Use and Care Manual

PREPARATION AND INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS (CONT.)
INSTALLATION
Please see the latest edition of the TCNA Handbook for
further instruction.
1. Prior to installation and any cutting, inspect your order carefully.
Ceramic and porcelain tile is subject to color and shade
variations and it is strongly recommended to blend tiles from
dierent boxes to achieve an even distribution of color range.
2. Installer must conduct a dry mock layout under proper lighting
conditions prior to installation by placing tiles on the floor for
quality and color inspection. It is imperative that the end user
inspect the product prior to installation. Once installed, the
product is deemed accepted.
3. Before laying the tiles in thin-set, wipe the back of the tiles
with a damp sponge to remove any dust residue and enable
proper adhesion.
4. Mark out grid lines on the surface to be tiled.
5. The minimum recommended grout joint for any large format
tiles (any one edge is greater than 15") is 3/16". Smaller grout
joints void any warranties.
6. Install large format tiles with a large format thin-set mortar and
no more than a 33% oset.
7. Use of a leveling system is recommended to ensure tiles lay
flat and level.
8. Key in thin-set over the substrate with the flat side of a trowel.
Use a square-notched trowel at a 45° angle to spread the
adhesive evenly over the substrate in straight lines. For mosaic
tiles only, use the flat side of the trowel to smooth or flatten out
the ridges in the thin-set.
9. Use the flat side of the trowel to back-butter the tile. Ensure
the mortar adhesive is applied to the full back of each tile
(100% coverage).
10. Set the tiles into the adhesive according to the marked
gridlines, starting from one end and continuing to the other.
11. Tiles are fully embedded when the thin-set is 1/3 the depth of the tile.
12. Immediately remove any excess adhesive from the surface with
a damp cloth or sponge.
13. Wait the thin-set manufacturer’s instructed time before grouting.
14. Note: You can use profiles to frame and protect the edges of the tile
installation. Ensure you follow Manufacturer’s instructions completely.
GROUTING
Please see the latest edition of the TCNA Handbook for
further instruction.
1. If installing polished or honed porcelain tile, once the thin-set
has cured, use a grout release or seal the tile prior to grouting.
See above for recommended products. Follow the
Manufacturer's instructions.
2. Then, spread grout with a rubber float, completely filling the
joints. Joints should be full and free of voids and pits. This step
should not be completed until the thin-set has cured.
3. Grout small areas at a time or an area you can comfortably
grout within 2 to 3 minutes. Do not spread grout over the
entire floor. Grout that sits too long will cure and on the
surface of the tile and create haze issues.
4. Follow the grout manufacturer’s instructions. Immediately
clean all grout and residue from the tiles using a sponge and
clean water. Acidic or alkaline cleaners should not be used on
the tile or the grout joints.
5. Rub all joints to ensure even levels of grout within each joint.
POST-GROUTING
1. Once the grout has dried, cover the tile immediately with a
protective covering to prevent staining and damage during
the remainder of construction.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
ROUTINE CLEANING
Specific cleaning and maintenance requirements vary depending
on the tile’s surface and texture and any present contaminants.
Below are some general cleaning and maintenance guidelines.
1. For ongoing maintenance, sweep or vacuum the tiles.
2. Clean the tiles regularly with a pH neutral cleaner and rinse
with clean water. Use only neutral, non-abrasive and
non-acidic cleaners. Avoid use of any harsh cleaning products
that contain bleach or acidic chemicals. Acid-based cleaners
and harsh chemicals may etch the surface of the tile,
especially tiles with polished or honed finishes.
3. It is important that the cleaner is a non-oil, non-soap and
non-animal fat based product. These products act like a
magnet, attracting dirt and dust.
4. Always test cleaning solutions on a small inconspicuous area
before proceeding to clean the entire surface area.
5. For hard to remove residue, a single disc floor machine with a
white pad may be used. Be sure to wet the surface first when
using a floor machine.
RESEALING
For polished or honed porcelain tiles installed in high foot traffic
applications, it is recommended to re-seal every 2-3 years.
PLEASE NOTE
If you have any questions, contact [e-mail]
before cutting or installing tiles. Please visit Bedrosians.com for full
product details and approved applications. Reference the most current
ANSI and TCNA Handbooks for current industry installation standards.
Improper installation, care and/or maintenance voids warranty.
Customer’s selection and use of Bedrosians® products and the
installation procedures and maintenance practices employed by
each customer are outside the direction and control of Bedrosians®
and are strictly and completely the choice and responsibility of
each customer and their installer. Bedrosians® does not warrantee
product for any specific use, nor any installation procedure or
maintenance practice, and expressly disclaims all asserted claims
after installation of Bedrosians® products. Bedrosians® will not be
held responsible for improper installation of your tile or specific
jobsite conditions.
KEEP YOUR
TILE IN GREAT
CONDITION
ALL YEAR LONG