BracerSpacer® uses:
Ceilings , Floors and Walls …braces, spaces, levels
- Bonding substrate .25” or .50”Hardie BackerBoard or WonderBoard (your preference).
- Install bonding substrate (WonderBoard or Hardie BackerBoard (your preference).
- Using a stud finder, identify and mark the location of ceiling joists.
- Measure the length and width of the ceiling that will be receiving the bonding substrate.
- Cut the bonding substrate to size using a hand saw or similar tool. Draw a line length or width onto the outside (it’s the side that you will see once you secure the bonding substrate to the ceiling) of the bonding substrate that corresponds exactly to the ceiling joist once it is put to the ceiling. The bonding substrate can now be secured to the ceiling with commonly used construction screws including, wood screws and drywall screws. Ensure that some of the screws go into the ceiling joist. This provides for a stronger hold.
- As an extra precaution, apply an adhesive to one side of the bonding substrate and with the sticky side up, secure that side to the ceiling. This enables the bonding substrate to attach more securely to the ceiling. While holding the bonding substrate in place, and using a power driver screw the bonding substrate to the ceiling, making sure that some of the screws go into the previously located ceiling joists. This important step will allow for the most secure attachment of the bonding substrate to the ceiling. It will also reduce the possibility of the bonding substrate pulling away from the ceiling after tiles have been installed onto the bonding substrate.
- After the bonding substrate has been completely attached, the ceiling is ready to receive the tiles.
- If necessary, using a tile saw cut the preferred tile to the desired dimensions.
- If you have not done so, mix your mortar to a buttery consistency. If it’s too thin it will run. If it’s too thick it’s harder to get a good bond. Admix makes the mortar stronger and stickier.
- Place the spacer atop the bracer with the spacer ridge facing up. Now, place the assembled BracerSpacer® in an area (pocket, ladder, etc.) that will be easily accessible with one hand.
- Apply a thin layer of mortar on the ceiling. While holding or placing a tile on a hard surface, lightly “back butter” the tile and move it to the desired position on the ceiling. Holding it in one hand push the tile into the ceiling to create a bond with the bonding substrate. The adhesive should be sticky enough to hold the tile to the ceiling without much pressure. Continue holding the tile in place to prevent it from pulling away from the ceiling.
- Retrieve the BracerSpacer®, place it next to the middle edge of the tile. Be sure that the spacer ridge is aligned parallel to and closely touching the tile being held. Screw it clockwise into the bonding substrate until the BracerSpacer® is snug with the outside face of the tile. Screwing can be done manually of with a small power driver (your preference). Use one BracerSpacer® if placement is to the middle of the tile and two (2) if placement is on both ends of the tile.
- Perform the same steps on the opposite side of the tile. With a BracerSpacer® on each side of the tile, it will remain secured to the ceiling. The tile will be level and properly spaced. The remaining tiles can be installed in the same manner until the job is complete.
- After drying overnight, the BracerSpacer® can be unscrewed and reused for another job.
- Grout as desired, wipe clean and enjoy.