INSTALLATION

The successful installation of floors depends not only on the quality

of tiles but on a combination of factors (bedding, binding layer,

expansion joints, etc.) that constitute a real system.

That is why installation operations are to be considered as important

as the choice of tiles. However, based on the structure and purpose

of the flooring surface, the designer is still responsible for defining

the correct procedure to lay the tiles and selecting the ones to be

employed. When it comes to installation operations, Casalgrande

Padana tiles do not differ from any other type of ceramic: either the

traditional procedure envisaging cement mortar or the procedure

envisaging glues and adhesives may be resorted to.

For tiles larger than 30x30 cm, we recommend using an installation

system with an adhesive according to the intended use of the room,

type and characteristics of the substrate, and size in consideration of

the static/dynamic loads on the ceramic tiles.

If you use an adhesive, you must first ensure that the substrate has

suitable characteristics for glueing ceramics, such as stability and

dimensional regularity, rigidity, absence of cracks, clean and intact

surface, and absence of excess moist and/or contaminants.

Before starting the installation operations of any surface, we

recommend you make sure that the stoneware batch is adequate

and sufficient in terms of quantity, tone and calibration. Moreover, all

necessary norms and precautions need to be implemented for the

correct completion of the work (bedding preparation, composition of

mortar or adhesives, maturing period, positioning expansion joints,

ramming, etc.).

If in case of large environments joints must be positioned at regular

intervals, in small environments a small gap between the tiles and

perimeter walls is sufficient: the skirting board will cover the gap and

provide the finishing effect. Avoid walking on the floor for at least 2/3

days after installation. If walking on the floor is necessary, lay wooden

planks on the surface.

Please notice that if the tiles are installed with the traditional procedure

and no additives are added to the mortar, at least one month has

to elapse before the floor can be subjected to stress and operating

loads.

Even though Granitogres, Pietre Native and Granitoker tiles are very

resilient material, they can be shaped or perforated to install technical

and sanitary systems, using appropriate equipment.

First clean

The purpose of first-time cleaning is to remove any trace of cement or

plaster used to close the joints.

The flooring/wall covering is normally cleaned once before use. This

must be done before the flooring/wall covering is used.

Proceed as follows:

1. Sweep the floor/covering to remove the coarser dirt.

2. Dampen the surface with water so as to soak the joints, thereby

protecting them from the corrosive action of the acid detergent

(descaling product).

3. Apply the detergent (see note A) in the concentration (water mixing

ratio) indicated by the manufacturer using a manual or motorised

brush. Avoid any contact between the acid detergent and the

steel, aluminium, and natural marble components near the flooring/

wall covering.

4. Leave the detergent on as long as needed, depending on the

condition of the floor, then rub any stubborn dirt away (and scrape

off residues of mortar, plaster, etc. ...).

5. Rinse the flooring/covering with water and mop up the dirty water

immediately (manually or with a washer/drier).

If the flooring/wall covering is cleaned for the first time after

being used, it is important to use appropriate alkaline detergents

(degreasing agents) before applying the acid detergent to remove any

greasy or similar substance (see Routine Cleaning).

If necessary, you can repeat the first-time cleaning operations described

above.

Polished, gloss and lapped surfaces

All polished surfaces tend to become more opaque with use. Because

of its outstanding technical properties, with Casalgrande Padana

products this process is slower than for any other natural material

(marble, granite, stone, etc.). However, to protect the floor’s shine

for as long as possible, it’s important to protect the entrance to the

floored room, especially if it has an adjoining outdoor area, with a

doormat that can keep as much dust or abrasive substances as

possible off the floor.

A slight loss of shine after the first acid wash must be considered

normal, as it is due to the removal of the abrasive residues used for

processing the surface.

A) Here are a few detergents recommended for removing plaster

residues:

Cement plaster joints – acid detergents (descaling products)

Deterprimo Plus (Casalgrande Padana), Deterdek (Fila), Keranet

(Mapei), Deltaplus (Kerakoll), Solvacid (Geal) or similar detergents

(follow the manufacturer’s instructions).

Epoxy plaster joints – alkaline detergents

Fuga-Soap Eco (Kerakoll), Kerapoxy Cleaner (Mapei), Tile Cleaner

(Faber), CR10 (Fila), Lithofin Resin-Ex (Lithofin), Eposolv (Geal) or

similar detergents (follow the manufacturer’s instructions).

Routine cleaning

For everyday cleaning, all you have to do is wash the flooring/

wall covering with water and normal neutral detergents suitable for

ceramic surfaces (for wall coverings use a neutral gel detergent gel).

Make sure that the detergents do not contain waxy substances.

The surfaces of Casalgrande Padana products are practically

non-absorbent; therefore, the use of wax and/or silicone cleaners is

not required. These should never be used, as they create a superficial

film that changes the natural characteristics of porcelain stoneware.

Should there be any stubborn stain that cannot be removed by

routine cleaning, use a more concentrated detergent and leave it on

for long enough, then rub harder until the tiles are back to their original

condition. Note that porcelain stoneware is resistant to any chemical,

except hydrofluoric acid, which eats into any ceramic, so it

must never be used.

Floors of public areas should be cleaned when the place is closed, so

the floor will be dry when it reopens; otherwise, fence off the cleaned

floor until perfectly dry.

For larger places, use a washer/drier to ensure perfect cleanliness and

hygiene.

The flooring is to be considered clean when it returns to its original

appearance!

Anti-slip flooring

These surfaces are normally used in industrial or work environments

and require a few extra measures for their maintenance.

For larger places, use a washer/drier to ensure perfect cleanliness and

hygiene. These floors can also be cleaned using a pressure washer.

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