The surface must be structurally sound, level, clean, and free of dust, grease, or any contaminants. It's essential to ensure that the substrate can support the weight of the terrazzo tiles. If the surface is uneven, use a leveling compound to create a smooth base. For wet areas, waterproofing should be applied before installation.

For cement-based terrazzo tiles, Kerakoll H40 Advanced is highly recommended. This flexible, high-strength adhesive is ideal for large-format tiles and ensures a full bed of adhesive with no voids beneath the tiles. The adhesive can also help prevent vertical slipping and cracking during installation 

Here are the general steps for installing cement-based terrazzo tiles: 

• Adhesive Application: Spread the Kerakoll H40 Advanced adhesive on the substrate using a notched trowel. Apply the adhesive evenly in a thick layer to ensure proper bonding. Back-butter the tiles (apply adhesive to the back of the tile) to enhance adhesion, particularly for larger tiles. 
• Tile Placement: Press the tiles firmly into the adhesive, ensuring full contact with the substrate. Use spacers to maintain consistent grout joints. Check that each tile is level using a spirit level or straight edge. 
• Curing Time: Allow the adhesive to set according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically 24 hours, before proceeding to grout the tiles. 

For cement-based terrazzo tiles, you can use either Fugabella Color or Fugalite Color from Kerakoll: 

• Fugabella Color: A resin-cement grout offering high water repellency, very low water absorption, and superior flexibility. 
• Fugalite Color: A waterproof, stain-resistant resin grout ideal for high-traffic areas and wet environments​ 

• Grout Application: After the adhesive has cured, apply the grout using a rubber float. Ensure the joints are fully filled with grout. 
• Cleaning: Clean off excess grout using a damp sponge, wiping diagonally across the tiles to avoid removing grout from the joints. 
• Curing: Allow the grout to cure for the recommended time before sealing​ 

Yes, sealing is essential to protect terrazzo tiles from stains and moisture. Apply a pre-grouting sealer like Fila PRW200 to prevent grout from staining the surface. After installation and grouting, use a finishing sealer such as Fila MP90 Eco Extreme to protect the tiles from daily wear and tear.

Yes, cement-based terrazzo tiles can be installed in wet areas, but it is crucial to ensure proper waterproofing of the substrate and to use a waterproof grout like FugaliteColour. Sealing the tiles after installation will provide added protection against moisture​.

Before installing any tiles, the surface must be level, clean, dry, and free from dust or debris. The substrate must be strong enough to support the weight of the tiles, especially for heavier materials like cement-based terrazzo. Any cracks or imperfections in the surface should be repaired beforehand. For wet areas, waterproofing is essential to protect against moisture infiltration, and screeds or levelling compounds may be required for uneven surfaces​.

Yes, waterproofing is essential in areas that will be exposed to water, such as wet rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. Use a waterproofing membrane or liquid sealant to ensure that water does not penetrate the substrate, which can lead to long-term damage or mould growth.​

Terrazzo and Natural Stone tiles should be stored vertically in a well-ventilated area to allow any moisture from transport to evaporate. Avoid stacking pallets or exposing the tiles to direct sunlight, high temperatures, or wet conditions. It's important to let the tiles "season" in the environment where they will be installed to prevent issues with moisture uptake.

For uneven surfaces, use a levelling compound to create a smooth, flat substrate before installing the tiles. This is especially important for larger tiles or heavy materials like terrazzo, which require a solid, stable base to prevent cracking or lifting over time.

Yes, movement joints are essential to accommodate structural movement and prevent cracking in tiled floors. These joints should be included in areas where tiles meet other materials, around the perimeter of the room, and over structural joints in the substrate. The spacing of the movement joints will depend on the size of the tiled area and the type of material being installed​. 

For regular cleaning, use a pH-neutral cleaner such as Fila Cleaner Pro diluted in water (1:200 for daily cleaning). This cleaner will remove dirt without leaving residues that can damage the surface or any sealant applied. Avoid acidic or alkaline cleaners, as these can erode the sealant and damage the tiles. Clean with a soft mop or cloth​.

To maintain the longevity and appearance of terrazzo tiles: 

• Sealing: Reapply a protective sealer such as Fila MP90 Eco Extreme every 12-18 months. This sealer prevents oil and water stains while maintaining the tile’s aesthetic appeal. 
• Deep Cleaning: For more stubborn dirt or grime, use Fila PS87 Pro diluted 1:5. This product can remove built-up dirt without damaging the tile. 

Avoid using: 

• Acidic or Alkaline Cleaners: These can erode the surface and break down the sealant. 
• Abrasive Scrubbers: Harsh scrubbers or steel wool can scratch the surface of the tiles​. 

For different types of stains: 

• Oil and Grease: Use Fila SR95 for effective stain removal. 
• Wine and Coffee Stains: A product like Fila PS87 Pro works well for organic stains 
• Ink or Markers: Use Fila ZeroSil for removing ink and marker stains​. 

• Furniture Pads: Use felt pads on furniture legs to prevent scratching. 
• Rugs and Mats: Place doormats and rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce wear. 
• Avoid Dragging Heavy Objects: This can scratch the tiles​. 

You should reseal every 12-18 months or whenever you notice the water or stain resistance weakening. To test, sprinkle a few drops of water on the tile. If the water absorbs rather than beads up, it's time to reseal.

Yes, cement-based terrazzo tiles can be used outdoors, but they need more frequent sealing (reapply every 6-12 months depending on exposure). In colder climates, avoid using de-icing salts as they can damage the surface​.

For a successful tile installation, you will need the following basic tools: 

• Notched Trowel: Used to apply adhesive evenly to the substrate and tile back. 
• Tile Spacers: Essential for ensuring uniform grout lines between tiles. 
• Tile Cutter or Wet Saw: For cutting tiles to size, especially for intricate layouts. 
• Rubber Mallet: Helps gently tap tiles into place without damaging the surface. 
• Level: Ensures that the tiles are installed evenly across the surface. 
• Grout Float: Used to apply grout into the joints between tiles. 
• Sponge: For cleaning off excess grout during and after installation 

The type of adhesive will depend on the tile material and installation environment. Kerakoll H40 Advanced adhesive is highly recommended for various tile types due to its superior flexibility, rapid setting, and structural bonding capabilities: 

• Cement-Based Terrazzo: Use Kerakoll H40 Advanced, a flexible, multipurpose gel adhesive suitable for heavy tiles and large formats. It provides structural support, prevents vertical slip, and works well with substrates like concrete, screeds, and plywood​. 
• Resin-Based Terrazzo: H40 Extreme is ideal for resin-based terrazzo because it accommodates slight substrate movement while ensuring strong adhesion – it also reduces the amount of water in the installation – thereby avoiding moisture-related issues.  
• Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles: Kerakoll H40 Advanced also performs excellently with porcelain and ceramic tiles, offering great flexibility, ensuring full bed adhesion, and preventing tile movement during installation​ 

We offer two main types of decorative grouts that are suitable for various applications: 

• Fugabella Colour: A resin-cement grout ideal for grouting ceramic tiles, mosaics, and natural stones. It offers: 
• High water repellency and very low water absorption. 
• Superior flexibility and high surface hardness, preventing mold and bacteria growth. 
• Suitable for both internal and external use with excellent color uniformity, available in 50 shades.
• Fugalite Colour: A waterproof resin grout that provides stain-proof, chemical, and mechanical resistance. It is ideal for high-traffic and moisture-prone areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. It is also HACCP/EC certified for food hygiene applications and available in 50 colours​. 

Yes, priming or waterproofing the substrate is often required: 

• Waterproofing Membrane: In areas like wet rooms, bathrooms, or external environments, use Kerakoll Aquastop Nanoflex to protect the substrate from water damage. 
• Primer: For absorbent substrates, apply Kerakoll Primer A Eco to improve adhesion and bonding between the tiles and substrate​ 

For terrazzo and natural stone, sealing is essential to protect the tiles from moisture and stains: 

• Pre-Grouting Sealer: Apply a pre-grouting sealer like Fila PRW200 to prevent grout from staining the tile surface. 
• Finishing Sealer: After grouting, use a finishing sealer such as Fila MP90 Eco Extreme to ensure long-lasting protection against stains, moisture, and wear 

Grout cracking is usually caused by one of two main issues: 

1. Movement in the Substrate: If the substrate underneath the tiles is not stable or has movement, it can cause stress on the grout, leading to cracks. 
2. Incorrect Grout Mixing: If the grout is mixed with too much water, it can become porous, which weakens the grout and makes it prone to cracking. Ensure proper grout consistency and use a flexible grout in areas that may experience movement. 

Cracking in tiles is often related to substrate movement or improper adhesive application: 

• Movement in the Substrate: If the substrate is unstable or there is movement (e.g., in wooden subfloors), this movement transfers to the tiles, causing them to crack. 
• Improper Adhesive Application: If the wrong adhesive was used or applied unevenly, it can result in voids underneath the tiles, making them susceptible to cracking. Always use a suitable adhesive like Kerakoll H40 Advanced and ensure full adhesive coverage under each tile​.

A haze on newly installed tiles is usually caused by grout residue left on the surface: 

• Grout Residue: Grout haze is common after installation. To remove it, use a cleaner specifically designed for grout residue removal. 
• Sealed Tiles: If the tiles were sealed before cleaning, the sealer may need to be stripped to properly clean off the grout. Allow the tiles to dry completely before resealing​.

Loose tiles can occur when they are not properly adhered to the substrate. This may be due to: 

• Existing Loose Tiling: If the existing tiles were loose or the substrate was not prepared correctly, new tiles placed over them may not bond properly. It’s essential to ensure that the substrate is solid and free of loose debris​. 
• Improper Adhesive Coverage: Ensure that adhesive is applied evenly across the entire back of the tile (back-buttering) to prevent voids that lead to loose tiles​. 

Grout discoloration is usually caused by improper mixing or cleaning: 

• Incorrect Water-to-Grout Ratio: Adding too much water to grout can weaken its structure, making it prone to discoloration. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended water-to-grout ratio. 
• Uneven Grout Batches: If different batches of grout are used for the same installation, there may be slight variations in colour. For consistency, mix all the grout needed for a project at once. 

A hollow sound under tiles usually indicates poor bonding with the substrate: 

• Incomplete Adhesive Coverage: If the adhesive wasn’t spread evenly, voids may form under the tiles, causing them to sound hollow. 

An uneven surface is often due to improper levelling of the substrate or inconsistent tile placement: 

• Uneven Substrate: If the substrate is not level, it can lead to tiles being placed unevenly. Always level the substrate using a levelling compound before starting the installation​. 
• Improper Tile Spacing: If spacers are not used or tiles are not aligned carefully, the surface may be uneven. Adjust tiles carefully during installation and check frequently with a level​.