If you decide to install a natural stone flooring, it is best if you use gneiss. Stones from Ivaylovgrad are of superior quality. That way, you will create the most beautiful and durable piece of art. Standard products and technology for laying, however, are not compatible with natural stone.
Methods of affixing of gneiss plates:
- Mechanical fastening
- Gluing of thin, medium and thick layers.
The method of installation is determined by the the size or shape of the stone, and also from the height of its gluing. A combination of both methods is also possible.
Structure of the Natural Stone
Many natural stones lack a homogenous structure; there may be cracks and pores. The glue solution is important when it comes to the amount of moisture, which will possibly be absorbed by the minerals. The usage of gneiss is preferable because the stones from Ivaylovgrad are without cracks or pores – this saves you a lot of problems while gluing them.
Different Thickness of the Plates
Plates are not always of equal thickness. To ensure adhesion, you need adhesives with special qualities. The thickness of the adhesive layer can vary; however, you should not change the strength of adhesion and the elasticity.
Other Possible Problems
If the color of the stone is very bright, the end result could be a see-through stone. If such plates are glued with a simple adhesive, spots will probably form on the front side of the stones. This is not a problem, however, for the stones from Ivaylovgrad because they are dense enough.
Staining and scratches
Natural stones can be stained or scratched during installation.
Efflorescence
This phenomenon is the movement of dissolved calcium carbonate towards the surface of the stone which results in the formation of powder. Most susceptible to this phenomenon are the limestone rocks. The advantage of Ivaylovgrad gneiss is that such process does not occur in it.
For getting strong, aesthetic coating, it is best to use adhesives and joints, created specifically for processing of natural stone.
Grouts
Grouts have their aesthetic functions, but also absorb the thermal movements in the basis of the stones and protect the coatings (of the stones). Grouts should be chosen according to the conditions.
Possible Problems
- Cracking of Grout
Joints with high elasticity can absorb inevitable movements without being cracked. - A change in the color
Please, choose high-quality grouts, so that the color does not fade with time and is not so prone to smudges. - Conditions of Usage
Please, choose the grout according to specific conditions such as width of the joints, their elasticity etc.
Application of Grout
The grout must be laid upon the stones with a rubber trowel or with the help of sealing spatula. It is applied on the whole area, where gneiss is placed, until all joints are filled. It is best to do this with diagonal movements; that way, you will achieve a beautiful flat surface and will avoid the over usage of grout. Please, make sure that the joint product has penetrated deeply into the joints because it’s the only way to avoid shelling or cracking.
For the full drying of the joints, at least 24 hours are needed. The temperature must be between 5 °C and 25 °C. After the time has passed, you should be able to use the paving of Ivailovgrad gneiss without any problems.
Specifics at High Load
If the areas, covered with natural stone, are to be subjected to heavy load, leaving expansion gaps, so that they can absorb the thermal expansions and load with their elasticity.