Preparation for the tile setting

The laying of ceramic tiles must always be carried out by an experienced professional.Always use the appropriate tool and equipment.

The surfaces, whether it be floors or walls, must be perfectly levelled. For this purpose, a regulating or levelling mortar can be used, or even water-proofing or drainage layers, etc, if the situation requires it.

The surfaces must be completely clean before applying the mortar or the adhesive. Use adequate lighting, the use of lamps or spotlights is recommended in order to see clearly the dimensional alignment.

Choice of adhesive and and method of aplication

The choice of adhesive is defined by the type of ceramic tile (The group to which it belongs and its format), the type of surface to be covered (material) and the purpose of the tiled area.

The choice of tiling method depends on the location of the site (outside or inside) and the dimensions of the ceramic tiles.

It is recommended to contact the dealer and to follow the instructions of the manufacturer.

It is recommended to use a fine layer as opposed to a generous one.

It is recommended to use double the adhesive with those tiles which have one or more sides longer than 30cm. This technique is achieved by placing adhesive both on the tile setter and on the tile, completely covering their surface.

Special care during setting

Tiles that have been rectified must be handled with especial care in order to avoid cuts to the hands and chipping and breaking to the edges of the tiles.

Use crosses or stars of the appropriate size according to the joint, in order to maintain the orthogonality of the setting.

If to be set in a brickwork style or at a counterpoint, it is recommended not to surpass 25% of the longest side.

Check the material applied while the adhesive is still setting, in order to correct small variations.

Grouting

The joints are a necessary element for the conservation of the premises. There are various types of joints in a site:

a. Structual Joints: These are designed to absorb movements in the building and must always be respected. They can be covered with adequate profiles and filled with the indicated materials.

b. Perimeter Joints: All joints where the wall meets the floor. The minimum width will be 8mm and must be empty or filled with a deformable material. They can be concealed with the skirting board or the wall tile.

c. Setting Joints: These are the spaces left between tiles. The setting will be considered to have a joint when the space between each tile is greater than or equal to 3mm. For spaces of less than 3mm, there is considered to be no joint. There should always be a minimum gap of at least 1.5mm.

 

Before starting to apply the grout around the tiles, ensure that the mortar or adhesive is completely hard.

The joints must be completely clean and free from dust and particles.
Refill or seal the joints with grout using a grout float of hard rubber, without leaving spaces or uneven levels.

Remove any excess grout from the surface by moving the grout float in a motion diagonal to the joints, while the mixture is still fresh. Remove any residue with the same spatula.

It is important to consult the dealer when choosing the grout that is adequate for the tile and the colour that is the most aesthetically appealing.

Always follow the instructions of the manufacturer.

Finish the job

The job is not over until it has been fully completed.

Cleaning the joints: Respect the times advised by the manufacturer, clean the whole surface with a damp linen cloth, including the grout. When drying there may appear a veil or coating on the surface, this can be cleaned with water. Do not wait too long before cleaning the remaining joints.

Clean the rest of the site with the appropriate products. Contact the dealer and never use products that contain Hydroflouric Acid HF.

Protect the surfaces already set against impacts, abrasions, etc.

Maintenance of ceramic tiles is easy and convenient. Specific products can be employed for each type of tile. Carefully follow the instructions of both the manufacturer of the tiles and the manufacturer of the products.Contact the dealer for advice.

It is advised on having placed to mix pieces of several boxes.To check before placing the tonality, the calibre and the class. Are not admitted claims relating to the placed material.

For more information to go to:

· Guía de Baldosa Cerámica. Instituto Valenciano de la Edificación.
· Colocación de Pavimentos y Revestimientos Cerámicos.Ministerio de Industria y Energía.
· Your distributor.
· Colorker, S.A.