Terrazzo Tile Installation & Maintenance Guide
Please read this guide thoroughly with your installer before beginning installation.
A. General Information
Cemento Collection terrazzo tiles are a recomposed stone rooted in tradition, created through a perfect mixture of natural elements:
✔ Marble chips (80%)
✔ Portland cement 5.25 (20%)
✔ Water
✔ Pigment
Warning: Before installing the floor in very hot and dry areas (e.g., Nevada, Arizona, Texas), it is essential to adopt the "dry lay" system. A period of 3-4 days is necessary to stabilize the tiles.
B. Installation On Dry Screed (Using Adhesive)
✔ The substrate must be mechanically resistant, with no loose or flaky parts, and free from grease, dust, oil, paint, and parting compounds.
✔ The substrate must be cured, stable, free from cracks, and non-deformable and must not be subject to shrinkage or structural movements after installation.
✔ The mortar must be flexible, especially for large sizes.
✔ The buttering floating technique (double spreading) improves adhesion between the tile and the support.
C. After Installation
✔ Protect the applied mortar from:
- Rain (for outdoor installations)
- Running water or frost
- Rapid drying due to wind or direct sunlight
✔ Use a waterproof plastic sheet to protect the laid material for at least 48 hours.
✔ Leave joints open for 5-7 days before grouting to ensure optimal drying and a seamless effect. This is especially important for re-polishing after installation.
D. Grouting & Expansion Joints
✔ Cemento Collection recommends using 1/8” grout joints.
✔ Joints must be clean and free of dust.
✔ Excess adhesive or mortar should be removed while still fresh.
✔ Once the mixture loses plasticity and becomes matte (typically after 10-20 minutes), clean excess grout using a damp, hard cellulose sponge, working diagonally to the joints.
✔ Rinse the sponge frequently using two separate buckets of water:
- One for removing excess grout.
- One with clean water for rinsing the sponge.
Warning: We strongly advise customers to hire a proficient installer experienced in tile installation. Due to the product features and installation requirements, it is crucial to consult a licensed contractor or installer to ensure suitability for specific site conditions.
E. Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning and Maintenance Instructions
To maintain the surface finish, it is important to follow the recommended cleaning and maintenance instructions. Failure to do so may damage the tiles.
Do Not Use
✔ Acid-based products (can damage the surface).
✔ Alcohol-based products (can remove protective treatments).
First Cleaning After Installation
✔ Use FILA Clean All - Neutral All Surface Cleaner, designed for natural stone and marble, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Protective Treatment
After initial cleaning, apply:
✔ FILA FOB - Xtreme Sealer (Solvent base)
✔ Stain-Proof Original Premium Impregnating Sealer (Water base)
This protective treatment should be applied to both the material and the joints to ensure long-lasting surface protection.
Daily Cleaning
For routine cleaning, use:
✔ FILA Clean All - Neutral All Surface Cleaner (suitable for natural stone and marble), following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Important Notes
For proper maintenance, regularly remove dirt and perform daily cleaning to preserve the quality and appearance of Cemento Collection terrazzo surfaces.
The guideline above are for directional use only. Each customer is responsible for hiring a skilled contractor for installation. Cemento Collection can not be held responsible for any installation error.
All types of surfaces where Cemento Collection products are installed must be fully cured, stable, and free from any removable components, dust, oils, greases, waxes, or paints. Prior to installation, it is essential to conduct a thorough inspection of the artifacts, verifying measurements, thicknesses, cleanliness, finishes, and any damaged parts, etc. Cemento Collection disclaims all liability if defective pieces are installed.
