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  1. Floors: a complex system

    • Why does Eiffel Gres talk about the "floor system" instead of just floors?

      Because the procedure for laying a paved surface, indoors or out, relies on a series of important substructures.

    • Are there standards or codes of practice for laying floors?

      There are a large number of them, some specific to individual countries. The most common laying standards refer to DIN 18157, DIN 18560, ANSI A.108, BSI CP 202 and NF DTU 52.1. There are precise codes of practice in France, Belgium, England and the USA.

    • Which are the most common options for laying tiles?

      Cement and adhesive are used for outdoor pavings and indoor floors. Cement is very rarely used for indoor or outdoor wall tiles. In these cases, adhesive is the general preference.

    • What are the main advantages in the use of adhesive for laying floors?

      It is ready for use, does not have to be applied especially thick, and if reliable provided the amounts used are calculated accurately.

    • What is the main advantage of laying with cement?

      Its low cost, with no doubt.

    • When laying on patios, what are the most important factors to be considered?

      Apart from the joints' separation, you could find drainage, run-off angles and sealants used for grouting the joints.

    • Do any special operations have to be carried out after laying?

      Since after the floor is laid there will often be final building or system installation work to be carried out, the floor should be thoroughly cleaned and then protected with polythene sheeting.

    • What are the joints in the floor?

      In simple terms, they are the gaps between the units or modules which make up your floor.

    • What are the main characteristics of polished floor tiles?

      Mainly shine and gloss.

    • Are some floor surfaces more slippery than others?

      Naturally, and careful consideration must be given to this factor to ensure that a floor is properly designed for its intended use.

    • I've heard people talking about raised floors.

      They are used where complex utility systems are required, with future expansion over time.

    • What are the main techniques for the use and application of outdoor wall coverings?

      There are three main types: unfinished structure with wall tiles applied with adhesive, ventilated curtain walls and continuous curtain walls.

    • When outdoor wall coverings are applied, ventilated curtain walls are becoming more and more common. What are they?

      This covering system is particularly popular in France, Germany and many Eastern countries, and it also helps to keep energy consumption down.

    • Is cleanability a very important property for a material?

      Of course; during recent years research has taken important steps forward in improving cleanability and reducing the level of stainability.

    • What does the cleanability and stainability of a surface mean?

      The cleanability defines how easy it is to clean dirt from a surface, while stainability measures the tendency of a material to retain dirt.

    • With what frequency do the routine cleaning operations on a floor have to be carried out?

      The interval between cleaning sessions depends on various factors: the way a surface is used, its colour, and so on.

    • What do extraordinary cleaning operations on a surface involve, and when do they have to be carried out?

      First and foremost, and very important, comes the work done on completion of the floor and building, to remove the residues left by the job. A vacuum brush will remove the coarser dirt, and after that the surface can be cleaned by hand, with a cloth, or u

  2. The laying process.

    • Is a good-quality "floor tile system" alone enough to guarantee that the surface performs perfectly?

      Unfortunately, even good-quality materials may perform less well in case of poorly planned and executed construction work, or inadequacy of the infrastructures or the products used to install the ceramic material. In short, all the components must be up t

    • What is the difference between the various kinds of expansion joints?

      Structural joints are intended to absorb any deformations or movements of the structure itself, while separators and perimeter joints minimise the deformations of the layers closest to the floor covering, caused by variations in temperature, for example.

    • What types of binders does a floor tile adhesive contain?

      Adhesives may contain hydraulic and non-hydraulic binders, aggregates and additives.

    • When laying a floor with cement, how do the separating joints have to be positioned?

      They have to be properly placed, using a specific method. This means that the joints will compensate effectively for the inevitably shrinkage of the bed layer cement.

    • What characteristics must the waterproofing layer on a patio have next to the walls?

      The waterproofing layer must be overlapped on the walls for at least 10 cm (4 inches), sealed firmly to them and turned upward. This will also allow it to serve as separator joint between the patio and the adjoining room.

    • What types of joints may floor tiles have?

      The edges of tiles may be ground, unground or uneven.

    • When are polished materials recommended on floors?

      Whenever bright, shiny colours are required.

    • What is the non-slip coefficient of a floor?

      Each material has its own coefficient, in accordance with a universally-adopted British scale. Architects have to be familiar with them all.

    • So raised floors allow more flexibility when designing electricity or telephone systems?

      Exactly. Raised floors are easy to install, they are laid completely dry and they can be moved or extended without serious difficulties.

    • When using outdoor wall coverings, and in particular with regard to the masonry substrate, can expansion joints be a problem?

      No, but it must be remembered that expansion joints have to be provided for areas of over 9-12 square metres and that there must be at least two horizontal expansion joints in line with the concrete members supporting each floor.

    • What advantages does this ventilated curtain wall method offer when covering an outdoor wall?

      First and foremost, ventilated curtain walls aid natural ventilation, drastically reducing damp on walls and therefore the problem of condensation. Really, the building breathes better.

    • Progress has made some surfaces increasingly easy to clean and stain-resistant. What specifically has been improved?

      The important thing has been to close the tiny pores in the material where the dirt gathers; today, a surface can be guaranteed permanently cleanable, provided simple, routine cleaning operations are carried out.

    • Do the intervals between cleaning operations also depend on the type of surface?

      Yes. Being rough, textured or non-slip surfaces tend to retain the dirt more. The tiny pores in polished or semi-polished surfaces can be saturated by treatment with a good water-repellent product, so that they also ensure an excellent level of cleanabili

    • When cleaning a floor, what is the next step after using a power cleaner?

      Suck up the liquids and dry the floor, scraping in any areas where deposits have formed. A final pass with a dilute neutral or alkaline detergent, a final rinse and then removal of the liquids by suction complete the operation.

  3. Laying with adhesive.

    • What is the first operation to be carried out when laying a floor?

      Definitely the choice between adhesive and cement.

    • Does the best type of glue vary depending on the intended use of the floor?

      Naturally. The adhesive has to be chosen in close collaboration with the glue producer, who must know, for example, whether heavy loads or a lot of handling trucks will be passing over the surface.

    • When laying a floor with the cement method, can I be sure that the separation joints will be firmly fixed?

      When using the traditional cement method, the material has to be "tapped" to ensure this. What's more, when laying polished material, cleaning has to be taken so that no abrasive dust is left on the surface.

    • What precautions have to be adopted when laying a floor to ensure that the joints fulfil their purpose properly?

      As well as considering the intended use of the floor, it is also important to consider the size of the tiles in relation to the area to be covered, their modularity and the laying module.

    • The floors in commercial buildings are obviously at risk of staining. How can they be protected?

      A simple treatment with specific water-repellent products is able to protect these surfaces more than effectively.

    • In technical terms, what does a raised floor consist of?

      Think of 60x60 cm panels of chipboard or other materials, laid on a variable-height steel structure that serves as supporting framework.

    • What are the main features of an outdoor wall covering applied with adhesive?

      After plastering, the sheets of material are glued straight to the wall. Laying is quick, and with the latest adhesives this method can ensure a high level of safety.

    • If I choose the ventilated curtain wall system for covering an outdoor wall, can I save energy?

      Definitely; the ventilated curtain wall ensures a reduction in heat loss. Ventilated curtain walls also guarantee protection against acid rain and smog absorption.

    • Are there any recommendations when carrying out extraordinary cleaning operations on a floor?

      It is advisable always to ask the manufacturer of the sealants for special instructions before initial cleaning after the floor has been laid.

  4. Laying on patios with a waterproofing layer.

    • Sand and cement is certainly the cheapest grout for use on the joints in a floor, but what are its disadvantages?

      It may be very porous, so it will tend to become dirty more easily over time. Water absorption, in a system, compared with the performance of the products.

    • How is a floor polished?

      The process is exactly the same as for natural stones; the surface is ground with special silicon carbide discs, which emphasise its colour contrasts.

    • Can the panels be lifted after the raised floor has been laid?

      Naturally. Each panel just rests in place. A raised floor is actually a layer that creates a hidden space for utility systems underneath it.

    • What has to be considered when deciding the size of the modules of an outdoor wall covering?

      Simply bear in mind that their width has to be considered at the design stage in relation to the total area. One technical precaution is always to use the double coating method.

    • Do any special parameters have to be considered when using the curtain wall system?

      If open joints are used instead of sealed joints, for example, the elimination of condensation is virtually guaranteed. When it comes to optimising thermal insulation, on the other hand, the use of special insulating materials has to be considered.

    • What does routine cleaning for a floor mean, in terms of time?

      Normally cleaning every day. On non-slip surfaces, or floors where very high levels of hygiene are required, it may even be necessary several times a day.

  5. Operations to be carried out after laying.

    • What results are obtained if the joints in a floor are grouted with coloured products?

      Attractive colour combinations with the tiles are possible, but keeping the floor clean over time is not always easy.

    • What are honed floor tiles?

      Semi-polished materials undergo a grinding process similar to that of polished materials, but less intensive.

    • Is there a minimum height for raised floors?

      About 10 cm (4 inches) above the supporting surface.

    • If outdoor wall coverings are to be applied with adhesive, the double coating method is recommended. What is this?

      This means that a layer of glue is applied to the back of the tile, as well as to the wall. Tapping will also help to distribute the adhesive over the two surfaces better.

    • Which insulating materials are recommended to optimise the thermal insulation provided by a building's ventilated curtain walls?

      Waterproof and flame-retardant expanded polystyrene, and waterproof mineral fibre.

    • And what is the usual procedure for routine cleaning of a floor?

      In all cases, it is always best to use a good vacuum cleaner to remove any loose dirt, and then clean with a floor-cleaning machine with dilute alkaline or neutral detergent.

  6. Polished and Honed materials

    • No special precautions are needed when grouting with special products, are they?

      Wrong. Special cleaning is needed, especially when using epoxy sealants. Any residues have to be removed from the floor's surface immediately, as they cannot be removed later.

    • Do raised floors tend to creak?

      Not at all. The tops of the feet that support the steel structure are finished with anti-static rubber that also dampens vibrations.

    • If outdoor wall coverings are to be applied with adhesive, do visible mounts have to be used as well?

      It is right to consider this option, especially if the tiles are of large size, to ensure they are fixed securely.

    • What are the characteristics required for the uprights that keep the supporting structure of a ventilated curtain wall fixed to the façade of the building?

      It depends. The depth and thickness of the uprights vary depending on the load they have to support, and they are fixed to the façade of the building with special brackets.

    • How should rust stains or lime scale be removed from a floor?

      Using an acid detergent.

  7. Non-slip surfaces

    • What are the advantages of grouting the joints in a floor with special products?

      Very good resistance to chemicals and protection against dirt and stains.

    • What is a continuous curtain wall?

      This type of wall covering is really an extra wall added on to the building.

    • Can any building support the weight of a ventilated curtain wall?

      It depends on the nature of the supporting structure of the building itself. If it has a reinforced concrete and steel framework, the brackets have to be anchored to the concrete members in line with the horizontal floors, because in this case the filler

    • How should tyre rubber stains be removed from a floor?

      With an organic solvent such as dry-cleaning fluid or nitro solvent, which is also effective on felt-tip pen marks.

  8. Ventilated curtain walls.

    • What should I do if colour contamination occurs when floor tiles are grouted?

      If the pigment stains the surface, a separating agent has to be applied to the tile. It will take 12-24 hours to dry, after which the grouting operation can go ahead.

    • Do architects have a number of alternatives to choose from when planning a curtain wall for installation on the façade of a building?

      Basically, they have to consider whether the mountings should be visible or concealed, or a mixture of the two.

    • How should resins be removed from a floor?

      An organic solvent such as turpentine or a nitro solvent is required.

  9. The stainability of surfaces.

    • Kitchen floors need special protection. What substances can I use?

      To prevent stains, especially on light-coloured materials, a water-repellent substance should be applied to the floor to protect against staining agents.

    • Does the size of the sections in a ventilated curtain wall affect the final cost?

      The cost of the sections and the substructure are in reverse proportion: the smaller the sections, the higher the cost.

  10. Curtain walls

    • What does 'checking the colour contamination of tiles' mean?

      It means checking whether or not the pigment stains the surface. It is an important preliminary before tiles are grouted with contrasting colours: if no contamination is noted, the procedure can go ahead.

    • What are the main parameters that influence the design strategies adopted when planning a curtain wall for installation on the façade of a building?

      The factors are architectural considerations, the cost and the performance of the materials.

    • How should grease and oil be removed from a floor?

      With an alkaline detergent, which can also remove troublesome ice-cream stains.

  11. Cleanability of surfaces.

    • Before I start to grout a floor, if I find that the pigment has stained the surface what sort of separating agent can I use to protect the floor?

      Oil and water-repellent products.

    • What does a mixed mount system for a ventilated curtain wall involve, and what else does the architect have to decide?

      The mounts are concealed on the lowest floors and visible on the upper floors. Then of course the architect has to decide the size of the cladding sections and any geometrical edgings.

    • Apart from the typical stains that are hard to remove from a floor, are there any other special stains to be borne in mind? And how are they removed?

      There are aluminium scratch marks, for which we recommend an acid or abrasive cream detergent, or scouring powder. For all other stains, a good slightly abrasive clean detergent will give good results.

  12. International tile laying standards

    • What are the structural elements in a "floor system"?

      The most important are the layers which level, waterproof and reinforce the surface and distribute the loads.

    • What are expansion joints and what are they for?

      Both structural and functional and perimeter joints absorb the stresses to which surface coverings are subjected. Their shape may vary depending on the laying method used or the material, but they are all intended to prevent the inevitable mechanical stre

    • When should tiles be laid with adhesive and why?

      The suitability of an adhesive should always be checked on the basis of the mix of binders it contains.

    • What precautions have to be adopted if you choose to lay a floor with cement?

      There are a large number. First and foremost, you have to wait for the cement to set completely before walking over the floor. Secondly, you have to ensure that the composition of the bed layer is as uniform as possible.

    • What characteristics must the waterproofing layer on a patio have?

      On patios, the waterproofing layer must be applied to the levelling substrate once it is certain that the substrate has dried out properly.

    • Do joints serve any other purposes apart from their aesthetic function?

      Naturally. Apart from providing a more or less clear definition of the floor's perspective, the joints also compensate for any small variations in the size of the tiles.

    • Where are polished floor tiles mainly used?

      In the floors of residential or commercial buildings, although polished materials are also very popular on curtain walls.

    • What factors have to be considered when deciding how non-slip a floor should be?

      A material which is going to be washed often must have a higher non-slip coefficient than one for use in a private home. The same applies to inclined surfaces and outdoor pavings.

    • In terms of raised floors, what does future development of systems mean?

      Raised floors play an important role in offices, banks, EDP centres and anywhere it may be necessary to add new work-stations or update electricity and telephone connections.

    • When using outdoor wall coverings, what kind of precautions are required with regard to the masonry substrate?

      Various measures have to be taken to ensure that the wall coverings are applied correctly. First of all, the surface has to be wet to ensure that the adhesive does not dehydrate. Secondly, a fibre-glass mesh should be added to hold the plaster more firmly

    • In technical terms, what does a ventilated curtain wall consist of?

      It is a system comprising a metal structure and a layer of insulation installed between the building and the covering material.

    • What specific progress has been made in the area of the cleanability and stainability of surfaces?

      The important achievement has been the development of an extremely uniform, compact material without tiny open pores on its surface.

    • Does the frequency with which a floor is cleaned also depend on its colour?

      Naturally. If the material is whole-coloured, the dirt will become visible sooner, so takes more looking-after. When very high hygiene standards are required, we recommend light colours that make it immediately obvious when cleaning is needed.

    • When cleaning a floor, isn't there a risk that brushes may scratch the surface?

      Naturally. In this case, the bristles have to be medium-hard and not abrasive. We recommend red or green pad brushes.

  13. Joints.

    • If I have to apply a grout to the joints in a floor, or between the modules in a floor, are dark or pale colours best?

      Dark colours tend to become less dirty.

    • What is a honed material like?

      The surface is only slightly less shiny than that of polished material, but it is still soft to the touch.

    • Because of their characteristics, may there be limits to the loads that can pass over raised floors?

      First and foremost, the fact that this type of floor is mobile does not mean that it is not strong. Each panel consists of 4 layers of very high density, and diagonal cross-pieces can also be added underneath them to increase load-carrying capacity.

    • If outdoor wall coverings are to be applied with adhesive, do expansion plugs have to be used as well?

      Yes, especially in the horizontal joints.

    • What load does the substructure of a ventilated curtain wall place on a building in terms of weight?

      About 4-5 kg/m2 for aluminium and 7-8 for steel. Of course, the weight of the cladding surface has to be added to this, and that varies from 22-28 kg/m2 depending on the thickness.

    • How should special stains be removed from a floor?

      There are at least a dozen "difficult" stains, and for each of them we recommend specific products, which must be used at the dosages stated by the producer.

  14. Raised floors.

    • Are there special problems to guard against when grouting the joints in a floor?

      There are a lot of problems to be considered, and they are all very important. The most important is definitely to check against colour contamination.

    • So in the case of an outdoor wall, is a curtain wall a load-bearing wall?

      No, it isn't.

    • What are the joints in a ventilated curtain wall for installation on the façade of a building for?

      They limit the expansion of the structure, and generally there has to be one for each floor, while their position - which affects the behaviour of the substructure - may vary depending on circumstances.

    • How should beer, wine or coffee stains be removed from a floor?

      We recommend a sodium hypochlorite solution, household bleach or any alkaline detergent, which is also effective against fruit-juice. This treatment is also effective for ink stains, which can also be removed with an acid detergent.

  15. Routine cleaning operations,

    • A water-repellent substance should be applied to provide my kitchen floor with the best protection. When should this be done?

      The floor must be finished. This means that the water-repellents will fill in the tiny pores in the surface, blocking them to prevent access by staining agents.

    • Apart from the side of the sections, are there other factors that affect the costs?

      The type of structure (aluminium or steel) and the mount system.

  16. Laying with cement.

    • Should the joints between the floor modules be grouted?

      Naturally, in different ways: with sand and cement, with special coloured products and with special products.

    • Are polished materials also suitable for use outdoors?

      No, and in general they are not suitable for any zones subject to traffic and exposed to rain.

    • So the office wiring can pass underneath raised floors?

      And that 's not all: so can pipelines and the air-conditioning and heating systems.

    • Are there contraindications to using adhesive to apply an outdoor wall covering?

      No; it is just important to check the legal requirements concerning the maximum height above which mechanical fixing devices have to be used. The regulations vary from country to country.

    • A ventilated curtain wall forms a cavity in front of the wall. Can I make use of this cavity in any way?

      As in the case of raised floors, this technology can provide room for utility systems, especially in renovation projects or when systems are modernised.

    • Basically, every how often does a floor require an extraordinary cleaning operation?

      It depends on the nature of the surface. Extraordinary cleaning should be carried out every year or every six months, always using quality products.

  17. Extraordinary cleaning operations.

    • To protect my kitchen floor against stains I should use a water-repellent substance to "seal" the tiny pores in the surface. Will this layer be visible?

      Absolutely not. Naturally, these are special products, specifically developed for the purpose.

    • Are the mounts and the clips of a ventilated curtain wall the same thing?

      Yes. The visible or concealed type will be chosen depending on technical and aesthetic requirements.