INSTALLATION CRITERIA
In order to obtain: resistance, aesthetical quality and durability on wall and floor coverings the decision maker must take into consideration the project in its globality
The following aspects should be considered as general information and do not exempt an adequate analysis made by the project leader or general constructor, such as: compatibility with other materials of the structure; mechanical stress; chemical and temperature conditions of the installation environment and maintenance methods to be used.
Preparation method
The area to be tiled must be prepared level, be clean and free of any barrier substances and be suitable for the proposed weight as well as being sound and fully cured. It should be free of any cracks, uneven spots or dampness, any dust or grime should be removed.
The preparation of the bonding agent should be made carefully following the manufacturerˇ¦s instructions. It must be applied with a notched trowel with appropriate dimensions. In high-stress areas or when Kanstone (Marble based) dark colours are being fixed, notch trowel the mix onto both the area to be tiled and on to the reverse of the tiles ensuring a solid bed fixing is achieved.
Once the tiles have been laid remove any excess fixing product or grout. The area must be thoroughly cleaned and protected to avoid stains.
Diamond circular discs are recommended for cutting.
Cement-based mortar
This traditional method of installation should only be used in low-traffic areas in small interior surfaces and using tiles with formats dimensioned up to 40 X 40 cm. The utilization of lime (even as a partial substitute for cement) should be absolutely avoided. Excess water must be avoided since it may cause lack of adherence, warpage and stains on tiles.
Kanstone (Marble based) references ˇ§Verde Braganca, Caboˇ¨ must not be fixed with this method.
Cement-based adhesives
These adhesives are primarily composed of ready mixed cement, sand, resin and other additives in which water is added at time of use. Their primary function is to increase adhesion characteristics and reduce substantially problems related to water excess. Cement-based adhesives tend generally to have low elasticity, and are not recommended for: larger tile formats; high-stress environments; situations where expansion joints do not exist.
Kanstone (Marble based) references ˇ§Verde Braganca, Caboˇ¨ must not be fixed with this method.
Organic-based adhesives
A two component adhesive composed of organic materials based on synthetic resin (polyuretanic/epossidic), liquid latex or other additives and absence of water. Due to their good elasticity and increased bonding strength, organic-based adhesives are suitable for applications where differentiated movements are foreseen and in areas subject to hydro-thermal variations.
In order to attain good results it is essential to consult adhesive manufacturer to indicate adequate product for each specific situation.
Expansion joints
Installations without expansion joints are not recommended. Only in small interior areas where minimum temperature variations may occur and when 30 X 30 cm tiles are used, can this be accepted.
Generally the following joints are recommended: 1 mm between tiles with 30 X 30 and 5 mm for tiles with 60 X 60. These must be filled with adequate grout that will maintain the elasticity of the joint after curing. Only this together with an appropriate adhesive can guarantee the capacity to absorb differentiated movements between tiles and the support base.
Cleaning and protection ˇV (marble based)
After setting is completed the area must be thoroughly cleaned and protected, under no circumstances should a cleaning agent containing acid be used, as this will damage the polished surface, neutral detergents are recommended.
Important Notes:
- Due to the presence of iron in its formation, reference ˇ§Verde Bragancaˇ¨ should not be installed in areas subject to extended contact with water.
- Kanstone (Marble based) products by them selves are not watertight. If desired, appropriate insulating systems should be used on surface before fixing of the tiles.
- Anchoring systems are recommended for exterior wall cladding when higher than 3 m.
- Dark colours are not recommended in areas subject to: direct sunlight exposure, abrasion and/or high traffic.
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
As with all natural marble, Kanstone (Marble based) products will keep their beauty longer if they are properly maintained. Keep the floor free from abrasive grit and dust. To clean the floor use a chemically neutral product ˇV acids and alkalis will attack marble. Kanstone has a range of domestic products specially designed to care for natural and agglomerate marble:
- Kanstone (Marble based) Stripper to clean very dirty floors.
- Kanstone (Marble based) Sealer to avoid stains and easy cleaning.
- Kanstone (Marble based) Neutral Cleaner for daily cleaning.
- Kanstone (Marble based) Wax to keep the original beautiful shine.
In areas subject to abrasion and/or high traffic we recommend that maintenance be carried out by specialised companies that may apply, among others, a vitrification treatment in order to obtain surface hardness.
Important Note:
Acids and alkalis must not be used for cleaning as they will damage the marble.
