FAQ terrazzo tiles

The boards have a thickness of 16-18 mm. Add approx. 5 mm of adhesive. The installation height from the top edge of the screed is therefore 23 mm. 

VIA boards are mainly installed on cement screed. The cement screed must have a residual moisture content of less than 2%. Calcium sulphate or anhydrite screeds are also possible. It is important to note that these screeds must be sanded to a grain size of 16 and the surface must be primed. The anhydrite screed must have a residual moisture content of less than 0.5% at the time of installation. In general, cement screeds are preferable. 
Substrates based on special construction solutions must always be discussed in advance with the VIA Application Engineer.

Laying cement mosaic tiles is no more difficult than laying tiles - just a little different. How to lay them can be seen in VIA's laying video. Essentially, the differences are: laying using the buttering-floating method, no moisture penetration by washing off, small joint width, grouting with trass cement and quartz sand, impregnation. Done!

In theory, the plates can be manufactured with a thickness of 12 mm. However, from a technical perspective, this is not advisable. The plates consist of two layers: the facing layer with the ornament and the core concrete. In order to cast the facing layer, the mixture is blended with an excess of water. This is not advisable for a "concrete" since a minimum water-to-cement ratio (w/c ratio) should not be exceeded. To bring the mixture ratio back into balance, the second layer is introduced as quasi blotting paper and pressed together with the first layer under high pressure. This results in a uniform moisture content in the plate, and the w/c ratio is once again below 0.4. For this reason, the thickness ratios for a robust plate are established.

Installation on dry screeds is generally possible. However, it is essential to ensure that the dry screed panels are laid without any vibrations. Otherwise, this can have a negative impact on the joint pattern (the joint filler may crack and settle into the joint). This does not represent a defect in the material but can be attributed to the chosen installation method.

The tiler calculates the geometric measurement (length times width) and then adds a 5% allowance for waste. Additionally, a parts list can also be generated using the VIA installation planner.

We have a stock of several thousand square meters. The manufacturing range comprises over 1000 different patterns and items. Therefore, there may be low inventory for some items, so plates may be custom-made for you. To be sure, it is best to inquire about their stock directly. You can do so by phone or Mail.

Laying VIA panels is not particularly difficult – just different than laying tiles. There are a few differences to consider when laying panels, which can be viewed in a film on our website. We also offer panel laying seminars so that everyone can train to become a laying professional.

The panels are traditional building material. In the past, the panels were laid as tightly as possible. This must also be taken into account when laying today. The joint width should not be more than 2 mm.

For grouting, the mortar is mixed on-site using two parts trass cement and one part quartz sand. The quartz sand can be ordered from VIA and has a particle size ranging from 0.065 mm to 0.2 mm. This allows for the mixing of a thin slurry with the addition of water, suitable for grouting even very fine joints. When using pre-made flexible grout material, there is a possibility that pigments and plastic particles from the pre-made grout may rub into the surface. These contaminants are challenging to remove.

VIA tiles are comparable to natural stones like marble, Solnhofen limestone, or travertine. The maintenance and cleaning of VIA tiles are straightforward and best done using VIA soap or tile soap. Cleaning with a re-fattening soap not only keeps the floor clean but also builds a beautiful and protective patina. For more stubborn stains, you can use a 'Glitzi' sponge and scouring powder or VIA cement tile's 'cleaning stone.' What should be avoided at all costs are acidic cleaners such as vinegar or citric acid.

You can use either the mineral impregnation or the tile oil to treat the floor. It's essential that the floor is dry, allowing the impregnation to penetrate deep into the surface. Because it contains very little solvent, it requires increased craftsmanship (see installation instructions). Tile oil is applied with a foam roller, and excess is removed afterward. Oil impregnation enhances and deepens the colors of the tiles. Mineral impregnation, on the other hand, has the advantage of being easily applied with a mop in a cross pattern. The consistency of mineral impregnation is as thin as water. The impregnation is walkable after just 1 hour. Water glass causes crystallization with the floor tiles, making the surface harder.

The mineral impregnation has a coverage of 10 m²/liter bottle.

The tile oil has a coverage of approximately 30 square meters per liter can. How much VIA tile adhesive is needed? On average, tile adhesive is calculated to cover 4 square meters per sack of tile adhesive.

For the panel adhesive, an average coverage of 4 m² per bag of panel adhesive is expected.

Similar to natural stone tiles made of marble, limestone, basalt, or travertine, terrazzo tiles are composed of lime. This makes the surface susceptible to acids. The surface becomes roughened due to the action of acids. Refraction of light alters the color; light areas appear darker, while dark areas appear slightly lighter.

Impregnation can protect the surface against the penetration of unwanted liquids. However, impregnations typically do not offer protection against acids.

To protect a lime surface from acids, a coating must be applied to separate the acid from the lime surface. Applying a coating is typically done by rolling it on.

If you are interested in a coating, please let us know. We will investigate the products available on the market.

Underfloor heating systems work exceptionally well with VIA tiles. The screed and the tiles are made from the same material, ensuring uniform thermal expansion between the screed and the surface covering. For compatibility with your chosen system, please contact the VIA application engineer to clarify the technical requirements in advance.