TABS II
Installation Presentation
TABS II
Before getting started , please read & familiarize
yourself with the Tabs Wall Systems Estimating
& Installation Guide, included on this CD.
Tabs Wall Systems • 4515 Airwest Dr. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-554-5400
TABS II
Tabs Walls Systems can be installed on just about
any building substrate, from Exterior Plywood,
Cement Board, OSB, Densglass Gold, Insulated
Sheeting, & to Existing or New Masonry Walls.
Tabs Wall Systems • 4515 Airwest Dr. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-554-5400
TABS II
Prior to installing the Tabs Panel, it is extremely important that
the substrate of choice has been properly prepared and covered
with a code approved water infiltration barrier. In addition all
window and door openings must be properly flashed & sealed.
Tabs Wall Systems • 4515 Airwest Dr. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-554-5400
TABS II
If you're installing the Tabs II Plus System, the following
optional items may be needed to complete the project: Tabs II
Rain Screen Panel, Rain Drop Wrap, contractor and flashing
tape or Super Stretch Tape up to 9” wide.
Tabs II Rain Screen
Panel
Tabs II 4” or 9”
Flashing Tape
Tabs II Super Stretch
Flashing Tape
Tabs Wall Systems • 4515 Airwest Dr. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-554-5400
TABS II
Now that you have inspected & sized up your project, it
is time to get started. When you order your Tabs Wall
System, all components to make your project a success
can come from one source.
Tabs II Adhesive &
Mortar Additive.
Tabs II Structural
Support Panel
Tabs II Structural
Support Corner Panel
Tabs Wall Systems • 4515 Airwest Dr. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-554-5400
TABS II
All necessary Tabs components will be part of your quote to
make sure the warranty details are covered, even including
flashings and the fasteners for mounting the panels to steel
studs, wood studs or masonry. And of course, your thin veneer
material of choice: Brick, Stone, Granite or Marble.
Tabs Wall Systems • 4515 Airwest Dr. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-554-5400
TABS II
When ready to tuck point, only use “Type S Mortar”, adding
only “Tabs II Mortar Additive” diluted to a 1:5 Ratio.
“Type S Mortar” can be mixed on site or pre-mixed. Pre-mixed
Type “S” Mortar mixes include everything (sand, portland &
lime), just add water along with Tabs II Mortar Additive.
Tabs Wall Systems • 4515 Airwest Dr. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-554-5400
TABS II
Step 1
Level & snap line across bottom of
substrate minimum 1 ½” above
finished grade.
Carefully pull up membrane and
install flashing , wrap membrane
over top of flashing.
Bend up bottom row of tabs & cut
across using power sheers. Place
Tabs II Panel on top of flashing &
start installing Tabs II Panel.
Tabs Wall Systems • 4515 Airwest Dr. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-554-5400
TABS II
Step 1A
If installing the Tabs II “Plus”
System. Prior installing the Tabs
II Steel Panel, install Tabs II Rain
Screen Panel (Item 4). Tack in
place until Tabs II Panel is
installed.
When using Tabs Rain Screen
Panel with pre-attached building
wrap, be sure to connect each
panel with Tabs 9” Flashing Tape
behind each panel.
Tabs Wall Systems • 4515 Airwest Dr. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-554-5400
TABS II
Step 2
Using non-corrosive #8 flat head or
wafer head fasteners with flat back
design, install one fastener per
square foot in pre-punched hole, 16”
on center & 8 “ high through
substrate into wood or steel stud.
For projects 24” on center, install
every 24” horizontally & 5 ¼” high.
Additional fasteners can be used
wherever panels are cut and needed.
Tabs Wall Systems • 4515 Airwest Dr. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-554-5400
TABS II
Step 3
It is recommended that Tabs corner
panels be installed first, followed by
Tabs standard panels. Staggering
panels in a running bond pattern.
This will also help in bracing the wall.
The maximum spacing between
panels should be no more than 1/16”.
This will also allow for stress relief
and allow for any adjustment which
might be needed.
Tabs Wall Systems • 4515 Airwest Dr. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-554-5400
TABS II
Step 4
After installing Tabs corner
panels, start installing Tabs
standard panels, occasionally
checking with level & tape
measure to allow for proper
alignment. Use tin snips or
power shears to cut panels
between window & door
openings &/or where any
obstacle may appear.
Tabs Wall Systems • 4515 Airwest Dr. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-554-5400
TABS II
Step 5
Now that you’ve installed enough
panel to get started, using Tabs II
adhesive, apply two dabs about the
size of a quarter (just enough for
brick to stick on the panel) on each
end of the back of the brick or on
the panel. Add one additional dab
of adhesive on return side of
corner brick.
Tabs Wall Systems • 4515 Airwest Dr. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-554-5400
TABS II
Step 6
Start Installing Brick
Slightly slide brick into place (¼” max), this will break any surface
film & achieve proper bond. Be sure to engage Tabs II’s mortar tie,
by pressing mortar tie in downward motion over top of each brick.
Tabs Wall Systems • 4515 Airwest Dr. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-554-5400
TABS II
Step 7
Install Accents
Install Accents, such as Rowlocks
& Soldier Courses by tapping Tabs
upward with a hammer.
Tabs Wall Systems • 4515 Airwest Dr. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-554-5400
TABS II
Step 8
Tuck Point Mortar
Wait twenty-four (24) hours to allow adhesive to set-up, check to see if thin
veneer material is ready to be tuck pointed. When ready, using a Type “S”
Mortar mix adding Tabs II Acrylic Additive, start tuck pointing brick using a
mortar bag, fill horizontal joints “right to left”, then strike joints “left to right”.
Tabs Wall Systems • 4515 Airwest Dr. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-554-5400
TABS II
Step 9
Strike Joints
& Clean
Step 10
Do Not
Power Wash !
When mortar is thumb print dry to touch (similar to wet beach sand), it is
now ready to strike the joint with a slicker or jointer. Pack mortar into joint.
Properly struck mortar should be dry enough to fall away clean and tooled to
a dull gritty finish. If finish is wet & shiny stop ! Let set-up a little longer and
proceed. Thereafter, brush excess mortar off brick face with a natural bristle
brush. Clean brick, per brick manufacturers recommendation.
Tabs Wall Systems • 4515 Airwest Dr. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-554-5400
TABS II
Never have a
continuous horizontal
bead of glue because
it will trap water.
Except at control
joints, never space
two panels more than
1/16” apart.
Key Points
Never overlap two
panels.
Only use Tabs
authorized materials.
Never overlap panel at
control joints. Space
same thickness as
control joint.
Always engage Tabs
II Mortar Tie over
each and every brick.
If you're not sure, refer back to your Tabs Installation Guide or call Tabs
Tabs Wall Systems • 4515 Airwest Dr. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-554-5400
TABS II
The End
Tabs Wall Systems • 4515 Airwest Dr. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-554-5400