🧱 Installation & Maintenance Guide

Professional Guidelines for Ceramic Tile Installation & Care

At Yoya Ceramic Tile, we want your tiles to perform beautifully for years. Whether you’re working on a residential space or commercial project, correct installation and proper maintenance are essential. This guide covers every key step, from surface prep to long-term care.

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🔧 Section 1: Installation Guidelines

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🪵 1. Surface Preparation

Before laying tiles, ensure the surface is:

• ✅ Clean – free of dust, grease, oil, or paint

• ✅ Dry – moisture must be tested, especially for cementitious substrates

• ✅ Level – use a spirit level to check flatness; no more than ±2 mm variation

⚠️ Uneven surfaces can cause cracking or tile displacement over time.

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🧴 2. Adhesive Selection

Choose the adhesive based on the application area:

✅ Always check compatibility with porcelain/ceramic tiles.

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📐 3. Tile Layout Planning

• Dry-lay a row to visualize placement

• Start from the center and move outward

• Use tile spacers to maintain uniform joints (2–5 mm)

• Mix tiles from multiple boxes to balance color tone variations

📝 Mark cut tiles near edges or corners for a clean look.

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🔨 4. Installation Process

• Apply adhesive with a notched trowel

• Press tile into adhesive using a slight twisting motion

• Check alignment regularly using a tile leveler or laser

• Avoid walking on tiles for at least 24 hours

📸 Optional: Use leveling clips to prevent lippage on larger tiles.

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🧪 5. Grouting & Sealing

• Grout only after adhesive has fully cured

• Use sanded grout for joints >3mm, unsanded for <3mm

• Apply with a rubber float at 45° angle

• Remove excess grout with a damp sponge after 20–30 min

• Seal grout if necessary to prevent staining

💡 Some polished or unglazed tiles may require pre-sealing before grouting.

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🧼 Section 2: Maintenance Tips

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🧽 1. Daily/Weekly Cleaning

• Sweep or vacuum to remove dust and grit

• Mop with a pH-neutral cleaner; avoid harsh chemicals

• Use soft cloths or mops to prevent scratching glazed surfaces

• For high-traffic areas, increase frequency of cleaning

✅ Avoid acidic or bleach-based cleaners on polished or glazed surfaces.

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🚫 2. Stain Prevention

⚠️ Test all cleaners in an inconspicuous area first.

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❄️ 3. Outdoor Tile Care

• Check for dirt/salt build-up during winter

• Rinse outdoor tiles with water monthly

• In freeze-prone zones, use frost-resistant grout and adhesive

• Avoid de-icing salts containing ammonium compounds

🌿 Tip: Pressure washing (low setting) can refresh patio tiles seasonally.

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💡 4. Long-Term Protection

• Place doormats to trap abrasive particles

• Use furniture pads to avoid scratching

• Reseal unglazed tiles every 12–24 months (if applicable)

• Regrout if joint gaps appear or start crumbling