FAQ the frequently asked questions on the white body and porcelain stoneware tiles

WALL
The use of ceramic tiles is the most intelligent choice for bathroom walls. Differently from all other materials, it is the only product that does not stain or scratch, it is not damaged by acids and corrosive products or moisture, its appearance does not change over time, and most of all, it is easy to clean.

FLOOR
Cleaning to be performed by the tile layer
Initial cleaning: about 10-20 minutes after grouting TonoSuTono will lose its plasticity and become opaque: any excess sealant should then be removed using a clean, damp sponge. The tiles must then be wiped clean using a dry cloth or felt. Final cleaning: after 36/48 hours both the tiles and the joints will have dried completely: the surface must then be washed using a buffered acid solution. The tiles must then be rinsed using plenty of clean water, which must then be removed using a liquid vacuum.

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: it is essential that the tile layer cleans the tiles exactly as prescribed so that the flooring will subsequently be easy to clean. The care taken with both the initial and final cleaning processes (in particular the complete removal of grout residuals) will affect the subsequent ease of maintenance of the flooring. The best manufacturers of joint-grouts and adhesives recommend this procedure for all flooring in porcelain stoneware. If these recommendations are not observed or if water is used which is not perfectly clean, it could lead to the formation of a hardly perceivable film of grout or building site dust which is extremely absorbent and captures any dust in the atmosphere and can make the floor look eternally dirty. In this case FAP ceramiche declines any responsibility.

Ordinary cleaning
Frequency: as usual.

Recommendations:
a) always use cleaning tools which are perfectly clean;
b) always rinse the floor;
c) do not walk on the floor when wet;
d) clean water without detergent may be used for frequent washing or specific detergents to remove dirt of stains that are not waxen or filmy. We advise not to use detergents with the indication "it is not necessary to rinse after use".

WE RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT: it’s recommended to read in advance the technical and safety schedules for the products used for cleaning and to scrupulously follow what is indicated by the relative producers with regards to the methods and precautions for use, as well as the provisions regarding respect for the environment of the products and materials used.

WALL
A correct site installation will guarantee a perfect final result if just a few simple rules are followed:

1. check that the wall is flat;
2. install the product by mixing material from more than one box;
3. handle the product with care before and during installation.

FAP rectified wall tiles have been designed and manufactured to allow edge-to-edge tiling (closed joint). this allows the best results to be achieved in terms of aesthetics (closed joint installations) and functionality (no joints to trap dirt).

FLOOR

1. check the floor slab is flat where the tiles are to be fitted;
2. mix the tiles during tiling by taking them from several boxes;
3. handle the tiles with care before and during tiling.

IMPORTANT: FAP rectified floor tiles must be laid with a 2-3 mm gap between them. For the laying outdoors we recommend a gap of 3 mm. For floors with a lengthwise tiling layout, maximum 30 cm offset between panels.

HANDLING THE TILES
For handling and installing large-format tiles, at least two operators provided with adequate equipment are needed: lifting and sucking systems, handling trolleys, stable support surfaces, etc.

CUTTING THE TILES
For cutting material in the building site, it’s recommended to use cutters for engraving and splitting, or special tools for wet cutting in order to avoid the production of potentially harmful dust.
IMPORTANT: cut tiles may have sharp edges: cutters and handlers must wear special cut resistant gloves.

MANAGEMENT OF THE PACKAGES
The tiles are packaged with completely recyclable materials: cardboard boxes, plastic straps, polyethylene film cover, wooden pallet; once the installation operations are completed, these materials are delivered to appropriate recovery and disposal centres.

DEMOLITION OF CERAMIC COVERINGS
Ceramic material is 100% recyclable. At the end of its life, the ceramic product can be demolished and delivered to appropriate recovery and disposal sites to be crushed without any significant impact for the environment, and recycled.

The environment is of incalculable value to all of us. Here at Fap ceramiche, we are well aware of this, which explains why we do everything in our power to respect the habitat we live in. For this reason, our manufacturing processes and technological research have always gone hand in hand with a rigorous environmental policy that conditions our whole way of thinking, working and behaving towards the world around us. Fap ceramiche has created the ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION (EPD), which has been certifiedby an independent body. The EPD is a sort of identity card for products, which describes their impact on the environment, from the extraction of the raw materials through to sale and on through their entire life cycle until disposal.

All of our tiles are exclusively produced in Italy. FAP ceramiche buyers have the security of knowing that these products are manufactured with technology that respects the environment, and use outstanding and safe raw materials, guaranteeing the best possible working conditions.