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Gator Tile Sand is one of Alliance’s polymeric sand lines. Created to become very firm and lock between joints, while maintaining ease of installation. This special blend of polymer binders and calibrated sand is perfect for any paver job.

Gator Tile Sand

For porcelain tile joints up to 1" (2.5 cm)

For use with gator tile system 7 components only

Order your free sand sample bars Now!

CROSS SECTION REPRESENTS THE HEIGHT OF POLYMERIC SAND FOUND IN THE JOINTS

Maximum joint width: 1″ (2.5 cm)

What the height for joint cross sections would look like.

REQUIRED SUB-SURFACE PREPARATION AND FOUNDATION OPTIONS

To use with 0.75 inch (20 mm) outdoor porcelain tile only.
  • A minimum 2% top surface slope for proper water run-off
  • GATOR TILE SAND at least 1/8″ (3 mm) lower than the tile chamfers
  • Minimum depth of joint 11/16″ (17 mm)
  • Maximum spacer joint width 1/4″ (6.4 mm)
  • Gator Base must exceed the actual tile installs by 6 inch (15 cm) on all sides
  • Layer of sand 3/4″ (19 mm)
  • For pedestrian applications
  • The 7 components of the Gator Tile System are to be used for the install

C-33 sand or ASTM No. 9 stone can be used under pavers.

A- COMPACTED NATIVE SOIL FOUNDATION

  1. Cover extended slope excavated compacted soil with a Gator Fabric GF4.4  and add a 3/4″ (19 mm) sand or ASTM No. 9 stone layer
  2. Install Gator Base on the extended sand layer
  3. Install Gator Spacer disks on all corners of the tiles
  4. Apply Alliance polyurethane XP glue on each quadrant and lay the tiles 
  5. When completed install the Gator Tile Edge firmly against the tiles
  6. Fasten a Gator Base Screws at every second hole.
  7. Install the GATOR TILE SAND

B- COMPACTED CRUSHED STONE AND NATIVE SOIL FOUNDATION

  1. Cover extended slope excavated compacted soil with a Gator Fabric GF4.4 and add in compacted crushed stone to the desire level and the 3/4″ (19 mm) sand or ASTM No. 9 stone layer
  2. Install Gator Base on the extended sand layer
  3. Install Gator Spacer disks on all corners of the tiles
  4. Apply Alliance polyurethane XP glue on each quadrant and lay the tiles
  5. When completed install the Gator Tile Edge firmly against the tiles
  6. Fasten a Gator Base Screws at every second hole
  7. Install the GATOR TILE SAND

Installation Instructions

The 7 components of the Gator Tile System are required for installation.

STEP 1 • Excavation of the new Gator Tile area
  1. Always refer to the latest GATOR TILE SAND Technical Data Sheet (TDS) at Polybind.com before installing GATOR TILE SAND.
  2. Excavate the new GATOR TILE area. The depth required is calculated by adding Porcelain Tile height, Gator Base, compacted 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 finished tile area requires.
STEP 1
STEP 2 • Levelling and compacting of the base
  1. Ensure a slope of at least 2% away from any structure, such as a house.
  2. The native soil needs to be compacted using a plate compactor or hand tamper.
STEP 2A
STEP 2B
STEP 3 • Addition of Gator Fabric GF 4.4, levelling and compacted sand
  1. Lay down Gator Fabric GF 4.4, a non-woven geotextile (minimum 100 LBF) and cover the entire excavated and compacted area.
  2. Spread an even layer of sand, no more than 3/4″ thick (19 mm). Levelling and compacting the sand will be the last step prior to installing the Gator Base.
  3. Water the sand prior to using a hand compactor and/or plate compactor, compacting the layer of sand until you obtain a final height of 1/2″ (13 mm) of compacted sand. This compacted surface should reflect the final tiled surface. The use of stone in the size of ASTM No. 9 is also an accepted method of installation and no compaction is required.
STEP 3A
STEP 3B
STEP 3C
STEP 4 • Installation of the Gator Base
Make sure to install the Gator Base on the extended excavation area (total excavation should be 6″ (15 cm) wider on each side than the final tiled area). • Start laying and staggering the Gator Base units ensuring Gator Base interlocks with the tongue & groove system. (Lock ‘N’ Go system)
STEP 4
STEP 5 • Installation of porcelain tile and Gator Spacer

Gator Spacers should receive a generous amount of Alliance polyurethane XP 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.

N.B. Gator Spacers are offered in 1/4″, 3/16″ and 1/8″ (6.4 mm, 4.8 mm and 3.2 mm) joint sizes.

STEP 5
STEP 6 • Installation of Gator Tile Edge and Gator Base 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 6

Gator Tile Sand Installation Steps

STEP 7 • Sweeping, compacting and blowing of the Gator Tile Sand
  1. When emptying the bag of GATOR TILE SAND, spread it onto the dry, tiled surface. Please note: When using GATOR TILE SAND, the porcelain tiles must be installed on a Gator Base foundation using the Gator Tile System only. • 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.
  2. It is now time to compact the sand into the joints using a 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 GATOR TILE SAND is 1/8″ (3 mm) lower than the tile chamfers or erosion may occur. The filled and cured polymeric sand joints should never be in direct contact with foot traffic.
  3. Finally, use a blower to blow off all sand residue laying on the tile surface.
STEP 7A
STEP 7B
STEP 7C
Water Activation Important Notes
  1. Work in manageable sections, ideally about 100 sq. ft. (10 sq. m.) at a time, depending on temperature.
  2. Do not allow GATOR TILE SAND to wash out of joint.
  3. Never allow tiled surface to dry out during the water activation phase.
  4. Watering must be started at the lowest point of the tiled surface.
  5. Use a watering gun connected to a hose. Setting should be set to shower.
STEP 8 • Gator Tile Sand water activation steps
  1. Shower water on a specific area of 100 sq. ft. (10 sq. m.), wait no longer than 2 to 3 minutes.
  2. Shower and rinse simultaneously on a section of approximately 100 sq. ft. (10 sq. m.) 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.
  3. 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, 8b and 8c for all other areas that have not been showered with water.
  4. Use a leaf blower to remove any excess water remaining on the tiles or crevices. This blowing action is necessary to help remove any remaining GATOR TILE SAND residue left on tiled surfaces from the previous steps.
STEP 8ABC
STEP 8D

IMPORTANT

The water used in steps 8a, 8b and 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. Too little water will not properly activate the GATOR TILE SAND and will reduce the final performance.

Alliance Gator offers a 15 year limited warranty on their polymeric sands. See warranty section for more information.
All Alliance Gator polymeric sand come in waterproof bags.

No warranty if Gator Tile System is not used with 7 components listed below

Gator-Tile-System-7-components-1-Gator-Fabric-4-4
Gator-Tile-System-7-components-2-Gator-Base
Gator-Tile-System-7-components-3-Gator-Spacers
Gator-Tile-System-7-components-4-Gator-Block-Bond-XP
Gator-Tile-System-7-components-5-Gator-Edge-Tile
Gator-Tile-System-7-components-6-Gator-Base-Screws-english
Gator-Tile-System-7-components-7-Gator-Tile-Sand
GATOR TILE SAND is meant to be used on projects where water can freely drain thru the Gator Base and into the native soils or any other appropriate aggregate material that lies underneath the Gator Base. All areas where the water is unable to evacuate, excessive moisture and humidity will buildup and negatively impact the performance of the GATOR TILE SAND. It would be recommended to leave the joints empty under these circumstances to alleviate any moisture issues.

This warranty is given by the manufacturer of this product (hereafter “Manufacturer”). The Manufacturer cannot guarantee results, as it has no control over surface and sub-surface preparation and product application. Moreover, there is no warranty if the porcelain tiles are installed directly on bedding sand or concrete foundation. However, for a period of 15 years from purchase, the Manufacturer agrees, if the product is proven to be defective, and on the condition that it was installed pursuant to the method of application of surface and sub-surface preparation described above, to refund the purchase price of the Gator Tile polymeric sand. Proof of purchase is required for any claim.

Please Note: This Tile Sand warranty is only valid if used as part of the entire Gator Tile System. (When used together with all seven components, see installation instructions.)

Please Note: This limited warranty applies only when the product is used for residential purposes exclusively (home owners or contractors using the product for single or multi-unit dwellings that are exclusively for residential pedestrian use).

Please note that when the product is used for other pedestrian purposes (mixed-use, commercial, institutional or other), the above terms apply except that the applicable period is reduced to 1 year from purchase.
THE PARTIES AGREE THAT REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE AS STATED IS THE ONLY OBLIGATION OF THE MANUFACTURER. IN ALL EVENTS, THE MANUFACTURER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY OTHER DAMAGES OR COSTS (INCLUDING REMOVAL OR REINSTALLATION OF SAND OR TILES) WHATSOEVER, DIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE MANUFACTURER EXCLUDES ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF QUALITY, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PURPOSE. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, GATOR TILE SYSTEM Shall not be liable for the presence of moss, mold, mildew, or similar factors that may occur on the product after its installation.
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