Altro Whiterock Splashbacks installation guide

Please refer to the Altro wall sheet fitting guide for detailed installation instructions and tools required.

Installation procedure

• Firstly, check out the wall where the splashback is to be installed, paying particular attention to the corners. These need to be inspected to ensure they are straight and free of any building waste which could prevent the splashback achieving a full bond when installing to the substrate after the adhesive has been applied and the sheet is installed.
• The wall surface must be sound, dry (maximum or 16% WME), free from excessive undulations and clean prior to installation (if necessary, contact Altro technical services for specific recommendations on cleaning and preparation).
• Once all preparation has been carried out, the substrates have been cleaned and are free from dust, and any contamination from grease has been removed, the PVCu splashbacks can be installed.
• Lay the splashback on to a flat workbench, inspect for any damage – only continue if the sheet is in good condition.
• The protective film should be left in place, as this protects the sheets during the marking, cutting and installation process and only removed once the installation has been completed. A ball point pen is the best product for marking out lines on the protective film.
• With the splashback on the workbench, take measurements from the area the sheet is to be installed too, ensuring a 2-3mm gap is incorporated into the fitting to allow for any expansion. Once all measurements have been taken from the wall, they can then be transferred on to the sheet, and the sheet cut using the correct cutting tools.
• Offer the cut sheet to the substrate (dry fitting), checking the 2-3mm expansion joint at all abutments and pipe work
• Once the dry fitting confirms that the splashback fits, lay it face-down on the workbench and clean the back of the sheet, with a product that does not leave an oily residue, such as Dissolvit wipes, as this will affect the adhesive bond.

Applying AltroFix adhesive

• Wear appropriate safety equipment before handling materials and adhesives and refer to safety data sheets.
• For two-part AltroFix adhesives carefully mix parts A and B together using a large mixing drill and paddle for a minimum of 3 minutes, until an even colour is acquired.
  Note: Adhesive must be mixed using a powered drill and paddle.
• Apply the adhesive to the back of the sheet, using the recommended 5mm x 5mm notched trowel. The adhesive should be applied approximately 15mm from the edge of the sheet (where joint strips are to be fitted), and up to the white foam tape edge if it is a welded jointed or a Altro FlexiJoint installation. Certain joints are for specific areas and will need clarification on safe use and areas they are being installed into.
• The working time of AltroFix W139 adhesive is approximately 40 minutes depending on the ambient temperature of the room.
• The trowel must be held so that the adhesive is applied to an even finish, and the trowel notches are replicated to the same depth over the sheet.

Health and Safety Advice

Before using the adhesive, users must refer to the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for correct safety advice and carry out a COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessment and risk assessment. Always wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) when handling adhesives and ensure the area is adequately ventilated. In the case of contact with eyes or skin, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.

Fitting Altro Whiterock Splashbacks

• After applying the adhesive, lift the splashback and install, ensuring that the splashback is in the correct position.
• Once fitted to the substrate, apply pressure to the whole of the splashback face to ensure the adhesive has been transferred and will be fully bonded to the substrate (this is normally done with a hand roller or block of timber covered with a material to prevent the surface being damaged).
• Failure to ensure a good transfer of adhesive to the substrate could result in the splashback debonding.
• Ensure any adhesive residue is thoroughly cleaned off the surface of the sheet or joint trims (and other adjacent surfaces). This must be done immediately, before the adhesive sets.

Jointing

Altro splashbacks can be jointed using any of the following methods:

• 1 part joint strip
• 2 part joint strip*
• Altro Flexijoint*
• Altro heat weld

*not for secure environment installations, please refer to Altro Technical services.

For detailed instructions on how to use the above jointing methods please refer to the Altro wall sheet fitting guide.

Completion

• Only after cleaning of the room has been completed should Altro sanitary sealant be applied around the perimeter of the splashback and once dry, the protective film can be removed and the surface of the splashback cleaned with Altro antistatic solution (A809) with a non-abrasive cleaning cloth. This is required as the sheet may have static build up and any dust in the atmosphere will adhere to the surface of the sheet.adhesive sets.

Cleaning

• Regular cleaning using a soft non-abrasive cloth and suitably diluted mild detergent is all that is normally required. For heavy grease contamination use Altro 44 alkaline cleaner (or similar). Stubborn marks can be removed with Altro cleaner (ref: A859) cream (not to be used on splashbacks made from Altro Whiterock Digiclad (custom), Altro Whiterock Chameleon or Altro Whiterock wall designs), or use a non-abrasive domestic type cream bath cleaner.
• If cleaning with hot water lance, temperatures must be regulated to a maximum of 60º Centigrade and not to be localised.
• Do not use cleaning materials of an abrasive nature.
• Cleaning cards are available on request.