Stacking of clinker tiles - the secrets of technology

Modern finishing material clinker tiles - the ideal solution for the arrangement of the adjacent territory and decoration of facades. Its main advantages include high technical characteristics (resistance to thermal and atmospheric effects), a variety of design solutions, ease of installation and subsequent care.

Laying clinker tiles has a number of features that any master needs to know. The work does not require the use of special equipment, so it can be done without the help of professionals. However, accurate compliance with technology serves as a guarantee of durability of the coating.

Installation of clinker tiles begins with the preparation of the base, which must be perfectly even and clean. First of all, the surfaces are cleaned of dust, dirt, traces of oil paint, grease, rust, lime. The presence of voids, cracks or loose elements will eventually lead to the destruction or expansion of the coating. Therefore, in advance it is necessary to take care of their sealing with special solutions for leveling or a mixture with a filler. On top of this, the base is covered with an additional primer layer, which increases the adhesion of the materials.

Then proceed to sort the material. As a rule, even tiles from one batch have a slight discrepancy in color. Therefore, it is recommended to pre-mix the tiles from each of the boxes and make a test masonry.

The next stage is the preparation and application of an adhesive compound or a cement mixture.
If the laying of clinker tiles is not done by a specialist, it is better to prefer the first option. On the packaging of glue for tiles there is an instruction for use, which must be observed with accuracy. To obtain a homogeneous mixture without lumps, it is most convenient to use a drill with a special nozzle. The final solution is left for 15 minutes to completely dissolve all the components, then mix again.

The mortar is applied at least 4 cm thick, then leveled with a spatula, cement powder is applied over the layer. Then, the clinker tile is laid, followed by its moistening. The finished masonry is covered with a polyethylene film.

When facing the walls of the finished adhesive is applied to a small area - up to one square meter, because it retains its properties for about 10-30 minutes. This indicator depends on temperature and humidity, as well as on the type of substrate. If the solution is withered, it must be removed and a new layer applied.

The next stage is the formation of seams. It is not recommended to proceed to it immediately after the masonry is finished. For strong adhesion to the surface, a minimum of 24 hours is required. To fill the joints, grouts of suitable color are used. The necessary tools are a rubber spatula or a special float.

The dry mixture is diluted with water and allowed to settle, after which it is thoroughly mixed. The resulting solution with the help of tools is introduced deep into the seams, the surplus is removed with a rigid moistened sponge.

In the event that the installation of clinker tiles is carried out in places where there are windows, doors, utility pipes, door frames, silicone or polyurethane sealants are used to fill the temperature joints .

The final stage of the work is the cleaning of the finished coating. Plaque cement, traces of glue and other contaminants can be removed with a special liquid. The products "Poverfix" and "Helotil" proved to be very good. Work with them in protective gloves.

To protect unglazed tiles from adverse effects, its surface is also covered with water-repellent compounds, such as Lotus Effekt.