INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
Mosaic Tiles
Due to the manufacturing process, mosaic tiles may be subject to greater degrees of shade variation than other ceramic tiles. Please advise tilers and end-users to lay out several square metres prior to laying to ensure the degree of variation is acceptable. We will not accept claims after the tiles have been fixed.
Fibreglass Swimming Pools and Spas
We do not recommend tiling fibreglass swimming pools or spas. Due to excessive movement, thermal expansion, vibration, and mechanical stresses, fibreglass substrates are considered high risk and prone to failure. For the same reasons, tiling in areas subject to abrasion, impact, or extreme thermal and mechanical shock is also not recommended.
Installation Guidelines
Tiles are one component of a larger building system. In our experience, tiling failures are often caused by a combination of factors, such as inappropriate design, substrate type, surface preparation, installation temperature, adhesives, product incompatibility, product failure, environmental factors, and the skill of the installer. As we have no control over the installation process once goods leave our warehouse, it is the responsibility of the project manager and tiler to ensure all components are compatible and that the installation meets the Australian Building Code and relevant Australian Standards.
We recommend:
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all work is carried out by licensed contractors experienced in the laying of mosaic tiles. Installation shall be in accordance with the Australian Building Code and AS3958 part 1 and 2 “Guide to the installation of ceramic tiles” and “Guide to the selection of a ceramic tiling system” respectively.
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our mosaic tiles be fixed utilising the floating method of installation (removing voids by flattening mortar ridges before setting tile) using:
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either a combined epoxy grout and adhesive, or
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a thick bed combined latex fortified cementitious grout and adhesive
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the grout and adhesives used be chemically resistant and suitable for use externally in full immersion with none or low porous materials.
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all mosaics are stored in a clean dry space. Do not allow the tiles to get wet or damp prior to installation.
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
Do not use abrasive cleaners and chemicals, which could permanently scratch and damage the surface of the tile. For daily cleaning, it is recommended to use a wet sponge and clean water, mild detergent, glass cleaner or a neutral PH solution. Acid or alkalis chemicals should not be used. No claims will be accepted under any circumstances for resultant glaze damage where acid washing has occurred. Also, abrasive materials are not recommended as they may scratch the tile.
TAKE CARE
Tiles are only one component of a much larger building system, and in general, the failure of any tiling system is very often the result of a combination of factors. For example: inappropriate design, type of substrate, surface preparation, temperature during installation, adhesives, incompatibility of products, product failure, environmental factors, skill and knowledge of the installers etc; the latter being supplied or controlled by a variety of manufacturers and tradesman. It is the responsibility of the project manager and or the installer to ensure that all components used in a project are compatible and that the product is installed in accordance with the Australian Consumer law, the Australian Building Code and the Australian Standards.