Torrastone waterproofing for Cement Tiles

— PLEASE READ THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE STARTING THE INSTALLATION —

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BASE PAVING

• In the absence of a ventilated subfloor, and in order to prevent future moisture infiltration, the concrete floor must be insulated using plastic sheeting or conventional insulating materials.
• Prepare a perfectly level concrete floor and wait until it is completely dry before laying the tiles.
• After preparing the base floor, it is important to ensure there are no cracks, as these could later affect the tiles to be installed. 

Installation

• Apply flexible tile adhesive (preferably white) to the floor, using a fairly firm mix to prevent tile movement, and spread it with a short-notched trowel. Apply adhesive in the same way to the underside of each tile ("double bonding"). Place the tiles and level them carefully, avoiding any unevenness, as the tiles cannot be sanded down later.
• Do not use a rubber mallet, as it may leave marks on the tiles and cause micro-cracks.
• After installation, wait 72 hours before walking on the surface.
• For dark colors, we recommend using a fast-setting adhesive to minimize the appearance of typical lime stains caused by the evaporation of soluble salts from the tile adhesive mixture.
• A joint of 1 to 2 mm should be left between tiles, using plastic spacers to ensure the correct spacing.
• Expansion joints must be included in the flooring (consult your technical department or the site manager).
• It is advisable to soak the tiles in water before installation to improve adhesion.
• For installing our tiles over underfloor heating systems, it is necessary to use a special adhesive.
• Lay the cement tile on a well-leveled, clean, and dry surface. A damp basement will cause lime stains to appear on the tile surface.
• It is recommended to cover the material with a breathable protective sheet, such as Geotextile or similar, once installed, to protect it from ongoing construction work. Avoid using cardboard, as it may stain the tiles, and plastic, as it would prevent the tiles from breathing.
• Do not use self-leveling wedges, as they may leave marks on the tiles.

Waterproofing Treatment

When the floor is completely clean and dry, it is advisable to apply the waterproofing treatment using our product, Torra Sealer. This treatment reduces the porosity of the tiles, protecting them from potential stains. It’s important to note that the sealer will prevent liquid from penetrating the tile as long as it is wiped away promptly.

Before applying grout to the floor, it is advisable to apply a first coat of TORRA SEALER waterproofing product on a clean and dry surface. It is important to wait 72 hours after cleaning the tiles to ensure that any water used during cleaning has fully evaporated. This allows the sealer to properly penetrate the pores of the cement tile. Make sure that all moisture residues from the installation materials have completely disappeared. Apply a thin coat of sealer using a 20 cm brush, working in both horizontal and vertical directions. (Do not overapply, as excess unabsorbed product may leave shiny marks on the cement tiles.) 24 hours after applying the sealer, you can proceed with grouting the cement tiles (see next section: Grout Application). Once the floor is completely CLEAN AND DRY, with no remaining grout or surface dirt, a second coat of the waterproofing product should be applied.

• Torra Sealer is a waterproofing product and should not be used as a finishing layer for cement tiles under any circumstances.
• For a more satin, glossy, or crystallized finish on our cement tiles, please consult our technical department. We can recommend a professional specialized in this type of work.
• For greater protection of our tiles in professional settings (restaurants, shops, hotels, restoration projects, etc.), it is also advisable to have the treatment carried out by a professional.
• ATTENTION: It is recommended to test the treatment on a single loose tile before applying it to the entire floor.

Grout Application

• Once the tiles have been laid, fill the joints with a flexible plastic grout (always use light colors, as dark colors may stain the tiles). The mixture should be fairly liquid and applied with a rubber float, working it into the joints until they are completely filled. Repeat the process if necessary to ensure all joints are fully packed. Any excess material should be cleaned immediately with a damp cloth or sponge. For tiles with texture or relief, it is important to ensure the surface is completely clean before applying the sealer. Do not use acids to remove excess grout or for cleaning the tiles, as they may become damaged. To clean construction residues, cement, etc., you can use our product Torra Floor Cleaner.
• Once the tiles have been laid, fill the joints with a flexible plastic grout (always use light colors, as dark colors may stain the tiles). The mixture should be fairly liquid and applied with a rubber float, working it into the joints until they are completely filled. Repeat the process if necessary to ensure all joints are fully packed. Any excess material should be cleaned immediately with a damp cloth or sponge. For tiles with texture or relief, it is important to ensure the surface is completely clean before applying the sealer. Do not use acids to remove excess grout or for cleaning the tiles, as they may become damaged. To clean construction residues, cement, etc., you can use our product Torra Floor Cleaner.

Material Finish and Maintenance

• Do not use strong detergents, acids, or alkaline cleaners, as they may cause irreversible damage to the tiles. For optimal preservation of your cement tiles, we recommend mopping the floor once a month with our product Torra Wax Tile Plus.
• For a shinier or aged-look finish on the floor, we recommend using our Torra Wax Tile.
• For the daily cleaning and maintenance of your cement tiles, use our product Torra Maintenance.

IMPORTANT: 

• No claims will be accepted once the product has been installed.
• We are not responsible for the use of products not recommended by our brand.
• Product installation constitutes acceptance of the product.
• Exchanges or returns of the material will not be accepted.
• Cement tiles must not be sanded or ground under any circumstances.
• Our cement tiles should not be polished with steel wool, as it may cause staining on the tiles.
• It is very important to store cement tiles in a dry, covered place, as moisture or contact with water may stain the tiles, and this damage is irreversible.