LATICRETE INTERNATIONAL, INC.
1 LATICRETE Park North
Bethany, CT 06524-3423 USA
Telephone: +1.203.393.0010, ext. 235
Toll Free: 1.800.243.4788, ext. 235
Fax: +1.203.393.1948
E-mail: technicalservices@laticrete.com
Web site: http://www.laticrete.com


LATICRETE® 3701 Mortar Admix

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

LATICRETE 3701 Mortar Admix is a specially designed latex admixture for use with thin-set mortars, cement grouts, cement mortar beds, and other cement mixes.

Uses

Used in place of water, LATICRETE 3701 Mortar Admix improves the working and physical properties of any cement mix and provides an economical and easy way to make permanent, trouble-free installations of ceramic tile, brick and natural stone.

Advantages
  • Interior and exterior installations.
  • Shock, chemical and frost resistant.
  • Increased bond and compressive strength.
  • Water resistant; suitable for submerged applications.
  • Superior flexibility.
Suitable Substrates
  • Concrete
  • Cement mortar beds
  • Ceramic tile and stone
  • Cement backer board*
  • Gypsum wallboard (interior only)
  • Cement plaster
  • Brick masonry
  • Cement terrazzo
  • Concrete masonry

* Consult cement backer board manufacturer for specific installation recommendations and to verify acceptability for exterior use.

Packaging

5 US gallon (19 l) pail; 36 pails per pallet.

Shelf Life

Factory sealed containers of this product are guaranteed to be of first quality for five (5) years* if stored at temperatures >32°F (0°C) and <110°F (43°C).

* High humidity will reduce the shelf life of bagged product.

Limitations
  • Not for use as a thin-set mortar additive over exterior glue plywood.
  • Use LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive for installing green marble or water sensitive natural stone and agglomerates.
  • Use a white thin-set mortar when installing white or light-colored stone and agglomerate tile.
  • Adhesives/mastics, mortars and grouts for ceramic tile, pavers, brick and stone are not replacements for waterproofing membranes. When a waterproofing membrane is required, use a LATICRETE Waterproofing Membrane (see Section 10 FILING SYSTEMS).
  • Note: Surfaces must be structurally sound, stable and rigid enough to support ceramic/stone tile, thin brick and similar finishes. Substrate deflection under all live, dead and impact loads, including concentrated loads, must not exceed L/360 for thin bed ceramic tile/brick installations or L/480 for thin bed stone installations where L = span length.
Cautions

Consult MSDS for more safety information.

  • During cold weather, protect finished work from traffic until fully cured.
  • Keep out of reach of children.

TECHNICAL DATA

VOC/LEED Product Information

This product has been GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute under the GREENGUARD Standard for Low Emitting Products in finished form.

Total VOC Content pounds/gallon (grams/liter) of product in unused form is < 0.02 lb/gal (<2.39 g/l).

Applicable Standards–Conforms to ANSI A–118.4

Performance Properties

LATICRETE® 3701 Mortar Admix mixed with
LATICRETE 226 Thick Bed Mortar

Test/Test Method
Results
Water Absorption,
ANSI A118.6–4.4
< 5%
Compressive Strength,
ANSI A118.4–6.1
4000–5000 psi (33.8–34.5 MPa)
TCA Service Rating
ASTM C–627
Extra Heavy

LATICRETE 3701 Mortar Admix mixed with
LATICRETE 272 Mortar

Test
Test Method
Results
ANSI A118.4 Specification
Porcelain Tile Shear Bond 28 day cureANSI A118.4–5.2.4450–500 psi
(3.1–3.4 MPa)
> 200 psi (1.37 MPa)
Porcelain Tile Water Soak Shear BondANSI A118.4–5.2.3200–300 psi
(1.37–2.07 MPa)
> 150 psi (1 MPa)
Compressive StrengthANSI A118.4–6.02300–2500 psi
(15.8–17.2 MPa)
> 2500 psi (17.2 MPa)
Data from Report HR880

Working Properties

LATICRETE 3701 Mortar Admix mixed with
LATICRETE 226 Thick Bed Mortar (70°F [21°C])

Pot Life1 hour
Time to Foot Traffic12 hours
Time to Heavy Traffic72 hours
Wet Density135 lbs/ft3 (2166 kg/m3)

LATICRETE 3701 Mortar Admix mixed with
LATICRETE 272 Mortar (70°F [21°C])

Open Time1 hour
Pot Life5 hours
Time to Heavy Traffic24 hours
Wet Density107 lbs/ft3 (1720 kg/m3)
Specifications subject to change without notification. Results shown are typical but reflect test procedures used. Actual field performance will vary depending upon site conditions.

INSTALLATION

Surface Preparation

All surfaces should be between 40°F (4°C) and 90°F (32°C) and structurally sound, clean and free of all dirt, oil, grease, loose peeling paint, concrete sealers or curing compounds. Rough or uneven concrete surfaces should be made smooth with LATICRETE Latex Portland Cement Underlayment to provide a wood float (or better) finish. Dry, dusty concrete slabs or masonry should be dampened and excess water swept off. Installation may be made on a damp surface.

Note: Latex portland cement mortars do not require a minimum cure time for cement slabs. All slabs must be plumb and true to within 1/4" (6 mm) in 10 ft (3 m). Expansion joints shall be provided through the tile work from all construction or expansion joints in the substrate. Follow ANSI specification A108.01-3.7 "Requirements for Movement Joints: Preparations by Other Trades" or TCNA detailEJ-171 "Movement Joints—Vertical & Horizontal". Do not cover expansion joints with mortar.

Mixing

Stir LATICRETE 3701 Mortar Admix thoroughly before use.

As a Mortar Bed Additive

Use approximately 3/4 gallon (2.8 l) of LATICRETE 3701 Mortar Admix to 60 lbs (27 kg) of LATICRETE 226 Thick Bed Mortar. Add LATICRETE 226 Thick Bed Mortar to LATICRETE 3701 Mortar Admix and mix slowly. Adjust mixture to produce a semi-dry consistency. Mix ratio may vary dependent upon weight of finish.

As a Thin-Set Additive

Use approximately 1.5–1.75 gallons (5.7–6.6 l) of LATICRETE 3701 Mortar Admix to 50 lbs (22.7 kg) of LATICRETE Thin-Set Mortar. Place LATICRETE 3701 Mortar Admix in a clean plastic pail. Do not dilute. Add LATICRETE Thin-Set Mortar to LATICRETE 3701 Mortar Admix and mix to a smooth, trowelable consistency. Allow mortar to slake for 5–10 minutes. Adjust consistency if necessary. Remix and apply with the proper sized notched trowel.

As a Grout Additive

Use approximately 1 gallon (3.8 l) of LATICRETE 3701 Mortar Admix to 50 lbs (22.7 kg) of LATICRETE 1500 Sanded Grout. Add LATICRETE 1500 Sanded Grout to LATICRETE 3701 Mortar Admix and mix to a smooth, stiff consistency. Use LATICRETE 3701 Mortar Admix full strength for exterior applications; dilute 1/1 with clean water for interior use.

Application

Mortar Bed

Before placing mortar, apply a slurry bond coat made from LATICRETE 254 Platinum or LATICRETE 4237 Latex Additive, mixed with LATICRETE 211 Powder or pure portland cement. While the slurry bond coat to the mortar is wet, spread the mortar and compact well. If placing tile immediately, apply a slurry bond coat to the mortar, made from LATICRETE 254 Platinum or LATICRETE 4237 Latex Additive, mixed with LATICRETE 211 Powder. While the slurry bond coat is wet and sticky, place the tile and beat in well.

Thin-Set Mortar

Apply mortar to the substrate with the flat side of the trowel, pressing firmly to work into surface. Comb on additional mortar with the notched side.

Note: Use the proper sized notched trowel to ensure full bedding of the tile. Spread as much mortar as can be covered with tile in 15–20 minutes. Back butter large tiles >8" x 8" (>200 x 200 mm) to provide full bedding and firm support. Place tiles into wet, sticky mortar and beat in using a beating block and rubber mallet to embed tile and adjust level. Check mortar for complete coverage by periodically removing a tile and inspecting bedding mortar transfer onto back of tile. If mortar is skinned over (not sticky), remove and replace with fresh mortar.

Grout

Before starting to grout remove spacers and debris in grout joints and remove dust and dirt using a wet sponge. Do not leave water standing in joints. Apply grout release or sealer if necessary. Refer to TDS 400 "LATICRETE Grout Trouble Shooting Guide" for more information on grouting. Grout installation after a minimum of 24 hours curing time at 70°F (21°C). Dampen tile surface with water. Spread with a sharp, firm rubber grout float. Work the grout paste into the joints until completely filled. Use diagonal strokes to pack the joints. Ensure that joint is filled and the grout is not just sitting on top (i.e. "bridging the joint").

Cold Weather Note: The setting of portland cement mortars and grouts are retarded by low temperatures. Protect finished work for an extended period when installing in cold weather.

For faster setting mortar use LATICRETE® Thin-Sets with LATICRETE 101 Rapid Latex Admix. Do not set tile when surface temperature is below freezing or when substrate is frozen.

Hot Weather Note: The evaporation of moisture in portland cement mortars is accelerated by hot, dry conditions. Apply to dampened surfaces and protect freshly spread mortar and finished work when installing in temperatures over 95°F (35°C).

Cleaning

Mortar

Clean tools and tile work with water while mortar is fresh.

Grout Primary Cleaning

Remove excess grout from the face of the tiles with the edge of the grout float. Hold the float at a 90° angle and pull it diagonally across the joints and tile to avoid pulling out the material.

Grout Secondary Cleaning

Remove remaining grout with a damp sponge (not wet) or a damp towel. Work diagonally to the joints. Allow to dry. When the grout joints are firm polish the surface with a coarse nylon pad or coarse cloth and minimal water.

Note: Use caution when polishing soft glazed tiles or polished stone.


AVAILABILITY AND COST

Availability

LATICRETE and LATAPOXY® materials are available worldwide.

For Distributor information, call:
Toll Free: 1.800.243.4788
Telephone: +1.203.393.0010

For on-line Distributor information, visit LATICRETE at www.laticrete.com.

Cost

Contact a LATICRETE Distributor in your area.

WARRANTY

See 10. FILING SYSTEM
DS 230.13:LATICRETEProduct Warranty

A component of:
DS 230.12:LATICRETE 10 Year System Warranty

MAINTENANCE

LATICRETE and LATAPOXY materials are premium quality construction products requiring no maintenance to ensure performance. For aesthetic/hygienic reasons, LATICRETE and LATAPOXY grouts can be routinely cleaned with soap and water.

TECHNICAL SERVICES

Technical assistance

Information is available by calling the LATICRETE Technical Service Hotline (hours 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM EST):
Toll Free: 1.800.243.4788, ext. 235
Telephone: +1.203.393.0010, ext. 235
Fax: +1.203.393.1948

Technical and safety literature

To acquire technical and safety literature, please visit our website at www.laticrete.com.

FILING SYSTEM

Additional product information is available on our website at www.laticrete.com. The following is a list of related documents:
DS 230.13: LATICRETE Product Warranty
DS 230.12: LATICRETE 10 Year Systems Warranty
DS 236.0: LATICRETE 9235 Waterproofing Membrane
DS 633.0: LATAPOXY 300 Adhesive
DS 239.1: LATICRETE 226 Thick Bed Mortar
DS 230.1: LATICRETE 4237 Latex Additive
DS 239.0: LATICRETE 211 Powder
DS 264.0: LATICRETE 101 Rapid Latex Admix
DS 256.0: LATICRETE 1500 Sanded Grout
DS 677.0: LATICRETE 254 Platinum
DS 259.0: LATICRETE 272 Mortar
DS 231.0: LATICRETE 3701 Mortar Admix