CSN
As an extension to its range of terracotta floor tiles, Clayton also offers a unique component for the stairs. Clayton terracotta extruded step-nose tiles with rounded edges, give a smooth and synonymous look to the décor. They match perfectly with the terracotta floor tiles once laid, and deliver the same artistic and welcoming look, ideal for exterior and interior stair ways.
Installation of Floor Step-Nose Tiles
Selecting tiles in the same batch of size, colour. The tiles should not be wet before installation.
- The basic surface should be strongly reinforced to bear external force on to the tiles as intended. Taking a water gauge to get the level & slope.
- Mixing mortar of cement & sand (P 25): thoroughly mix a ratio of 3/4 sand with ¼ cement, let the water gradually permeate through the mortar. The motar should not be too soft.
- Scattering the mortar on the floor, not to cover the landmark.
- Levelling the layer of mortar by a straight rule in order to get a flat surface of perfect slope according to the fixed landmark, with thickness from 2-3 cm.
- Based on design, the first laying point is determined. Stretching a string for straight line, tiles are laid from left to right, from inner to outer. Laying 2 pieces at 2 ends for a base.
- Spreading cement liquid on the mortar layer before laying to create good bond between the tiles & the mortar layer. Putting the tiles in the same direction of the lines at the back side of the tiles. The joint between the tiles depending on the tile sizes. Putting the tiles on the edge of stretched line.
- Gently beat the tiles with a rubber hammer to adjust straightness & bond between tiles with plastered layer.
- Mixing cement mortar for joint sealing: thoroughly blend cement & fine sand equally, slowly pour water into the mixture to get desired moisture. White cement, pigment & coal liquid may be used to change colour of the grout, the tiles in various colour are cut according to requirement, alternately lay in order to enhance aesthetic effect for both joint surface & the floor.
- After the tiles which are laid for 3 hours at least bond with the floor, the joint should be sealed with grout.
- Taking a hawk to barely fill the joint with the grout.
- Removing redundant grout, not to let it overflow on the tiles surface.
- Pressing the joint tidily, it can be either in round or flat shape, repeated movement to get gloss for tiling grout.
- Joint after sealing.
- The cleaning work is the most important process for completion to bring out the natural colour of the tiles. Once the joints are dry after sealing (which normally takes between 24-36 hours depending on the weather) wipe off grout marks sticking to the tile surface and the joint. Gently spray water over the floor and remove the dirt with a cloth.
- The floor before cleaning.
- The floor after cleaning.
Remarks:
During 24-36 hrs. the grout has not yet stuck to the surface as the tiles were treated with a sealant chemical before. Use a wet cloth to remove the efflorescence. Never use any chemicals to remove the efflorescence.
The cleaning work should not be done earlier or later than the said period because, if the efflorescence is removed earlier, the joint has not yet bonded, if it is cleaned later, the grout will get congealed & becomes too hard to remove.