FAQ's

CLEANING

How should I clean the porcelain tile once the installation is over?

Before you begin the final cleaning make sure you allow enough time for material to dry; after that all grout and construction dirt should be removed from the surface of the tiles. In most cases, our tiles can be cleaned successfully by scrubbing the installation with hot water and a neutral detergent. If the grout material remains hydrochloric acid diluted at 10% or other products recommended by the grout manufacturers may be used, but work should be done carefully as, in general, this kind of products also affect grouts and marbles. Eye protection is recommended.

How should I carry on Maintenance cleaning?

Cleaning of all ILVA's floors and tiles, glazed, polished or natural, must be carried out by using water and floor detergents combined with disinfectants or perfumes if desired. To make cleaning easier, all spills should be cleaned as soon as possible. Allow the detergent to act on the soil load for a few minutes before cleaning. After removing all the detergent, rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Once the final cleaning has taken place, can I use some kind of wax or top finishing?

Waxes or top finishes are not recommended as they form a coating that deteriorates the floor aspect and entraps dirt making it more difficult to clean. If you wish to apply such products it is advisable to remove them from time to time with the products marketed by the same companies.

SALES AND DISTRIBUTION

Where can I buy ILVA products?

In the following link you will find a list of our authorized distributors.

Can I buy directly from factory?

It is not allowed to sell product directly from the factory. You can contact our distributors. In the following link you will find a complete listing.

What are the differences between a first quality and a second class quality product?

The established quality of material is printed on cartons with a “1” or “PRI” for first class quality and a “2” or “SEG” for the second class quality and “TER” or “TERCERA” for third class quality products. The selection of material is carried out in a visual way to determine its aesthetic aspect and in an electronic way to verify its dimensions and flatness. International standards establish 5% as an acceptable percentage of defects in first class materials.

Can special pieces be installed out in the open?

No, special pieces (torello, matita, quarter round, etc.) cannot be installed out in the open.

Can special pieces such as sink rail and/or quarter round be installed as a step’s edge?

Special pieces are not designed to be installed as a step’s edge.

INSTALLATION

What type of adhesive should I use to install the porcelain tiles?

All our porcelain stones must be installed using adhesives indicated for very low absorption materials. Special adhesives, of latex modified type should be applied in outdoor installations and in areas subject to sharp temperature changes (under floor heating) to guarantee material adhesion and to absorb the expansion differences between the substrate and the ceramic material.
We recomended Weber productos (www.weber-iggam.com) and Klaukol (www.klaukol.com).

What type of grout should I use to install the porcelain tiles?

Grout products indicated for low absorption porcelain tiles should be used.
We recomended Weber productos (www.weber-iggam.com) and Klaukol (www.klaukol.com).

What color of grout should I use to install the porcelain tiles?

ILVA does not recommend any color in particular. It will depend on customer’s choice.

Can I install rectified porcelain tiles without a joint?

Porcelain tiles should not be installed without a joint in any case, due to the fact that the supportive base is usually a continuous surface which undergoes a series of constructions and dilations caused by temperature changes, structural movements, humidity effects and chemical reactions. Joints help to hide small defects on the installation surface and counterbalance dimensional deviations.

What is the minimum joint recommended between tile plaques?

As a general norm it is recommended to use a 3 to 4 mm joint, never allowing a joint under 2mm neither for rectified or not rectified porcelain tiles. A 4 mm (1/6”) grout is recommended for all glazed or unpolished tiles, both rectified and non rectified. For the polished tiles, a minimum joint of 2 mm (1/12”) is recommended.