Laying suggestions – Floor tiles

LAYING SUGGESTIONS

Before starting the installation process, make sure the laying surface is well cured, flat and completely clean.

RECOMMENDED ADHESIVES
The use of an appropriate adhesive is essential for a correct installation. For the installation of ceramic tiles You should follow the laying instructions provided by leading adhesives manufacturers.
You should choose the most suitable adhesive on the basis of the following factors:
• type of bed;
• type and size of tile;
• use of tiled surface (floor/wall; indoor/outdoor);
• weather conditions at the time of laying;
• waiting time before the ceramic surface can be used.

(*) For large size tiles laid at a height of more than three metres, certain international regulations specify that tiles should be laid using a mixed system of adhesive and mechanical fixtures chosen in relation to the weight of the tile, height of the tiling and site conditions.
When laying at low temperatures or if rapid use of the tiled surface must be guaranteed, you are recommended to use rapid setting improved cementitious adhesives (Class C2F – EN 12004).

SPREADING THE ADHESIVES AND LAYING THE TILES: TIPS
Spread the adhesive on the bed using a suitably toothed spatula. Press down well on the tiles to ensure wetting of at least 70% of the total surface. When laying tiles in commercial interiors or outdoors, it is vital to apply the adhesive using the double spreading technique to avoid empty spaces in the ceramic tile-bed interface.

RECOMMENDED GROUTS
It is important to use a grout appropriate for the use to which the ceramic surface will be put. You should follow the instructions provided by leading grout manufacturers.

ELIMINATING EXCESS GROUT
To correctly and easily eliminate excess grout, follow the instructions given by the grout manufacturer. In general, proceed as follows:
Cementitious grouts
When the grout becomes opaque (normally after 10-20 minutes), clean with a hard cellulose sponge using movements on a diagonal to the joints. It is important to respect the drying time to avoid removing the grout from the joints.
Epoxy grouts
When the mixture is still fresh, wet the surface with plenty of water, emulsifying with a Scotch-Brite® pad, paying attention not to empty the joints. The residual grout liquid can be removed with a hard cellulose sponge (to be replaced when excessively soaked with resin). It is vital to remove epoxy grout rapidly before it starts hardening as it is extremely difficult to remove subsequently. If the epoxy grout has started to harden, try adding 10% alcohol to the washing water.