Let’s start by understanding what exactly M-DCPS stands for, this is the abbreviation  for Miami Dade County Public School. 

A specification often refers to a set of documented requirements to be satisfied by a material, design, product, or service. A specification is often a type of technical standard.

There are different technical or engineering specifications (specs) types, and the term is used differently in different technical contexts. They often refer to particular documents, and/or particular information within them. The word specification is broadly defined as “to state explicitly or in detail” or “to be specific”.

A guideline means a set of statements by which to determine a course of action.

Miami Dade Public School assigns a set of guidelines or specifications to all their projects. These Master Guidelines show all the products, manufacturers and setting material for a specific project number.

Merkrete Thin Set and M-DCPS

Merkrete Thin Set products now are part of the Miami Dade Public School Setting Materials and Epoxy Grout in the 09330 QUARRY TILE M-DCPS SPECIFICATION GUIDELINES. Please visit or blog https://bcs.llc/blog/which-the-best-thinset-for-floor-tiles for more information about types of thin set products for tiles approved by Miami Dade County

What does it mean to the Architects? 

The architechs are the responsible for Warranty, Maintenance, Technical Services, Technical Data, Suitable Tile Types and Suitable Substrates

Warranty

The architects are responsible for the Warranty, Maintenance, Technical Services, Technical Data, Suitable Tile Types and Suitable Substrates.

Maintenance

Properly installed products require no special maintenance.

Technical Services

For Merkrete Thin Set, 5-year, 10-year and Limited Lifetime warranties are available. 

Technical Data
Applicable Standards

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) — ANSI A108.5, A118.4 and A118.11 of the American National Standards for the Installation of Ceramic Tile ASTM International (ASTM)

• ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)

• ASTM C627 Standard Test Method for Evaluating Ceramic Floor Tile Installation Systems Using the Robinson-Type Floor Tester

• Resilient Floor Covering Institute – (RFCI) Recommended Work Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings

• Tile Council of North America (TCNA) – TCNA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation, TCNA Method EJ171

• ISO 13007-2

merkrete M-DCPS

 

Suitable Tile Types


• Brick and thin brick
• Cement-based pre-cast terrazzo
• Impervious porcelain and glass tile
• Natural stone tile
• Vitreous, semi-vitreous or non-vitreous
tile: ceramic, mosaic, quarry, cement body
tile


Suitable Substrates


• Brick masonry
• Cement backer board1
• Cement mortar beds
• Cement plaster
• Cement terrazzo
• Ceramic tile and stone
• Concrete
• Concrete masonry
• Exterior grade plywood2
• Gypsum wallboard2
• Merkrete waterproofing and crack isolation membranes
• Merkrete Fracture Guard Uncoupling Mat

What does it mean to the Installer? 

The installer is also responsible for the proper installation, so for that reason the installers needs all the support, availability and prices in order to successfully comply with the M-DCPS Specification Guidelines.

Installation

Surface Preparation

All surfaces must be between 40º F (4º C) to 95º F (35º C) and structurally sound (deflection not to exceed 1⁄0360 of the span), dry, clean and free from oil, grease, wax, paint, old adhesives, sealers and curing compounds. Any contaminants that inhibit proper bond must be removed. 


Substrate preparation should be completed following ANSI A108 AN-2 “General Requirements for Sub-surfaces.” All substrates should be plumb and true; surface deviation should not exceed 1 ⁄4″ in 10’. Patching, leveling or areas requiring a mortar bed should be prepared using Merkrete’s Underlayments. Movement (expansion) joints should be provided to comply with TCA method EJ 171.

Substrates:

Plywood Substrates: Maximum joist spacing should be 16″ on center. Plywood should be exterior grade only. Maintain a gap of 3 ⁄616″ between plywood underlayment sheets edges and all that abut walls, columns, posts and adjacent sheets. All plywood installations should be interior areas only and protected from exposure to moisture.


Cement Substrates: All concrete substrates should be cured a minimum of 28 days. Smooth, steel-troweled floors should be roughed up using mechanical chipping, scraping or shot blasting. Dampen porous or dry concrete prior to the installation of tile. Do not leave puddles or standing water.


Cement Backer Board: Follow cement board manufacturer’s instructions.

Mixing


In a clean container, add approximately 5 quarts (4.75 liters) of clean potable water. Then add the contents of the 50 lb. (22.7 kg.) 710 DUSTLESS Premium Set Plus mortar. Mix thoroughly by hand or with a slow speed mixer to a smooth, thick, trowelable consistency. Allow mortar to slake for approximately 15 minutes, then remix before using. Remix without adding additional water or powder. Mortar consistency shall be such that when applied with the recommended notched trowel to the substrate, the ridges formed in the mortar do not flow or slump. During
use, stir mortar mix occasionally. Do not temper with additional water. Do
not add latex liquid to 710 DUSTLESS Premium Set Plus.

 

 

 

 

What is in the market?

In the market there are different brands for Epoxy Floor Coating, in our case, BCS (Building Construction Solutions). We are the authorized distributor of Sika and sell and distribute only Sika Products.

Sika is not a “one solution fits all” supplier. We will work with your design team to understand your facility needs by area and recommend the optimal floor and wall systems taking into consideration your budget, time allowance, and esthetic requirements. With a wide range of base resin chemistries to choose from, you can be certain your system meets your immediate and long-term needs.

 

What is in the market?  What products can you find in the market?

In the market there are different brands of thin set. In our case, BCS (Building Construction Solutions) we are the authorized distributor of Sika and we sell and distribute only Sika Products.

Sika is not a “one solution fits all” supplier. We will work with your design team to understand your facility needs by area and recommend the optimal floor and wall systems taking into consideration your budget, time allowance, and esthetic requirements. With a wide range of base resin chemistries to choose from, you can be certain our system meets your immediate and long-term needs.

What Types of thin set are in the market?

There are different types of thinset in this market. so, in our case, BCS (building construction solution) we are the authorized distributor of Sika and we sell and distribute only Sika Products.

Sika is not a “one solution fits all” supplier. We will work with your design team to understand your facility needs by area and recommend the optimal floor and wall systems taking into consideration your budget, time allowance, and esthetic requirements.

With a wide range of base resin chemistries to choose from, you can be certain your system meets your immediate and long-term needs.

What BCS as Sika Distributor can do for you?

As BCS unique service we can provide this value for your convenience: 

BSC can provide following unique services for your convenience:

  • In stock even on weekends
  • Delivery even on weekends
  • Material supplies  in stock
  • Regular Train and Capacitation, Job Site Support
  • On call Technical Support
  • Weekend deliveries or pick up in our central office (Warehouse)
  • You can count on our local stock of materials
  • Job site support
  • Constantly training our valued partners
  • On call Technical Support

 

Feel free to contactcontact us