Clinker, what are its advantages?
Clinker is environmentally friendly material that was used in Germany 100 years ago. It is made of a special kind of shale clay with the strongest pressing and roasting at a temperature of about 1200 degrees Celsius. That's why this material acquires high strength, and its shade is formed by natural processing( during roasting).Any dyes in the composition are not added.
All the benefits of clinker tiles are due to its natural composition and production technology. To begin with it is worth noting its high quality and durability. This material is not only not afraid of any weather phenomena, but it is also quite resistant to physical shocks and chemicals. The second important advantage can be highlighted environmental friendliness and harmlessness to the environment.
The big plus is also prostate mounting and unpretentiousness in the care. Laying of clinker tiles is carried out using a special technology, which we describe below. A care consists only in the periodic washing of the surface with a water jet from the hose. Any dirt and dust can be easily peeled off.
Laying clinker tiles: preparation of the substrate and adhesive
As you know, the ideal clinker tile for garden paths, areas, barbecue areas, stairs. At the same time for these zones has its own piling technology, but before applying the material, it is necessary to prepare the base. It should be smooth and dry, have sufficient load-bearing capacity.
The best option is if it is made of frost-resistant reinforced concrete. The thickness of this base should be no less than 10 centimeters, when tiles are laid for paths and grounds, and about 20 centimeters for highways( for example, entry into the garage).The installation of the clinker itself can be carried out both with the help of glue and cement mortar.
For preparation of cement mixture, it is necessary to mix 3 parts of sand and 1 part of cement of M-500 grade. Glue for clinker tiles can be used, for example, "Klinker Fix" .But there are many other brands that you can ask about in the construction shop. Dilute the mixture according to the instructions.
How to put clinker tiles?
The installation of clinker tiles begins with the fact that it must first be removed from the package and mixed. It is necessary to achieve "diversity".Further tools are prepared which will be required in the course of work: rubber, notched trowel, rubber hammer, bucket with water, level, crosses for tiles, sponge, knife, pencil, cutter .
Apply a glue or cement mixture to the pre-leveled surface with a notched trowel. As indicated by the instructions for laying clinker tiles, you need to lay the first row and from it continue to apply the rest of the material. Controlling the horizontality can be done with the help of a level. Between the tiles you need to put the crosses to observe the required width of the seam.
By the way, the width of the seam for pressed clinker should be 4-5 mm, and for extruded - 8-10 mm.
It is also recommended to make a compensation seam( about 10 mm wide) every 5 meters in narrow spaces( tracks), in 20-25 meters on street platforms and through 50-70 meters inside buildings. After the glue has dried, and the tiles are laid, they begin to clean up the seams from the factions.
Then, using a rubber spatula, the joints of the clinker tiles are smoothed with diagonal movements. You can, by the way, do it twice before the joints dry out. In this work often used grout for clinker tiles Litokol, Fugabella and a number of others. Sales consultants in stores will advise the best staff for your conditions. The installation of clinker tiles, the video of which is available on our website, will allow you to conduct work in the shortest possible time.