Thin tiles composed of clays and/or other inorganic raw materials, generally used as floor and wall coverings, usually formed by extrusion (A) or pressing (B) at room temperature, but which can also be formed by other processes (C), subsequently dried and fired at temperatures sufficient to develop the required properties.

The tiles can be glazed (GL) or unglazed (UGL); they are non-combustible and are not affected by light.

Choose the model that best harmonizes with the environment. It is very important to check whether the chosen ceramic tile model is suitable for the location where it will be installed. If in doubt, consult our Customer Service (SAC).

When measuring the area to be tiled, add the baseboard to the calculation and assess the need for special cutouts.

Technical Reserve: make sure that the quantity of product purchased is sufficient. Always purchase 5% extra from the same batch. This reserve is recommended for possible unforeseen events that may occur during the work (replacement of tiles due to falling objects, need for structural repairs, among others).

INDICATION OF PLACE OF USE:

LB – Indoor residential and commercial environments with light traffic.
LC – All residential and commercial environments with medium to high traffic.
LE – All residential and commercial environments with heavy traffic, and outdoor environments.
LF – Internal and external walls and facades.
LR – Interior walls.

Gauge is the separation/size standard for ceramic tiles. During the manufacturing process, inevitable dimensional variations occur, which are provided for in technical standards (NBR 13818 and ISO 13006). To facilitate installation, ceramic tiles are separated into sizes (gauge). This separation is identified on the product packaging.

However, if the quantity purchased is insufficient to complete the job, it is necessary to check with the retailer whether the additional batch has the same gauge standard. Otherwise, it is essential that this separation be carried out on site.

ALWAYS CHECK THAT THE MATERIAL PURCHASED HAS THE SAME GAUGE STANDARD

Even rectified products may have slight variations in size, so it is essential that the minimum laying joint indicated for each type of product is respected.

The identification of the shade of ceramic tiles is used to separate small variations in color between productions or within the same production period. This variation is inherent in the manufacturing process of ceramic tiles and occurs when the materials used undergo firing process.

The shade separation of ceramic tiles is identified on the product packaging. However, if the quantity purchased is insufficient to complete the job, it is necessary to check with the retailer whether the additional batch has the same shade pattern. Otherwise, it is essential that this separation be carried out on site.

ALWAYS CHECK THAT THE MATERIAL PURCHASED HAS THE SAME SHADE PATTERN

Ceramic tiles are inert to the action of light, even ultraviolet rays do not cause color loss or fading on the surface of the ceramic material.

Use good quality adhesive mortar to lay ceramic tiles, following the mortar manufacturer’s recommendations for the type of product and environment. Some usage recommendations are presented below:

ATTENTION: For special installations such as facades, flooring over flooring, fireplaces, barbecues, swimming pools, among others, it is necessary to use special mortar suitable for this application.

When receiving the product at the construction site, check the following items:

• The reference delivered is the same as the model purchased;
• All boxes have the same GAUGE and SHADE information;
• The delivered material is in good condition.
• Store the boxes upright, stacked no more than 3 rows high, in a flat, covered location;
• Be careful when handling the product on site, as the glazed surface of the ceramic tile is vitrified and major impacts can damage the product (surface scratches, chipped edges, etc.).

The installation of the tiles should be one of the last activities on site. Avoid walking on the newly laid floor and protect the tiles from construction debris (sand, rubble, etc.).

The laying of ceramic tiles must comply with the regulatory recommendations of ABNT NBR 13753, ABNT NBR 13754 and ABNT NBR 13755.

To ensure even distribution and reduce the need for cutting, we recommend simulating the layout of the environment before laying.

Respect the curing times: 28 days for the concrete base or 14 days for the subfloor. Grout the coverings only 3 days after laying.

Use the minimum joints recommended by the manufacturer. Immediately after laying, remove excess mortar between the tiles with a soft wooden or plastic rod.

After laying, check for any tiles that sound hollow, which should be removed and re-laid or replaced.

HIRE QUALIFIED LABOR

Laying joints are regular spaces between two adjacent ceramic tiles. Joints are necessary for the following functions:

a) To compensate for variations in the gauge of the ceramic tiles;
b) To meet aesthetic requirements;
c) To accommodate the movements of the base and ceramic tiles;
d) To ensure complete sealing of the joint;
e) To facilitate the replacement of ceramic tiles.

After grouting, check for cracks or flaws to avoid infiltration problems. Use waterproof and mold-resistant grout.

FOR COATINGS WITH RUSTIC, ROUGH, OR EMBOSSED TEXTURE, APPLY A COAT OF COLORLESS FLOOR WAX BEFORE GROUTING. THE WAX WILL MAKE IT EASIER TO REMOVE EXCESS GROUT.

If you have any questions, do not install the product before contacting SAC from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For a harmonious distribution, lay out pieces from different packages to check the layout. It is absolutely necessary to prepare the subfloor well to prevent efflorescence and stains.

Ceramic tiles must be laid dry. Use a notched trowel and check if the adhesive mortar meets ABNT regulatory specifications.

Installation without joints may cause the product to detach. Do not strike the tiles with metal tools.

Grouting should only be done 72 hours after laying. Clean immediately with a soft sponge moistened with clean water.

After laying, the ceramic tile must be protected until the end of the work against splashes of paint, oil, solvents, or abrasive materials. Equipment should not be dragged directly across the tiles.

Exposure to foot traffic should preferably occur seven days after grouting.

Glossy products are more susceptible to scratches. Protect areas with heavy traffic using doormats and protect furniture legs with felt.

To clean ceramic tiles, we recommend using only water, soap, or neutral detergent. If necessary, use the products listed below:

ATTENTION: When using acids for cleaning, moisten the tiles before applying the dilution.

LEF GROUP guarantees its “A” quality products under the following conditions:

• APPARENT DEFECTS: Visible before installation. Complaints accepted only before installation (ISO 13006).
• LATENT DEFECTS: Appear after some time of use. Complaints are related to the time of use and analysis of correct installation.

Observations:

• At least 95% of the parts have no visible defects at a distance of 1 meter;
• Weights, colors, and measurements are subject to inevitable variations of the production process;
• ONLY “A” QUALITY PRODUCTS ARE GUARANTEED.