Page 68 - COSTILES Carrelages et Bains - Catalogue Carrelage technique CIPA GRES

EN INSTRUCTION FOR DESIGN, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE ACCORDING TO UNI EN 11493-1
The standard defines the quality and performance of a ceramic tiling, provides rules and instructions to be observed in the choice of materials, in design,
installation in use and maintenance, and specifies typical compliant solutions, such as to ensure the achievement and maintenance in the time of the required
levels of quality and performance. This standard applies to indoor and outdoor ceramic floor and wall tiling, mainly installed with adhesives, but also with
cement mortar or other systems.
LAYING
Before laying on any surface, make sure that the material is appropriate and sufficient in terms of quantity, shade and work-size to suit the laying needs. All
regulations and precautions concerning the correct execution of the works must be followed (preparing the bed, grout or adhesive composition, respect for
drying times, position of the expansion joints, beating, etc...)
Laying with adhesives
Laying must be done by qualified staff using appropriate equipment. The surface to be laid (screed) must be perfectly level. Maximum recommended value no
more than 3mm for an uneven surface measured with a 2m ruler. The surface to be laid must be well seasoned, dust-free and with no visible cracks. During laying
the use of appropriate lighting is strongly recommended. The choice of adhesive depends on the type of tile (type and size), the type of surface laid on and the
type of foreseen use. Check that the tiles are laid correctly before the adhesive dries in order to facilitate any required corrections.
Laying with fresh mortar
Laying with fresh cement-based mortar or “thick layers” is not recommended for sizes more than 30 cm long and with non-absorbent supports.
Joints
Joints are very important elements for maintaining a good tiled surface, it is recommended to make use of the collaboration and/or advice of a professional layer.
The company declines all responsibility for laying without joints; minimum joint laying has a gap of 2 mm.
The joints must be positioned:
- On structural joints;
- Between the floor and the wall (perimeter joints);
- Between one tile and another (laying joints);
- Between the tiles and other materials (e.g. combinations of ceramics/linoleum /wood).
Grouting laid surfaces
Before grouting wait for the adhesive to dry completely and make sure that the laying joints are empty and free of all traces of adhesive and/or dust. Grout small
areas at a time (4-5 m2). This is particularly important for structured products, non-slip and polished surfaces. Remove excess grout from the tiles using diagonal
movements when the product is still damp and remove all residues, particularly for external surfaces. Clean carefully using a sponge dampened in clean, limpid
water and go over the whole surface, including the gaps, with a damp cloth. For grouting which has a strong colour contrast to the laid tiles, test the grout on a
small, hidden area. When using epoxy grouts, clean with a sponge and plenty of water. The reaction and hardening times of these products make it impossible to
remove any residues once they have hardened. The day after grouting, completely clean the surface with an alkaline detergent. Consult the grout manufacturers
to verify the correct choice of grout for the type of tile.
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE AFTER LAYING
Worksites are deemed to be completely finished once they have been cleared of all tools and materials used during the operations. To reduce the risk of
damaging tiled surfaces, protect them and avoid the presence of abrasive materials (dust and residues from operations carried out after laying) as far as possible.
Initial cleaning
Washing after laying is of fundamental importance to all operations carried out afterwards and to assure correct maintenance. Careful initial cleaning keeps floors
beautiful and protected longer and is done once only before using the floor. Initial cleaning should be carried out 4-5 days after laying, and in any case no longer
than 10 days after laying and grouting. The grouted and cleaned surface may have a concrete film which cannot be removed using water alone, and therefore an
acid-based product, suitably diluted (from 1:10 to 1:4 in cold water) should be used, following the manufacturer’s instructions. The first operation is to wet the
tiled surface and particularly the gaps (grout is not usually acid-resistant). Spread the prepared acid solution and leave for a short time (2 minutes). Do not allow
the applied product to dry. Remove the solution using a brushing machine (with a non-abrasive disk), wet vac or other means and/or manually, then rinse well. It
should be remindeds that machine cleaning (which is particularly recommended for textured products and large surfaces) must always be completed by hand in
tight corners, along walls and any spaces that the brushing machine cannot easily reach. It is always advisable to test the resistance of the product to acids on
an unlaid tile or a small hidden surface; particularly for lapped or polished products.
Avoid to use cleaning products containing hydrofluoric acid (HF) or its derivates.
Ordinary cleaning
Ordinary cleaning removes dirt and marks and restores the surface to its original appearance. Porcelain stoneware tiles do not require protective treatment, and a
thorough, systematic clean is sufficient to maintain the surface. Careful cleaning must be done by washing normally using hot water, a cloth or soft sponge and,
if required, neutral detergents. For large areas, industrial washing machines can be used, with completion by hand where required.
Recommendations:
- Do not rub the surfaces using abrasive tools, such as metallic sponges or hard brushes, which could scratch them or leave indelible marks;
- Grease and oil residues can be removed using detergents using organic or alkaline solvents (pH>9) followed by careful rinsing;
- Avoid the use of soap as this tends to leave a slimy layer, particularly when used with hard water;
- Do not use products containing wax or shining agents;
- Avoid the use of abrasive detergents on shiny and/or polished surfaces;
they may be used on matt materials, checking first on a small hidden tiled area. Generally speaking, when using any non-neutral detergent, check first on an
unlaid tile or a small hidden portion of the floor.
Recommendations For Laying Rectangular Tiles As A Floor Covering
Apart from laying aligned in both directions, rectangular sizes should be laid in regular or irregular rows, or staggered rows with a distance between joints of:
max 1/3 of a tile for sizes: 10x20 - 12.5x25 - 15x30 - 30x60.

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