Technical Area
Recomendaciones INFINITA
El proceso de alicatado necesita conocimientos previos para un correcto uso del material. Ponemos a su disposición un espacio donde conocer las recomendaciones para el uso, instalación y mantenimiento de nuestros productos.
It is important that the support on which the slab is to be installed is in good condition for a quality finish. The slab installation process must be carried out following these instructions:
GLUE APPLICATION TO THE SURFACE:
The glue must be applied on the colocation surface where afterwards we will spread it out with the flat area of the trowel and then we will proceed to use the toothed side in straight and perpendicular direction. It’s important to do this process in the least possible time to make sure that the glue will not affect the adherence of the slab.
DOUBLE GLUING: It’s compulsory to apply a double glue application on the back and on the surface of the slab. The application must not exceed the advised glue thickness recommended by the manufacturer.
SLAB PLACEMENT:
It is important to keep a coordinated work in all the installing team to carry the slab to the closest area where the slab will be installed, therefore, we will minimize any possibility to correct or readjust the piece. Once the slab is placed with its fresh glue, we will hit it with a rubber hammer to remove all the air that might have been kept during the process.
LEVELING SYSTEM:
A levelling system is needed where big formats are used. This system will help to achieve a completely flat and uniform finish. The system is undertaken through pressure to the slabs and its adjoining pieces meanwhile the glue is setting. However, we will need to take precautions to avoid that any strength can damage to the adherence itself.
JOINING PROCESS:
The placement joints must be completely dried, clean of residues and fully empty before its sealing. The application of the joining will be taken by the manufacturer’s instructions. The joint will be spread using a flat rubber trowel filling all the spaces with diagonal movements, afterwards, we will wait the recommended time by the manufacturer prior to the cleaning process. Once we reach that time, we will clean all the placement joining left with a wet sponge through diagonal movements to the joints.
FINAL CLEANING:
A proper cleaning conduction after the installation it is a must to do in order to remove all the residues and general waste. It is advised to use a light acid cleaning detergent without toxic gases. In case we will use a epoxy joint or in a resin surface, it’s recommended to do the final cleaning with an specific epoxy joint cleaner.
Several workmen will be needed to carry large-format slabs.
Suctions cups will be necessary. Different types can be used (1).
In the case of slabs with a textured surface, soft-rubber suction cups should be used to guarantee a good grip (2).
To handle the slabs more easily and prevent the risk of warpage, carrying bars should be used (3).
The best solution is a rigid frame, with suction cups that grip the slab along all sides. This prevents warpage and allows just two workmen to carry it.
To handle the crates properly, a fork-lift truck with 2.5-metre-long forks, when fully extended, should be used.
Under normal conditions, the forks should be slid under the middle of the longest side of the pallet so that they support most of the underside.
Never use the central opening in the crates to load them.
Despite the large dimensions of the tiles, they can be cut, drilled and their edges finished. This can be done on the worksite with appropriate equipment.
DRY-CUTTING USING A GUIDE RAIL
01. First, place the ceramic slab on top of the workbench.
02. Mark the cutting line, and then fix the guide rail into place.
03. Score the beginning of the slab with the cutting wheel, starting two centimetres from the edge and pulling back to the beginning of the slab. Then continue across to the other side, applying constant pressure.
04. To separate the two parts, exert pressure with a pair of pliers until a breaking sound is heard.
05. Use the edge of the workbench to snap the two pieces apart, exerting the necessary pressure.
CUTTING WITH A GUIDE RAIL AND RADIAL TILE SAW
We can also make use of a guide and a radial with water.
DRILLING AND MAKING HOLES
To make holes, do not use drills in the hammer mode. Start at a low speed and refrigerate the bit with water.