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Laying

When laying ceramic tiles, it is important to select the method to be used based on the different factors involved in the system.
The laying method to be used for ceramic tiles must be selected according to the design of the system and the functional requirements of the tiled area. The tiler will initially verify the substrates, the environmental conditions and the intended use, in order to correctly select the ceramic tiles, together with the ideal bonding and grouting materials.

A series of general recommendations are given below which should be taken into account when laying ceramic tiles, although it is essential that the work is always carried out by qualified professionals.

Planning the layout: checking the measurements of the space to be tiled, levels, checking that the walls and surfaces are plumb, etc. It is necessary to plan the layout of the tile joints, in order to avoid narrow strips and cuts in the tiles.

Substrates: check the surface, taking into account the stability of the base material, the compressibility of the intermediate layers, its flatness, cohesion, water absorption rate, texture, chemical compatibility and the condition of the installation surface where the bonding material will be applied.
Laying.

Ceramic tiles can be laid using the thick bed method with cement mortar – a technique that is restricted for tiles with a water absorption rate of more than 3% and a format of less than 900cm2 – on stable substrates without intermediate layers.

For all other tiles, the thin bed method is used with cement-based adhesives, dispersion adhesives or reactive resin adhesives. The following tips should be applied to ensure that the tiles are laid correctly.

Grouting is carried out at least 24 hours after laying the ceramic tiles.

Cleaning. To remove remnants of adhesive, grouting material or any other type of residue, slightly acid descaling detergents should be used. The surface should be washed with clean water prior to applying any type of chemical treatment, in order to prevent any of the agents used in the grouting material being absorbed.

General tips
• Choose the type of adhesive based on its intended use, substrate, format, and the water absorption rate of the tile.
• It is important to check that the tiles are laid within the open time of the adhesive, in order to prevent a dry film forming that may hinder adhesion
• The width of the joint width will depend on the format of the tile, and the expected use the tiled surface will have to withstand.
• It is not advisable to use tile joints of less than 3 mm.
• Tiles must never be laid abutted

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Laying