BS 5385-2:2015 - TC

What is this BS 5385-2 about?

BS 5385-2 is the second part of multiple series that gives recommendations for the design and installation of external ceramic, natural stone, and mosaic wall tiles in normal climatic conditions in the UK.

BS 5385-2 deals with the types of backgrounds and their suitability to receive tiling using the following fixing methods:

• Bedding in cementitious or reaction resin adhesives on an intermediate substrate or as a direct bedding method
• Bedding mosaics in cement and sand mortar on rendering or as a direct bedding method on appropriate backgrounds

BS 5385-2 deals with the installation of floor and wall tiling the other parts being:

• Part 1: Design and installation of ceramic natural stone and mosaic wall tiling in normal internal conditions – Code of practice
• Part 3: Design and installation of internal and external ceramic and mosaic floor tiling in normal conditions – Code of practice
• Part 4: Design and installation of ceramic and mosaic tiling in special conditions – Code of practice
• Part 5: Design and installation of terrazzo, natural stone, agglomerated stone tile and slab flooring – Code of practice

NOTE: Cement and sand mortar is seldom used as the bed for external wall tiling but, if needed, see BS 5385-1.

Who is this BS 5385-2 for?

BS 5385-2 on code of practice of wall and floor tiling useful for:

• Construction industry
• Civil engineer
• Manufacturer, installer and supplier of tiles
• Regulatory authority
• Technical committee

Why should you use this BS 5385-2?

External ceramic, natural stone and mosaic wall tiles are mostly used for outdoor surfaces. They are usually hard as compared to indoor tiles

BS 5385-2 recommends the design and installation of external ceramic, natural stone and mosaic wall tiles in normal climatic conditions in the UK.

BS 5385-2 put forward sand mortar information that helps you to subdivide the paste of cementing materials into a thin film which is the basic principle involved in using all cementing materials (sand helps to prevent mortar shrinkage). And also mesh-backed mosaics help the installer to keep mosaic tiles straight as it will give mosaic more stability and be easier to work with.

What’s changed since the last update?

BS 5385-2:2015 supersedes BS 5385-2:2006, which is withdrawn. This is a full revision of the BS 5385-2:2015 and introduces the following principal changes.

• Includes recommendations on natural stone
• Expanded cement and sand mortar information
• Restrictions on mesh-backed mosaics above 3 m
• Includes repairs in existing buildings