INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE

Cement tiles show slight variation in colors and design; cement tiles will not be exactly identical piece to piece. This is a result of the handmade process and the nature of cement. Mixing tiles from different boxes during setting is suggested to produce a beautiful naturally rich appearance. Details can be seen in a close-up, but will be invisible when installation is completed.

The most common format for cement tiles is a 20 x 20 cm square. However, they are made also as rectangulars, hexagonals, octagonals and other shapes.

The standard thickness is 1,6 cm. The top design colour layer is usually ... mm thick and is able to withstand decades of use.

Weight per piece is 1,3 kg. Weight per square meter is .... kg.

Tiles are resistant, non-flammable, 100% recyclable and not slippery.

Use: residential and commercial

Interior and exterior, except for places exposed to prolonged frost and snow.

Storage

Store cement tiles in boxes in a dry place. Do not let them get wet! Moisture can cause stains, efflorescence or color changes on untreated tiles.

The installation has several specificities and takes place in several steps that need to be followed:

1. laying
2. impregnating
3. grouting
4. treatment

If properly installed, cement tiles will result in a beautiful, durable, easy to maintain surface that can be enjoyed for a whole life!

General instructions

Allow interior tiles to season in their final environment prior to installation.

Throughout the installation process and handling of the tile, be careful not to damage the finished surface, edges and corners of the tiles. Be sure to handle the tiles face to face to avoid scratchings.

Cement Tile is a cement-based product and may have residue on the surface. This will be removed during the cleaning, before grouting, after installation and after implementation of an ongoing maintenance routine.

It is recommended to wipe the back of the tiles with a damp sponge prior to placing in thin set to remove concrete dust residue and enable proper adhesion.

Because of the nature of the pigments and handmade process, some variation in shade or hue may occur. It is recommended to shuffle tile from different boxes during installation to achieve a uniform effect.

Tiles must be installed over a flat, level, stable, clean and completely dried concrete surface, around 1,9 cm below the desired final surface (1,6 cm for the tile and 3 mm for a glue).

Moisture, water evaporation or excess of water can cause stains, pitting or cracking on the tile surface. Never place the tiles on a freshly laid cement floor.

Do not install during excessively hot weather or full direct sun.

Choose a layout of the tiles and spread them on the site (some of them), to make sure about the outcome before the actual installation. If you choose a traditional rug pattern, install first the central tiles, work your way outwards and then lay down border tiles (edges and corners). Finally lay down the field tiles that will surround the pattern and cut them to fit. Combine these steps so that you always have enough free space under your feet for laying the field tiles.

Use a high quality thin-set adhesive, such as ...

It is necessary to trowel the glue or mortar evenly on both the floor and at the back of tiles. Make sure that adhesive is applied to the full back of each tile using a large notch trowel (At least 8 mm notched trowel). Doing so ensures the best adherence whilst also preventing any possible spaces that may lead to future damage.

Unlike marble it is hard to polish down our cement tiles, that's why it is very important to have the tiles perfectly leveled during installation.

The positioning of the tiles should be done one by one and only by hand. Do not beat with a mallet or rubber hammer to set tiles, this can break the tiles or form thin cracks on the tiles surface. Level your tiles using hand pressure.

The space between the tiles should be minimal, 1 to 2 mm maximum (the thickness of a filing blade). Too wide gaps can spoil the visual effect.

Clean off immediately any adhesive or mortar left on the face of the tiles with a damp cloth or sponge while it is fresh as it is difficult to remove when dry.

Tiles should be cut using a sharp diamond blade in conjunction with water (wet cutting) to avoid chipping of edges.

Allow tiles and adhesive / mortar bed to dry out completely before starting to seal and grout the tiles (2 to 4 days). Do not cover the tiles to allow breathing and evaporation of all moisture, moisture can cause stains, pitting or cracking in the tiles surface.

Do not step on tiles until adhesive or mortar bed is dried.

Cement tiles are not pre-sealed at the factory. Make sure to seal with a impregnating or penetrating sealer after cleaning and before grouting. This acts as a grout release to prevent the tiles from being stained with grout. We sell the factory recommended sealer….

Always follow the instruction of the sealers manufacturer. We recommend to use quality sealers for cement and concrete floors from reliable manufacturers such as ..... or ... Test a piece of tile with a sealer before applying massively on the floor.

Before sealing, when the tiles have been laid and adhesive is completely dry, clean the surface with water (using cloth or sponge) thus removing the thin layer of pigmented dust that can still cover the tiles. Do not use any acids or alkalines to clean tiles. Use a PH neutral cleaner. Then let the tiles dry thoroughly.

Apply penetrating sealer on a clean and dry tiles evenly without excess, using a clean wool roler, cloth or a brush. Apply 2 thin coats of the sealer and allow sealer coats to dry completely, approximately two hours. Use a dry absorbent cloth to remove all excess sealeant from the tile surface.

For installations outdoors it is highly important to protect your tiles with a penetrating sealer containing UV protection. This will help the tile to preserve its color and natural patina.

about grouting

about re-sealing and treatment

about Cleaning and maintenance

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