Casalgrande Padana

INSTALLATION

Introduction

The successful installation of flooring depends on a combination of factors

(screed, binding layer, expansion joints, etc.) that come together to form

a laying system. This is why installation operations should be considered

just as important as the choice of tiles. Based on the structure and purpose

of the flooring surface, it is the designer’s task to establish the correct

application procedure and the type of product to be used.

Before installation

Before the installation of any surface, it is important to make sure that the

ceramic material used is adequate and sufficient, in terms of quantity, tone

and work size. All the necessary regulations and precautions must also be

adopted for carrying out the operations required (preparation of the screed,

composition of the mortar or adhesives, maturing times, positioning of

expansion joints, tamping, etc.).

Preparing the substrate

Prior to installation, it is important to check that the characteristics of the

substrate are suitable for gluing ceramic tiles: it must be stable, rigid and

regular in size. The surface must be clean and intact, with no cracks,

and free from excess humidity and/or contaminants.

Installation

To ensure the product supplied is able to withstand all kinds of loads on the

surface of the floor or wall, the tiles must be solidly and adequately anchored

to the screed, so there must be no gaps in the bedding layer.

To achieve this (especially with large tiles), the double spreading technique can

be useful, together with adequate tamping/vibration. For more information on

the installation of large ceramic tiles, see our specific instructions here: https://

www.casalgrandepadana.com/soluzioni/engineering/kontinua#download_area

When wedge or screw levelling systems are used, the tiles can rub against

adhesive residue during adjustment, so the levelling devices must be protected

using dedicated “slides” as indicated by the manufacturers of the levelling

systems, before they are tightened. For large settings, it is essential for the

joints to be placed evenly. During installation, it is important to protect the

flooring adequately, especially in the case of glossy, lapped or polished tile

surfaces. This protection must be maintained until the construction site is

closed, to avoid damaging the floor with abrasive substances or other products.

Dragging objects of any kind (regardless of weight) across the floor must be

avoided at all costs, especially in the case

of polished, glossy and/or lapped surfaces.

Cutting and engineering

Although they are extremely resistant, Casalgrande Padana ceramic tiles can

be shaped or pierced for the installation of technical plumbing systems, using

the appropriate equipment. For such operations, please refer to our specific

instructions here: https://www.casalgrandepadana.com/soluzioni/engineering/

kontinua#download_area

Wet cutting or the score-and-snap method is also recommended. Improper

installation techniques may expose the installer to harmful silica dust.

Avoid dry cutting with powered tools. Using dry cutting methods may expose to

acute lung injury risks.

Wear a mask or respirator, if adequate ventilation cannot be achieved.

Matches

For products with matches (for example book matching and end matching)

specified in the catalogue for the formation of specific decorations, a visual

inspection must be carried out before installation, as soon as the elements

are removed from the packaging, to ensure they match and check how best

to place them.

Polished, glossy and lapped surfaces

All gloss surfaces, as we know, gradually lose their shine with use.

Thanks to their distinctive technical characteristics, this process is slower

for Casalgrande Padana products than for all other natural materials such

as marble, granite and stone. However, to preserve the original shine of floors

as long as possible, it is useful to protect the entrance to the paved area -

especially if directly connected to the exterior - with a doormat able to trap

as much dust or other abrasive substances as possible and keep them away

from the floor. After cleaning the tiles for the first time with an acid-based

cleaner, you may notice a slight loss of shine (which is normal) due to the

removal of abrasive residues.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

Introduction

Casalgrande Padana floor and wall tiles - natural, lapped, glossy or polished

- are synonymous with beauty, durability and resistance. In addition, they are

low-maintenance, and require only a few easy cleaning steps, explained here.

Initial cleaning

The purpose of this initial cleaning is to remove any traces of cement or grout

resulting from the closure of the joints. It is normally carried out once only,

after installation and before the use of the floor or wall. Proceed as follows:

1) Sweep the tiles to remove loose dirt.

2) Dampen the surface with water to soak the joints and protect them from

the corrosive action of the acid (descaling) detergent.

3) Dilute the detergent as per the manufacturer’s instructions, and apply it using

a manual or motorised brush. Avoid contact between acid-based detergents

and steel, aluminium, and natural marble components near the tiles.

4) During the leave-on time, which will depend on the condition of the floor,

rub the most ingrained dirt, and scrape away any traces of mortar, grout, etc.

5) Rinse the tiles with water and mop up the dirty water immediately (manually

or with a washer/dryer).

If this initial cleaning is carried out after the floor/wall has already been used,

alkaline (degreasing) detergents should be used to remove any greasy or similar

substances (see Routine cleaning) before applying the acid-based detergent.

If necessary, the initial cleaning operations described above can be repeated.

Some detergents recommended for removing traces of grout:

For joints with cement grout, use acid-based (descaling) detergents such

as Deterprimo plus (Casalgrande Padana), Deterdek (Fila), Keranet (Mapei),

Deltaplus (Kerakoll), Solvacid (Geal) or similar (always follow the detergent

manufacturer’s instructions).

For joints with epoxy grout, use alkaline-based detergents such as Fuga-Soap

Eco (Kerakoll), Kerapoxy Cleaner (Mapei), Tile Cleaner (Faber), CR10 (Fila),

Lithofin Resin-Ex (Lithofin), Eposolv (Geal) or similar (always follow the detergent

manufacturer’s instructions).

Routine cleaning

For everyday cleaning, wash the tiles with water and ordinary neutral detergents

suitable for tiled surfaces (use neutral gel detergents on wall tiles).

Make sure the detergents do not contain waxy substances; because they are

practically non-absorbent, the surfaces of Casalgrande Padana products do

not require the application of protective waxes and/or silicone products, which

should never be used, because they can create a film on the surface that would

alter the natural characteristics of the porcelain stoneware.

For persistent stains that are difficult to remove with routine cleaning, use

more concentrated detergents, allowing them to act for a sufficient length of

time, then rub to restore the original appearance of the tiles. Please note that

stoneware is resistant to all chemicals except for hydrofluoric acid, which

attacks all kinds of ceramic products and must never be used.

As for public spaces, floors should be cleaned when the place is closed so that

they are dry when it reopens; otherwise, fence off the wet floor until perfectly

dry. For larger premises, use a washer/dryer to ensure perfect cleanliness and

hygiene. Specific equipment such as floor washers or pressure washers may be

required for the maintenance of anti-slip and/or textured surfaces common in

industrial or working premises or collective areas such as swimming pools, etc.

For larger premises, the use of washer/dryers is recommended. Floors should

be considered clean when they look as good as new!

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