CEMENT TILES INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
If properly installed, cement tiles will result in a beautiful, durable, easy to maintain surface that can be enjoyed for many years.
1) Do not let cement tile's cases to get wet!!! store material in a dry area. Moisture or dampness can cause tiles to get stain, color fade or damage surface tile.
2) Inspect your order carefully. We will not be responsible for material that has been cut or installed. Throughout the installation process and handling of the tile, be careful not to damage the finished surface or corners of the tiles.
3) Original Mission Tile, as a product of natural materials, is subject to color and tonal variations and may require blending of tiles. Allow interior tiles to season in their final environment prior to installation.
4) Original Mission Tile is a cement-based product and may have residue on the surface. This will be removed during the cleaning, before grouting, and buffing process after installation and after implementation of an ongoing maintenance routine.
5) Install over flat, level and stable cured concrete surface.
6) Use a high quality thin-set adhesive, such as a Laticrete or Mapei product. Contact adhesive manufacturer to recommend the appropriate adhesive. Follow adhesive manufacturer's instructions. Original Mission Tiles are not intended for installation methods employing large quantities of water. Do not install during excessively hot weather or full, direct sun.
7) Make sure that adhesive is applied to the full back of each tile (100% coverage). Large tiles require back buttering. Do not beat with a mallet or rubber hammer to set tiles, level your tiles using hand pressure. Remove excess adhesive from the surface with a damp cloth or sponge with it is fresh. Tiles should be cut using a sharp diamond blade in conjunction with water to avoid chipping of edges.
8) Cement tiles are not pre-sealed at the factory. Therefore, sealing with a penetrating sealer is necessary. Make sure to seal with a impregnating or penetrating sealer after cleaning and before grouting. Do not use any acids or alkalines to clean tiles. Use a PH neutral cleaner.
9) Allow two (2) to three (3) days after tiles are laid before grouting of joints.
10) Use Laticrete, Mapei or equivalent unsanded grout, using manufacturer's instructions. Recommended grout joint width is 1/16"-1/8". Joints should be full and free of all voids and pits. Once grout has been applied and starts to dry, remove excess grout immediately. Do not affix duct tape, gaffer tape or acid tapes directly onto cement tiles surface. Tape can discolor or stain your cement tiles.
11) After installation, wash floor with a neutral detergent. Use a single disc floor machine with a white pad to remove any residue. Remove excess dirt and water with a shop vac. Do not allow water or other liquids to spot, pond or ring on the surface of smooth tiles (ie: Do not leave spillages, drips or wet buckets, cups, footmarks, etc. on the surface at any time).
12) For ongoing maintenance, clean regularly with a neutral detergent and buff tiles with a white pad. Extremely heavy foot traffic may require additional maintenance. A natural patina will occur as the floor is maintained and wears. Water spotting will be eliminated through an ongoing maintenance routine.
13) The use of properly sized walk-off mats at entrances and sweeping or dust mopping is most important to remove abrasive grit that may cause wear.
14) If you have any questions, contact your distributor before cutting or installing tiles.
15) Be sure to have a copy of these recommendations and familiarize yourself or installer with these installation recommendations prior to start installation.
