SUBSTRATES
All substrates should be firmly fixed, flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants such as dust, oil, paint, sealers etc. to ensure proper adhesion. Painted surfaces must be scuffed or sanded for the product and adhesive to bond correctly. Wet areas need special attention and require appropriate substrates, e.g. concrete, cement boards (compressed sheet), and/or treated plywood.
WATERPROOF MEMBRANES
The use of reinforced waterproof membranes is suggested and in the case of floors, a fall to the drainage point of no less than 2 inches. Waterproof membranes prevent leakage of water through to the sub-floor framing and/or habitable spaces below. Particular attention must
be paid to carrying the membrane up the wall, outside shower boxes, installation of bond breakers and sealing around penetrations. It is strongly recommended that membrane systems be used in all wet areas. Some systems involve the use of a primer.
CUTTING
SOLI Versailles Slate tiles can be easily cut with a wet saw, or a hand grinder using a diamond or masonry blade.
Adhesive
Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions carefully. We do not recommend one brand of adhesive over another. Please check with your local tile supply store for alternative and comparable products. The manufacturer's literature will explain if the adhesive product is suitable for interiors and/or exteriors, as well as walls and floors. Most thinset mortars (multipurpose and polymer modified thinsets) are adequate for slate tile. A cement-based adhesive is generally suitable on masonry substrates where no movement is anticipated
|
 |
Where slight movement could occur through thermal or pedestrian loads, a modified cement adhesive should be used as a minimum. A 1/4" – 1/8" notch trowel is recommended for most applications. It is important that each tile is embedded in the adhesive.
Grouting
Grout should be suitable for joints up to 3/4" in width and designed for external or internal conditions whichever may be the case. Sanded
grout is generally recommended for any grout joint larger than 3/16”. It is important to wait the interval recommended by the adhesive manufacturer before grouting to minimize dirt ingress between the tiles and avoid the opportunity for dislodging of the tiles.
Sealants
To bring your application to its full potential, we strongly suggest sealing BEFORE installation and AFTER grouting. Due to the porosity of this product, multiple applications will be necessary. There are various products available on the market, however, we recommend contacting your nearest tile supplier for the most appropriate sealer for your application. Whenever using sealants please ensure that you follow
the manufacturer’s recommended method of application.
CARE & CLEANING
SOLI Versailles Slate tiles can be cleaned with a neutral mild detergent. For tiles in high traffic areas, keep surfaces clean from abrasive dirt.
Do not use abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads, steel wool or sandpaper. Do not let soap, bleach or other cleaning solutions set on
the surface. |
