Syndecrete Installation


Syndecrete can provide complete installation services for projects within the Los Angeles region. Technical assistance is available for out-of-region projects. Syndecrete^® can be installed with the same tools used to work wood products. When installing Syndecrete^® , design consideration should be given to expansion and contraction. To accommodate this movement, Syndecrete color-matched grout and caulk should be used for tile and counter installations.

Handling and Installation

Syndecrete^® pre-cast lightweight concrete elements are individually cast and hand finished to unique specification. Syndecrete^® is an innovative product and we strongly recommend that outside installers establish open communications with Syndecrete. As each individual job condition may vary, there is no one general method of installation. However, the following points are suggestions of methods that we have used successfully. Syndecrete suggests that you use good judgement and handle Syndecrete^® with great care.

Unpacking/Inspecting

• Blanket wrapping of piece(s) is recommended, however piece(s) can be packed in crates.
  
• Please inspect the crate and note any damage. Expect good quality crating from Syndecrete. Notify shipper of any damage.
  
• Carefully disassemble crate(s) and inspect the Syndecrete element(s). Do not be alarmed by possible slight mottling, efflorescence, porosity or hairline cracks. All or none of these may be present. It is important to install the Syndecrete^® slab(s) in a level position and provide attachment with screws at the ends of the piece(s) to keep flat. It is possible for longer, thinner piece(s) to warp slightly. If this occurs, flip the piece(s) over to flatten out. Be careful not to try and flatten piece(s) too quickly by clamping or scoring, as cracking is possible.
  
• Please recycle packing materials.

Handling

• Always try to carry/handle Syndecrete^® in a vertical position so as to lessen the stress on the material.
  
• Take care to keep the Syndecrete^® covered to avoid chipping, scratching, and staining of the material.
  
• As the pieces may be heavy, please use care and adequate manpower when moving/lifting.

Installation

• Before moving Syndecrete^®, make sure that the installation area is clean, clear and fully prepared to position the Syndecrete^® pieces.
  Make sure all measurements of the installation area and the Syndecrete^® piece(s) are in agreement.
  
• Make sure that the proper substrate is sound and level.
  
• Carefully dry-fit the Syndecrete^® element(s) on the substrate. After placement, check measurements, overhangs, joints, etc. and make adjustments as needed. Take a step back and carefully look at, and think about the project. This is the time when you have a chance to make some adjustments before you permanently attach the piece(s) with screws, silcone, etc.. "Measure twice, cut once."
  
• If required, mark the location of the piece(s) and the material adjustment(s)/cutout(s) which require sanding, grinding, drilling, or cutting and then carefully remove the piece(s). Please use good judgement, caution and concern for the material when proceeding with this. Make sure to fully sand and then reseal any repaired surfaces using the Syndecrete^® Sealer supplied, and per instructions on the bottle. See Finish + Cutting Bulletin for detailed instructions.
  
• Dry-fit again and then when pieces are ready for final placement, apply a bead of silicone caulk to the substrate to ensure good adhesion between the substrate and Syndecrete^®. If possible, screw from below through the substrate and into the Syndecrete^® with wood screws, making sure to pre-drill holes and not screw through more than one-half of the material depth.
  
• It is important to provide continuous support at the joints in order to allow for shimming and attachment.
  
• After the pieces have been set in the finished form, please apply Syndecrete^® Wax per instructions on the bottle.

Protection

• Cover and protect pieces from paint overspray, rust and debris and protect surface(s) and especially edges and corners from impact.
  
• Do not apply adhesive tape to Syndecrete^® surface(s) as they may permanently alter finish. If masking is required, use low tack tape at edges and corners.
  
• Do not stand on, or near cutout(s) of Syndecrete^® surface(s).

Cutting procedures for Syndecrete:

The following is a proven technique for cutting Syndecrete^®. Unlike other concrete or stone surfacing materials, Syndecrete^® can be cut at the manufacturing facility or at the job site with common woodworking tools using carbide blades and masonry bits for small modification. For continuous cutting we recommend diamond blades. Special care should be taken to follow these step-by-step procedures to ensure optimum results:

• If the installation requires it, please caulk all joints using Syndecrete supplied color-matched caulk. Please make sure any new sealer or wax on the material is dry; then follow exact instructions on tube. Shrinkage of Syndecrete^® piece(s) and or movement of surrounding materials may necessitate re-caulking of joints.

Care and Maintenance

• Follow Syndecrete's Care and Maintenance instruction sheet after the pieces have been installed, finished and waxed.

Sealing and waxing techniques

This information is offered as a guide to assist you in sealing and waxing Syndecrete^®. The steps explained here were developed and proven by and for Syndecrete. These steps must be followed in order to insure the best possible results.

CLEANING:

1. To remove surface residue, use a sponge, and clean the surface with a solution of T.S.P. (Trisodium Phosphate) and warm water. All surfaces must be free from oil, dirt, and grease.

2. It may be necessary to lightly sand the surface before applying the sealer and/or wax. This can be done easily by using 80 to 220 grit sandpaper (depending on the extent of repair to be done).

3. Sand the surface so that it has a dull appearance.

4. After sanding is complete fiber may be exposed. Burn off the surface fiber with a common torch or something comparable.

SEALING:

1. For maximum protection, two light, even coats are always preferable to one heavy coat.

2. Make sure the surface is free from dust before applying the first coat. Be sure the first coat is completely dry (1-5 hours depending on temperature, humidity, and air movement) before applying the second coat. Sanding with a finer grit sandpaper before applying the second coat may allow sealer to penetrate better. The water-based sealer may be applied with a roller, brush, or lint free rag. Coverage is 100-500 square feet per gallon.

3. Optimum curing time is 7 days, but sealer is dry to the touch within 1-5 hours.

4. Adhere to the direction on the Syndecrete^® Sealer Bottle.

WAXING:

1. Surfaces should be dry and clean. If Syndecrete^® Sealer was applied, be sure surface has dried thoroughly.

2. It may be necessary to smooth the surface with fine steel wool.

3. Two light even coats of wax are always preferable to one heavy coat. The acrylic wax may be applied with a roller, brush, or lint free rag. Coverage is approximately 75 - 100 square feet per quart.

4. Polish will withstand repeated cleanings with commonly used detergent.

NOTE: If removal of wax is desired, a solution of ammonia/water/powdered detergent is recommended. (1:1:1 Ratio)

Disclaimer:

The aforementioned are suggestions only and should not be construed to represent recommendations or specifications. It is the sole responsibility of the installer to test and utilize methods appropriate to the specific site conditions. Syndecrete is not responsible nor warrants the installation if not installed directly by Syndecrete.