Choose the most appropriate product for the desired use by consulting technical bulletins, catalogs and the PEI abrasion table (for enameled products) printed on the packaging of Gail Arquitetura em Cerâmica.

Buy a larger quantity of ceramic products, between 5 and 10% over the amount specified for the project. This procedure is necessary to facilitate future maintenance. Remember that some types of layout (herringbone, for example) and different sizes of rooms can imply greater loss of material.

To avoid problems with water seepage and rising dampness, we recommend waterproofing the sub-floor in outside areas and/or those subject to dampness. This procedure is mandatory in locations where the watertable is high.

Inspect the ceramic products when they are received at the work site. Check the model, quantity, quality and tint.

For purposely shaded products, mix the contents of various packages beforehand, especially the Flash and pigmented lines of tiles, before beginning to set them. In this manner it will be possible to harmonize colors and avoid light and/or dark spots in the layouts.

It is not necessary to leave Gail Arquitetura em Cerâmica tiles immersed in water before setting (procedure used with glazed tiles and other porous ceramics).

Prefer specialized contractors, and follow the guidelines contained in the specific technical standards (NBR 13753, NBR 13754 and NBR 13755) for the correct setting of ceramic floor and façade coverings.

We recommend the use of setting joints with 8mm of open space. Some layouts already allow for correct spacing of the joints (e.g. Checkerboard and herringbone patterns).

Always use parallel lines to aid in setting the tiles. These lines should be spaced a meter apart or every four pieces (whichever comes first).

Prepare an amount of mortar or tile adhesive sufficient for use within a 30- minute period; a cement and sand mixture may be used for a period of 90 minutes. When the mortar is dry to the touch, it should be discarded and not returned to the mixing vessel to be reused. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for preparation and use. Correctly measure the amount of water in the mixing and preparation of tile adhesives to avoid mixtures that are too hard (dry) or too soft (wet).

Pay attention to the valid dates on tile adhesives and Portland cement, and also to the open time for mortars. Avoid setting tiles on moisture-saturated substrates (both floors and walls). If the environment is very dry and hot, dampen the substrate slightly prior to setting. Excessive moisture interferes with the curing of the tile-setting adhesive and may leave residual moisture (which appears more clearly in light-colored, non-enameled tiles).

Work within a tile-setting area of approximately 1 m2 at a time.

Totally fill the grooves on the reverse side of the tiles before setting them, avoiding hollows. Avoid applying too much mortar to the tiles and the walls: too much mortar makes the tiles slide and shift from their final position.

Tap the surface of the tiles with a rubber mallet for perfect adherence. 72 hours after setting or curing of the mortar, test by tapping with the handle of the mallet to check whether there are tiles that give off a deep or hollow

ring.

For straight cuts, carbide-tipped scorers can be used. For the Loft, Industrial (1014 and 1017 formats), and Industrial Kitchenlines, and for finishing pieces, a saw with a diamond-tipped, water-cooled circular blade should be used, avoiding excess dust and increasing the useful life of the blade.

To aid in cleanup after grouting and to prevent undesired staining, when using grout containing additives and/or strong colors, especially with non-enameled tiles, apply a thin coating of colorless paste wax and/or paraffin. Removal of the wax and/or paraffin is done using the appropriate product. Tiles with a rough surface and indented designs should receive special treatment: test one beforehand with the grout. For anti-corrosive grouts, carefully follow specific manufacturer's directions.

Only grout 72 hours after tile-setting has been completed, beginning cleanup of the grout about 15 minutes after application or when it becomes a little sticky. Do not grout over a saturated (wet) substrate, or after long periods of rain. Correctly measure the amount of water in mixing the grout, preventing it from becoming porous. If the environment is very dry and hot, lightly moisten the substrate before beginning the grouting process, and keep the grout damp for at least 72 hours after application (damp cure the grout, especially on the floors). Never apply oil to tile surfaces.

Protect the finished floor surface (whether clean or not) until the end of the construction work with burlap bags and plaster, avoiding undesirable surface damage and/or staining. Drops of solder and flakes thrown off by saw blades cannot be removed from tile surfaces. Avoid dripping paint, oils or other materials that maystain tiles.

As a precaution, save one of the ceramic tile packages for information on the ceramic tile bought. Small variations in tone are an inherent part of the manufacturing process for ceramic products.

The dynamic friction coefficient for the textured-surface Revest and Pool, Natural Architecture, Industrial, Industrial Kitchen, Minerale Rustico, Falesias and Pool Deck lines is greater than 0.4. If grout spots remain on the floor, clean as follows:

A) Wait 72 hours after grouting has been completed;

 

B) Wet the floor thoroughly and remove the excess water with a squeegee;

 

C) Prepare a detergent solution appropriate for this type of (after-construction) cleaning and spread over the floor, covering areas of up to 16 m2 at a time. On walls, work with small areas, rinsing often. Never use products containing hydrofluoric acid (HF) or stone-cleaner. These products have a corrosive effect on all and any ceramic products and/or natural stone. The excess acid damages the grout and burns it. Prefer specialized contractors for cleaning ceramic;

 

D) Scrub the floor with the aid of an industrial buffer equipped with an abrasive pad (such as the Scotch-Brite green pad) or nylon bristles and/or a soft-bristle broom (on non-enameled tiles, fine sand or scouring powder may be used to facilitate post-construction cleanup);

 

E) Rinse the floor with plenty of water, removing the excess detergent;

 

F) Neutralize after cleaning is concluded, in accordance with the detergent manufacturer's instructions. Perform final rinse and dry the floor with a dry cloth;

 

G) Always use individual protective equipment: safety glasses, gloves and rubber boots;

 

If there are still some cement/grout spots remaining, spot-clean using a spatula.

For walls and façades, perform the cleaning procedures above (except for sub-item d), using an abrasive pad or broom in place of the Industrial buffer. Continuous rinsing of walls and façades lessens the action of the products used, avoiding undesirable spotting of the grout on lower floors. Do not use bristle brushes or masonry brushes, as they do not clean as efficiently. Remove the wax or paraffin applied on the ceramic tile with alkaline detergent, hot water or another indicated product. Protect aluminum surfaces with liquid Vaseline to avoid contact with alkaline detergents (which corrode aluminum).

General-maintenance cleaning is performed using a neutral, alkaline or phosphoric/citric liquid soap in place of post-construction detergents. Never use products containing hydrofluoric acid (HF) or stone-cleaner, as these products exert a corrosive action on all and any ceramic products and/or natural stone. The excess acid damages the grout and burns it. Prefer specialized contractors for cleaning ceramics. Stronger acids may not be used as general-maintenance cleaning products, since they exert a corrosive action on grout.

Products in the Natural Architecture, Minerale Rustico, Falesias and Pool Deck lines, because they have a slip-resistant surface and/or rustic texture, may require more frequent cleaning, depending on the intensity of utilization and the concentration of soil in the areas where they are used.

For outdoor floor coverings in general, we recommend that appropriate pitch be maintained to avoid the formation of puddles, and that impermeable grouts be used, lessening the possibility of infiltrations. In areas subject to substances such as tomato sauce, oil and excessive moisture (barbecue pits, kitchens, food courts/restaurant/eating areas, snack bars, poolside areas, etc.), we recommend the use of waterproofing agents for the Natural Architecture and Pool Deck Lines (class 1 stains).

For areas subject to heavy-load traffic and/or those that require protection against chemical action, consult appropriate product specifications and instructions for use.

Slip-resistant floor covering: one having a friction coefficient equal to or greater than 0.4, measured using the Tortus method, in accordance with standard NBR 13.818.