INSTALLATION OF PORCELAIN STONEWARE
FLOORS.
Correct execution of the installation operations is
essential to ensure a perfect final result.
The installation must be carried out by qualified
personnel who, in addition to the correct execution
of the installation work in accordance with the
project, is also responsible for verifying the quality
of the materials (tiles, adhesives, etc.), the state of
the support, the storage of the materials... .
When choosing the most suitable adhesive and
methods of application, it is advisable to follow the
instructions of the company producing the adhesive
.In order to avoid cracking and lifting, it is necessary
to provide the correct design and execution of the
joints, having a decisive influence on the quality and
durability of the laid materials.
The tiles must be taken from different boxes and
always checked before laying.
The installer is also entrusted with the care and
protection of the works and materials during and
after installation and until the end of laying.
In the presence of defects, the installer is required to
report them before starting the installation.
Any complaints about already laid material will
therefore not be accepted.
The width of the joints must be established in the
project, considering a multiple series of aspects
such as: type and format of the tiles; dimensional
tolerances of the tiles; mechanical properties of
the installation materials (adhesive, joint material);
mechanical characteristics (rigidity, dimensional
stability) of the floor; target environment (internal/
external), expected operating conditions.
We recommend to use a joint of at least 3-4 mm for
non-rectified porcelain stoneware materials and at
least 7 mm for single-fired red body materials.
For the installation of rectified materials it is
advisable to maintain a minimum joint of 2 mm.
As regard to the materials with long and narrow
rectangular sizes , in particular the sizes 15x60 cm,
15x90 cm, 20x120 cm, etc., it is advisable to lay the
material with break of 6 to 15 cm as shown in the
method below.
For rectangular or large sizes materials, in order
to guarantee the best aesthetic result, the use
of wedges or other self-levelling systems is
recommended
A specific tiling direction is not recommended but
the installer should check for possible differences in
shade and color on the product before laying.
Careful protection of the layed floor is
recommended and if it is necessary to carry out
other work on site, it is advisable to cover the
floor to protect it once the installation has been
completed.
CLEANING AFTER LAYING OF PORCELAIN
STONEWARE FLOORS.
Once the installation is completed, the installer must
carry out a thorough cleaning to remove films and
residues of mortar, glue and grouting remained on
the installed floor.
This cleaning is of fundamental importance to obtain
a high aesthetic effect as well as guaranteeing A
greater resistance to stains and dirt.
This cleaning must be carried out carefully and
in a workmanlike manner with specific products,
scrupulously following the suppliers’ instructions for
use, so that any residue of mortar, glue or filler is
eliminated.
Washing the floor only with water is not sufficient,
and the use of overly aggressive substances is also
inadvisable.
Work safety
It is always recommended to pay attention to the
possible risks deriving from carrying out the work
connected to the installation of the flooring:
• For all cutting phases, it is necessary to adopt
working methods that prevent, as far as possible,
the development of dust; in particular, wet or
split cutting is recommended. Tiles are monolithic
objects but could generate dust if they are
dry cut (not recommended method) and could
generate a potential danger due to the development
of respirable crystalline silica . In these cases,
protection of the respiratory tract, hands and
eyes or dust extraction systems may therefore
be necessary to prevent excessive exposure to
suspended particles in the air.
• Follow similar precautions even when dust
is produced by any other operation, such as
demolition/removal projects.
• It is recommended to use special hand protection
devices against the risk of cuts connected to work
equipment and to the handling of broken or cut tiles
which could be particularly sharp.
• When handling the material, we recommend the
use of safety shoes to protect against falling objects.
• Protect your hearing when using noisy equipment.
• When handling packs or boxes of tiles,
check the weight of the material and adopt
specific methods in order to avoid risks from
manual loads handling (Do not lift too high loads
manually by yourself , do not bend your back but
bend your legs keeping your back straight, do not
rotate your chest ....)
Waste
It is recommended to carefully divide the different
packaging materials (paper, plastic and wood) and
dispose them according to the methods established
by the country/municipality in which you operate.
USE AND ORDINARY MAINTENANCE OF
PORCELAIN STONEWARE FLOORS.
After the post-installation cleaning, the floor is
ready for use and the only thing to do is to a
periodically simple routine maintenance.
Most stains and dirt can be removed simply with
warm water.
The use of microfibre cloths can quickly
remove dirt and any surface residues, and
allows you to clean the surface without using any
detergent:
Alternatively, you can use water and neutral, wax-
free, highly diluted detergents.
This allows you to limit the use of products or
chemical substances that are dangerous for people
and could pollute the environment.
Use more aggressive detergents only and exclusively
in case of particular, very persistent or difficult
to eliminate stains, diluting them according to the
manufacturer’s instructions and depending of the
type of dirt to be eliminated.
Never use products that contain hydrofluoric acid
In case of polished and/or lapped porcelain
stoneware floors, it is advisable, to preserve the
original shine of the floor for as long as possible, to
protect the entrance to the paved room, especially
if this is in direct communication with external
environments, with a doormat that can keep dust or
other abrasive substances off the floor so much as
possible, use soft, clean footwear and, after washing,
spread evenly a common waterproofing product .
Steam can be used to deeply clean the joints. Direct
the jet on the joints and let act the heat . At the
end of the operation, wipe with a dry cloth to have
clean and sanitized joints and tiles.
The suggestions illustrated above are the result of many
years of research and experience. However, the installation
and cleanability characteristics of the materials can vary
significantly based on the different installation methods,
types of surfaces and installation environment, and materials
used.
We therefore decline any responsibility in case of incorrect
installation, negligent cleaning and/or maintenance,
inadequate choice of the type of the installed materials and
used adhesives .
cleaning and maintenance advice
6/15 cm
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