR SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR PORCELAIN TILE SIZES, USE THE FOLLOWING FORMULAS:

Calculation for 24”x 24” tiles
Square feet x 0.4 = number of spacers

Calculation for 24”x 48” tiles
Square feet x 0.35 = number of spacers

Calculation for 18”x 36” tiles
Square feet x 0.75 = number of spacers

Flexlock Ultra Block Bond ensures mechanical binding and structural integrity of the system. Binding the Gator Spacer to the porcelain tile minimizes any lateral movement due to the natural elements.

The Gator Edge is the fully customizable solution to run around the perimeter of your finished porcelain tile installation, providing stability and strong lateral support. The Gator Edge is made with 100 % polyethylene.

APPLICATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

1. It can be installed either before or after the Porcelain tile installation.
2. Using one Gator Base Screw every second hole and at every junction ensures continuous lateral support.

Product Size: ⅝” x 2¼” x 96” (8 linear feet)

Fastening Gator Edge with the Gator Base Screw through the Gator Base reinforces the outside perimeter, creating a strong lateral support.

Gator Tile Sand, once set, becomes very firm and locks between the tile joints while still retaining flexibility and providing a long-lasting, durable jointing material.

Gator Tile Installation

Step 1 • Excavation of the new Gator Tile area

Excavate the new Gator Base area. The depth required is calculated by adding Porcelain Tile height, Gator Base, bedding sand, plus any soft organic material that has to be removed. Excavate the perimeter an extra 6" (15 cm) wider on all sides than the tile area required.

Step 2 • Levelling and compacting of the base

(A) Ensure a slope of at least 1 degree away from any structure, such as a house.
(B) • The native soil needs to be compacted using a plate compactor or hand tamper.

Step 3 • Addition of geo-fabric, levelling and compacted bedding sand

(A) • Lay down a non-woven geo-fabric and cover the entire excavated area.
(B) • Spread an even layer of sand to a depth of maximum 3/4 inch (19 mm) • The levelling and compacting the bedding sand will be the last step prior to installing the Gator Base.
(C) • Water the sand prior to using a hand compactor and/or plate compactor, compact the 3/4 inch (19 mm) of bedding sand until you obtain a final height of 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) of compacted bedding sand, that should reflect the final tiled surface.

Step 4 • Installation of the Gator Base

Make sure to install the Gator Base on the extended excavation area (total excavation should be 6 inches [15 cm] wider on each side than the final tiled area).
• Start laying the Gator Base units ensuring Gator Base interlocks with the tongue & groove system.

Step 5 • Installation of Porcelain tile and Gator Spacer

Gator Spacers should receive a generous amount of Flexlock Ultra glue on each quadrant. Install the Porcelain Tile on the Gator Spacer, apply pressure or tap the tiles with a rubber mallet at all corners. This will ensure that the tiles are adhering to the Gator Spacer. The Gator Spacer will be left in the tile installation permanently, ensuring proper alignment and stability of your project for years to come.

Step 6 • Installation of Gator Tile Edge and Gator Screws

Install Gator Tile Edge on the Gator Base using Gator Base Screws, make sure that Gator Tile Edge rests firmly against the tiles. Use Gator Base Screws at every second hole.

Step 7 • Sweeping, compacting and blowing of the Gator tile Sand

(A) • When emptying the bag of GATOR TILE SAND, spread it onto the dry, tiled surface.• When sweeping the GATOR TILE SAND, spread it over a small area before moving onto the next, while making sure to fill in the joints.
(B) • It is now time to compact the sand into the joints using a roller compactor or rubber mallet. Do not use a plate compactor. Repeat filling and compacting of the tile joints. Finally, sweep the surface with a fine bristle broom and remove all excess sand. • Ensure the sand is 1/8 inch (3 mm) lower than the tile chamfers
(C) • Finally, use a blower to blow off all sand residue laying on the tile surface.

Step 8 • Gator Tile Sand water activation steps

(A) • Shower water on a specific area of 100 sq.ft., wait no longer than 2 to 3 minutes.
(B) • Shower and rinse simultaneously on a section of approximately 100 sq. ft. so as to eliminate any GATOR TILE SAND residue left on the tiles. Any GATOR TILE SAND residue should go directly into the tiled joints. Wait no longer than 2 to 3 minutes.
(C) • Shower and rinse simultaneously, so as to eliminate any GATOR TILE SAND residue. Any residue should go directly into the tiled joints. However, stop showering when you see water retention on the tiled joints. Wait no longer than 2 to 3 minutes. Note: Repeat the directions of STEPS 8a to 8c for all other areas that have not been showered with water.
(D) • Use a leaf blower to remove any excess water remaining on the tiled crevices. This blowing action is necessary to help remove any remaining GATOR TILE SAND residue left on tiled surfaces from the previous steps.

WATER ACTIVATION (IMPORTANT NOTES)

Work in manageable sections, ideally about 100 sq. ft. at a time, depending on temperature.
Do not allow GATOR TILE SAND to wash out of joint.
Never allow tiled surface to dry out during the water activation phase.
Watering must be started at the lowest point of the tiled surface.
Use a watering gun connected to a hose. Setting should be set to shower.

IMPORTANT: The water used in steps 8a to 8c will activate a bonding action as well as condensing GATOR TILE SAND in the joints. It is important to water the GATOR TILE SAND a total of 3 times, as per steps 8a, 8b and 8c. To little water will not properly activate the GATOR TILE SAND and will reduce the final performance.

Moss Gator Tile Sand will not cause nor prevent moss, mold or mildew. Moss, mold and mildew are caused by certain on site conditions including excess moisture, shade, absence of ventilation, inadequate cleaning or maintenance, presence of soil or other organic debris left on the product.