CEMENT TILE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE GUIDELINE
Cement tiles are the hand-made products using natural pigments, variations in color from tile to tile, lot to lot are to be expected. Therefore, please check the tiles carefully before installation and please take out the tiles randomly from different boxes in order to have a better distribution and blending of the material
Installation of cement tile is also simple as installation of other tiles, but Installation of cement tile should be the last stage in the construction process to avoid tiles being stained or dirty affected by other processes. Before installation, keep the boxes of tiles in dry place, away from water or humidity, especially the rain-water as the acidity in the rain-water cause the stain on the tiles’ surfaces.
Cement tiles are absorbant and should be soaked in water for a few seconds before they are laid in the thinset mortar bed
During installation, don’t use hammer to level the tiles because this may cause the cracks on the tiles. Use your hand only to level them.
It is important that the mortar bed must be clean and flat and the tiles are set perfectly level on the floor. After the tile is set, make sure to swipe all the extra mortar on the tile not letting them to be absorbed into the tiles. It is recommended that you should prepare a small mortar bed, set the tiles, then another continuing small mortar bed, then set the tiles,…this can help the tiles to be well pasted onto the wet mortar bed. For the best result, you should trowel some mortar on the back of the tile before laying them onto the mortar bed.
After the tiles has been installed, do not step on the tiles and leave the floor totally dry before applying the grout. Before grouting, make sure the floor is well watered to limit the absorbent of grout liquid to the tiles. When applying grout, you have to remove the extra grout liquid out of the tiles before it getting dry. If not, these can cause stain on the floor which is very difficult to remove. The grout liquid should be applied by using a pot with spout to limit the excessive grout spread out to the tiles.
Leave the floor totally dry with good protection before apply the final step of maintenance. Should you prefer a glossy floor, using the waxing option. Before doing this step, use soft and smooth sandpaper to clean the floor. Use the mixture of kerosene and paraffin to polish the floor. Apply a thin layer of this mixture onto the floor, leave it to absorb in around 3-5 minutes, then use clean and soft cloth to wipe until the floor look glossy. You can also use a polishing machine, but result will not as good as using soft cloth. Should you prefer a matte look, use penetrating sealing option by using a soft and smooth sandpaper to clean the floor, then apply invisible penetrating sealer (same as the one we applied on the tile before delivery, brand name mentioned in the contract) with a sponge.
In order for the floor to be maintained with good appearance, it is recommended that you should clean the floor with clean water everyday. Should you need to use bleach liquid for any reason, remember to dilute it before cleaning. And do the waxing / penetrating sealing for the floor every 6 months or 1 year depending on the usage of the floor.
Make sure to carefully protect the floor to avoid damage that may be caused by the other contractors doing the interior decorations.
