PEI

What is the difference between PEI 5 and Deep Abrasion? How does it interfere in the use and durability of my ceramic floor?

PEI stands for 'Porcelain Enamel Institute', which is the name of the institution that developed the Surface Abrasion test method for vitrified (enameled) ceramic tiles. This test measures the surface wear and tear of the layer of enamel of the tiles and varies from 0 to 5, in conformity with standard NBR 13818. Deep Abrasion is the test that measures the physical/mechanical wear and tear of the body of a non-enameled ceramic tile. It is a more several test than PEI, although there is no degree of comparison between both. In practical terms, in an area of heavy traffic, non-enameled ceramic products have a better durability than PEI 5 ceramic products.

USO DOS PRODUTOS

Which is the most suitable ceramic covering for my construction work?

Façades: on façades the choice of the product should conform to the desired esthetic detailing, and to technical conditions required for satisfactory performance. These technical conditions consist of providing external protection against bad weather, not undergoing color alterations due to UV radiation, offering easy maintenance and being resistant to aggressive agents such as salt spray, acid rain and pollution. The coverings of façades should have a water absorption rate of less than 6%; in regions subject to temperatures below 0°C, we recommend that this absorption be lower than 3% (greater resistance to freezing); Swimming pools: in swimming pools, the covering should basically be resistant to UV radiation and to chemical agents present in the water treatment. In technical swimming pools, such as those used for water gymnastics, and on steps we recommend covering the floor with anti-slip ceramic tiles. On the outside corners of the walls, ‘L’ shaped swimming pools and on the edges of the steps and of the pool, the use of rounded parts allows users to enjoy greater comfort, avoiding accidents; Floors: - outside: in these places the use of anti-slip tiles is indicated, with a friction coefficient of over 0.4 , preventing accidents with users; -inside: there is no specific recommendation relating to the degree of roughness of the covering; - heavy traffic (internal and external): in these places the use of PEI 5 (Minerale Rústico line) and Non-enameled tiles (Natural Architecture line) tiles is recommended; Industrial: the ceramic covering used in industries should fulfill the mechanical, chemical and safety requirements of each specific case. Gail’s Industrial Line contains ceramic tiles and finishing parts that adapt to all the needs of industries. The thickness of the tiles can be 9, 14 and 17 mm, depending on the local mechanical overload, type of cargo transporter (forklift truck, pallet transporter, cart, sundry trucks, etc) and type of wheel (metallic, pneumatic, soft rubber, polyurethane, etc). The chemical resistance of Gail’s Industrial Line tiles is significantly ample, covering almost all the products used in industries, mainly facilitating the asepsis of food preparation areas.

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Which precautions should I take before starting to lay my ceramic covering?

Floors: carefully follow the specifications of the party in charge of the construction work, in terms of gradient; preparation, thickness and cure of the mortar bed; preparation, application and cure of the laying mortar; diagramming, execution and caulking of the expansion joints; preparation, application and cure of the joint (especially on outside floors) and pagination of the covering to be executed. Supplementary information and precautions can be found in standard NBR 13753/96; Industrial floors: specific recommendations for each construction job, according to the executive project; wall and façade: carefully follow the specifications of the party in charge of the construction work, in terms of thickness and cure of grout; preparation, application and cure of the laying mortar; diagramming, execution and caulking of the expansion joints; preparation, application, cure and cleaning of the joint and pagination of the covering to be executed. Supplementary information and precautions can be found in standard NBR 13755/96

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Which is the most suitable mortar for my construction work and what is the opening of the laying joint?

The use of mortar will depend on the type of substrate /mortar bed /grout of the construction work: - concrete: always use cement and sand mortar. The line of the cement and sand mortar should be compatible with that of the concrete used. Standards NBR 9817/87 and NBR 8214/83 specifically refer to this type of laying; - cemented or cement and sand mortar: type AC-II or AC-III adhesive mortar (cement glue) can be used in accordance with specific instructions from the manufacturer of the adhesive mortar. Standards NBR 13753/96, NBR 13754/96 and NBR 13755/96 specifically refer to this type of laying . In some special cases, where the chemical attack is very intense, the use of anti-corrosive mortar is required. Contact Gail’s Technical Dept. for further clarifications. The opening of the laying joint can vary from 6 to 10 mm, depending on the laying pagination. We generally recommend 8 mm, measured on the surface of the ceramic tile. Always use various perpendicular lines for laying, never use plastic spacers. See manuals for further details.

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Which type of joint should I use in my construction work, and how should I go about applying it?

Industrial construction work and/or those that require chemical protection: use a joint with the adequate chemical resistance for each situation. Follow the recommendations and precautions of the manufacturer and of Gail’s Industrial Flooring Manual for protection, rejoining, cure and cleaning of areas. Consult Gail’s Technical Dept. for further details concerning the specification of the anti-corrosive joint; - other construction works: there is a very large range of specific joints for swimming pools, façades and floors on the market. Consult the joint manufacturer for an adequate specification. Follow the recommendations and precautions of the manufacturer and of Gail’s Manuals for protection, rejoining, cure and cleaning of the areas, particularly in the case of colored joints.

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How should I go about cleaning my covering?

There are three types of cleaning and each one requires specific care: - cleaning after the construction work: carried out prior to transferring the construction work with the purpose of removing any joint debris remnants that might remain on the covering. This cleaning is done with hydrochloric acid base detergent (HCl) and should be done once, to avoid problems with the chemical corrosion of the joint. Follow the specific instructions of Gail’s manuals available on our page. Never use products that contain fluorhydric acid (HF) and/or products such as “stone cleaners”, and/or products of doubtful origin. Always contact the supplier for the proper clarifications; - daily cleaning: done with neutral detergent with a phosphoric acid, citric acid or alkaline base; - maintenance or periodic cleaning: the periodicity of this cleaning will depend on the type of use of the covering. It can be weekly, fortnightly, monthly, annual or less frequent (façades, for example, are cleaned after a minimum of 5 years). This type of cleaning uses more concentrated products designed for professional use. We recommend having this service rendered by truly specialized labor to avoid damaging the covering. Never use products that contain fluorhydric acid (HF) and/or products such as “stone cleaners”, and/or products of doubtful origin. Always contact the supplier for the proper clarifications. Contact Gail’s Technical Dept. for further clarifications.

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Can I apply any type of waterproofing on my floor?

In areas subject to agents such as oils, grease, fat and excessive humidity, we recommend the use of sealers on ceramic tiles from the Natural Architecture line (Class 1 stains). There are two basic types of sealers: those that form a layer, such as acrylic resins, making the floor darker, smoother and more shiny, altering the initial features of the tiles, and those that do not form layers, such as hydro and oil repellent, which do not alter the initial features of the tiles such as color, texture and shine. Both should be applied by specialized labor, following the recommendations of the suppliers.