We highly recommend having the tiles installed by either a professional tile installer or a contractor with prior experience installing cement and/or zellige tiles. Glazentile is not responsible for issues caused by improper installation, ongoing maintenance or other problems that may arise after the tiles are received.
Once you have received your shipment of cement tiles, do not leave the boxes in a wet area (or under the rain) as moisture can penetrate the boxes and stain the tiles.
OK, so you got your tiles and are ready to prepare them for layout. We recommend blending tiles randomly from different boxes in order to achieve a unified nuanced look across the entire layout.
Cement, zellige and bejmat tiles will all exhibit some sort of wear over the years, which only enhances the visual aspect and appeal of the tiles.
Can you place the tiles over existing floor tiles? What about placing cement tiles over radiant floor heating?
- Yes it is possible to place the tiles over existing tiles. However, certain key aspects need to be considered beforehand. The pre-existing surface needs to be firm, and you need to use a specific primer that is specially used for tiles set on top of pre-existing tiles. (Additionally, you need to make sure that the floor can handle the weight of two layers of tiles.)
- Radiant floor heating is not a problem as long as the grout is thicker to allow heated air molecules to escape more easily and avoid cracking the tiles. The recommended thickness is 3-4mm.
What is the recommended thickness for the joints?
- Cement tiles: Ideally, a 1-2mm thickness is recommended in order to maintain a nice look across the layout
- Zellige & bejmat: It is possible to install these tiles next to one another, without a joint. However, special care must be taken if there are irregularities between the various tiles, which may lead to moisture to slip in between the tiles. (That is why a joint of 1-2mm is recommended)
Can the tiles be cut?
Yes, certainly, as long as a wet saw is used and operated by an experienced tile professional.
Which product could I use to clean the tiles?
- Cement tile & bejmat: In order to protect the color pigment of the tile, a pH neutral cleaner (non-acidic detergent or a cleaner made for natural stones) is ideal.
- Zellige: Typically, they do not require any particular maintenance, except occasionally cleaned using mild soap (or a pH neutral cleaner)
Are the tiles pre-sealed at the workshop?
- Cement tiles are not pre-sealed. They are coated with a light layer meant to protect the tiles during transit. A permanent sealer must be applied during installation because of their porous and absorbing nature.
- Zellige tiles don't need to be sealed, thanks to the glaze that serves as a protective layer and has proven to last several decades.
- Bejmat tiles, similarly to cement tiles, are porous and are not pre-sealed, which means that a sealant needs to be applied when installing.
Are the tiles both waterproof and weatherproof?
The tiles can be installed in both dry and wet areas, as well as indoors or outdoors, though the following should be noted:
- Cement tiles: Cement tiles can be installed in wet/humid areas, such as bathrooms. In that case, the sealant may need to be renewed periodically (every 12-18 months) in order to protect the coloring as a result of soap/shampoo residue. Care must be taken if installed on a surface that would regularly get wet as the smooth surface of the tile may cause a slip hazard.
Cement tiles can also be installed outdoors, though the colors may begin to fade over time if the tiles face direct sunlight on a daily basis. Additionally, tiles that undergo harsh weather conditions such as consistent heavy rain or extreme low temperatures (freezing winter temperatures) may result in the tile deteriorating much faster.
- Zellige and bejmat: Both types of tiles can be installed in wet/humid areas, however the surface they're laid on must be waterproof as the tiles are not impermeable. The tiles may be installed outdoors as they stand the test of time (and sunlight).
The bejmat tiles have shown to discolor slightly over time (because of direct sunlight), but its matte color and variation is barely noticeable. It is not recommended installing zellige and bejmat in areas that experience frost or freezing temperature during winter, as that can cause the tiles to crack.
