Installation, Treatment and Maintenance
TERRA, definition
TERRA tiles are artisanal tiles made from unrefined natural clay, hand-moulded and then fired. They show natural variations in colour, dimensions, and thickness. These tiles are NOT glazed.
The tolerance in size and thickness is +/- 3 mm.
This material (comparable to terracotta) is naturally porous and is delivered untreated, as the treatment needs to be applied after the tiles have been installed, grouted, cleaned and are completely dry.
Before Installation
Upon arrival, the tiles should be inspected. Any transport damage should be noted on the delivery slip and notified to us immediately, including pictures.
In case of any doubt or issue, notify us always prior to installation. Once the tiles are installed there is little that can be done to remedy any issue.
In order to achieve a homogeneous look, open several boxes and mix the tiles with the different shades.
1. Installation
Installation should be done on a well-levelled, clean, and dry surface.
The tiles can be installed with a synthetic adhesive or a cement-based adhesive suitable for highly absorbent materials (terracotta, natural clay tiles).
Apply the adhesive cement to the surface using a large-toothed comb trowel. Also apply adhesive on the back of the tile (double bonding).
Position the tiles with your hands. If necessary, to achieve good levelling, gently use a rubber mallet.
Leave a gap of 3 to 5 mm between the tiles for the joint, to compensate for differences in tile size and to absorb any floor movement.
2. Grouting
The tiles quickly absorb moisture, dehydrating the grout during application. Therefore, use special grout for absorbent materials (natural clay, terracotta), preferably flexible and for wide joints.
Humidify the edges of the tiles and space between tiles, before applying the grout.
Grout should preferably be white or natural grey, as pigmented grouts can stain the tiles. Always follow the grout manufacturer's instructions carefully.
To precisely apply the mixture into the space between the tiles and avoid unnecessarily dirtying the surfaces, use a bottle with a fine nozzle.
As soon as the grout begins to set, clean and smoothen the grout with a damp sponge, then after 30 to 60 minutes, rinse with a mop and water to leave the surface as clean as possible.
Allow to dry and harden for 24 hours.
3. Deep Cleaning
To remove any grout residues and construction dust, and to restore the TERRA tiles’ colour, post-installation cleaning is necessary.
We offer TERRA CLEAN cleaner. It is an acidic liquid that dissolves cement stains and alkaline construction residues. This should be applied with protective equipment and on a well-ventilated space.
1 litre of TERRA CLEAN covers approximately 10 m² (may vary depending on the level of dirt).
Dilute if necessary in water (with 1 to 3 parts water depending on the level of dirt). Always test on a very small area to adjust TERRA CLEAN’s action. Ventilate the room and apply with a mop or a fibre rotary disc.
Rinse and ensure COMPLETE drying of your surface before applying the protective treatment. (Complete drying can take from 5 days to over 2 weeks depending on weather conditions, room ventilation, and the amount of moisture from the installation).
Do not cover the floor with a plastic sheet as this would prevent drying. If protection is needed, use sawdust or cover with blank cardboard (without any print or pigments that could bleed).
4. Protective Treatment
The protective treatment (sealer + wax) is applied after the installation and deep cleaning of the Terra tiles, over a clean and perfectly dry floor. Ensure proper ventilation of the room during the application of the SEALER.
The Sealer is a solvent-based sealer that limits water and oil penetration. The Sealer impregnates the tile, reduces its porosity and keeps its natural matte aspect.
1 litre of SEALER can treat 5 to 6 m² (its absorption can vary greatly from tile to tile).
Always test on an isolated tile to assess the SEALER’s absorption level and better understand its application. Apply the protective treatment with a brush or roller (wool, not foam) on a clean and dry surface, gradually and until the tile is saturated.
When the tile appears saturated, wait a few minutes then buff with a fine cloth, to remove excess SEALER that may remain on the surface.
Do not apply in excess, as any unabsorbed liquid will dry on the surface leaving shiny spots.
Wait a few hours before applying the WAX, to ensure the SEALER had enough time to fully set.
Apply the liquid vegetable wax (WAX) with a mop, cloth, or felt rotary disc. This will enhance the colours and protect the tiles.
1 litre of WAX can cover 8 to 10 m² (may vary depending on the floor). After applying the wax, let it rest for 24 hours before using the area or cleaning it with water.
5. Cleaning and Maintenance
Clean with water using only natural PH neutral soaps.
Regular application of liquid wax (diluted in the mop water when cleaning) revives the colours and helps create a patina that protects the tiles
It is recommended to use protective pads for chairs and furniture to avoid marks and scratches.
Do not cover the surface with non-breathable materials, plant pots, or similar items for long periods as this would prevent floor ventilation and could cause efflorescence or stains.
Prevent and repair any sources of constant humidity, as these can cause humidity stains and efflorescence.
Disclaimer
This document summarizes our recommendations for the installation, treatment, and maintenance of natural terracotta tiles, but other approaches are possible.
Each manufacturer or brand of specialized terracotta products has its own protocols and recommendations which generally overlap with ours. The ultimate responsibility for correct installation falls on the installer.