FAQ

• 1. WHAT IS THE PORCELAIN STONEWARE ? +

  •     Porcelain stoneware is a compact, resistant material with virtually nil porosity (and therefore absorbs almost no water).

    The outstanding feature of porcelain stoneware slabs is their composition. Only the purest materials are used, with minerals, kaolin, feldspars and clay making up 99% of each individual slab, while colours from natural sources complete the aesthetic effect. No glues or resins are used to compact the slabs. To make the material even and compact, it is mechanically pressed at a ratio of more than 500Kg per m² and fired in kilns over 90 metres long at a temperature above 1,250°.

    This is a product with a vitrified structure, low porosity and the ability to resist external agents, guaranteeing high impermeability to acids, dirt and frost. These porcelain stoneware floors and coverings are non-slip, abrasion and fire-resistant and comply with current international standards. 

    Acid resistant

    Resistant to the most common acids, such as vinegar, lemon juice, cola (orthophosphoric acid) and hydrochloric acid. These acids corrode the calcium in marble but leave no trace on ceramic surfaces. Non-resistant to sulphuric acid damage.

    Resistant

    It is more resistant to abrasion and wear than any natural material.

    Non combustible

    The material does not burn nor does it produce gas or harmful-toxic fumes in case of fire or when exposed to a flame.

    Easy to keep perfectly clean

    Organic substances and bacteria, which cause allergies and illnesses, cannot build up on ceramic granite and strong detergent and disinfectants can be used on it.

    Easy to work with

    This product lends itself to being worked (cut, drilled, etc.) like natural stone, allowing you to customise it however you choose.

    Heat resistant

    There are no problems with hot saucepans or lit cigarettes, unlike with wood laminated plastics or agglomerates containing resin, which are all damaged by heat.

    Stain Resistant

    In the kitchen, oil, wine, coffee do not leave irremovable marks. In the bathroom, parfumes, creams and nail varnish do not stick to the surface, nor stain them. Strong detergents and solvents can even be used without damaging the material.

    Frost Resistant

    The material is frost proof.

    Stable chromatically

    Colours are absolutely fast and do not change when exposed to sun, weathering or smog.

    Environmentally friendly

    It contains no waterproofing chemicals, vernishes or resins and does not give off any gases even when exposed to flames. Unlike some types of natural stone, it does not release Radon or other radioactive gases and it is not polished using lead. It is completely environmentally friendly.

•  2. Is it possible to INSTALL ceramic tiles without JOINTS? What are the recommended grout lines?+

  •   Strongly recommends not installing tiles without joints.The width of the gap may vary depending on the size of the tiles and the use required of the flooring. Closed joint laying is not recommended; a minimum gap of 2-3 mm allows the filler to adhere better to the sides of the slabs, as well as for better absorption of any movement in the bed/support structure and better adjustment of the slabs.
    In large areas, it is essential that expansion joints be laid regularly, while in smaller areas it is sufficient to leave a small space between the tiled area and the perimeter walls. This gap will then be covered by the skirting for a proper finish. In all cases, the design engineer or construction site manager will be able to provide appropriate advice/suggestions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

    The width of grout lines must be decided during project-planning and keeping in mind the following considerations:

        • Dimensional characteristics of tiles (rectified joint-less products: 1-2mm depending on the size or not-rectified open-joint products)

       

• 3. In a worksite, how can the ceramic material be PROTECTED after installation and before delivery to final customers?+

  •  In the period between installation and consignment, the ceramic tiled surface must:

        • Be kept clean and free from any cement, sand or other dirt residue which can cause stains and/or mechanical abrasion to the surface

        • Be protected from any damage caused by the presence of other operators (painters, electricians, carpenters, etc.)

• 4. What recommendations should be followed for the installation of porcelain stoneware tiles on HEATED FOOTING?+

  •    The seasoning period of the footing varies depending on the type of binder used and once this period is over, it is necessary to carry out the heating start up cycle to check the functioning of the system and complete the seasoning of the footing.

    Install the tiles:

        • using high-performing deformable cement-based adhesives (class C2E-S1 in compliance with EN 12004)KERAKOLL H40

        • using the “double spreading” technique
        • allowing a grout line of at least 3mm regardless of the size of the tiles

     Moreover, along the perimeter of the area and around pillars, columns and raises, it is necessary to put a layer of compressible material such as expanded polystyrene with a thickness of 1cm and carefully plan expansion joints at least 5mm of width and carried out every 20-25m² into the footing.

     

• 5. Formats and dimensional tolerances
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  •   The formats are divided up according to calibre and choice, in compliance with internal quality standards, which also are conform with and/or are better than the EN 14411 standards.

    Average tolerance values:

    Length and width ± 0.3%
    Thickness ± 5.0%
    Corner straightness ± 0.3%
    Squareness ± 0.2%
    Flatness ± 0.2%

    
    TECHNICAL DATA (average values)
    
    Water absorption: < 0,1%
    Flexion resistance: 46-65 N/mm2
    Deep abrasion resistance: Frost resistance according to standard: EN ISO 10545-12
    Chemical attack according to standard: EN ISO 10545-13
    Breakage load (respectively for thicknesses of di 10 mm – 20 mm): 3000 N - 13000 N

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