Instructions: Terrazzo Installation & Maintenance

Download: Installation_Maintenance_Instructions_Terrazzo_Tile.pdf

Inspecting Your Shipment

Terrazzo tiles are fragile. Depending on the method and number of times handled, they are susceptible to scratching, chipping and cracking. We endeavor to ensure that all of your tile arrives perfectly intact. However, during shipping there is always a chance that a small percentage of the tiles will be damaged.

Visible Damage: It is your responsibility as the consignee to note any visible damage on all copies of the proof of delivery or on the driver's hand-held and request an Additional Services Form from the driver noting the damage. Take multiple photos of the damage before the skid is unpacked.

Notify Geon Tile of the damage immediately by emailing [email protected]. Include a description of the damage as well as photos.

Concealed Damage: Must be reported within 24 hours of delivery

Keep all packaging material and notify Geon Tile of damage immediately by emailing [email protected]. Include a description of the damage as well as photos. Please note: Damage not reported within 24 hours will not be covered under freight insurance and will not be eligible for replacement.

Store your tiles in a dry area. Do not let the boxes get wet.

What You'll Need

Grout	Large bucket	Microfibre cloth
Rubber grout float	Sponge	Spacers
1/2" x 1/2" Square notched trowel	Gloves and PPE	Drill with mixing paddle
Thinset	Foam roller and tray	Margin Trowel
Suction Cup	3/4" Wedge and clip system

You'll also require a wet saw with a diamond blade appropriate for porcelain tile, or a variable speed grinder with continuous rim diamond blade.

Setting Terrazzo Tile

When installation instructions are followed carefully, terrazzo tile can be a great DIY project. For larger or more complicated installations with complex cuts or major imperfections in the substrate, Geon Tile recommends a professional tile installer. Geon Tile has produced a full series of step-by-step instructional videos outlining the details of each of the steps below. Find these and many other instructional videos below in the related articles.

Prior to installation, remove dust and debris from tiles using a damp cloth.
Install your tile over a suitable and stable surface with a sub floor membrane/substrate. Geon Tile recommends using Schluter Systems Ditra or equivalent. Substrate should be leveled to 1/8" (3mm) over 8' (243cm). Follow manufacturer's preparation instructions for membrane.
For wall installations, install using appropriate setting materials that will not allow the tile to slip or sag, or use wedged grout spacers to keep grout spacing consistent. For floor installations, use a wedge and clip system in conjunction with tile spacers. Hand set tiles and do not use a mallet or excessive force.
Geon Tile recommends using a rapid-setting mortar such as Custom Prolite RS, or equivalent. Follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions as directed.
Spread the mortar with a notch trowel. Be sure to apply mortar in straight lines, not swirls.
Using a margin trowel, be sure to cover the entire back surface of the tile with mortar or adhesive (back-butter).
Select tiles from alternating crates to work with the natural variations.
Maintain a minimum grout joint of 1/8" (3mm). There may exists slight variations in widths from tile to tile. Check tile widths and blend out variations during dry fit. If variations in width are present, the use of tile spacers may become problematic.

Sealing Terrazzo Tile

You MUST apply two (2) thin coats of NanoSeal GT as directed. Surfaces to be treated should be free of water, dust and dirt, oil and grease, paint, or other finishes and residues. It is important that the tile is dry. Residual moisture may cause ghosting/whitening and an inconsistent finish. Find the instructional videos at: www.geontile.com/sealer

NanoSeal GT is a two coat system.
First Coat: Product must be applied in thin coats as directed. Apply using a foam roller or pump sprayer.
For foam roller, load roller and apply to approx. 4 x 4 area in a "V" or "W" spread pattern. Be sure to work from one control joint to another with even application.
For pump sprayer application, spray apply using a conical fan spray tip with 0.5 gpm flow rate, making sure to not overlap spray patterns. Spread evenly with a clean microfiber pad.
Allow sealer to dry (30 to 75 minutes). The second coat can be applied when first coat is dry.
Second Coat: Apply as above. Let dry/cure for at least 12 hrs prior to allowing regular traffic. Light traffic is possible after 4 hrs of drying.

Grouting Your Installation

Once the tiles have been set and the adhesive has cured, you can proceed to grout your terrazzo tile. Geen Tile recommends using Custom Prism polymer modified grout (or equivalent). Be sure to grout as directed by the manufacturer. Find our instructional videos below.

Wait 22 hours after sealing to grout.
Be sure that tile surface and joints are free from debris prior to grouting.
Do not use any tapes or masking adhesives on the sealed tile when grouting as these may stain the tile.
Apply grout with tile float, holding the float at a 45 degree angle, working diagonally.
Make sure that all the grout joints have been filled and wipe away excess as you go. Let dry for 10-20 min.
Using a damp grouting sponge, wipe tile in a gentle, circular motion to remove excess grout and ensure a smooth consistent grout line. Let dry for 10-20 min. Using circular motions, wipe tile again, turning the sponge after each wipe, using each side of the sponge only once. Rinse sponge often.
Wait another 10-20 minutes or until grout starts to dry. Wipe tile with a damp microfibre cloth as the final step buffing away all residual grout from the surface of the tile. Use each side of the cloth only once, rinsing often.

Maintenance: General Care

Properly installed and sealed terrazzo tile requires little maintenance beyond regular cleaning. Below are a few tips to help keep your tile looking beautiful for years to come.

Wipe up all spills immediately. Allowing fluids to remain on the tile surface for an extended period of time can cause staining.
Keep your tile surface free from dirt to keep abrasive particles from scratching the tile surface.
Only use a pH neutral cleaner such as NeutraClean GT. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasives.
Use a damp cloth, sponge, or mop.

Maintenance: Refinishing Your Tile Surface

In heavy traffic areas, terrazzo tile will loose its luster 'wear in' over time. To restore shine to these areas, re-apply NanoSeal GT sealer as directed. A more extensive rejuvenation of your terrazzo tile floor can be achieved with a floor polisher or refinisher. Contact a local floor maintenance company for support or further information.