COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Principles of Substrate Suitability for Wall & Floor Tiling course. This program will equip you with the skills and knowledge to assess, prepare, and work with a wide range of substrates prior to tile installation.
Substrate suitability plays a critical role in the durability, safety, and aesthetic quality of a finished tiling project. Tiling on an unsuitable or improperly prepared surface can lead to adhesive failure, tile cracking, water damage, and costly rework. This course begins by outlining the importance of thorough substrate assessment, the consequences of proceeding without verification, and the tiler’s responsibility in ensuring surfaces are ready for installation.
Adherence to Australian Standards is essential for compliance and performance. This section covers the requirements of AS 3958.1 and AS 3958.2, with particular focus on flatness, deflection, and allowable tolerances. It also addresses alignment with the National Construction Code (NCC) and references to other applicable industry standards.
Tilers must recognise the diversity of substrates encountered on site. This section provides an overview of common materials such as concrete, fibre cement sheeting, compressed boards, render, plasterboard, timber flooring, and masonry, including their characteristics and challenges.
Concrete substrates are common but require proper assessment. This section examines curing time, moisture content, and the presence of laitance, cracks, or expansion joints. Preparation techniques for ensuring bonding compatibility are also addressed.
Timber-based substrates pose specific risks due to movement and moisture. This section explores the need for tile underlayments, correct fixing methods, and how to treat or brace timber sheeting to minimise deflection and promote a stable tiling base.
Plasterboard and Gyprock walls are frequently tiled in residential settings. This section outlines the load-bearing limitations of these surfaces, waterproofing needs in wet areas, and the importance of priming for effective adhesive performance.
Rendered and masonry surfaces must be aged, sound, and prepared correctly. This section focuses on appropriate sand/cement mix ratios, texture suitability, suction characteristics, and the importance of full curing prior to tile application.
Tiling over existing tiles is possible when done correctly. This section highlights how to assess the bond strength of the original installation, prepare glazed surfaces, and test for hollowness or instability before proceeding with overlay work.
Moisture testing is a critical part of substrate assessment. This section covers testing methods such as electronic moisture meters, acceptable moisture levels for various substrates, and the risks associated with tiling over damp or curing surfaces.
Flatness and levelness of the substrate are key to tile alignment. This section explains how to check surfaces for compliance with AS 3958.1 deviation limits and how uneven areas contribute to lippage and adhesive voids under tiles.
Structural movement and vibration can lead to tile failure. This section addresses the impact of movement on adhesion, how to identify movement-prone zones, and the correct use of expansion joints and flexible adhesives.
Adhesive compatibility with substrates is non-negotiable. This section explains how to select the correct adhesive based on substrate type, the role of primers and additives, and the importance of following manufacturer recommendations for warranty and performance.
Contamination must be removed to ensure a proper bond. This section discusses how to clean substrates of dust, oil, curing agents, paint, and other residues using appropriate tools and cleaning techniques before tile installation.
Priming and sealing surfaces prepares them for bonding. This section outlines when primers are necessary, how to treat porous substrates, and sealing practices for areas exposed to moisture, ensuring adhesion and longevity.
Crack isolation and movement control are part of long-term planning. This section explains the difference between static and dynamic cracks, the use of isolation membranes, and the integration of control joints in accordance with AS 3958.1.
Wet areas have strict substrate requirements. This section explores how to assess and prepare substrates in bathrooms, laundries, and other wet zones, including ensuring compatible waterproofing systems and appropriate surface gradients.
External tiling requires additional considerations. This section discusses the challenges of weather exposure, drainage, slope requirements, and the use of external-grade systems to prevent moisture ingress, cracking, or failure over time.
Bond strength testing can help verify surface readiness. This section introduces pull-off tests, test tiling, and warning signs of insufficient adhesion that must be addressed before proceeding with the full installation.
Unsuitable substrates must be repaired or replaced. This section outlines how to rectify surfaces through levelling, patching, or resheeting, when to involve other trades, and how to plan repairs to avoid future issues.
Documentation is essential for quality control. This section highlights the importance of keeping detailed inspection records, reporting problems to supervisors or clients, and obtaining written approval before proceeding over non-compliant or questionable surfaces.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped to assess substrate suitability accurately, comply with Australian standards, select appropriate preparation techniques, and ensure the foundations for every tiling job meet the highest standards of safety, durability, and professionalism.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Substrate Suitability in Tiling
- Importance of assessing substrate conditions
- Consequences of tiling on unsuitable surfaces
- Role of the tiler in verifying substrate readiness
2. Australian Standards for Substrates
- Overview of AS 3958.1 and AS 3958.2 requirements
- Tolerances for flatness, level, and deflection
- Compliance with building codes and NCC references
3. Identifying Common Substrate Types
- Concrete, cement sheeting, compressed fibreboard
- Plasterboard, render, brick, and blockwork
- Timber flooring, particle board, and plywood
4. Evaluating Concrete Substrates
- Curing times and moisture content
- Surface preparation for bonding
- Identifying laitance, cracks, and expansion joints
5. Assessing Timber-Based Substrates
- Movement, flexing, and moisture issues
- Use of tile underlayments and bracing
- Securing and treating timber for tiling
6. Suitability of Plasterboard and Gyprock Walls
- Fixing strength and weight limitations
- Waterproofing requirements in wet areas
- Priming for adhesion compatibility
7. Evaluating Rendered and Masonry Surfaces
- Age and curing time of renders
- Sand/cement ratios and bonding capability
- Surface texture and suction levels
8. Tiling Over Existing Tiles
- Assessing adhesion and integrity of existing tiles
- Roughening or priming glazed surfaces
- Checking for hollowness and surface soundness
9. Moisture Testing in Substrates
- Methods of testing
- Acceptable moisture limits for different materials
- Risks of tiling over damp or curing substrates
10. Surface Flatness and Level Tolerances
- Understanding deviation limits per AS 3958.1
- Measuring high and low spots in surfaces
- Impact of irregular surfaces on tile lippage
11. Assessing Structural Movement and Vibration
- Effects of substrate movement on tile adhesion
- Expansion joints and flexible adhesives
- Identifying high-movement zones
12. Compatibility of Adhesives with Substrates
- Selecting adhesives based on substrate type
- Primers and additives for difficult surfaces
- Manufacturer specifications and recommendations
13. Cleaning and Surface Contamination Removal
- Removing dust, oil, curing agents, and paint
- Ensuring a bondable surface free from residues
- Tools and techniques for surface preparation
14. Surface Priming and Sealing Requirements
- When and why primers are required
- Priming porous and absorbent surfaces
- Sealing substrates exposed to moisture
15. Crack Isolation and Movement Control
- Identifying static vs dynamic cracks
- Use of crack isolation membranes
- Incorporating movement joints as per AS 3958.1
16. Preparing Substrates in Wet Areas
- Waterproofing system compatibility
- Ensuring membrane coverage and fall
- Substrate requirements for bathrooms and laundries
17. Special Considerations for External Substrates
- Weather exposure and drainage
- Substrate slope and runoff requirements
- Use of external-grade materials and systems
18. Testing Bond Strength and Adhesion
- Pull-off tests and test tiling
- Indicators of poor adhesion risk
- Addressing weak or unstable areas before tiling
19. Repairing and Rectifying Unsuitable Substrates
- Levelling, patching, or re-sheeting surfaces
- Reinforcing or replacing compromised areas
- Recommendations for trades coordination
20. Documenting and Reporting Substrate Conditions
- Keeping records of inspections and tests
- Reporting concerns to supervisors or clients
- Seeking approval before proceeding on non-compliant surfaces
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.