FAQ
What materials are Fiandre ceramics made of?
Fiandre surfaces are made of porcelain stoneware, a compact and durable material composed of clays, quartz sands, glassy substances, and natural minerals. Crafted using only natural raw materials, mixed with water and fired at high temperatures, they offer an authentically natural beauty.
What is porcelain stoneware?
Porcelain stoneware, in its various finishes, is a mixture of non-metallic inorganic substances, processed with advanced technologies to obtain a fully vitrified material with high technical performance. It offers long-term wear resistance and excellent anti-slip properties, making it ideal for high-traffic applications. Firing at high temperatures increases its density and resistance to scratches and cracks.
Is ceramic environmentally friendly?
Thanks to the organization of the Group to which Fiandre belongs and the regular monitoring of production processes, we hold important product and system certifications that guarantee quality, environmental responsibility, and compliance with sustainable architecture standards.
Discover our certifications (link: https://dev.granitifiandre.it/en/certifications/)
What are Fiandre's ceramic marbles and stones?
Fiandre surfaces are not mere imitations of quarried materials, but an evolved reinterpretation of elements that have always been central to architecture. An advanced industrial process reproduces the timeless elegance of marble and stone, enhancing it with superior technical performance in terms of resistance and durability.
This technology makes it possible to create eco-friendly materials that blend tradition with innovation, expanding design possibilities. Fiandreās high-tech marbles and stones offer: 1)Access to refined, durable, and functional materials; 2) A sustainable alternative to natural quarried materials.
Can Fiandre's marbles and stones be worked like natural quarried stones?
Fiandreās high-tech marbles and stones are made with natural raw materials, carefully selected to create unique surfacesāsometimes even those no longer available in their natural form. Thanks to the latest production technologies such as Full-Body and Maximum, these materials are suitable for processes like cutting and assembly, allowing for the creation of furniture, special pieces, architectural details, and custom-made elements.
What are the advantages of Fiandreās ceramic materials?
Unlike quarried materials, Fiandreās innovative surfaces ensure consistent aesthetic and quality results, along with superior technical performance.
While natural stones show color variations and structural imperfections due to geological processes, Fiandreās electronically controlled production cycle guarantees structural uniformity. At the same time, advanced technological solutions allow for the creation of random color variations, avoiding repetitiveness: each slab is truly unique.
The outstanding technical properties make Fiandre materials suitable for any applicationāinterior or exterior, horizontal or verticalāwhile maintaining their appearance and performance over time.
Do Fiandre ceramics contain solvents or adhesives?
Fiandre ceramic surfaces are free of adhesives and solvents, as they result from a patented production process that ensures the exclusive use of natural raw materials.
Can Fiandre materials be used with underfloor heating systems?
Fiandre ceramic materials are compatible with underfloor heating systems, thanks to their resistance to high temperatures and the long-term stability of their performance.
Can Fiandre materials be used in outdoor environments?
Thanks to their outstanding technical characteristicsāsuch as resistance to weather conditions like frost and raināFiandre materials are ideal for outdoor use, including flooring, cladding, and ventilated facades. Depending on the desired outdoor application, suitable surfaces, finishes, and thicknesses are available to ensure optimal performance.
Moreover, their brilliance and ease of cleaning remain unchanged over time.
Fiandre materials have no limitations of use due to their hardness, low water absorption, and resistance to fire, frost, and chemical agents.
Do ceramics deteriorate over time?
The durability of ceramicāgreater than that of most alternative materialsādepends on the correct product selection, the manufacturerās expertise, careful installation, and regular maintenance.
What are the main advantages of porcelain stoneware?
The wide range of finishes and colorsāperfectly aligned with aesthetic expectationsāis combined with the technical performance of a compact and stable material that is resistant to frost, stains, chemicals, abrasion, heavy loads, and fire.
Does Fiandre also offer design services?
Fiandre offers a dedicated design service, developing customized installation schemes and detailed quantity estimates based on specific project requirements. We have a team of experts ready to explain the technical and functional features of Fiandre materials and to support the quick resolution of design challenges.
Can Fiandre floor ceramics also be used as wall coverings?
Yes, provided that appropriate methods and precautions are taken during installation.
What is meant by tone and caliber?
Ceramic is a material of natural origin, whose exceptional strength comes from firing at very high temperatures. This process can cause slight variations in color and size between different production batches.
To ensure visual consistency, ceramics are therefore selected and grouped by tone (color shade) and caliber (size), with this information clearly indicated on the labels of all Fiandre packaging.
Compared to other horizontal and vertical covering materials, is ceramic more or less expensive?
Ceramic prices are competitive, especially when considering the total costāincluding materials, installation, maintenance, and any repairs or replacements. In this context, ceramic proves to be the most cost-effective solution for flooring and for wall and exterior facade coverings, thanks to its exceptional durability.
How do you calculate the amount of ceramic to order?
After measuring the surfaces to be covered, it is recommended to increase the required amount by 10ā15% to account for installation waste and to ensure a reserve for any future repairs.
Where can Fiandre ceramic surfaces be viewed and purchased?
At our selected retailers, both in Italy and abroad.
Find the closest retailers to you here: https://dev.granitifiandre.it/en/store-locator/
How are ceramic surfaces cleaned?
For the routine cleaning of Fiandre ceramic surfaces, it is recommended to use common detergents and clean water, paying particular attention to lighter-toned materials.
For large surfaces or areas subject to heavy traffic and dirtāsuch as shopping centers, airports, stations, and public spacesāit is preferable to use floor-cleaning machines that vacuum both liquids and detergent residues. 1) Natural Surface:
Thanks to the nearly total absence of surface porosity, waterproofing treatments are unnecessary and not recommended. For routine cleaning, neutral or alkaline detergents diluted as per the manufacturerās instructions are sufficient; 2) Slate and Antislip Surfaces: Cleaning methods are similar to those described for the Natural surface, with a few additional tips: Scrub vigorously, preferably using brushes with suitable bristles; Follow the direction of the surface texture whenever possible; Rinse thoroughly with water. 3)Polished Surface: For daily maintenance, use neutral or alkaline detergents and, if needed, microfiber cloths. It is important to rinse with water and dry carefully to prevent streaks caused by detergent or hard water residue.
Floors: General Tips and Warnings
The successful installation of a Fiandre floor or wall covering depends not only on the technical and aesthetic qualities of the material, but also on the full set of components that make up the installation systemāsuch as the bonding layer, expansion joints, and substrate. The final result is guaranteed by the correct execution of all installation steps.
The following procedures are recommended for proper installation: 1) To assess the overall effect, lay out at least 3 mĀ² of material on the floor; 2) Install the material by drawing pieces from multiple boxes to ensure consistent color distribution; 3) Do not immerse the material in water prior to installation; 4) In traditional installation systems, tap the material until all cavities disappear and liquid cement emerges from the joints; 5) Avoid marking the top surface of cuts with pencils or markers, especially on polished surfaces; 6) Wait 48ā72 hours before allowing regular foot traffic on the floor.
Is it necessary to clean the surface after installation?
A thorough initial cleaning is essential immediately after installation to completely remove any cement, mortar, adhesive, and epoxy grout residues. It is crucial to use specific products suitable for the different surface types, referring to the relevant technical data sheets to choose the most appropriate detergents.
Once the detergent is selected, it is recommended to scrub the surface vigorously and rinse thoroughly with water to eliminate all residues.
Thanks to the production process, Fiandre surfaces are practically impermeable: dirt does not penetrate the material but remains on the surface, making it easier to remove. Proper cleaning enhances the aesthetic qualities of the flooring.
What is meant by ātraces of cement mortarā?
Traces of cement mortar are grout residues that may remain on the surface of the slab after installation. It is essential to remove them properly, as they can trap dirt and increase the need for future maintenance.
Do Fiandre materials require special installation methods?
Installation can be carried out using either adhesives or cement mortars. It is essential to strictly follow the technical specifications provided by the manufacturerāboth when choosing the adhesive product and in its method of application.
For areas subject to heavy foot traffic or the movement of heavy loads, it is recommended to use high-performance or specially formulated adhesives to ensure the durability and safety of the covering.
Does Fiandre offer an installation service?
Fiandre has a team of highly qualified technicians for the installation of floor coverings, always using the best installation materials to ensure a functional and aesthetic result that meets the customerās expectations.
Can Fiandre marbles and stones be polished on-site? Even long after installation?
Fiandre does not recommend this solution, as the impermeability and high resistance of the materials make on-site polishing difficult once installed. Additionally, the polishing process may cause defects, breakage, or imperfections in the slabs, potentially resulting in high replacement costs.
Do polished Fiandre materials require treatment after installation?
Fiandre does not consider any post-installation treatment necessary, thanks to the materialās low absorbency, high stain resistance, and ease of cleaning.
I have purchased Fiandre materials and noticed color variations between different pieces.
Color variations between slabs are a distinctive quality feature, which a skilled installer can enhance to create unique and unrepeatable solutions.
The raw materials and technologies used by Fiandre are of natural origin and aim to replicate the randomness typical of nature. For installation, it is recommended to rely on specialized and qualified professionals who can best highlight the chromatic characteristics of the material.
Does ceramic require special maintenance?
The lack of microporosity and the high resistance to dirt of glazed ceramic minimize the maintenance needed to preserve its appearance. A high-quality floor, properly installed and regularly cleaned with water, will retain its original look and performance over time.
