FAQ

Before Cutting a Bathtop out of Marble or Stone there are many items to consider

Template
It is essential that the customer signs off on the template to ensure any future issues and to secure the written and dated fact that the template is correct at the time.

Status
Bath will need to be in position with all fittings and accessories details and positioning confirmed.

Other details to be confirmed may be as per below:-

• Position of the bath?
• Is the bath over slung or underslung?
• Width of overhang outside the bath?
• Width of the overhang inside the bath if underslung?
• Position of holes for taps and accessories?
• Size of holes for taps and accessories?
• Profiles for inside edge of bath surround
• Profiles for external edge of bath surround
• Corner profiles for external edge of bath surround
• Whether bath is against a wall
• If so how many sides?
• Details of upstands if required
• Profiles for upstand if required
• Positioning of joins in the bath surround (if Supplied in more than 1 piece)

 

 

Cleaning
Floor must be washed with water and neutral detergents (allow to dry), you could try Fila Cleaner

Adhesive
Arduit x7 Cement based adhesive with additive Ardion 90 (1 part water, 1 part Ardion 90; 1:1 mix - read the instructions)

Seal Floor with 1 x Coat Fila AC/99 (allow to dry for 24hrs) or any other reputable water based sealer.

NB. Prior to sealing - if some of the tiles have a slightly lighter area (eg. grey) you should rub teak oil (for wooden furniture) into the lighter area to achieve a brown colour. Do not use too much, just a light application rubbed in deeply. For more uniformity, the whole floor can be lightly oiled prior to sealing (however, the oil must be allowed to fully dry off). All you need is teak oil and a rag.

Grouting
Use VERY tight joints 1-2mm
1 Part Chocolate Brown Tilers Grout, 2 Parts Anthracite - achieve a dark grout (not whites/creams !)

Re-Sealing
Seal Floor with 1 or 2 Coats of Fila AC/99 (allow to dry between coats) or any other reputable water based sealer

Treatment
Treat floor with 2 to 3 coats of Fila Stonewax (matt), Fila Longlife (gloss)

Maintenance of Bitter Chocolate Limestone (honed) is extremely simple.

After installation, it is important to remove any residues such as cement, adhesive, grout etc. To achieve this, the floor must be washed with water and neutral detergents.

We recommend that you DO NOT use acid based products to clean and treat the Bitter Chocolate Limestone. As this limestone is impregnated by bitumen, solvents and acids can corrode the surface.

For daily maintenance, it is sufficient to wash the tiled area with a wet cloth soaked in neutral detergent, then dry the area off with a woollen cloth.

Bitter Chocolate can also be 'buffed up' by using a floor polisher with a soft pad.

Suppliers: Fila products can be purchased from your local dealer.

If your Bitter Chocolate Limestone floor or wall has become stained we recommend you follow these instructions:

Step I
We recommend, that the bitter chocolate is cleaned with a neutral detergent (FILA CLEANER).

Step II
Any areas that are stained by lime-scale or soap residues should be rubbed down with a light grit sandpaper and then lightly rub teak oil into the area - repeat the oiling and rubbing down until you are satisfied with the colour.

Step III
Once satisfied, you are then ready to re-seal the stone - seal it with CCC's Marble No. 8 (there should be loads left). We suggest 2 to 3 applications, if not more in the problem areas - ie. those subject to water and lime-scale.

De Ferranti Limited recognises that their operations impact upon the environment and therefore endeavour to ensure that the potential harmful effects of their actions are minimised wherever practicable.

De Ferranti Limited members are committed to considering and conserving the environment during the course of their activities.

To achieve the company’s environmental objectives throughout their activities, all staff, partners, stakeholders and customers are encouraged to follow this approach.

De Ferranti Limited is committed to: 

 Identifying and complying with all relevant legal requirements. 

 Striving to attain a satisfactory balance between economic, social and environmental responsibilities. 

 Reducing energy usage in all areas of the business where possible. 

 Minimise the amount of waste produced by reducing, reusing and recycling, and ensuring careful and responsible disposal of any waste we produce according to legislation requirements. 

 Endeavouring to source materials from sustainable resources wherever practicable. 

 Ensuring awareness amongst all employees of the importance of environmental issues, and providing training appropriate to their responsibilities. 

 Ensuring their activities are safe for employees, associates, delegates and others who come into contact with their work. 

 Monitoring purchasing practices and internal operations including energy and transport to ensure best use of natural resources and minimum environmental impact. 

 Developing relationships with suppliers, customers, contractors and relevant third parties to discuss and promote improvements in environmental performance. 

 Seeking to incorporate environmental considerations into future decision-making at all levels.

 Making this policy publicly available to any interested parties.   

De Ferranti Limited will commit resources, in time and money to ensure the continued implementation of this policy.

You can find FILA products through the following distributors in New York:

NJ Newark Tile Wholesalers of 659 Market Street stone and pocelain line
Newark Newark, NJ 07105
T. 973 589 2080
F. 973 589 2643
Jorge Serra

NJ Union City Roma Tiles 2300 Central Avenue stone and porcelain line
Union City, NJ 07087
T. 201 271 9494
F. 201 271 0082
Massimo Laresice

NY Brooklyn Mondial Tiles 1402 65th Street all of the products
Brooklyn, NY 11219
T. 718 232 0800
F. 718 256 4341
Alex De Meo

General Information

1. The floor will arrive wet - hence the dark yellowy-orange colour. This will dry out much lighter. We suggest, rather than sealing the floor immediately, let it breathe and dry out properly.

2. The texture is hand finished / antiqued. This will settle down once laid, cleaned, sealed and grouted. Natural wear and tear will also settle the texture into a beautiful patina. These floors improve with time. Floors usually require 1 year to settle in properly.

3. The texture can easily be softened by a quick rub with some emery paper. (or use a hard bristled brush). The surface grain is loose and will come off easily. You will note that after brushing this floor the grit content will reduce very quickly with each brushing as the surface settles down.

4. Tiles are to be laid chiselled face up !

ONLY USE A TRANSPARENT SEALER ON THIS FLOOR, OTHERWISE THE COLOUR WILL BE ENHANCED AND WILL SEND IT DARKER !!!

Please always do a tester area first and have it approved prior to the whole job as client tastes are different.

Installation

1. Stick tiles, chiselled face up, to substrate with Arduit S16 Rapid Set / or fix into sand and cement (sometime we recommend sealing the backs of tiles to prevent effervescence - ie. salts rising to the surface of the tiles - see point 3).

2. Ensure your tiler uses matchstick tight joints ! 1-2mm

3. Seal tiles with 2-3 coats of Stain Stop MN or Marble No. 8 (with whitener) by CCC.

4. Grout floor with a yellowish joint achieved by 1 part silver sand, 1 part builder’s sand (yellow), 1 part white cement.

5. Seal tiles with 2-3 coats of Stain Stop MN or Marble No. 8 (with whitener)

NB. Marble No. 8, although a very high performance sealer, is a colour enhancer and may send the tiles more yellowy / orange. This is why we suggest using the whitener as an additive to lighten the result. It is a matter of taste. The tester area should help you decide your preferred result.

Maintenance and Cleaning
 
Regular sweeping will take care of most household dust and particles.

Periodically one should wash the surface as necessary with mild soap or neutral detergent.

It is important when ‘mopping’ the floor that you use plenty of clean water ensuring that the water is changed during the washing. If have only used one bucket of water for cleaning your whole floor, it is likely that dirt is being washed over dirt thus soiling your floor. PLENTY OF CLEAN WATER !!!

Our Health and Safety Policy is as follows:

De Ferranti Limited is committed to managing the Health and Safety risks arising from the company's operations as far as is practicable for it’s Employees, Sub-Contractors, Clients and all persons with whom it has any dealings or comes into contact with. 

"When in doubt - ask"  

Under the Health and Safety At Work Act 1974, the company has the responsibility:  

1) To provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, taking into account any statutory requirements.  

2) To provide sufficient information, training, instructions and supervision to enable employees to perform their work safely and efficiently.  

3) To make available all necessary safety devices and equipment and to supervise their use.  

4) To maintain a constant and continuing interest in health matters, in particular, by consulting and involving wherever possible.  Employees have a duty to cooperate:  

a) By working safely and efficiently, showing due regard to both personal safety and the safety of others.  
b) By using the protective equipment provided, and by meeting statutory obligations.  
c) By reporting incidents that have led or may lead to injury or damage.  
d) By adhering to Company procedures for ensuring a secure and safe workplace.  
e) By assisting in investigations of accidents and incidents with the objective of introducing measures to prevent recurrence

The Safety Management Team, chaired by the Managing Director meets quarterly to review the Company’s health and safety performance considering information from safety audits, risk assessments and accident reports. The Safety Management Team includes the Managing Director, Contracts Manager and Project Manager.

Responsible for health and safety operations at Company's premises:

 Accident Recording and First-Aid Box - Managing Director

 Management of Health and Safety Documentation (including COSHH Database) - Project Manager (Sites) Administration (Office)

 General Fire Safety - Managing Director 

 Training and Training Records - Managing Director 

 COSHH Assessments, Safe Systems of Work - Managing Director 

 Housekeeping, Waste Handling and Disposal - Managing Director 

 Maintenance of Equipment - Managing Director

De Ferranti Limited will commit resources, in time and money to ensure the continued implementation of this policy. Overall and final responsibility for health and Safety in the company lies with the Managing Director.

Leather tiles should be allowed to acclimatize to the new environment for at least a week before they are installed. Effective tile installation requires a clean, dust-free environment and should occur after all other site construction has been completed. Tiles are affected by humidity and we advise you not to install tiles in areas with uncontrolled humidity. The tiles should not be used in excessively dry <20% humidity on average.

The tiles are to be adhered directly to a FLAT surface. When applying the tiles be sure that the entire site has been thoroughly vacuumed and cleaned of dust and dirt. Once the surface has been cleaned, apply the T52 adhesive (or another reputable trowled adhesive). Firstly, apply the adhesive to both the substrate and to the back of the tile with a brush or serrated trowel and stick to the substrate.

The concept behind our patinated leather tiles originates from old Cotto Floors – not all joints will be tight and these can be later filled in with wax.

Once the tile has been applied and has time to dry, it is virtually impossible to move the tiles.

ADHESIVE
We strongly recommend you use SikaBond - T52 fully bonded system (Troweled Adhesive)
Allow 25mm for finished floor (possibly less)  visit http://www.sika.com/

Suggest you use either a tiler or a reputable wood floor installer.

Do not use a contact adhesive as you will be unable to adjust tiles if there are variances in the floor (ie. if floor is not totally flat). You must use a Trowel applied adhesive. There is also a discrepancy in tile thickness.

The smell of the adhesive is only temporary and will go very soon after being laid leaving a lovely leather aroma. Once the glue has fully set it will give heat resistance and water resistance, which will help if there is an accident.

To keep your tile looking as regal as when you first purchased them, they will need a coat of wax about once a year. This is not compulsory but is recommended. Hand wax the tiles and leave them overnight to soak into the surface. When the wax is dry, buff lightly with a horse brush for example (without using a machine) to create a semi-gloss finish. The wax gives the tiles protection against damage from liquid for up to 72 hours.

CLEANING
To clean the tiles just vacuum or sweep them and use a damp cloth to clear up any spillages.

The cleaning regime for sealed and unsealed / polished Limestone floors is the same. In all situations the floor should first be swept daily with a soft brush or vacuumed to remove any dust and loose dirt.

High Traffic Floors
Occasional machine cleaning with a soft padded scrubber-drier with clean water. It should be noted that the use of industrial cleaning machines will shorten the life of sealers and impregnators.

Low Traffic Floors
Weekly damp mopping with clean water.

All Floors – DO NOT
• use chemicals containing acids. They will attack the Limestone, damage the surface and discolour the stone.
• use household soaps, as they tend to leave a slippery scum, particularly in hard water areas.
• although alkaline, bleach is not recommended as a cleaning agent as it may discolour the stone.

Stain Removal
All spillages should be mopped up as quickly as possible with continually replaced clean warm water, particularly if the medium is aggressive such as red wine, coffee, cola or oils. In most cases this initial treatment will minimize the requirement for more formal treatments.

Most stains can generally be removed by the application of specific stone maintenance cleaners. Where these are to be used on a treated floor it is important to check their compatibility with the treatments. Due to constant development, details on such products are available upon request.

Any cleaning agent used should be removed by rinsing with clean water.

Metal tiles should be allowed to acclimatize to the new environment for at least a week before they are installed. Effective tile installation requires a clean, dust-free environment and should occur after all other site construction has been completed. Tiles are affected by humidity and we advise you not to install tiles in areas with uncontrolled humidity. The tiles should not be used in excessively dry <20% humidity on average.

The tiles are to be adhered directly to a FLAT surface. When applying the tiles be sure that the entire site has been thoroughly vacuumed and cleaned of dust and dirt. Once the surface has been cleaned, apply the T52 adhesive (or another reputable trowled adhesive). Firstly, apply the adhesive to both the substrate and to the back of the tile with a brush or serrated trowel and stick to the substrate.

Once the tile has been applied and has time to dry, it is virtually impossible to move the tiles.

ADHESIVE
We strongly recommend you use SikaBond - T52 fully bonded system (Troweled Adhesive)
Allow 25mm for finished floor (possibly less)  visit http://www.sika.com/

Suggest you use either a tiler or a reputable wood floor installer.

Do not use a contact adhesive as you will be unable to adjust tiles if there are variances in the floor (ie. if floor is not totally flat). You must use a Trowel applied adhesive to allow for any discrepancy in tile thickness.

The smell of the adhesive is only temporary and will go very soon after being laid. Once the glue has fully set it will give heat resistance and water resistance, which will help if there is an accident.

CLEANING
To clean the tiles just vacuum or sweep them and use a damp cloth to clear up any spillages.

Any stubborn stains can be removed with vinegar. Those more stubborn ones can be removed with a gentle rubbing down with wire wool.

Periodically, it is wise to rub Jade Oil into the floor to retard tarnishing.

This is purely a thought...

The Mosaics of Heraclea - located on the outskirts of Bitola in the southern part of Macedonia (From 4th-6th century) are protected during the winter months by covering them in sand.

This may be a good way of protecting exterior flooring that may (or may not) be suitable for exterior use. This is also worth considering for exterior mosaic floors in cold climates.

GENERAL

 

1. Installation and supply totals are subject to survey of site. Any differences found on site different from original bill of quantities or drawings provided to be advised of and to be charged as an addition.

 

2. Additional or unexpected installation, supply or delivery costs to be advised of and to be bourne by the client if not previously agreed in the original order.

 

3. Any customs and duties charges to be bourne by the buyer.

 

4. Whilst every effort has been taken to assess quantities accurately from information provided, if a shortfall or excess of tiles occurs at the time of tiling, De Ferranti Limited take no responsibility for the final measurements and if additional tiles are required, these must be paid for prior to delivery. It is the buyers responsibility to check quantities are correct at time of order.

 

5. De Ferranti will not accept returned goods that are surplus to requirements.

 

6. While every effort is made to define and control its range of products, De Ferranti accepts no liabilities whatsoever in respect of natural geological and handmade (where applicable) variations concerned with colour or texture

 

7. All goods must be examined upon delivery to certify the goods correspond with delivery notes and/or receipts provided. In order to validate a claim, any shortages, damages or other discrepancies should be indicated on the documentation provided. Additionally, De Ferranti must be notified in writing within 48 hours from receipt of goods. Strict compliance with these conditions is required, otherwise no liability is accepted. NO CLAIMS ARE ACCEPTED AFTER INSTALLATION.

 

8. De Ferranti standard payment terms are 50% of total monies due with confirmed order placement and the remaining 50% balance when goods are fully produced and ready to leave the factory and/or warehouse. Schedule of delivery(s) to be sent once order is placed. Post inspections can be done if required at the cost of the client and/or images can be sent. If multiple shipments are required above and beyond the agreed allotted amount, additional charges will be billed at cost to the buyer.

 

9. De Ferranti shall not be liable for any penalty, loss, injury, damage or expense arising from any failure in delivery or performance arising from circumstances outside the control of De Ferranti, including but not limited to force majeure, war or hostilities, government legislation order or direction, strike lock out or labour disturbance, civil commotion, fire, accident, shortage of materials (those of De Ferranti or its suppliers), geology of the stone, power failure, breakdown of machinery, police or local authority restrictions, delays in issue, approval or clearance of working drawings, stone schedules (if applicable), templates or other relevant information, lack of instruction from the Customer or suspension of the Buyer’s credit facility and any other cause outside the De Ferranti control.

 

10. Supply and Installation cost total is subject to survey of site; any changes or irregularities that differ from original bill of quantities and drawings provided are to be advised and to be charged accordingly to the Buyer.

11. Installation Payment Terms; De Ferranti will bill monthly to the Buyer until completion of all works agreed. An inspection of site will take place bi-weekly where by De Ferranti will advise on a projection of works to be completed. The amount to be billed each month will be based on the percentage of the works calculated to be completed. If payments are not received for these projected works within the time frame stated on the invoice, the De Ferranti installation team will be pulled off site until the payment is received.

 

12. In the event of a dispute arising under a contract it will be subject to the laws of England and Wales and any proceedings will be within that jurisdiction.

 

13. By paying the deposit for the initial invoice the Buyer is agreeing to all of De Ferranti terms and conditions which supersedes all other terms and conditions set out by the Buyer. All payments to be done via BACS Transfer from the Buyer to De Ferranti.

 

SUPPLY OF STONE

 

a) Stone is a natural product which varies in colour and will contain markings, small holes, fissures and flaws, some of which may be artificially filled and therefore:

 

I) unless otherwise agreed in writing this is not a sale by sample and no warranties can be offered to match material from a sample and

 

II) any subsequent order of the same stone will not come from the same batch; colour and veining differences are to be expected as stone is a natural product.

 

b) Selection of material to supply to the Buyer will be at the discretion of the Seller unless agreed in writing to the contrary.

 

c) Selection of material by the Buyer from a batch, where agreed in writing will attract a premium cost.

 

d) The supply of samples is at the discretion of the De Ferranti and a charge may be applicable.

 

e) Flooring calibrations are nominal. A variation of +/- 3mm in thickness is normal and variance outside this range may occur. De Ferranti cannot take any responsibility for measurements outside this nominal calibration.

 

PERFORMANCE OF STONE

 

a) Natural stone is liable to staining. Although it can be impregnated with a substance to increase resistance to staining, it is not stain-proof and in particular cannot be protected against etching from acidic substances. We highly recommend that the material is treated periodically with a similar product to maintain this resistance.

 

b) It is for the Buyer to decide if the material is fit for its purpose and no warranty is given by De Ferranti unless agreed specifically in writing as performance of different materials will vary in different circumstances,(e.g. outdoors, a swimming pool or as a kitchen worktop). We can supply generic test data for all of our stones but the Buyer should arrange testing independently to verify suitability for their own project before they purchase.

 

c) Stone should be professionally installed and any chemical treatments applied in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions for optimum performance.

 

d) It is the Buyers responsibility to ensure that all surfaces and substrates are prepared and adequate for the stone flooring or products with regard to movement, weight or any other structural issues. Any advice given on these matters by De Ferranti is general and subject to the further approval of the Buyer’s professional advisers.

 

QUOTATIONS

 

a) Lead times are approximate, from full and final instructions, the receipt of a deposit and subject to selected material arriving and performing as expected.

 

b) Key dates if changed may mean that De Ferranti cannot guarantee to adhere to initially planned/agreed timescales with regard to supply, manufacture, delivery or installation.

c) Quotations will be dependent on accuracy of information provided and clear and legible instructions. Any drawings sent to us for the purpose of a quotation must be fully dimensioned, accurate and to scale. De Ferranti cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies resulting from omissions or inaccurate information from the Buyer. Later amendments must be in writing and may attract a penalty.

 

d) The delivery total is calculated as one total shipment from each quarry/workshop from where each material type is produced. If any early or part shipment is needed/requested by the Buyer, an additional charge will be billed to the Buyer.

 

INSTALLATION

 

a) Programmes for installation are issued assuming that preparation works have been completed. Delay resulting from a lack of preparation from the Buyer or their agents will result in charges on a daily basis for any downtime caused.

 

b) Where delay is caused on the part of the Buyer, there is no guarantee that the fitter will be available for the later date and charges may be made if no other work is available for the fitter for the allotted period.

 

c) Programmes for installation are created in good faith and De Ferranti cannot be held responsible for delays caused by unforeseen circumstances.

 

d) Any fitting charges are based on using a standard team assuming good and level access from the point of unloading to the final fit position, unless agreed otherwise in writing. Any variation to this is not only likely to incur additional charges but is likely to result in amendments to previously planned or agreed timescales.

 

e) Protection of stonework installed by De Ferranti, both during and after completion of works, is the responsibility of the Buyer, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

 

f) Under-floor heating must be laid, protected and fully commissioned by the Buyer prior to installation of stone by the De Ferranti.

 

h) Up-stands & splash-backs will only be fitted where walls are true. Scribing of worktops on site, where requested, will be charged as extra. The Buyer’s decorator or contractor may be required to make good remaining gaps between walls and worktops or up-stands.

 

i) All floors have been priced to be fixed on a thin bed adhesive. All make up of screeds are to be done by the Buyer. Steel brackets for stone items, benches or carved basins are to be done by the Buyer.

 

j) De Ferranti will not undertake any, templating, tanking, drilling of holes, plumbing or electrical work, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

 

k) The installation works does include; adhesive, grout and sealant.

l) Any damage caused by others on site to materials or installation works will be charged back to the Buyer at a day rate by De Ferranti for making good.

 

 

1. Adhesive

• Cement based adhesive, White Arduit x7

2. Grout

• 2 parts silver sand
• 1 part white portland cement

3. Sealing

• Marble No. 8 - contact us to purchase this high performance sealer