THE INSTALLATION

Here below is a list of basic recommendations for installation. These must obviously be completed by the experience of qualified fitters in order to obtain a finished effect complying with ‘rules of the trade’.

The following operations are recommended during installation:

  1. Place tiles of several boxes on the floor to check out the overall effect. Install by taking and mixing tiles from different boxes.
  2. Never immerse tiles in water before installation.
  3. After installation, tap the tiles to eliminate any air bubbles in the adhesive you have used.
  4. Do not use markers on the tile surface.
  5. For large sizes, you must adopt the double-spreading technique (i.e. spread adhesive both on the bottom face of the tile and on the floor).
  6. For detailed information, refer to official publications.

Grouting

Apply grout to floors 24/48 hours after installation.

Joints between tiles must be perfectly clean. Apply grout to small portions of surface (4 or 5 m2) at a time and wash thoroughly with water. We recommend use of a grout with the
same tone as the tile.

Joint between tiles

The width of a joint depends on the size of a tile and on the intended use of the floor. As a general rule, we recommend a 3 mm joint. If material is rectified, the joint must be at least 2 mm wide. When installing patterns with different sizes, the joint must be 4 to 5 mm wide.

“Straight-forward layout” installation requires special attention in combining and levelling the single pieces so as to reduce the differences in flatness that may be present. Small differences in flatness are typical of “straight-forward layout” installation and, in any case, do not compromise the final result.

It is recommended to ‘offset’ tiles by one quarter of their length at the most. For all exterior floors, installation should be ‘open-joint’ with joints having a width of 5 mm. Open-joint installation is the best way to prevent the risks relating to high thermal stress and hygrometric shrinkage, which are typical of tiles installed outdoors.

Laying Patterns

Cleaning after Installation

We would like to remind you that all products of POLIS SPA go subject to the stain-resistance tests of the EN 14411 standard.

After installation, any dust and, in particular, residues of adhesive must be removed as rapidly as possible. For this operation, do not use paste, sponges or abrasives detergents and substances. After using acid or basic solutions (see the instructions on the pack for information about dilution and test the detergent on a small, hidden portion of surface before using it), if this is strictly necessary, rinse with care until rinsing water is clean, and then dry. This operation must be performed with special care so as to maintain the beauty and properties of the material and facilitate routine cleaning during normal use of the product.

After these preliminary operations, clean your floor with care, especially if the tiles are glossy and/or lapped. In the latter case, never use acid-based detergents for cleaning.

Routine Cleaning

As far as daily cleaning is concerned, remove dust with a dry cloth, wash with water and a neutral detergent (follow the maker’s instructions) using a moist cloth that must be frequently rinsed in the solution.

The use of dirty water, gloss-enhancers or too much detergent may cause a film to form on the surface, which causes stains and marks. We confirm that the products of Ceramiche Polis SpA are stable and continuously checked. Correct use and proper care will prevent defects.

For cleaning, never use stain removers of the rust-proofing or spray type as they contain hydrofluoric acid: resulting damage will be irreparable since there is no tile available, either manufactured by us or by others, that resists this acid.

Extra-Duty Cleaning

In the event of specific stains and/or deep-down dirt, use special detergents (download pdf table below). Remember that stains are easier to remove if they are still “fresh”.
Stains and detergents

Disposal of the Product

The choice of building materials on the basis of their service life contributes to the environmental sustainability of a building. Material with a longer lifecycle,
having the same intended use as material with a shorter lifecycle, results in a lower environmental impact.

Upon condition that they are correctly installed and maintained, products of POLIS
MANIFATTURE CERAMICHE SPA can last as long as the building in which they have been installed. At the end of their lifecycle, residues resulting from demolition call for no particular
treatment since, due to their chemical inertia, they do not release harmful substances into the environment. Material must be recycled or disposed of in accordance to the national and local
rules and standards in force.