Tile Installation and Grouting Tips

At the start of renovation of your spaces, it is important to gather all the information about the nuances of the process. In this section you can find out what to pay attention to during and before tile laying, so you can get wonderful results which will last you a lifetime.

Laying tips

Prior to laying, check shade, caliber and choice of materials carefully. Italon will not accept claims on laid materials, as any defects are visible prior to laying.

To obtain the best possible visual results, lay the materials taking the tiles from several different boxes in order to achieve the best possible mix.

Laying can be done using both with a dusting of cement or using special high performance glues for porcelain stoneware. Glue laying is recommended as it offers higher guarantees of stability.

Remember that, when laying, the underfloor must be stable, dry, neither frozen nor excessively hot; prepare the surface and keep it perfectly flat and free of dust.

Cement-based adhesives must be applied at room temperature, generally between +5° C and + 30/35° C, covering a surface not exceeding 1sqm each time and subsequently laying the tiles exerting a uniform pressure on the surface. When laying, do not mark the surface of the material used with pencils (lead) or indelible markers, particularly when using polished products.

Joints and grouting

The width of the gap may vary depending on the size of the tiles and the use of the floor being tiled.

Laying without a gap is not recommended; lay the tiles with a minimum gap of 2-3 mm, both rectified and non-rectified.

In large areas, the expansion joints must be laid regularly, especially for wide areas, because they are necessary to compensate thermal and hygroscopic expansion of the tiling bed and absorb any structural subsidence of the building; as for indoors, the grid to be traced should measure 5x5m, while for outdoor use, the grids should measure 4x4m.

After tile laying, it is necessary to fill the joints with the grout. All operations must be carried out in strict accordance with the recommendations and instructions of the grouts' manufacturer.

Properly chosen grout has more functions than just a decorative one: it stops the moisture and dust from entering gaps between tiles, and also prevents the development of mold and other pathogens.

 

Tile Grouting Tips

For a better appearance of grouting, use grouts in coordinated colours to the tile; carry out a cleaning test prior to laying. Application of grout should be done filling the joints thoroughly with the cement grout using the special spatula without leaving empty spaces or differences in level.
After grouting porcelain stoneware tiles, while the grout is still fresh it is important to remove carefully any excess grout, moving the spatula or spreader diagonally to the joints, and using a sponge and plenty of water in many steps.

Installation tips for Italon X2

How to lay maxi size tiles?

It is important do consider specifics of working with the maxi-size 120x278 at the moment of the design project's creating. Significative details that affect the installation quality must be taken into account. For example, the availability of the necessary space for maneuvering and tile treatment, the necessary tools for proper transfer and storage. And it is also very important to hire highly qualified professionals who are experienced enough to work with this size.

SCOPRI I CONSIGLI DI POSA

Frequently asked questions

For all ceramic surfaces immediately after laying the tiles, primary cleaning must be carried out from the traces of putty, glue, etc. To do this you should remove residues from the tile surface within 40-50 minutes from laying with pure water and sponge. Afterwards cleaning with acid-based detergents to eliminate micro-impurities is to be carried out. Periodic cleaning of the porcelain stoneware requires the elimination of mechanical impurities through the brush and pure water. It is recommended to use low acid solutions for the removal of traces of dirt, rust, limestone, etc., as well as weakly alkaline solutions that eliminate organic impurities like: grease, oil, etc. It is not recommended to use detergents containing latex, wax and other components that form the surface films and that can facilitate the retention of impurities. Further information on the maintenance of porcelain stoneware can be viewed on the factory website www.italonceramica.ru

It is necessary to use high-quality waterproofing putty in the installation and to use epoxy grout in the joints. The tiles are laid in the same way as the surfaces not subject to water.

The whole range of Italon porcelain stoneware is suitable for facades from the standpoint of resistance to cold and of incombustibility. However, for the facades, rectified porcelain stoneware is recommended as it allows to install the installation system in advance as well as to use the various colors and surfaces on the same facade. For the installation of the facade system on underfloor fixings it is recommended to apply the 20 mm gr2 porcelain stoneware, which can be worked without the significant loss of resistant characteristics of the tiles.

We recommend leaving space between tiles. The grout joints may vary in width depending on the size of the tiles as well as the intended use of the floor. We always recommend leaving some space: 1,5-2 mm between rectified tiles, and at least 3 mm between non-rectified tiles. The use of grout of an appropriate color, to go with your tiles, will actually highlight the beauty of your surfaces.

Si può posare le piastrelle ceramiche sul pavimento, però nel momento di scelta delle stesse bisogna tenere in considerazione una serie di fattori estremamente importanti. Tutte le piastrelle ceramiche sono smaltate, e la resistenza all’abrasività dello smalto presenta dei limiti stringenti. Non è possibile usarle in spazi pubblici e progetti commerciali in quanto il loro tono e colore deperisce rapidamente. Inoltre bisogna tenere in conto il criterio di sicurezza - coefficiente di antiscivolamento, soprattutto in caso di uso delle piastrelle ceramiche in bagni e locali con frequente presenza d’acqua. Le piastrelle ceramiche con il livello insufficiente di antiscivolamento possono essere pericolose. La bassa resistenza termica al freddo determina l’impossibilità di utilizzare le piastrelle ceramiche tradizionali all’esterno dove la temperatura varia considerevolmente.

Is it possible to lay the porcelain tile on the floor with underfloor heating?

Porcelain stoneware works perfectly in the floor with water or electricity heating system. Thanks to the extremely low coefficient of linear thermal expansion, porcelain stoneware does not deform during the heating and cooling cycles. Furthermore, porcelain stoneware does not change its appearance due to thermal exposure.

During the installation it is necessary to respect 3 rules:

  1. Use a special glue for heated floors with floor heating systems.
  2. Use the ideal glue for the size used.
  3. Respect the expansion joint recommended by the manufacturer. Lay the Italon porcelain stoneware with the 2mm joint on the heated floor.

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