There are many factors that contribute to the ability of a tile to permanently bond to the substrate, including substrate preparation, proper selection of setting material, environmental conditions during installation, application of bonding mortar and embedment of the tile. This article will examine standards for mortar coverage, perhaps one of the most important criteria to achieving a good bond.
For projects with specifications referring to ANSI A108 American National Standard Specifications for the Installation of Ceramic Tile, the tile contractor must meet the minimum mortar coverage requirements specified in the standard. Even if the specification does not refer to ANSI, or if there is no specification, it is widely acknowledged that the mortar coverage requirements stated in ANSI represent best industry practice.