The best long-lasting results are obtained, in addition to the appropriate choice of product, also through “professional” installation.

 

Single firing
LaFaenza single fired tiles may be laid using both traditional mortar and adhesives. It is a good idea to immerse the tile in water before laying in order to eliminate any dust from the surface, which may compromise its setting. It is also advisable to lay large formats using the double coating method in order to guarantee the spread of the binding agent over a surface greater than 90% of the surface of the tile itself. When laying polished floors it is a good idea to protect the tiles once laid and carefully cleaned, the use of mechanical vibrators is not advised as they may lead to the deposit of hard and abrasive grains of sand on the surface of the polished tiles, which may cause scratches.
Particular care must be taken in laying in order to preserve the tile and it is necessary to carry out the following operations:
• always allow for expansion joints at a distance not greater than 4-5 linear metres in all directions; these may interest not only the layer of the tiles, but also the bed, concrete or the mix layer, depending on the type of installation, traditional or with adhesives;
• the expansion joints must be sealed using suitable materials such as silicon or polyurethane materials, depending on the pedestrian traffic the floor will have to bear;
• it is necessary to carry out separation layers between the various elements making up the installation such as slip layer, waterproof layer, barrier for vapour and anything else necessary for avoiding tiles becoming unattached and breaking of the tiles due to undesired infiltrations.
In any case when installing single fired LaFaenza tiles in special conditions or surfaces, contact the IMOLA TECNICA division of the Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola for helpful tips.

 

Double firing
Double fired LaFaenza tiles may be installed either using adhesives or cement mortars.
Given their high porosity even when laid with cement based sealants, it is a good idea to immerse them in clean water for at least eight hours, allowing to drain before laying. Do not immerse before laying if using acrylic or vinyl resin based adhesives and when two-component organic solvent adhesives are used. For large formats, use the double coating method and when laying large surfaces, allow for suitable expansion joints that must not be distanced more than 4-5 linear metres from each other.
In any case when installing in special condition or surfaces, it is advisable to contact the IMOLA TECNICA division of the Cooperativa Ceramica d’Imola for suggestions.

 

Glazed porcelain stoneware or full body porcelain stoneware.
LaFaenza glazed porcelain stoneware may be laid using traditional cement mortars, although it is advisable to use adhesives especially for large formats for floors and always when laid outdoors.
For wall cladding, use the double coating method in order to have perfect “wetting” on the back of the tile. Fast immersion in water before laying avoids the risk that adhesion may be compromised by the presence of dust on the rear surface of the tile.
Wetting must be avoided when using vinyl, acrylic resin based adhesives or two component organic solvent based adhesives. Allow for suitable expansion joints that must not be distanced more than 4-5 linear metres from each other on the inside and 3 linear metres on the outside.
For large formats in staggered laying, do not stagger for more than 20%.
For full body porcelain stoneware it is necessary to check heavily coloured products when it comes to grouting so as to avoid problems caused by dirtying the tile surface which would then be difficult to remove. Test the product first before grouting and consult our IMOLA TECNICA division for advice, even when the product has to be installed in special environmental conditions.