(ENG) (BIa) Instructions - Installation, Grouting, Cleaning - Glazed
Instructions · Installation, Grouting and Cleaning Wall and Floor Glazed Porcelain Tiles UNI EN ISO 14411 BIa A. G GL For a safe and correct installation, it's always advisable to consult qualified professionals. Please note that complaints resulting from improper installation will not be accepted. Oversight by the architect or site manager is necessary to ensure compliance with the current regulations in your country. INSTALLATION AND GROUTING Proper execution of installation operations is crucial to ensure an optimal final result. Installation can be done using tiling adhesive or cement mortar. It's recommended to follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions for the most suitable adhesive and application methods. For glazed porcelain, the use of specific high-performance adhesives is recommended. During installation, the subfloor must be flat, stable, and dry, not frozen or excessively warm. It's important to carefully follow the manufacturers' instructions for the subfloors and adhesives used. Note: Verify the material's conformity before installation, as its installation constitutes acceptance. It's advisable to lay the material by alternately taking it from different boxes, initially laying some of it dry to assess the overall effect. Shade variation between tiles is an intended characteristic of the product. When cutting the tiles to lay them, we recommend using either a wet saw or a score-and-snap method. When laying tiles, avoid dry cutting them with electric power tools. Improper laying techniques may expose the installer to harmful dust. For greater aesthetic value, use grout in color combination with the tile (e.g., avoiding white tiles with black grout). If contrasting grouts must be used, strictly adhere to the information provided on the grout technical data sheets and perform a preliminary test on a sample of material. Especially for polished products, after installation, grouting, and tile cleaning (see the following section: Cleaning During Installation), it's advisable to cover the floor until the conclusion of construction work to prevent residues or subsequent work from soiling or scratching the surface. A minimum grout joint of 2mm is recommended for rectified products and 3.5-5mm for non-rectified ones. For the installation of modular tiles, the recommended joint is 3.5-5mm. Follow the laying patterns available in the general catalogue ( ). For plank installation, recommended installation is staggered joint (20/80 or 30/70). For brick installation, recommended installation is staggered joint. Polished tiles: Extreme caution is advised during handling and installation to avoid damaging the surface. The use of cementitious grouts is recommended. Avoid using flexible mortars, epoxy grouts, and the addition of additives, as they would make residue removal extremely difficult. Particularly on polished surfaces, avoid dark grouts on light tiles and vice versa. CLEANING Cleaning During Installation Cleaning during installation is a mandatory phase that the tile installer must carry out to ensure the complete functional and aesthetic success of glazed porcelain floor or wall coverings. Inadequate or delayed removal of grout residues (used for joints) would lead to their hardening and permanent deposition of small particles and discolorations, making the surfaces more prone to dirt accumulation and challenging for regular cleaning. This step is necessary for all tiles, especially those with structured or rough/anti-slip surfaces. Cementitious grouts: Clean off excess grout with a sponge and clean water before it completely dries, using gentle diagonal movements to avoid emptying the joints. Epoxy grouts: These require more attention due to their rapid hardening. We recommend consulting experienced installers and using specific products, strictly following the manufacturers' instructions. Incorrect application of epoxy grouts could compromise the tiles' aesthetic and color appearance. Avoid using abrasive tools or hard brushes, especially on polished tiles or those with metallic decorations. End-of-Construction Site Cleaning Note: In the following phases, it is recommended to read the specifications of the detergents used and adhere to the manufacturers' instructions, as dilution quantities vary depending on the chosen ceramic type: glazed porcelain (BIa), glazed gres wall tiles (BIIa) or white body double-firing tiles (BIII). Post-installation cleaning is essential to completely dissolve and remove typical construction residues (mortar, glue, paint, dust, etc.). To ensure no step is omitted, it is advisable to have this carried out by specialized technicians. Deep cleaning can only be done once the cementitious grout has completely dried and in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions. For effective cleaning, it is necessary to use buffered acid detergents diluted in water, which must be completely rinsed off the entire surface shortly after Page 1/2
