Search: "Cement"

When you choose a ceramic tile, besides it's visual aspect, and aesthetic value, it is necessary to consider the place where you want to settle it, and adapt the technical characteristics of the product to your needs considering it's expected life span.

Another important aspect to consider, will be the calculation of the quantity needed to cover the settling area, including to that effect an extra percentage (roughly 10%) to cover loses due to cutting, fitting and eventual replacement of some tiles.

It will be necessary to confirm the correct quantity needed for the project (including an extra 10% for cutting and fitting); confirm the ordered reference for correctness in what concerns the choice of pattern, quality, shade, and calibre of the tiles.

Before you start to apply adhesive cement to the tiles, it is advisable to open several boxes, taking alternatively tiles from all of them to verify uniformity of the shade.

No claims will be accepted by Gresart after the tiles have been settled.

Yes, it is possible. You should assure yourself that the existing tiles are well applied, and that there are no loose pieces, if they exist, you should remove them, and reconstruct the support with cement.

Over that surface it is not possible to glue with a traditional adhesive cement. You should consult with a specialized dealer, they will be of assistance in recommending the correct product for the job.

In case there is an existing layer of paint, loose parts of it should be removed, and a few cuts in the surface of the wall should be made in such a way that points of contact between tile and the surface are strengthen.

In any case the support should always be properly washed, in order to eliminate everything that might hinder the adhesion of the tiles. After washing, clean, and allow to dry completely.

The adhesive to be used depends on the type of tile to be glued, and the place of settling.

On porcelain tiles settling, Gresart recommends a gluing agent with mixed adhesives (cement and resin). For situations of extreme conditions, or in the case of heated floors, specific types of adhesive are recommended.

For all situations, we suggest that you always consult an adhesive manufacturer for further information.

In the case of floor tiles with a format of 40x40 cm, or bigger; and for all formats used as wall tiles, we recommend the double gluing technique (applying the adhesive cement both on the tile, and the support where it is going to be settled), thus minimizing slight curvature tendency in tiles of considerable length, and reducing the chances for lack of adhesive contact between the tile and the support.

The use of joints is essential in the proper settling of ceramic tiles.

The expansion joint serves the main function of absorbing the tensions generated between the tiles, the adhesive layers, the support, and the structure.

You should always establish a peripheral joint, with 5 to 10 mm of spacing next to walls, steps, and pillars.

When the aforesaid areas are elevated, you should also consider fractioning joints, filled with elastic materials like mastic, or adequate profiles. It is recommended the use of tile spacers, or strip joints, to facilitate the proper alignment of the tiles. A 24 hour interval needs to be respected before filling the joints. Keep in mind that joint grooves should be clean, and free of dust.

For the jointing procedure, we recommend the use of a rubber spatula.

In the case of rugous surfaced tiles, the application of a primary product is highly recommended before doing the joints. This will avoid some staining, and facilitate the overall cleaning process afterwards. It is recommend that cleaning takes place immediately after the process of joint application, when it reaches it's average cure time (around 30 minutes); gently clean all excess materials with a damp cloth. At completion of the job, full cleaning of the surfaces should take place, in order to eliminate all cement, adhesive, and joint residues originated during the settling works.
Products whose composition include hydrofluoric acid should be avoided at all costs, since this type of acid adversely affects all ceramic tile products.