Technical area

Monocibec has pursued an attentive corporate environmental policy for many years. The entire production cycle offers special guarantees for environmental protection. All of the products of the group are manufactured using raw materials with low environmental impact, and require limited consumption of natural resources. The electricity used is self-produced through a cogeneration system, which dramatically reduces atmospheric emissions. All wastes are reused in the production cycle. All refuse from activities unrelated to production are carefully collected, differentiated, recycled and disposed of. Every phase of product creation (raw material extraction, glaze preparation, glazing, firing, sorting and packaging) takes place with the utmost respect for man and the environment, through an analysis of the entire product life cycle. The various certifications obtained by Monocibec products show that the company prioritises having an industrial eco-sustainability model.

In accordance with ISO 14021 requirements, many collections produced by Monocibec contain recycled materials, guaranteeing that architects / designers that use them obtain credits under the LEED building energy eco-evaluation rating system.

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Monocibec products are LEED compliant. LEED is a rating system for the environmental performance of buildings, which promotes integrated and sustainable planning for an entire building throughout its life cycle. The LEED system defines the standards that characterise the environmental impact of the building during the phases of design, construction and maintenance.

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Monocibec is a member of the Italy Green Building Council, an association that serves for the consolidation and dissemination of the LEED rating system.

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Voluntary environmental product declaration that provides the environmental aspects of a product as obtained through a life cycle analysis (LCA) and verified by an independent entity. Fincibec S.p.A is part of the industry media EPD study promoted by Confindustria Ceramica.

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INSTALLATION

Installation of the material. Before installation it is important to carefully check the hue, size and choice of material, because claims are not accepted against installed materials whose defects were visible before laying. It is recommended that materials are ordered with an excess of 10 to 15% relative to the surface to be tiled, in order to effect repairs or to perfectly match the hue of one tile to the one laid previously.

During installation we advise you to draw the material from several boxes, especially if it comes from a range with a degree of colour shading and chromatic variation higher than V = 2 (refer to the General and collection catalogues). For veined products, such natural stones, it is recommended to arrange the grain of the slabs so as to obtain the best aesthetic and chromatic effect.

The installation can be effected either using cement dust or glue, with the use of specific high-performance adhesives for porcelain stoneware. It is advisable to use glue as it offers more guaranteed grip, especially with large formats. At the time of application, the substrate must be flat, stable, dry and mature, not frozen and not excessively hot, and it is necessary to follow the instructions of the manufacturers of materials for substrates and the specific adhesives used. Cementitious adhesives must be applied at room temperature, and generally between + 5 ° C and + 30/35 ° C. It is understood that also for installation it is recommended to follow the technical times indicated by the manufacturers of the adhesives used. The most suitable adhesives for laying of porcelain tiles can be identified based on the European Standard EN 12004 currently in force. Especially for lapped / polished products (but ideally for all other products), do not mark the material on its usable surface during installation with pencils (graphite) or permanent markers.

The use of double spreading is recommended for tiles with a side longer than 60cm in order to have a compact layer of adhesive as required by installation regulation UNI 11493.

JOINTS AND GROUTING

The joint width can vary according to the size of the tiles and the desired use of the flooring. The use of a single joint is not recommended; installation is recommended with a joint of at least 2mm for for rectified products and 3 mm for unrectified materials or for materials for outdoor installation (this type of installation enables greater grip of the grout on the sides of the tiles, a greater absorption and compensation for any possible movements of the substrate). The regular use expansion joints is advised in large environments; instead it is sufficient to leave a slight gap between the material and the perimeter walls in the smallest environments. Skirtings will then cover the gap, giving a finished appearance. Always refer to the advice / suggestions of the designer or site manager.

In the case of “running bond” installation of the products in rectangular formats, we recommend staggering the longest side by a maximum of 10-15cm along the length of the adjacent piece. For large formats (as also provided for by UNI 11493) we advise use of the double spreading technique: the glue must be applied to both the back of the tile and on the wall / floor, thus ensuring the absence of gaps between ceramic and support . During the installation of the products it is appropriate to cover the floor with sheets fabric or paper/cardboard, in order to prevent any residual materials scratching the surface of the paving.

For greater aesthetic value, we suggest using a grout in a colour that complements the tiles so as to reduce contrast, especially for lapped and rectified products. After grouting the porcelain tiles it is important, while it is still fresh, to remove any excess grout immediately with a sponge and plenty of water.

INSTALLATION ON EXISTING FLOORS

1. Before installation, check the evenness of the surface and level if necessary. In all cases, prepare the perfect surface by cleaning to remove all traces of waxes, oils or residues that could compromise adhesion.
2. Use joints of 2 mm and perimeter expansion joints. Respect all expansion joints underneath.
3. Spread the adhesive on the floor with a suitable spatula; also spread the adhesive on the slab to be installed using the flat side of the trowel, in accordance with to “double spreading” method.
4. It can be useful, in certain cases, to load edges and corners with an additional thickness of adhesive.
5. Apply the slab and remove air gaps by carefully beating the surface to promote full adhesion taking care to keep the joints free from adhesive.

INSTALLATION OF WALL COVERINGS

These require the same operations as any other porcelain stoneware tile:

1. Ensure evenness of the surfaces, levelling them if necessary.
2. Use joints of at least 2 mm, respecting the use of expansion joints as below.
3. Spread the adhesive on the wall using a suitable spatula.
4. Apply the slab and remove air gaps by carefully beating the surface to facilitate full adhesion.

Use the most suitable porcelain tile adhesive for the type of wall being covered. Outdoors, provide for proper sizing of the joints and an appropriate pattern of elastic joints as a function of the substrate, the size and layout of the facade.

OUTDOOR INSTALLATION OF PORCELAIN STONEWARE TILES

For successful ceramic paving of exterior surfaces it is essential to select and use high quality tiles, but equally important is the presence of an experienced designer who can adapt, as a whole, the installation system to the specific loads required and the static situation of the surface upon which to intervene. In particular, the foundation layers must be adequate for such loads taking into consideration the possible need to use welded mesh in order to prevent possible settling of the underlying layers. The use of expansion joints, the techniques of application of the setting bed and the tiles must be carried out in accordance with the TECHNICAL REPORT CEN / TR 13548 “General requirements for the design and execution of ceramic tiling.” Here follow some guidelines for the installation of Naxos outdoor flooring:

1) Use of enhanced deformable cementitious adhesive, with extended open time (class C2E S1 according to EN 12004) for sizes up to 25cm x 25cm on cement screeds, structures in cast concrete and for waterproofing.

2) Use of enhanced deformable cementitious adhesive, with extended open time (class C2E S2 according to EN 12004) for larger tiles on cement screeds, structures in cast concrete and for waterproofing.

3) Apply the “double spreading” technique by means of a toothed spatula so as to have a full bed: this prevents the formation of voids that could provoke the stagnation of water with the accompanying risk of an increase in volume due to frost and the consequent detachment or breakage of the flooring.

4) Use of joints of not less than 3 mm and the application of expansion joints (width not less than 5 mm and utilized at least every 9-12 m²) to meet the address strong stresses due to diurnal / seasonal temperature changes to create support for the porcelain stoneware which has virtually zero coefficient of expansion.

5) The project gradients must be regular and at least 1.5% in order to allow an easy run-off of liquids. This must be created within the structure or by preparing a special sloping screed; varying the thickness of the setting bed to create a slope, as in the case of traditional cement laying, is not recommended.

CLEANING AFTER INSTALLATION

Cleaning is required following installation. Inadequate or late removal of the grouting used on the joints may leave hard-to-remove marks and create a cement film on the flooring capable of absorbing all types of dirt, thus giving the impression that the material itself is dirty.

1. a) Joints with grouting cement (class CG – EN 13888): to remove the excess grout cement, wash the floor with a solution of water + buffered acid (percentages of water / acid as shown on the packaging).

We recommend using the following products:

Deterdek – Fila

Delta Plus – Kerakoll

Keranet – Mapei

Cement Remover – Faber

Solvacid – Geal Bel Chimica

1. b) Grout joints with epoxy filler (Class RG – EN13888) (not recommended for textured or lapped / polished surfaces until after testing in situ): It is critical not to leave epoxy residues – remove all excess material from the surface of the tile before it begins to harden, as subsequent removal could be very difficult. If residues and rings of epoxy grout are present, use a specific product and follow the instructions from the manufacturer:

We recommend using the following products:

Fuga-Soap Eco (Kerakoll)

Epoxy Residue Remover (Faber Chimica)

CR10 (FILA)

Eposolv (Geal Bel Chimica)

For both types of grout we recommend in the first phase the collection of coarse dirt and rubbing the detergent (diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions) onto the tiling using a colourless cloth. We suggest performing a preliminary wash on a surface sample of a few square metres; in the case of a positive result, extend cleaning to the entire surface, and prevent the above detergents coming into contact with special or decorated pieces and elements of aluminium, steel, natural stone (e.g. marble). During the detergent’s action time (set by the manufacturer on the label) scrub the dirt and grime with Scotch-Brite pads or a cellulose sponge. Subsequently, rinse the flooring with water to ensure that it is free of detergent and dirt residues. For polished/lapped materials and special or decorated pieces, be sure to proceed with the cleaning of excess grout and cement mortar before they dry out, in order to avoid the subsequent use of abrasive sponges on shiny surfaces which could lead to scratching.

After the acid wash it may be necessary to perform a basic or alkaline wash using degreasing detergents. This is because the acid wash can leave an oiliness on the flooring that could attract dirt. For alkaline detergents we recommend the use of the following products:

• Fila PS / 87 – Fila
• Wax remover – Faber Chimica

• Deterflash – Geal Bel Chimica

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND DAILY CLEANING

After “after installation” cleaning (previous chapter), for good maintenance of Naxos ceramic surfaces clean with common neutral detergent diluted in hot water is sufficient, always following the manner specified on the packaging. Please pay close attention to the phases of rinsing and drying of the flooring, allowing you to remove dirt and avoid accumulation (stratification) of limescale, detergent and dirt residues. The products that we recommend for this purpose are the following:

Fila Cleaner – Fila

Floor Cleaner – Faber Chimica

Bel Gres – Geal Bel Chimica

We strongly advise against the use of waxes, oily soaps, impregnating agents and hydro-oil repellent treatments on the porcelain stoneware product where their application is not necessary.

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) and its derivatives irreparably damaging all ceramic products, so it is always important to make sure not to use products containing these chemicals (sometimes present in some items for the special cleaning of bathrooms, showers surfaces, etc.)

CLEANING OF RAISED FLOORS

Naxos raised porcelain floor tiles retain the same characteristics of cleanability as traditional flooring: it is recommended not to let the water and detergent products from accumulating on the surfaces and on the lateral edges of the panels in order to avoid damage to the panels themselves. Therefore it is appropriate to use well-wrung cloths or aspirated floor cleaning machines.

SPECIAL CLEANING

In the case of particular and / or particularly stubborn stains, or for special cleaning of the entire floor, it is advisable to use specific detergents as indicated in the table below. It should also be emphasized that the removal of any type of stain is easier if it is removed while still fresh. In particular, with lapped or polished porcelain tiles it is important to perform a preventive test before using detergent products.

SPECIAL CLEANING TABLE * (ATTACHED TABLE)

* Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, always pre-test on a tile before use and pay particular attention to lapped, polished and decorated materials.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION / CLARIFICATION CONTACT NAXOS QUALITY ASSURANCE AT : QUALITY@FINCIBEC.IT

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