Technical assistance

NBR 15575

Usage and Operations

Manual

2. Ceramic Tiles

2.1. Wall Tiles

2.2. Floor Tiles

2.3. Porcelain Tiles

3. Planning – choosing the tiles

3.1. Care at the work site

3.2. Planning the grout and joints

4. Quality of Settling Material

4.1. Adhesive mortar

4.2. Grout mortar

5. Quality of Construction and Settlement

5.1. Execution of the subfloor

5.2. Execution of the plaster on interior walls

5.3. Plastering

5.4. Execution of the laying

5.5. Preparation of adhesive mortar

5.6. Application of adhesive mortar

5.7. Application of the ceramic tile

5.8. Control of adhesion

5.9. Open time

5.10. Grouting

6. Cleaning and Maintenance

6.1. Preliminary recommendations

6.2. Final maintenance work

6.3. Daily Maintenance

6.4. Heavy maintenance (specific)

6.5. Other Recommendation

7. Warranty

8. Project Lifecycle

Index

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Hello, welcome to the usage and operation manual for the ceramic tiles used

in your project. This document provides important information about the care

and procedures that must be followed so that the service life of the tiles can be

assured efficiently.

If you received this document from the builder in the delivery of the property,

it is because the tiles used on the walls and floors of your property were

manufactured by Eliane Revestimentos Cerâmicos (Eliane Ceramic Tiles).

A company that is a leader in the tiles industry with more than 50 years of

tradition and experience, it is recognized among one of the biggest and best

companies in Brazil in the segment of floor, wall and porcelain tiles.

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2.1. Wall Tiles

Produced to cover the internal walls of buildings, especially in areas where

there will be frequent or occasional contact with water (kitchen, laundry area,

bathrooms, toilets, etc.).

Because they are intended for use on walls, they have low mechanical and

strength against abrasion resistance and for this reason cannot be used on

floors.

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2.2. Floor Tiles

Suitable to cover all areas of the building or property without restriction on

their use on floors or walls, however different surfaces are recommended for

different places of use as internal and external areas. While, floors for internal

areas will privilege the beauty and ease of maintenance, the floor for external

use should offer resistance and safety to users, therefore, they will have

different performances regarding characteristics like ease of cleaning, slip and

mechanical resistance.

The product choice should always take into account where the product will be

2. Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are used with the purpose of giving value to the environment

where they are being laid; making cleaning and maintenance procedures

practical and efficient; restricting and preventing the appearance of moisture;

providing thermal comfort; as well as decorating and adding aesthetic value to

the property.

Basically, we can classify ceramic tiles in 4 categories: wall tile, floor tile,

porcelain tile and mosaics.

2.3. Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are a ceramic product obtained through the use of high purity

raw materials. It is produced at high pressures and temperatures that make it a

compact, homogeneous, dense and fully vitrified product.

The use of porcelain tiles has as main advantages the extremely high abrasion

resistance; being fully waterproof; resistance to ice, acids and alkalis; having

high durability when compared to natural stones and other types of ceramic;

and more uniform colors.

Due to great durability, porcelain tiles are especially suitable for high traffic

environments, facades and situations where maximum resistance is demanded.

However, its beauty and versatility of design also make the Eliane porcelain

tiles ideal for residential environments where the aesthetics is key.

Porcelain tiles can be produced in the natural, polished, lapado ( semi-polished),

through body, and glazed versions.

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2.4. Mosaics

Mosaics as well as the other products mentioned above, aims to coat the

environment making it more beautiful as well as facilitating maintenance

and cleaning procedures. However, different from other products in which

functionality is the main attraction, in the case of mosaics their function is

fundamentally aesthetic.

Mosaics can be produced of ceramics (floor tile or wall tile) or porcelain tiles,

applied so that no problems occur with the material, thus allowing it to fulfill its

purpose and meet the estimated service life.

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Specifying correctly has become very easy. Eliane recommends the place of

use of all glazed tiles considering their technical characteristics. So you just

need follow the coding below:

3. Planning – choosing the tiles

Code

LA

LB

LC

LD

Place of use - for glazed ceramic tiles

Residential bathrooms.

Residential environments without street access, such as bathrooms,

living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens.

Residential environments with and without access to the street,

such as bathrooms, rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, garages and

balconies. Commercial areas without street access.

Residential and commercial environments with and without access

to the street, such as bathrooms, rooms, bedrooms, kitchens,

garages and balconies. Residential and commercial environments

with and without access to the street, such as bathrooms, rooms,

bedrooms, kitchens, garages and balconies.

generally of reduced format (between 2x2 to 4x4 inches) and are available in

mesh or in loose individual tiles.

In the case of façade applications, in addition to giving value to the building,

it reduces the long-term maintenance costs since, when properly laid, they

can last for decades, without the need for exchange or maintenance other than

conventional cleaning.

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LE

LP

LF

3.1. Care at the work site

When receiving the ceramic tiles at the work site, take care that no damage will

occur, thus compromising the quality of the product. It is important that the

packages are stacked in the correct way, thus avoiding damage to the product

such as breakage in the corners or even the whole piece.

1. Always store the

packages vertically.

Proper Stacking

Suitable for sidewalks and outdoor areas with flat areas. Residential

and commercial environments with and without access to the

street, such as bathrooms, rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, garages and

balconies.

Swimming Pools

Facades

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3.2. Planning of joints

Tiles differ from other types of finishes because they make up mosaics

according to the intention of the designer. The grouts are part of the quality of

the applications and they help in the beauty of the tile.

Besides the aesthetic importance, the grouts play an important role because

they give flexibility to the surface in the accommodation of the pieces.

1,5 m 4,5 m

Palete

2. Boxers must be carefully

stacked up to a maximum height

of 1.5 meters.

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Note the different types and width of joints:

Structural joints - defined in the project and must be respected during laying.

Expansion joints - they are the joints that interrupt the subfloor and are

intended to allow for possible dimensional variations. The width should be 10

mm and filled with elastic material. These joints shall be provided for at least

every 6 linear meters for indoors and outdoors areas, within the limits of 20

m2 for external floors, 32 m2 for indoors floors and 12 m2 for facades.

Desolidarization joints - they are joints with the function of separating the

floor covering to relieve tensions caused by moving the base or the lining

itself. They should be placed in the meeting between the floor and the wall and

The following is an illustrative example:

The laying of the product and the dimensioning of the structural joints,

desolidarization and expansion must be carried out according to the

requirements of norm NBR 13753 (Internal or external flooring with ceramic

tiles using adhesive mortar), under the guidance of the architect or engineer

responsible.

brick structure

mortar

thinset

wall tile

grout lines

corner joint lines

floor tile

thinset

grout line

expansion joints

substract floor

structural stones

soil

roughcast

leveling course

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4. Quality of Settling Material

We recommend observing the following laying rules:

4.1. Adhesive mortar

The quality of the laying material is the second factor related to the durability

of the tile. The adhesive mortar and grout must also be chosen according to

the environment to be coated. With the objective of ensuring a high quality

laying system, Eliane Argamassas produces the best mortars and grouts in the

Brazilian market. Choose the ideal mortar according to the type and location

of use of the ceramic tile.

around pillars. The width should be 10 mm and may be under a bullnose or be

filled with elastic material.

Grout - are the joints between the pieces. The minimum width to be observed

depends on the size of the tile and it is always recommended in the product

packaging.

NBR 13753

Internal or external

floor covering with

ceramic tiles and using

adhesive mortar -

Procedure

NBR 13754

Coating of internal

walls with ceramic

plates and using

adhesive mortar -

Procedure

NBR 13755

Coating of external

walls and facades with

ceramic tiles and using

adhesive mortar -

Procedure

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Thinset Mortar

Laying of ceramic tiles indoors, except

porcelain.

Indoor and outdoor areas. Also

recommended for laying of floor tiles over

existing floors indoors and for linings in

residential swimming pools.

For laying of ceramic tiles, in a size of up to

20 x 20 cm, on facades and claddings on

external floors.

This dual component system is

recommended for the laying of ceramic

tiles (any shape) on facades, in thermal

pools, Porcelain tile coatings in large

areas (commercial centers, bus terminals,

airports, food courts, supermarkets and

factories).

This dual component system is

recommended for Porcelain laying on

facades. Also suitable for overlays.

Strictly follow the information on the Mortar packaging

Ligamax Gold Carga Mineral +

Adimax Gold Premium

Ligamax Golda Carga Mineral

+ Adimax Gold Super

Ligamax Gold Aditivada

Ligamax Gold Extra

Ligamax Gold Basic

Place of use

4.2. Grout mortar

The grout mortar contributes significantly to the final visual effect of an

environment. Eliane Argamassas offers the best solution for the grouting of

ceramic tiles. Choose the right product for your work site:

Grout

Ideal for grouting porcelain tiles, natural and synthetic

stones, tiles and floors. After application, the product has

a stain resistant surface and a loss of color, with a super

smooth texture. Specially formulated for application in

areas where high chemical resistance is not required, such

as residential and commercial areas.

Special epoxy grout for swimming pools. It is not harmed by

chemicals used in the maintenance of the pool water, does

not change color, does not crumble, does not absorb water

and does not create mold.

This mortar is suitable for grouting glazed and unglazed

ceramic tiles, in places such as bathrooms, facades and,

mainly, swimming pools. Its use is recommended in

conjunction with Adimax Aditivo (Additive) for Grouting.

Its use is recommended for grouting glazed and unglazed

ceramic tiles in internal and external areas. It is advisable to

add Adimax Aditivo for Grouting.

For grouting in places with high levels of chemical

and mechanical requirements, such as industrial

establishments (dairy and sugar processing plants,

breweries, meat processors, beverages and food in general,

canning factories, sweets and pharmaceutical industries)

and commercial restaurants, cafeterias, laboratories,

Juntaplus

Gold Total

Juntaplus

Gold Epóxi

Pool

Epóxi Gold

SP 50

Juntaplus

Gold Piscina

Where to use

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Latapoxy

2000

5. Quality of Construction and Settlement

Note: The system composed of the grout products plus grouting mortar cannot be used in order to make the environment watertight, for this, it should make use of constructive techniques for (sealing for example).

Carefully follow the information on the Grout packaging

The quality of construction is another important factor. When building a

ground floor sub-floor for optimal results, follow these guidelines:

5.1. Execution of the subfloor

The basic requirements for the execution of the subfloor on the ground floor are:

Drainage to eliminate hydrostatic pressure under the building and adjacent

areas;

Placement of a layer of crushed stone 15 to 20 cm thick between the ground

and the subfloor;

Layer of concrete of a minimum thickness of 8 cm and with at least 400 kg of

cement per m3, suitably dosed with a low water to cement ratio. It needs to be

vibrated and cured;

butchers and supermarkets, for example). Latapoxy 2000

offers high resistance to acid and bacteria attacks, extreme

temperatures, steam washes and heavy traffic, combined

with easy cleaning and maintenance.

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5.2. Execution of the plaster on interior walls

• If the masonry is made of ceramic bricks, they should be of good quality;

• Concrete blocks should have low water absorption and be properly cured,

plumbed and with resistant mortar;

• The wall must be clean, have a regular surface, be flat, free from cracks

and free from factors that reduce adhesion such as: excessive moisture, oils,

greases and other;

• Before applying the plaster it is common to scrub the surface of the blocks

The surface must be flat, rough, free of cracks and free from factors that reduce

adhesion such as excessive moisture, oils, greases and other;

Waterproofing of the subfloor if necessary;

Application of a noise reducing shield if necessary.

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expansion joints

floor tile

thinsetgrout line

smoothing layerexpansion joints

substract floor

structural stones

soil

with suitable mortar. This slab increases the contact area of the plaster and

ensures adhesion;

• Prepare spray on mortar with one part of cement for two of coarse washed

sand;

• For any type of base, moisten it with the aid of a brush;

• For wet areas, we recommend applying waterproofing of up to 1,5m high on

the walls with the objective of avoiding infiltration and problems arising from

humidity.

5.3. Plastering

Within 24 hours after rough plastering, start the fine plastering. Use 1 part of

cement for 5 of medium river sand and 0.5 or ½ of good quality lime, which can

be replaced by plasticizer. If you prefer to use prefabricated plaster mortar,

strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

The surface must be flat, rough, free of cracks and free from factors that reduce

adhesion such as: excessive moisture, oils, greases and others.

The medium sand is ideal because the plaster has a rough surface, with good

adherence of the adhesive mortar at the time of final fixation of the ceramic

pieces. Do not forget that the sand must be free from salts and other impurities.

5.4. Execution of the laying

Before starting the installation, inspect the ceramic pieces that will be laid,

check if all are of the same reference, color and size. Do not mix pieces of

different color and size in the same environment. If the project specifies the

combination of different products in the same environment, make sure the

size is the same for all. Read the tiles and mortar packaging instructions. Make

sure that the classification of the place of use of the purchased material is

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consistent with the area where the product will be laid / used as this criterion

along with the correct cleaning and maintenance procedure will determine the

durability, strength and life of your product.

The temperature of the surface to be coated must be between 4 o C and 32 o

C. At high temperatures, lightly moisten the surface.

Respect structural, disolidarization and expansion joints. These joints should be

filled with polyurethane mastic or similar. Do not cover expansion, structural,

and disolidarization joints with bonding grout or grouting. Before starting the

installation, plan the cutouts and the distribution of the parts as well as the

width of the joints.

5.5. Preparation of adhesive mortar

Mix the mortar in a clean container, always observing the amount of water

recommended. Eventually this amount may vary according to local climatic

conditions. Make sure you are using the adhesive mortar recommended for

your application. Pour the amount of water indicated on the container. Then

add the powder, stirring constantly until you get a firm consistency and without

lumps. Let the mortar rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Re-stir without adding more

powder or liquid. During use stir occasionally to keep the mixture workable.

To speed up the preparation and improve the mixing operation, use an electric

mixer.

If the adhesive mortar is a two component system, replace the water with the

Adimax Super or Premium additive.

5.6. Application of adhesive mortar

Apply a thin layer of adhesive mortar (3 to 4 mm) with the flat side of the

trowel providing a better adhesion. Then use the toothed side of the planer on

an angle of approximately 60o, forming mortar strings.

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5.7. Application of the ceramic tile

Apply the ceramic pieces by sliding them a little on the mortar strings. Press

the pieces by hand and tap with a rubber hammer to crush the strings and

ensure a better grip.

5.8. Control of adhesion

From time to time, remove and observe a newly laid piece. The back of the

piece should be at least 90% of its area filled with bonding mortar.

5.9. Open time

Control the open time of the adhesive mortar. The mortar will be in good

condition if, upon touching the strings, the fingers become dirty.

Do not apply the tile to areas where the mortar is already dry.

5.10. Grouting

Remove the spacers and grout for at least 48 hours after the laying ends. Clean

all joints and the surface of laid parts while the mortar is still fresh. Cleaning

before this time can cause partial grouting to be removed and, if it is late, it will

require aggressive, mechanical or chemical cleaning, which may irreversibly

deteriorate the ceramic surface. In the case of floors with rustic texture, spread

a layer of liquid wax on the part before the grouting.

Carefully read the instructions on the grout package.

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6. Cleaning and Maintenance

In order to preserve ceramic tiles as well as their aesthetics it is very important

to maintain proper cleaning. Check out some guidelines on the conservation

of ceramic tiles.

6.1. Preliminary recommendations

Do not use cleaning products containing hydrofluoric acid in its formulation, in

case of doubts consult the manufacturer;

We do not recommend the use of rough sponges to clean the surface of

products, remember that any reflective surface can be scratched if proper care

is not taken;

All products used to clean tiles must be diluted in clean water in advance;

Do not use additives with lemon, fluoride, chlorine, ammonia, etc. .;

Products containing potassium hydroxide may not be used for cleaning;

Do not use products that contain acid in their composition, as their use may

cause a chemical attack on the surface of the tile;

Do not use waxes or waterproofing agents on the surface of the tiles without

first consulting the manufacturer, all applications without prior consultation

Preview may cause the loss of the product warranty;

Avoid using soap powder to clean tiles, this product has low efficiency and

leaves the surface of the products smoother and susceptible to falls and slips;

Never allow the cleaning solutions used on the tiles to dry out as they can

cause staining and surface etching.

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6.2. Final maintenance work

Grouting residues must be cleaned within the appropriate time to avoid

further grout adhesion, which makes cleaning difficult. Perfectionism during

grouting means quality of the work and avoids the need to use aggressive

cleaning products.

For cleaning at the end of the build use:

For polished porcelain tiles: neutral detergent, liquid soap or detergent Adimax

Gold Total Cleaning Eliane.

For natural porcelain, glazed and all other ceramic tiles: neutral detergent,

liquid soap or detergent Adimax Gold Eliane Remover.

6.3. Daily Maintenance

We recommend a daily cleaning with neutral detergents or light cleaning

products that do not contain acids in their composition, and water.

6.4. Heavy maintenance (specific)

Cleaning of the floor or wall tiles must be performed weekly or monthly

according to the use of the environment. Use a more efficient, more alkaline,

and / or slightly abrasive cleaning product for the purpose of stain removal,

cleaning and aesthetic renovation.

Recommended for cleaning stains, residues of mortars and grouts, detergent

Adimax Gold Total Cleaning, from Eliane Revestimentos Cerâmicos. Ideal

for polished porcelain tiles and stones (polished marble and granite, among

others), floors and tiles with a matte or glazed finish. It is also recommended

for periodic maintenance, in this case being diluted in water, according to the

instructions of the product label.

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First thoroughly soak the joints (grouting) with water, after depositing on the

Adimax Gold Total Cleaning diluted in water according to the label , letting it

act for about 10 minutes, then deposit saponacea (liquid sapolage) by wiping

with a soft sponge or brush that does not damage the tile. In the sequence just

rinse with water.

For the removal of occasional stains we recommend the specific products for

each type according to the table below:

Type of stain

Greases and oils

Paints

Rust

Coffee

Pen ink

Tire rubber

Beer or wine

Cleaning Product

Hot water and alkaline detergents

Paint remover

Sanitary and soapy water

Sanitary and soapy water

Organic solvent (acetone, benzene)

Organic solvent (turpentine) or soap

Alkaline detergent or one containing

abrasive or bleach

6.5. Other Recommendations

Protect the feet of the furniture and appliances to prevent possible damage

that may affect the aesthetics of the product;

We recommend the use of a shoe cleaning system at the entrance of buildings.

This will prevent dirt from being carried into the space, thus reducing the

incidence of scratches on polished porcelain tiles and reducing the cleaning

frequency.

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7. Warranty

Eliane Ceramic Tiles classified as “A” quality fully comply with ISO 13006, NBR

15463 (porcelain) and NBR13818 (ceramics) standards.

The products are warranted against defects or manufacturing defects,

exclusively, for a period of 5 (five) years, provided that the following terms and

conditions are respected:

1. The warranty does not cover defects or damages caused by abnormal use of

the product, such as those arising from improper laying, improper installation

on places or surfaces, negligence of users, accidents, abuse, mishandling

transportation and any other that does not comply with the instructions on

the packaging.

2. For the validity of the warranty, the laying and grouting must comply with

the technical rules and the information widely disseminated by Eliane in both

packages and folders.

3. This warranty is limited only to the customer in possession of the Purchase

Invoice being non-transferable and unenforceable to subsequent purchasers

and users.

Ceramic tiles in general are extremely mechanically resistant to the application

of punctual loads, but have low impact resistance and for this reason be careful

and avoid falling objects such as pans, cups and other utensils as these can

damage the tiles laid.

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4. The warranty period, stipulated herein, shall be counted from the date of

issue of the sales invoice, being indispensable the presentation of the same for

its validity.

5. The adhesive mortar to be used must comply with the standards established

by NBR 14081, using the double gluing process (mortar on the back of the

piece and on the floor).

6. The laying of the product and the dimensioning of the structural joints,

desolidarization and expansion must be carried out according to the

requirements of norm NBR 13753 (indoor and outdoor with ceramic tiles using

adhesive mortar), under the guidance of the architect or engineer responsible.

Eliane Revestimentos Cerâmicos has an after-sales service composed of

a Technical Assistance team and Call Eliane, both of which are reachable by

dialing 0300 789 7771 or 4004 2971 (Serv. Tarf.) who are available to the

consumer for technical advice, complaints and suggestions.

Eliane is available for more information if the client finds necessary.

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Products from Eliane Revestimentos Cerâmicos S/A meet the requirements

described in standard NBR 15575: 2012 in its item 14.2.1 as below

8. Project Lifecycle

System

Internal floors

External vertical seal

Internal vertical seal

Minimum VUP in years

³ 13

³ 40

³ 20

* Considering the periodicity and maintenance processes according to ABNT

NBR 5674 and specified in the respective Use, Operation and Maintenance

Manual delivered to the user prepared in compliance with ABNT NBR

14037.

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SAC

4004 2971 Capitals

0300 789 7771 Other locations

sac@eliane.com

MATRIZRua Maximiliano Gaidzinski, 245

88845-000 . Cocal do Sul . SC . Brasil

+55 (48) 3447 7777

ELIANE NORDESTEAvenida Industrial Urbana, 495

42802-570 . Bairro Industrial . Camaçari . BA . Brasil

+55 (71) 3493 4242

SÃO PAULOAv. Brasil, 526 . Jardim América

São Paulo . SP . CEP: 01.430-000

+55 (11) 2122 7272

USA2075 McDaniel Dr. Suite 110

Carrollton, 75006 . Texas . U.S.A

+1 (972) 4817854