Tile Installation Recommendations - Portico Slate

Curved Surfaces

SOLISTONE Portico Slate tiles cannot be installed around curved surfaces unless the pieces are stacked vertically.

Substrates

All substrates should be firmly fixed, flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants such as dust, oil, paint, sealers etc. to ensure proper adhesion. Painted surfaces must be scuffed or sanded for the product and adhesive to bond correctly. Wet areas need special attention and require appropriate substrates, e.g. concrete, cement boards (compressed sheet), and/or treated plywood.

Waterproof Membranes

Waterproof membranes prevent leakage of water through to the sub-floor framing and/or habitable spaces below. Particular attention must be paid to: carrying the membrane up the wall, outside shower boxes, installation of bond breakers, and sealing around penetrations. It is strongly recommended that membrane systems be used in all wet areas. Some systems may involve the use of a primer.

Cutting

Cuts can be done with either a wet saw or a hand grinder using a diamond or masonry blade.

Adhesive

Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions carefully. We do not recommend one brand of adhesive over another. Please check with your local tile supply store for alternative and comparable products. The manufacturer’s literature will explain if the adhesive product is suitable for interiors and/or exteriors, as well as walls and floors. Most thinset mortars (multipurpose and polymer modified thinsets) are adequate for installing slate tile. A cement-based adhesive is generally suitable on masonry substrates where no movement is anticipated.

 

Where slight movement could occur through thermal or pedestrian loads, a modified cement adhesive should be used as a minimum. A 1/4” – 1/8” notch trowel is recommended for most applications. It is very important to make sure the tiles fit tightly together. The use of a rubber mallet may be required to gently tap the tiles into place.

Grouting

Grouting is not necessary for the Portico Slate tiles. If small cracks or seams exist in between the strips, a non-sanded grout similar in color to the stone can be used to fill the gaps.

Sealants

To bring your application to its full potential, we suggest sealing. There are various products available on the market, however, we recommend contacting your nearest tile supplier for the most appropriate sealer for your application. You can change the look and color of the stones depending on the sealer you select ranging from color enhancement, to different levels of gloss finishes, or just leave them natural. Whenever using sealants and acids, please ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s recommended method of application.

Care & Cleaning

SOLISTONE Portico Slate tiles must be regularly cleaned and maintained to extend the life and beauty of the tile. The stones can be cleaned with a neutral mild detergent. Consequently, any spills should be cleaned quickly to lessen the degree of the stain. The porosity or water absorption in these products varies and therefore staining will occur in different degrees if the stone is unsealed. Do not use abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads, steel wool or sandpaper.

Download these recommendations and care guide in PDF format