Installation and Maintenance Manual

Installation:

Correct installation of the material is essential to achieve an optimal aesthetic and functional result. Before proceeding with installation, it is essential to carefully check the shade, caliber and grade of the material. Any visible defects prior to installation must be reported, as claims regarding material that has already been installed will not be accepted.

We recommend ordering a quantity of material with a surplus of 10–15% compared to the surface area to be tiled, especially if future repairs may be required. For series with shade variation, it is advisable to take the material from several boxes to ensure uniformity. For veined products, such as natural stones, we suggest arranging the veining in order to obtain the best aesthetic effect.

Installation can be carried out using adhesive. The substrate must be flat, stable, dry and compliant with the material manufacturer’s instructions. Adhesives must be applied at ambient temperature according to the specifications of European Standard EN 12004.

Double spreading is recommended for tiles with one side longer than 60 cm, in accordance with UNI 11493 standards. During installation, avoid marking the surface with pencils or permanent markers.

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Joints and Grouting:

The width of the grout joints varies according to the size of the tiles and the intended use of the floor. Butt-joint installation is not recommended; a joint of at least 2 mm is recommended for rectified tiles and at least 3 mm for non-rectified tiles or outdoor applications. In large areas, expansion joints should be positioned regularly.

For staggered installation of rectangular products, it is advisable to offset the longer side. For large formats, double spreading is recommended to avoid voids between the ceramic tile and the substrate. Cover the floor during installation to prevent damage to the surface.

For a better aesthetic result, grouts in a color matching the tile are recommended. After grouting, carefully remove any excess fresh grout.

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Installation on Existing Floors:

Before installation, check the flatness of the surfaces and level them if necessary. Clean the surfaces thoroughly, removing any material that could compromise adhesion. Use adhesive and provide for grout joints and expansion joints. Double spreading may be useful in some cases.

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Wall Tile Installation:

Follow the same installation procedures used for floor tiles. Use specific adhesives for porcelain stoneware, with joints of at least 2 mm.

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Outdoor Porcelain Stoneware Installation:

Successful installation requires superior-quality tiles and proper design. Use deformable cement-based adhesives, applying the double-spreading technique to avoid voids. Provide joints of at least 3 mm and expansion joints to compensate for thermal stress. Slopes must be regular to allow liquids to drain properly.

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Cleaning After Installation:

Cleaning is mandatory at the end of the installation work. Carefully remove excess grout and clean with specific detergents. Avoid products containing hydrofluoric acid. After acid cleaning, carry out an alkaline wash to remove any remaining residues.

Routine Maintenance and Daily Cleaning:

After post-installation cleaning, use neutral detergents diluted in warm water. Pay particular attention to rinsing and drying to avoid build-up. Avoid waxes, oily soaps and unnecessary impregnating products.

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Extraordinary Cleaning:

For persistent stains, use specific detergents, avoiding products containing hydrofluoric acid. Always carry out a preliminary test. Stain removal is easier when stains are fresh.