CSI-STYLE SPECIFICATION LANGUAGE

(Architect / Designer / GC / Submittal-ready)

PART 1 — GENERAL

1.01 SUBSTRATE CONDITIONS

A. Installation shall occur only when substrates meet the requirements outlined herein.
B. Do not proceed with installation until unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected.

PART 2 — ACCEPTABLE SUBSTRATES

2.01 SUBSTRATES

A. Concrete
Fully cured (minimum 28 days), structurally sound, smooth, and free of laitance, sealers, or contaminants. Surface deviations greater than 3 mm shall be corrected prior to installation.

B. Cement Backer Board (CBU)
Installed per manufacturer recommendations. Securely fastened to framing, rigid, and free of cracks or movement.

C. Gypsum Board / Drywall
Interior, wall-grade only. Properly fastened, dry, and capable of supporting applied panel and adhesive load.

D. OSB (Oriented Strand Board)
APA-rated, wall-grade OSB only. Must be flat, dry, securely fastened, and primed with a manufacturer-approved bonding primer prior to installation.

E. MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)
Wall-rated MDF approved for vertical applications. Must be flat, dry, dimensionally stable, and fully supported.

F. Existing Tile or Brick
Must be firmly bonded with no hollow areas. Surface shall be cleaned, degreased, and mechanically abraded to promote adhesion.

G. Plastered Walls
Fully cured, smooth, and structurally sound.

PART 3 — LIMITATIONS

3.01 RESTRICTIONS

A. Installation over glass or mirrored surfaces is prohibited.
B. Installation on suspended or hanging ceilings without solid framing is not permitted.
C. Flooring, overhead hanging, or unsupported applications are not allowed.

PART 4 — EXECUTION

4.01 PREPARATION

A. Substrates shall be clean, dry, and free of dust, grease, oils, sealers, or loose material.
B. Highly absorbent substrates shall receive a compatible primer.
C. Substrate must permanently support the combined weight of the panel system without deflection.

CONTRACTOR INSTALLATION SHEET

(Straightforward. No excuses. No misreads.)

INSTALLATION CHECKLIST — READ BEFORE INSTALL

ACCEPTABLE WALL SUBSTRATES

✔ Concrete (cured, flat, clean)
✔ Cement backer board (CBU)
✔ Drywall/Gypsum board
✔ OSB (APA-rated, primed)
✔ MDF (wall-grade only)
✔ Existing tile or brick (solid + scuffed)
✔ Fully cured plaster

NOT ALLOWED

✖ Glass or mirrors
✖ Suspended ceilings without framing
✖ Floors or hanging installs
✖ Loose, flexible, or moving surfaces

REQUIRED CONDITIONS

• Surface must be clean, dry, and dust-free

• No oils, sealers, or paint failure

• Prime porous surfaces

• Substrate must support panel + adhesive weight long-term

REALITY CHECK

If the wall flexes, moves, or sounds hollow — do not install. Fix the substrate first.

EXECUTION

CUTTING, FITTING, AND HANDLING

A. Cutting

1. Cut panels using an angle grinder equipped with a diamond blade or a handheld oscillating saw suitable for masonry or composite materials.

2. Perform all cuts from the decorative face side to minimize edge chipping and surface damage.

B. Dry Fitting

1. Dry-fit panels prior to final installation to verify layout, alignment, and dimensional accuracy.

2. Do not proceed with installation until all panels fit properly and required adjustments are completed.

C. Layout Control

1. Establish and mark reference lines on the substrate to ensure consistent joint spacing and visual alignment.

2. Maintain uniform joint widths throughout the installation.

D. Handling and Storage

1. Handle panels with care to prevent cracking, warping, or surface damage.

2. Panels shall remain flat, fully supported, and unstressed prior to installation.

3. Avoid excessive handling or bending of panels before and during installation.

ADHESIVE APPLICATION

A. Adhesive Type

1. Use polymer-modified stone adhesives or approved flexible tile adhesives compatible with Eco-Flexi MCM panels.

2. Recommended adhesives (Canada / Alberta):

   • MAPEI MegaLite® Ultimate Tile Mortar

   • Polyblend® Professional Tile Adhesive

B. Mixing

1. Mix adhesive strictly per manufacturer instructions to achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency.

C. Application

1. Apply adhesive evenly to the substrate using a notched trowel (4–6 mm) to ensure full coverage.

2. Install panels within the adhesive open time as specified by the manufacturer to achieve optimal bond performance.

D. Quality Control

1. Ensure panels are fully embedded and in full contact with the adhesive.

2. Avoid creating voids, air pockets, or uneven bonding surfaces.

JOINTS, ALIGNMENT, AND CORNER INSTALLATION

PANEL SEAMS AND ALIGNMENT

A. Natural Seams

1. Panels may be butted directly, allowing natural veins, color variations, and texture to flow continuously.

2. Over-engineering uniform joint widths is not required; natural alignment is integral to the design intent.

B. Optional Open Joints

1. Maintain joint widths of 1.5–3 mm where desired for design emphasis or grout effect.

2. Fill joints with color-matched grout coordinated with the panel’s base tone.

3. Ensure joints are neat, fully filled, and consistent with adjacent panels.

C. Corner Execution

1. Adjoining panels may be miter-cut at 45° and butt-joined to create clean transitions.

2. Prioritize natural alignment and flow over strict geometric symmetry.

3. Avoid visible stepping, overlapping, or misalignment on external and internal corners.

D. Panel Flexibility

1. Do not force panels into position.

2. Allow panels to respond to substrate variation and natural material movement.

3. Minor irregularities in substrate may contribute to the organic, artistic appearance.

E. Consistency Guidelines

1. Maintain general visual alignment across the installation.

2. Subtle variations are acceptable and encouraged to preserve the natural aesthetics of the stone.

3. Ensure that artistic expression does not compromise structural adhesion or panel stability.

PANEL INSTALLATION (ADHESIVE PRESSING & SECTIONAL WORK)

A. Adhesive Application

• Apply adhesive to a small, manageable section of the substrate.

• Ensure full coverage while avoiding excessive buildup.

B. Panel Placement and Pressing

• Position panels according to reference lines and natural seam flow.

• Press panels gently using a rubber roller to eliminate trapped air and ensure uniform contact with adhesive.

C. Cleaning and Adjustment

• Remove excess adhesive immediately from panel surfaces and joints.

• Verify alignment, seam continuity, and panel flatness prior to adhesive set.

D. Sectional Installation

• Proceed section by section, allowing proper curing conditions, including temperature, humidity, and airflow.

• Ensure no stress, bending, or unsupported spans occur during installation.

FINISHING AND SEALING

A. Sealer Application

• Apply an approved stone sealer to all panels only after the adhesive has fully cured, in strict accordance with manufacturer instructions.

B. Inspection

• Inspect all panel edges, seams, and joints to confirm proper adhesion and full contact with substrate.

• Address any areas of separation or voids prior to final cleaning.

C. Cleaning and Protection Removal

• Remove all protective masking and coverings carefully.

• Clean panel surfaces with pH-neutral, non-abrasive cleaners.

• Avoid harsh chemicals, acids, or abrasive tools that could damage the decorative face.

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

A. Cleaning

• Perform routine cleaning using soft cloths and mild, pH-neutral cleaners.

• Do not use acidic, abrasive, or harsh chemical products that could damage the panel surface.

B. Sealant Reapplication

• Reapply stone sealer as required, depending on environmental exposure and wear.

• Follow manufacturer guidelines for coverage and curing.

C. Inspection

• Conduct annual inspections to check for panel detachment, adhesive failure, wear, or degradation of sealant.

• Address any issues promptly to maintain structural integrity and aesthetic quality.

SAFETY AND STORAGE

A. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Wear gloves, dust mask, and safety glasses during cutting, handling, and adhesive application.

B. Work Environment

• Ensure adequate ventilation when cutting panels or mixing adhesives.

• Maintain a clean, organized workspace to prevent accidents.

C. Panel Storage

• Store panels flat, dry, and fully supported.

• Protect from direct sunlight, moisture, and impact prior to installation.

D. Regulatory Compliance

• Follow Alberta building codes, occupational health and safety regulations, and site-specific safety requirements at all times.

• Adhere to manufacturer instructions and local guidelines for material handling and installation.

CODE COMPLIANCE

A. Regulatory Standards

• Installations shall comply with NBC‑AE (National Building Code – Alberta Edition) and NFC‑AE (National Fire Code – Alberta Edition), as well as all applicable Western Canada building regulations for wall and ceiling cladding systems.

B. Key References

• NBC‑AE Division B, Article 3.1.5.5 — Combustible cladding on exterior walls.

• NBC‑AE Division B, Article 3.1.5.6 — Combustible components in exterior wall assemblies.

• NBC‑AE Subsection 9.10.14 — Exposing building faces and non-combustible cladding conditions.

• Article 9.10.14.2 — Fire-resistance requirements for exterior wall assemblies.

• Article 9.10.14.5 — Restrictions for combustible components in certain locations.

• NFC‑AE — Fire-safety performance requirements for exterior cladding and facades.

C. Contractor Responsibilities

• Verify project-specific code compliance prior to installation, including:

  • Substrate preparation

  • Material performance and ratings

  • Fire-safety compliance

  • Structural support adequacy

• Ensure all installations meet regulatory, safety, and manufacturer requirements.

• Eco-Flexi MCM™ Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

• Eco-Flexi MCM™ Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

• Adhesive manufacturer installation guides (Mapei)

• Adhesive manufacturer installation guides (Polyblend)

Contact Angkop Corp Technical Services for project-specific support or training:

Email:

info@angkop.ca

project@angkop.ca

Phone: 

+1 778-9099524