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How to choose the most suitable material
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What solution should be chosen for a ramp?
You should always select a non-slip floor with a minimum rating of R10.
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Is it possible to apply Porcelain Stoneware products as outdoor flooring?
Love Tiles offers a wide range of outdoor finishes that combine aesthetic and technical requirements for this type of application.
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Is porcelain stoneware suitable for use with radiant floor heating systems?
Yes. It is the ideal ceramic material for systems like this due to its low thermal expansion coefficient and its high heat transfer capacity.
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Can I use porcelain stoneware in a beach area?
You must bear in mind that polished materials are more delicate by nature. They should not be used in areas where they may come in contact with sand, as there is a very high probability of scratching.
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Can I use Love Tiles porcelain stoneware in the shower?
Yes, you can. The only consideration should be its anti-slip rating for safety reasons. We recommend a minimum of R11.
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Can I use any Love Tiles floor on a patio/balcony?
When choosing the most suitable flooring for areas where water may accumulate, you should bear in mind the safety of the users. Therefore, the paving should have anti-slip properties. The anti-slip rating should be in proportion to the exposure of the area in question to the elements.
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Can I use porcelain stoneware in the garage?
Porcelain stoneware is known for its high mechanical resistance, which means it can be used in garages up to the 60x60 format. You should choose a product with a low anti-slip rating and a colour that does not need much maintenance, as the residue attached to car tyres is quite visible.
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Can I use Love Tiles porcelain stoneware on top of other materials?
Ceramic tiles can be used on top of existing coverings and flooring (ceramic, stone, painted plaster) provided that these are not damaged in such a way as to compromise the stability of the new material (tiles coming loose, cracking). Some materials may require additional treatment before going ahead with the new application.
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Installation and Application
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How to drill the hole for concealed cisterns?
This is one of the most difficult cuts to make on site. Whenever possible, cut the flushing cistern from the side, apply the ceramic piece with the corresponding box location mark, and only after the material has dried, cut it using a hand grinder.
This technique minimises the risk of breaking pieces and is the easiest to carry out.
If this is not possible, the cut should be made with a hand grinder fitted with a continuous diamond disc for porcelain stoneware. In cases where the cut is less than 4 cm from the edge of the piece, you may have to perform a waterjet cut. -
Can jointless material be applied?
The application of jointless material is totally inadvisable and may have serious consequences on the entire structure of the construction system, such as the detachment of pieces.
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What is the minimum laying joint?
For grinded materials, a minimum joint of 2 mm must be respected, using the respective crosshead for a better alignment of the pieces.
For ungrinded materials, a joint corresponding to 2x the calibre must be used.
You may have to extend the minimum joint for specific applications, such as large surfaces, façades and terraces. In this case, the calculation of the joint should be done by a professional in the field. -
What cutting technique should be used?
As it is a very resistant material, porcelain stoneware needs suitable tools for cutting. It is recommended to use a water saw with a minimum power of 1.5CV and a continuous diamond disc for porcelain stoneware. Care should be taken not to force the piece forward, as there is a risk of breaking the ceramic tile and damaging the machine.
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What kind of joint should be chosen?
The choice of the most suitable colour depends only on the aesthetic taste, so our catalogues only present a suggestion. For specific applications (swimming pools, industrial kitchens, hospitals,...) you should consult the respective manufacturer
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How can I drill porcelain stoneware?
For manual drilling, use a continuous alloy diamond bit, of a suitable diameter. Drill slowly and do not use the hammer drill function.
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Can I use granite discs and drill bits with porcelain stoneware?
Porcelain stoneware is much harder than granite so you should use appropriate tools. If you use tools for granite, you will damage the parts and the tools.
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Maintenance and Cleaning
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How to remove dirt after the work?
Immediately after the laying of ceramic material it is recommended that the ceramic parts be duly protected. For dirt removal after the work, such as left-over joints, cements, etc., it is recommended that you use a buffered descaling acid to remove all residues.
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How to perform daily maintenance of ceramic materials?
In daily maintenance, ordinary detergents may be used, respecting the dilutions recommended by the respective manufacturer.
Regarding decorated pieces, you should avoid the use of abrasive cleansers that may damage the pieces. -
What are the precautions to be taken with decoration pieces with metallic aspect?
Pieces decorated through the depositing of titanium particles - Genesis: Gold, Silver. Copper - which give them a metallic aspect should be handled with care. The final cleaning and maintenance of this type of product should be made with detergents suitable for metals - stainless steel brightener - so as to create an antistatic effect that can repel dirt and protect the product from fats and corrosion. Regular cleaning of the product should be done with a dump cloth moisturized with water or window cleaner, and after it gets dry, a dry cloth shall be used.
See more information here. -
How to prevent or remove the fungus that darkens the ceramic joints?
To prevent or remove the fungus that darkens the ceramic joints, an antifungal grout (e.g. Weber.Color Premium) should be used in the application and, after drying, a water-repellent agent (which preserves the moisture - e.g. Weber.hydrofuge P), or any other type of water base, should be applied. Maintenance should be carried out every 4 years by applying this product again.
To clean joints that have not received this protective treatment, you can apply (with a brush), for example, the Weber.Antimousse product. Wait an hour to brush and clean with plenty of water. If necessary, repeat the procedure. -
Why does the acquired floor stain very easily?
The use of adhesives and cements in the course of the application generates construction waste on the surface which is not visible to the naked eye. These residues create a film on the highly absorbent ceramic which becomes increasingly difficult to clean over time.
To clean it, use HG Acid (for sale in DIY shops such as AKI, Maxmat or Leroy Merlin) or with DETERDEK from FILA (for sale in building material dealers) in the concentrations recommended by the respective manufacturers.
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