2. HANDLING OF TILES

• For the handling of Slabs/LFT it is necessary to have at least two skilled workers with proper equipment’s.
• One must wear personal protective equipment’s while handling the Slabs/LFT. Both in the extraction phase from the packaging and during the processing and installation phases.
• Always use carriage Kit because Slabs/LFT can get chipped and may even break if raised or moved incorrectly.

3. CUTTING & DRILLING OF LFT/SLABS

• For successful linear cutting of Slabs/LFT it is necessary to provide support of solid worktop on sand bed (Min 50mm). While Cutting and/or drilling, we recommend to use Professional Cutting Machine/Cutting tools. It is recommended to use continuous diamond or Turbo diamond cutting blades. Using other tools/blades may lead to damage or breakage.
• For Drilling, or for execution of rectangular/Square holes or pockets it is important to make four holes (minimum 8mm) in each corner to avoid excessive tension.
• Adapt the workbench by moving the planks and create an empty space for drilling holes.
• Fix the Slabs/LFT with the clamps by positioning the area to be worked upon in the empty space of the workbench.
• Start making the hole by tilting the drill a bit. Continue drilling with oscillating movement without pushing excessively, cool the drilling hole with water if required.
• Use a continuous diamond cutting disc for cutting the sides.

4. EDGE PROFILING OF SLABS/LARGE FORMAT TILES.

• For aesthetics and functional ease (Edge profile for Kitchen Platform, Table Top, Dining Table, Work Desk, Vanity Top, Steps and Riser, Window & Door Frame etc.), Somany Max Slabs/LFT can be beveled or half bullnosed. It is possible to have various possible shapes of beveling.
• For beveling high level skill is required, kindly appoint an experienced mason/professional with professional cutting tools.
• After beveling suitable grade of abrasive is required.

5. BASE / SUBSTRATES / SCREED

• Prepare the Base/Screed/Substrate which should be perfectly flat, dry, compact and dust/grease/oil free.
• The surface should be free from cracks and other visible damage. In case of slightly cracked or non-solid screed, it is recommended to use crack preventing/filling materials between substrate and Slabs/LFT. Screed should have sufficient hardness, Intact, seasoned and dimensionally stable, and mechanically resistant to stress.
• It should be in accordance to BS 8204-1-2003 or DIN 18560 standards.

6. LAYING WITH ADHESIVE

• It is recommended to handle Slabs/LFT with appropriate professional equipment’s
• We recommend laying Somany Max Slabs/LFT with SOMANY EZY FIX Adhesives, which should be applied by skilled masons with appropriate equipment’s.
• In case of laying of Slabs/LFT in commercial areas, the bed thickness should be enough to avoid cracking and hollowness post laying.
• Adhesives should be applied on the floor/ wall as well as on backside of tiles with 4-5mm thickness.
• Adhesive materials vary depending on the application areas (wall/dado, floor, indoor/outdoor, and the size of the tile), so please follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Apply the adhesive onto the back of the slab with a 4 mm trowel and distribute it well covering the corners & edges.
• For thin coverage on the back of the tiles/Slabs, it is recommended the use of 4x4mm notch trowel.
• The application of the adhesive on the Slabs/LFT must take place with direction parallel to its short side, to facilitate the air to escape, creating vacuum
• The application of the adhesive on the substrate must have the same direction of the adhesive on the Slabs/LFT.
• It must be spread over in one direction only. Ideally it should be spread towards shortest direction of the Slabs/LFT.
• Spread the adhesive for one tile onto the floor substrate using a U-notch or V-notch trowel and follow the same direction as previously applied to the back of the Slabs/LFT.
• Adhesive should have 100% contact with tiles/substrate to avoid hollowness.
• It is recommended to start from the center of the Slabs/LFT and then move towards the edges.
• Tap the Slabs/LFT with a rubber mallet for complete fixing and ensuring the air beneath is expelled. Don’t use metal hammer for tapping the tiles. The Tiles must be tapped gently.
• Don’t walk on the Slabs/LFT surface after installation of tiles. It should be left for drying and curing for at least 48 hours.

7. JOINTS

• For Slabs/LFT expansion joints are strongly recommended, as well as proper positioning of spacers on floor sides.
• Slabs/LFT are not recommended to be laid without gap. Laying them without gap may cause popping-up/De-bonding of tiles.
• Spacer must be used at each Slabs/LFT corner to maintain the gap. It is advisable to maintain a gap of min 3mm between each tile to allow possible expansion as per IS/ISO norms.

8. LEVELLING DURING THE INSTALLATION

• For optimum surface performance, it is strongly recommended to use a Slabs/LFT levelling system.
• This solution also acts as a spacer for joints, thus contributing to make the installation more accurate

9. GROUTING

• We recommend you to use SOMANY Ezy Fix grouts with matching color as of the Slab/LFT.
• Grouting should be carried out minimum 48hrs after fixing the Slabs/LFT.
• We also advise you to ensure there is no adhesive or dusting in the joints.
• It is advisable to fix ETI Masking tape at every edges/corner of Fixed Slabs/LFT for the better and smooth application of grouting.
• Both SOMANY EZY FIX cement based & epoxy based grout can be used. Grouting materials must be filled gently, avoid spreading of grouting materials on surface of the Slabs/LFT.
• Apply the grout using rubber trowel, care must be taken to avoid edge chipping.
• It is recommended to grout not more than 4-5 sq. mtr. of tiles at a time. This applies in particular when laying textured, non-slip and polished tiles.
• It is advised to remove all excess grout from the tiles/slabs surface. Use a damp sponge and perfectly clean water to thoroughly clean the entire surface and the joints.
• After filling the grout please allow it to dry and get cured for minimum 48 Hours.

10. CLEANING AFTER LAYING.

• Thorough cleaning is required after dying and curing to ensure the tiles long-lasting and maintain their appearance over time.
• Cleaning of Slabs/LFT surface should be carried out at-least 2 to 3 days after laying and grouting.
• For washing, it is recommending to use acid based tile cleaning chemicals, diluted according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. However, DON’T USE HYDROFLUORIC ACID AND ITS DERIVATIVE FOR CLEANING OF THE SLABS/LFT.
• Don’t Pour any cleaning agent directly on Slabs/LFT surface as it may damage the gloss or glazed layer of Slabs/LFT. Dilute the cleaning agent in water and avoid splitting of tiles cleaning materials/chemicals on wall as it may damage the painting work.
• Some of Somany MAX LFT/Slabs have special finishes, so it is advised to use a piece of un-laid tile, or a hidden part of the laid tiles, to check the resistance of the Glazed surface to the cleaning agent.
• After cleaning of Slabs/LFT it is recommended to rinse the surface thoroughly with plain water.

11. OTHER IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS

• We do not entertain any complaints after the tiles are laid, therefore please read the instructions carefully and inspect all the Slabs/LFT before laying
• Follow all safety Precautions and use suitable PPE while handling/cutting/drilling/ laying/grouting/cleaning of Slabs/LFT.
• Shade and size variation are inherent characteristic of Full Body Vitrified Tiles/Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT): Slabs/LFT, therefore you are advised to purchase sufficient Slabs/LFT at one time to complete the job. Fixing of the Slabs/LFT should be done in a random manner, thus avoiding obvious patches and bringing a harmony of the colors, shade & size variation.
• It is not recommended to soak Full Body Vitrified Tiles/Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT): Slabs/LFT in water.
• Ensure that the tiling surface is free from dirt, grease and flaking.
• We recommend the use SOMANY EZY FIX tile adhesive and grouts for better result.
• Fixing of the Slabs/LFT on RCC/Dry Wall/Gypsum wall is not recommended.
• Fixing tiles firmly into position, place all Slabs/LFT first. Press down the edges of the tile firmly.
• While fixing the Slabs/LFT, do not tap them in position by the pointed handle of the trowel.
• Allow Slabs/LFT to set for 48 hours after fixing the tiles. In case of floor, do not walk over the laid Slabs/LFT within this period.
• Don’t apply P.O.P or same kind of materials directly over the laid surfaces of Polished Tiles. Always use a Protective sheet/Transparent Plastic Film on laid surfaces of Slabs/LFT before applying/pouring P.O.P.
• Please make sure to lay all the Slabs/LFT along the right direction as indicated by Somany logo/Made in India at the thickness side of the Slabs/LFT except those occasions requiring special effects. Slabs/LFT should be laid last for better results.
• Compliance to EN / IS/ISO specification: Technical specifications for Somany Max Full Body Vitrified Tiles/Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT): Slabs/LFT are applicable only for Premium/ First quality tiles.
• No claim will be entertained once the Slabs/LFT are fixed/laid.

Nothing in these instructions is a substitute for good workmanship and supervision.

NOTICE: This information is offered as a guideline only. No warranty is implied. For best results, hire a Professional Tile Installer experienced in the application of Slabs/LFT.