Site preparation The area should be cleared of loose material and adequately drained, with a recommended fall that should be at least 1:80 and not more than 1:40. Small amounts of standing water or dampness may lead to mould growth and ice formation which can cause staining or discolouration and may reduce the life of the paving in severe weather. If tile are to be applied to existing roof coverings, any defects must be remedied. On felt roofs bitumen may be used as the fixing medium, provided the tile is fully bonded. Please note: The area must be marked out in squares allowing for tolerances, including the same tolerances at margins where cut down widths are necessary. Space should be allowed for expansion. contraction and general building movement. A 3mm gap is sufficient for this, and to maintain a straight joint. Wherever possible the capping sheet should be butt jointed. Any tiled area exceeding 9 must have a movement joint which can be pointed with a suitable bitumen compound. This may be formed by leaving a 15mm minimum gap at three metre intervals. Similar joints should be provided at perimeters, abutments and junction of bays. Always work away from completed areas. When laying across end and side laps in built-up felt systems, especially the thicker grades, seek manufacture's advice on reducing depth of protection at overlaps to prevent point loading. A level base must be maintained to ensure that the finished work is both aesthetically acceptable and free from trip hazard. Cutting Do not cut tiles on finished areas. Tile dust which comes into contact with laid tiles will solidify, particularly in damp or humid conditions. Half, quarter and three-quarter tiles are available. Strips of less than three-quarter tile width are not recommended. Performance Colours are formulated with the finest iron or chrome oxide pigments and resist fade under normal climatic conditions. Grey tiles contain no pigment. True colours may only be revealed when tiles are exposed to atmospheric conditions, particularly sunlight. Shades may vary slightly with variations in natural materials and drying. Tiles are dried slowly during manufacture to achieve optimum tensile strength. They are shrink wrapped in green state, usually within 48 hours of manufacture, and packed ex-works on wooden pallets.

Diamond Cut Tile Pallets should be stored on a level base not more than two high and point loading must be avoided. Dry conditions are essential: staining, discolouration and efflorescence may result if tiles become wet in stack. Efflorescence is controlled by the incorporation of lime reacting agents during manufacture. Discolouration may result if tiles are allowed to become damp but this will not affect performance. Points to remember Asphalt Substrates Under no circumstances must Aarondec or Tiletech be laid in hot bitumen on asphalt substrates. Use only Slatesystem PU adhesive or reliable alternatives. Cold Bitumen Cold applied bitumen adhesive containing solvents can damage felt and/or asphalt. An adhesive approved for the purpose should be used. In cold/wet/damp conditions drying times may be affected. If tiles are not fully bedded, before the adhesive has dried rainfall may cause it to emulsify, leading to staining and/or loss of adhesive properties. Water-based products must not be used where there is a risk of frost or freezing conditions. Cleaning Acid-based cleaning products must not be used. Test clean on small area before general use.