Installation Presentation

Tabs Walls Systems can be installed on just about any building substrate, from Exterior Plywood, Cement Board, OSB, Densglass Gold, Insulated Sheeting, & to Existing or New Masonry Walls. Tabs Wall Systems, LLC • 4515 Airwest SE• Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-554-5400  

Prior to installing the MortarLock Panel as an exterior surface, it is extremely important that the substrate of choice has been properly prepared and covered with a code approved water infiltration barrier. In addition all window and door openings must be properly flashed & sealed. Tabs Wall Systems, LLC • 2900 Wilson Avenue • Grandville, MI 49418 • 616-261-5656  

Now that you inspected & sized up your project, it is time to get started, make sure you ordered the necessary Tabs System components to make your project a success. Tabs II Adhesive & Mortar Additive. Tabs II Structural Support Panel Tabs II Structural Support Corner Panel Tabs Wall Systems, LLC • 2900 Wilson Avenue • Grandville, MI 49418 • 616-261-5656  

Tabs II 4” or 9” Flashing Tape Tabs II Super Stretch Flashing Tape If your installing the MortarLock Panel System with window or door openings, you must order the following additional items. Tabs II 4” or 9” Flashing Tape Tabs II Super Stretch Flashing Tape Tabs Wall Systems, LLC • 2900 Wilson Avenue • Grandville, MI 49418 • 616-261-5656  

In addition to the necessary MortarLock components needed, be sure you order your Thin Veneer Material of Choice. Tabs Wall Systems, LLC • 2900 Wilson Avenue • Grandville, MI 49418 • 616-261-5656  

When ready to tuck point, only use “Type S Mortar”, adding only “Tabs II Mortar Additive” diluted to a 1:5 Ratio. “Type S Mortar” can be mixed on site or pre-mixed. Pre-mixed Type “S” Mortar mixes include everything (sand, portland & lime), just add water along with Tabs II Mortar Additive. Tabs Wall Systems, LLC • 2900 Wilson Avenue • Grandville, MI 49418 • 616-261-5656  

Step 1 Level & snap line across bottom of substrate minimum 1 ½” above finished grade. Carefully pull up membrane and install flashing , wrap membrane over top of flashing. Bend up bottom row of tabs & cut across using power sheers. Place MortarLock Panel on top of flashing & start installing the MortarLock panel. Tabs Wall Systems, LLC • 2900 Wilson Avenue • Grandville, MI 49418 • 616-261-5656  

Step 2 Only using non-corrosive #8 flat head or wafer head fasteners with flat back design. Install one fastener per square foot in pre-drilled hole, 16” on center & 8 “ high through substrate into wood or steel stud. For projects 24” on center, install every 24” horizontally & 5 ¼” high. Additional fasteners can be used wherever panels are cut and needed. Tabs Wall Systems, LLC • 2900 Wilson Avenue • Grandville, MI 49418 • 616-261-5656  

Step 3 It is recommended that MortarLock corner panels be installed first, followed by MortarLock standard panels. Staggering panels in a running bond pattern. This will also help in bracing the wall. The maximum spacing between panels should be no more then 1/16”. This will also allow for stress relief and allow for any adjustment which might be needed. Tabs Wall Systems, LLC • 2900 Wilson Avenue • Grandville, MI 49418 • 616-261-5656  

Step 4 After installing MortarLock Corner Panels, start installing MortarLock Standard Panels, occasionally checking with level & tape measure to allow for proper alignment. Use Tin Snips or Power Shears to cut panels between window & door openings &/or where any obstacle may appear. Tabs Wall Systems, LLC • 2900 Wilson Avenue • Grandville, MI 49418 • 616-261-5656  

Step 5 Now that you’ve installed enough panel to get started. Only using Tabs II Adhesive, apply two dabs about the size of a quarter (just enough for brick to stick on the panel) on each end of the back of the brick or on the panel. Add one additional dab of adhesive on return side of corner brick. Tabs Wall Systems, LLC • 2900 Wilson Avenue • Grandville, MI 49418 • 616-261-5656  

Start Installing Brick Step 6 Start Installing Brick Slightly slide brick into place (¼” max), this will break any surface film & achieve proper bond. Be sure to engage Tabs II’s mortar tie, by pressing mortar tie in downward motion over top of each brick. Tabs Wall Systems, LLC • 2900 Wilson Avenue • Grandville, MI 49418 • 616-261-5656  

Step 7 Install Accents Install Accents, such as Rowlocks & Soldier Courses by tapping Tabs upward with a hammer. Tabs Wall Systems, LLC • 2900 Wilson Avenue • Grandville, MI 49418 • 616-261-5656  

Step 8 Tuck Point Mortar Wait twenty four (24) hours to allow adhesive to set-up, check to see if thin veneer material is ready to be tuck pointed. When ready, using a Type “S” Mortar mix adding Tabs II Acrylic Additive, start tuck pointing brick using a mortar bag, fill horizontal joints “right to left”, than strike joints “left to right”. Tabs Wall Systems, LLC • 2900 Wilson Avenue • Grandville, MI 49418 • 616-261-5656  

Step 9 Step 10 Strike Joints & Clean Do Not Power Wash ! When mortar is thumb print dry to touch (similar to wet beach sand), it is now ready to strike the joint with a slicker or jointer. Pack mortar into joint. Properly struck mortar should be dry enough to fall away clean and tooled to a dull gritty finish. If finish is wet & shiny stop ! Let set-up a little longer and proceed. Thereafter, brush excess mortar off brick face with a natural bristle brush. Clean brick, per brick manufacturers recommendation. Tabs Wall Systems, LLC • 2900 Wilson Avenue • Grandville, MI 49418 • 616-261-5656  

Key Points Never have a Continues Horizontal Bead of Glue, Which will Trap Water Never Overlap Panel Over Control Joint. Space Same thickness as Control Joint Never Overlap Two Panels Except at Control Joints, Never Space Two Panels More Then 1/16” Apart Always Engage Tabs II Mortar Tie Over Each and Every Brick Only Use MortarLock Authorized Materials If your not Sure, refer back to your MortarLock Installation Guide or call MortarLock Tabs Wall Systems, LLC • 2900 Wilson Avenue • Grandville, MI 49418 • 616-261-5656