Panel mounting system and method using an adhesive mounting configuration

Abstract

Systems and methods include a dot adhesive pattern for installing one or more panels at an installation location. The dot pattern may be used to apply adhesive in a spaced-apart configuration along a substrate that occupies less than an entire surface of the substrate. The dot pattern may provide sufficient strength to support a panel installed to the substrate while also permitting bending or movement of the panel. The system may also include a kit having pre-cut panels for a predetermined size according to one or more intended installation locations.

1 . A method for installing a set of panels, comprising:
 preparing a substrate at an installation location, the substrate extending to a first location, a second location, and a third location;   dry-fitting one or more panels at the installation location;   applying, to a first portion of the substrate at the first location, an adhesive according to a pattern;   installing a first panel to the first location;   applying, to a second portion of the substrate at the second location, the adhesive according to the pattern;   installing a second panel to the second location;   applying, to a third portion of the substrate at the third location, the adhesive according to the pattern;   installing a third panel to the third location; and   applying one or more barriers along seams associated with the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first location is a rear wall, the second location is a first side wall, and the third location is a second side wall. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more panels are porcelain panels. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first panel, the second panel, and the third are pre-cut and form at least a portion of a kit. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 installing, along the second panel and the third panel, one or more trim pieces.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more barriers include interior moisture barriers and exterior moisture barriers. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 installing one or more braces extending between the second panel and the third panel.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more barriers comprises silicone caulk. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel comprise one or more openings. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 applying one or more beads, the one or more beads substantially surrounding at least one of the one or more openings.   
     
     
         11 . A kit for installing a set of panels at an installation location, comprising:
 a plurality of panels for installation at the installation location, wherein each panel of the plurality of panels is pre-cut to a respective dimension associated with a designated position at the installation location;   an adhesive particularly selected for a material associated with the panels and the installation location;   sealant particularly selected for the material associated with the panels and the installation location; and   one or more trim pieces.   
     
     
         12 . The kit of  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of panels are porcelain. 
     
     
         13 . The kit of  claim 11 , wherein the respective dimensions are standardized dimensions for a shower or bathtub. 
     
     
         14 . The kit of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 installation instructions, wherein the installation instructions include a pattern for applying the adhesive to each panel of the plurality of panels.   
     
     
         15 . The kit of  claim 14 , wherein the pattern is a dot pattern. 
     
     
         16 . The kit of  claim 15 , wherein the pattern includes a dot for each square foot of the plurality of panels. 
     
     
         17 . The kit of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 one or more braces.   
     
     
         18 . The kit of  claim 11 , wherein the sealant comprises silicone caulk. 
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 11 , wherein at least one of the plurality of panels comprise one or more openings. 
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 19 , further comprising:
 one or more beads.