Product Guide

Glazed porcelain stoneware tiles are manufactured using extremely pure, selected raw materials submitted to the most advanced extraction and sorting techniques; they are obtained with a production cycle similar to that of single-fired tiles. The resulting product is top-quality porcelain stoneware, obtained by raw materials wet grinding, followed by partial drying by spraying, silo storage to allow homogenisation of properties, and pressing with highly efficient hydraulic presses up to specific pressures exceeding 500 kg/cm2; high pressure values will result in a ceramic body obtained after suitable heat treatment at temperatures in excess of 1200°C characterised by high compaction and strength with very low water absorption (lower than 0.1% according to UNI EN ISO 10545-3), extremely high mechanical resistance (average value exceeding 50 N/mm2 according to UNI EN ISO 10545-4).

Thanks to their low porosity, these tiles are frost-proof and rated as belonging to the BIa GL class according to the European Standard UNI EN 14411 which requires water absorption ≤ 0.5%. As for wear strength, it depends on the type of glaze and may change according to items. The modulus of rupture in accordance with UNI EN ISO 10545-4 results superior to 50 N/mm2 while the required value is 35 N/mm2. Our glazed stoneware is available in a wide range of sizes and finishes.

ADVICE ON LAYING

Although our glazed porcelain tiles can be laid using traditional cement mortars, we advise using adhesives to lay floor large sizes (always outdoors). As for wall tiles, the two-layer spreading system is recommended to perfectly wet the back of the tile. Quickly dipping each tile in water before laying will avoid the risk of dust on the rear surface of the tile preventing perfect adhesion. Never wet the tiles when using vinyl, acrylic resin adhesives or two-component organic-solvent based adhesive. It is advisable to incorporate suitable shrinkage - flexion joints when laying large floors: the joints should never be spaced more than 4 - 5 linear metres apart indoors and 3 linear metres apart outdoors. Finally, it is always advisable to check that strongly coloured grouting products do not cause any problems by leaving stains on the surface of the tiles that may prove difficult to remove afterwards. Carry out a test before starting on the grouting and contact our technical department for specific helpful advice, including when tiles need to be laid in unusual situations or special ambient conditions.

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