Installation Guide

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INFORMATION & GUIDELINES FOR THE INSTALLATION OF PORTICO SLATE

NOTE: this document contains only guidelines for the installation process. A professional installer

should always be consulted to discuss the specific parameters surrounding your project.

CURVED SURFACES

SOLISTONE Portico Slate tiles cannot be installed around curved surfaces unless the pieces are

stacked vertically.

SUBSTRATES

All substrates should be firmly fixed, flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants such as dust, oil,

paint, sealers etc. to ensure proper adhesion. Painted surfaces must be scuffed or sanded for the

product and adhesive to bond correctly. Wet areas need special attention and require

appropriate substrates, e.g. concrete, cement boards (compressed sheet), and/or treated

plywood.

WATERPROOF MEMBRANES

Waterproof membranes prevent leakage of water through to the sub-floor framing and/or

habitable spaces below. Particular attention must be paid to: carrying the membrane up the wall,

outside shower boxes, installation of bond breakers, and sealing around penetrations. It is

strongly recommended that membrane systems be used in all wet areas. Some systems may

involve the use of a primer.

CUTTING

Cuts can be done with either a wet saw or a hand grinder using a diamond or masonry blade.

ADHESIVE

Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions carefully. We do not recommend one brand of

adhesive over another. Please check with your local tile supply store for alternative and

comparable products. The manufacturer's literature will explain if the adhesive product is suitable

for interiors and/or exteriors, as well as walls and floors. Most thinset mortars (multi purpose and

polymer modified thinsets) are adequate for installing slate tile. A cement-based adhesive is

generally suitable on masonry substrates where no movement is anticipated. Where slight

movement could occur through thermal loads, a modified cement adhesive should be used as a

minimum. A 1/4” – 1/8” notch trowel is recommended for most applications. It is very important

to make sure the tiles fit tightly together. The use of a rubber mallet may be required to gently

tap the tiles into place.

For best results, install each row of tile offset from the next to prevent the appearance of seams.

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INFORMATION & GUIDELINES FOR THE INSTALLATION OF PORTICO SLATE NOTE: this document contains only guidelines for the installation process. A professional installer should always be consulted to discuss the specific parameters surrounding your project. CURVED SURFACES SOLISTONE Portico Slate tiles cannot be installed around curved surfaces unless the pieces are stacked vertically. SUBSTRATES All substrates should be firmly fixed, flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants such as dust, oil, paint, sealers etc.
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GROUTING Grouting is not necessary for the Portico Slate tiles. If small cracks or seams exist in between the strips, a non-sanded grout similar in color to the stone can be used to fill the gaps. SEALANTS To bring your application to its full potential, we suggest sealing. There are various products available on the market, however, we recommend contacting your nearest tile supplier for the most appropriate sealer for your application.