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Installation, tile laying : tips and advices
Laying an innovative product like ALCALAGRES porcelain tiles requires using the right materials and methodology.
Expert tiling will enhance the beauty and guarantee a long lasting durability of a tiled surface, especially when the product is laid in a public area.
As a general rule, cement-based tile adhesives (C2), dispersion adhesives (D2), or reaction resins (R2) are used to secure porcelain tiles, especially in big areas, outdoor surfaces and coverings in general. Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions and check that the product is recommended as a bonding agent to be used with porcelain gres tiles. There are a good number of products to choose from on the market. Traditional mortars are not recommended bonding agents.
Firstly, floor layers have to check that the materials they are about
to work with are the ones indicated in the order. ALCALAGRES boxes indicate model, colour and calibre. The ALCALAGRES range includes models whose individual tiles are manufactured in a way mirroring the variations of individual natural stone slabs or tiles.
NO CLAIMS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON LAID MATERIALS.
Creative, bespoke pattern designs need a preliminary laying plan. Just dry-lay the tiles on the floor to see what they will look like when your job is done. For your floor laying design, consider the tiles’ veining and motifs. The subsurface must be flat, dry and clean before fixing the ALCALAGRES porcelain tiles with a good cement-based adhesive for specific use with porcelain tiles. Use a 9 to 10mm notched trowel with larger tiles or when a double-coat adhesive is applied to both the subsurface and the back of the tile to improve bonding. Make sure the tiles are flat and even. Use a white rubber mallet to level them out, since a dark coloured one will leave stains that are difficult to remove and require special cleaning methods. If you want to arrange rectangular tiles with a brickwork pattern, don’t place tiles near to the middle of the adjacent one but 1/4 or 1/5 from the edge. Warning: Remember that tiles can be walked upon only when the adhesive has sealed.
Check the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions. Although ALCALAGRES porcelain tiles have good abrasion and chemical corrosion resistance, protecting the floor from damage by other improvement or construction work is highly recommended.
Only grout recommended for porcelain tiles should be used. There are special grouts for different laying methods, floor special use or purpose, and the weather.
Grout must be applied with a hard rubber grout float that forces the grout into the joint. Follow the grout manufacturer’s instructions. Wipe off the excess grout before it sets with a sponge and water, taking care not to damage the joint and following the manufacturer’s instructions. To remove any joint or cement residues use a cement remover as indicated by the manufacturer. Do not use white cement nor materials containing carbon black pigments.
HANDLING PORCELAIN TILES
Cutting tiles. Although ALCALAGRES porcelain tiles are much harder than standard ceramic tiles, you can cut them so that they fit into edges or corners. – For thin strips and central circles to fit tiles into edges, lights or pipes use a water-cooled diamond blade. – For straight cuts use a tile saw; there are many of them specific for porcelain gres. – For holes of all sizes to install pipes, traps, safety latches, etc., there are specific cutting tools. You will cut the holes easily and efficiently.
Drilling tiles. No special drill is required for drilling holes into tiles. However, they should meet the following requirements: – Power ≥ 600W. Select rotation, no hammer action mode. Drill bit holder ≥10mm. Side-handle grip and depth stop. Specialty drill bits with diamond or tungsten carbide tips that come in different shapes to suit all cutting applications. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
