Advice for laying  the floor

Advice for laying
the floor

Laying slabs
Advice for laying slabs to obtain optimal aesthetic results

n addition to the technical and aesthetic qualities of the material, the success of a floor in ARIOSTEA material is due to a series of elements (subfloor, binding layer, expansion joints, etc.) that constitute a true flooring system.

In addition to the technical and aesthetic qualities of the material, the success of a floor in ARIOSTEA material is due to a series of elements (subfloor, binding layer, expansion joints, etc.) that constitute a true flooring system. The correct execution of the laying operations is thus absolutely essential for ensuring a perfect final result. The materials can be laid using either adhesives or cement mortar. In choosing the most suitable adhesive and application methods, the layer should follow the instructions provided by the adhesive manufacturer. In places subject to heavy traffic or the passage of heavy loads it is advisable to choose a laying system with adhesives. The ARIOSTEA products are natural materials in terms of both the raw materials used and the particular production technologies, which tend to simulate the random aspects of natural formation. Colour variations are thus a desired characteristic that the layer's skill can enhance, making it possible to achieve unique and unrepeatable results. To highlight the characteristics of the material, we recommend that the layer follow these instructions:

  • Spread out a number of pieces (at least 3 square metres) on the floor to check the overall effect. When laying the material, mix the contents of different boxes.
  • Do not immerse the material in water before laying.
  • Especially on polished surfaces, when cuts have to be made, do not mark the fine face with pencils or felt pens.
  • Wait 48-72 hours before allowing normal traffic on the floor.
 

GROUTING

Consigli per la posa del pavimentoIf installing with normal setting adhesives, grout the floor after 24 / 48 hours; if using quicksetting adhesives, after 4 hours.

 

 

Consigli per la posa del pavimentoEspecially with honed and polished materials, use cement-based grout with tone on tone colours (if possible avoid dark coloured grouts like black,blue, red with light coloured materials and vice-versa). For jointing these surfaces, do not use epoxy grouts or flexible mortar with a synthetic base (Flexfughe) especially if the colour contrasts with the material and do not add additives/ latex to the grout. These products in fact make it extremely difficult to eliminate the residues with normal cleaning products. Should this kind of grout be used anyway, take care of testing it on the material beforehand.

 

 

Consigli per la posa del pavimentoSpread the grout over the entire surface of the material with a rubberized spatula.

 

 
 

Consigli per la posa del pavimentoGrout small surfaces one at a time removing excess quantities with a sponge or a damp cloth (with clean water only) or use a special machine to remove the excess grout when the layer of grout is still damp.

 

 

JOINTING AND FINAL CLEANING

Consigli per la posa del pavimento

When the floor has been laid using normal setting adhesives, joint the slabs after 24/48 hours, in the case of quick setting adhesives, after 4 hours. - Especially with honed and polished materials, use cement-based grout with tone on tone colours (if possible avoid dark coloured grouts like black,blue, red with light coloured materials and vice-versa). For jointing these surfaces, do not use epoxy grouts or flexible mortar with a synthetic base (Flexfughe) especially if the colour contrasts with the material and do not add additives/ latex to the grout. These products in fact make it extremely difficult to eliminate the residues with normal cleaning products. Should this kind of grout be used anyway, take care of testing it on the material beforehand.

- Spread the grout with a rubber spatula all over the material surface.

- Joint small areas at a time, removing the excess with damp sponges or rags (using only clean water) or with special machines for removing the excess grout while this is still damp.

- Proper initial cleaning is fundamental both for enhancing its aesthetic and shine characteristics and for restoring its original characteristics of easy cleaning and ease of ordinary maintenance. It is therefore very important that initial cleaning is carried out immediately after installation, rubbing hard with acidbased products, followed by abundant rinsing with water. In this way it will be possible to eliminate the residues of grout, adhesive, cement, etc. It is possible to use any of the detergents available on the market, with the exclusion only of products containing hydrofluoric acids (composites and derivates) according to EN standard 14411.

- The floor must be carefully protected. Should it be necessary to carry out other operations such as decorating, plumbing or any other kind of work, once the floor has been installed it is advisable to cover it with PVC or AIRBALLS sheets or cloths.

 

AFTER CLEANING

Consigli per la posa del pavimento

We recommend proper protection of the installed floor. Should it be necessary to carry out other operations such as distempering, plumbing work or any other type of work, we recommend, after the installation is completed, to cover the floor with PVC sheets, AIRBALLS or fabrics. It is also necessary to wait 48/72 hours before subjecting the floor to normal traffic.

The site installation service is a global offer of products and guaranteed services in which each phase is integrated with the following ones to achieve the best aesthetic and functional final result. In particular, all products are designed by the companies being part of the group to obtain greater performances in association with Ariostea products. The site installation of Ariostea wall and floor coverings is available for all users (designers, companies, buyers) who want to be sure of having a high quality result. Our squared rectified products supplied in single work size and, in particular, those with a polished surface are characterised by high precision dimensions. Therefore, technically speaking, the products can be installed using either a jointless or open joint method even though the latter is considered more reliable and safe (in some countries it is the only one that can be adopted). In fact, using the open joint method it is possible to reduce the elasticity modulus of the covering layer thus reducing the risk of the product lifting or coming loose. The open joint method makes any installation imperfections less noticeable and makes it easier to check that the joints are correctly filled and will last in time. When jointing, the use of flexible mortars or synthetic based mortars, especially contrasting ones, are not recommended in particular for products with a polished surface.

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