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FAQ
We have collected the answers to the most frequently asked questions related to Cement not Cement.
It is not intended to be exhaustive, so do not hesitate to contact us for any further requests or details.
With Cemento Non Cemento it is indicated materials composed of fibers and natural components solidified in slabs, with an aesthetic very similar to the poured cement but completely free of cement or other substances harmful for the environment or for health.
The materials are homogeneous over the entire thickness of the slab, with superficial processes that enhance the aesthetic aspect, creating a finished protection.
With Cemento Non Cemento it is indicated materials composed of fibers and natural components solidified in slabs, with an aesthetic very similar to the poured cement but completely free of cement or other substances harmful for the environment or for health.
The materials are homogeneous over the entire thickness of the slab, with superficial processes that enhance the aesthetic aspect, creating a finished protection.
Cemento Non Cemento materials can be processed with the same ease of wood, they accept the self-threaded screw, the nail, they can work in three-dimensionality, they have a warm pleasantness to the touch, they are living materials that with time acquire more and more charm, they improve the environmental acoustics, stabilize the air humidity level.
Non Cement Cement materials are not imitations but materials with their own specific strong identity, they can be customized with laser or pantograph processing, they can also support large format digital printing. With Cement Non Cement you can make objects, furniture, doors, complete furnishings with the same technique of the carpenter, realizations closed to gres or ceramics. In vertical claddings, Non-Cement Cement gives the wall a sensation of naturalness that can be immediately perceived, allowing the wall to be experienced by attaching, for example, paintings with normal nails. All these performances are not achievable by their nature even from the best stoneware or ceramics available on the market which, on the other hand, unlike Non Cement Cement, can sometimes be used also for floors or coverings even outside.
Both Concreo and Conclad are slabs of Non-Cement Cement and are aesthetically very similar to each other, but differ greatly in the technical characteristics of both the mixture and the finish.
Conclad is the version with the simplest dough and finishing technical characteristics, designed specifically for the use of wall cladding, very easy to install and of considerable aesthetic impact. Concreo has a more compact dough and a very effective resistance to humidity and stain that allows it to be used in a variety of contexts, including the use for the creation of furniture, including kitchens and bathrooms.
Both Concreo and Conclad have a fire reaction classification B-s1, d0 that allows their use even in public places.
Conclad Prêt-à-Porter is a special Collection of Conclad supplied in slabs already cut and ready for use.
the finish and the mass is always Conclad, but the slabs are squared in standard sizes, with bevelled edges and holes in the formwork. The slabs are therefore “ready to use”, applicable to the wall in a very simple way, almost as much as hanging paintings. It is possible to request the slabs even without bevelled edge and without holes in the formwork in the same standard sizes or on specific measures for special projects.
Concreo and Conclad work with the same tools and techniques as wood.
To summarize, we can compare the processing of Non-Cement Cement with the processing of MDF with some differences: the slabs are mono-facial and the production of dust during processing is a little more abundant, anyway manageable with normal suction systems and have no toxic hazard, although the use of protective masks is required to prevent irritation to the respiratory tract, which is always possible.
The methods of application of Cemento non Cemento slabs are superimposable to those used for wooden “boiserie” and must be chosen according to the state of the wall to which they must adhere.
In the case of healthy walls, without moisture problems, which do not crumble, which allow a good adhesion, the Cemento non Cemento slabs can also be glued directly to the wall, possibly helped, to maintain the precise position until complete crosslinking of the adhesive, from some nail without head or pin, possibly also using a nail tool if properly calibrated in power to avoid dents in the surface.
In case of specific needs, for example in the presence of walls that exude humidity or very irregular and problematic walls,Cemento non Cemento slabs can be applied on supporting frames that allow the creation of ventilated walls. The frames can be made of any material that is considered suitable for the situation of the wall to which it must be applied, also evaluating the properties of reaction to fire where the installation is in a context that requires non-flammability specifications. For the anchoring of the slabs to the frame, since it is possible to grip the self-tapping screws, most of the common coupling systems of commercially available boiserie can be used.
An effective and economical method is to use common hanging bars, applying one on the back of the slab, using self-threading screws of consistent length so as not to pierce or dent the surface of the panel and better if helped by some Concreo Conclad Special glue Adhesive, and by hanging the slab by fitting the bar to another bar applied upside down to the wall. When choosing the length of the screws to be used, evaluate to penetrate the slab at a distance of at least 5 mm from the surface.
Finally, if Cemento non Cemento is in contact with wet or very damp floors, it is necessary that they remain detached from them and that the edges are waterproofed to avoid the formation of moisture stains.
For more specific advice or special needs, contact Customer Service.
No, Cemento Non Cemento is to be used primarily as a coating material.
Despite being more elastic than traditional cement, Cemento Non Cemento remains a fragile material which cannot be given a structural function. An exception can be made for Concreo 17 mm that can be used to create furniture doors, cabinets and drawers without the need for additional structural supports, with the same hardware used for wood. Even for the production of small objects, not subject to particular mechanical stresses, such as for example lamps or knick-knacks, Cemento Non Cemento slabs can be used without further supports. In case of doubt it is always advisable to submit the projects to our Technical Department for a feasibility opinion. In any case, the final evaluation is always up to the designer and the transformer based on the characteristics resulting from the product data sheets and the construction techniques that will be used.
The slabs in Concreo and Conclad are not elastic, so they cannot be bent. Pay attention also, if you had to use adhesive tapes on the surface of the slabs, to remove them slowly avoiding to damage the surface protection.
Despite being more elastic than traditional cement, Cemento Non Cemento is still a material that in such thin thicknesses can easily break due to inexperience in handling large slabs. Care must therefore be taken not to bend it beyond a certain limit. In their applications the slabs must always be supported by supporting structures, they must never work in cantilever or with too wide unsupported lights. Once supported, the material acquires excellent strength and durability.
Covering walls or creating objects with coated or cast cementitious materials, always and everywhere obtaining the same results in the presence of disparate climatic conditions, without the need for a workforce particularly trained on the product, they are unique innovations in the scenario of cement-effect materials.
Furthermore, Concreo and Conclad are the only cement-effect sheets in homogeneous paste throughout the thickness, so their yield and reliability over time is unparalleled with the other products that over time lose the thin layer of cement coating with which they are generally composed.
Furthermore, Cemento Non Cemento is the only material of its kind that can be used without problems with numerically controlled machines as its powders do not contain any granules or hard fragments that every other panel containing cement generates during processing, with damage to the machinery components.
At first glance, the cost per square meter might appear higher compared to alternative products, which are qualitatively not comparable either in terms of characteristics or performance for Non-Cement Cement, which is unique on the market. But the simplicity and rapidity of use, not having to apply finishes or protections in retrospect and the consequent reduction of the risk of error, always very expensive, the certainty of the final result without the need for specifically trained labor, make the product very interesting also from an economic point of view. A significant difference in cost per square meter is between Concreo and Conclad as Concreo has a compact consistency and a particularly effective anti-stain treatment that allows its use also for kitchen and bathroom furniture. To maintain such a simple aesthetic that seems to be unprotected, natural technologies with zero emissions of the highest quality are used, without the use of nanotechnologies, with an incidence on costs that instead for a use mainly on the wall like that of Conclad can be significantly reduced.
Cemento Non Cemento works well with any type of glue. It is advisable to choose the most suitable glue based on the conditions of use, the intended use of the installation and on the basis of the material on which the slabs are to be adhered.
For particular tightness requirements and if you do not intend to spread the glue evenly over the entire surface to be glued, it is necessary to use the Concreo Conclad brand specific glue, to prevent any moisture released by the glue applied unevenly from the glue create visible halos on the surface.
Cemento Non Cemento has an excellent resistance to temperature changes but its surface is not treated to be directly exposed to the corrosive mechanical action of atmospheric agents. Therefore out of prudence the use outside in the indications of use is excluded, even if in experiences of use outside, sheltered from the direct action of atmospheric agents, such as for example in covered terraces, Concreo has proved to be very reliable.
The performance of Concreo or Conclad on the floor could be comparable to that of a wooden parquet, but while in a material such as wood the lines or dents can be perceived with a pleasant lived taste, in a cementitious material they would give a sensation negative aesthetic not consistent with the nature and hard consistency of the cement and therefore aesthetically unpleasant.
Yes, in the Concreo version. The excellent waterproofing and stain proofing of the surface of Concreo makes it suitable for its use also as a kitchen and bathroom top, taking into account some peculiarities:
– Do not use sharp instruments directly on the material or which could affect the surface protection. In the event that the protection is damaged, use the Transparent Protective Coat, possibly preceded by the Color Base Impregnating Agent, both with the Concreo brand.
– In the parts in continuous contact with water, such as for example in the sink built-in edges, it is preferable to isolate the bottom and the slab edge using the Concreo Transparent Finish and sealing the joints with a suitable silicone paste.
– Absolutely avoid contact with aggressive chemical liquids such as thinner, varnish or nail polish and avoid using aggressive detergents such as Chanteclair or similar.
– The material does not undergo alterations up to a temperature of 160 degrees. Despite the excellent heat resistance it is therefore advisable to avoid direct contact for too long with direct heat sources or with red-hot pots and pans.
– Clean surface dirt using neutral detergents, avoiding rubbing with abrasive materials that could ruin the surface protection.
The frequent fall of sharp objects could in the long run ruin the waterproofing and stain protection of the product. Although the material does not have any structural alteration in contact with water, in particular it does not undergo any swelling, the aesthetic aspect may be affected by any moisture stains that could infiltrate the damaged points.
The surface of Concreo is perfectly waterproof. To use Concreo in the shower compartment it is also necessary to waterproof the edges and the rear slab by applying a waterproofing paint. The application of the treated slabs to the wall must provide for joints of at least 1 mm, better if creating a bevel at the edges, to allow perfect insulation with the use of silicone paste suitable for use in the shower compartment. To apply the silicone, protect the Concreo surface to prevent the silicone from dirtying it. When using adhesive tape, be careful when removing it, detaching it slowly and taking care not to damage the surface protection of the slab.
Use both for Concreo and Conclad neutral detergents avoiding chafing.
Cleaning should be carried out in a diversified manner for Concreo and Conclad.
Concreo has excellent stain resistance from commonly used substances, although removal of the staining agent is required as soon as possible. Cleaning should be carried out with non-aggressive neutral detergents. In the event of accidental contact with paint strippers, solvents or corrosive chemicals such as alcohol or acetone, immediately remove the liquid from the surface by dabbing with a dry absorbent cloth without applying pressure or rubbing against the surface to avoid removing surface protection.
Conclad has temporary protection against stains from common substances and therefore necessarily requires the immediate removal of the staining agent that has come into contact with the surface. For the removal of dirt it is necessary to use non-aggressive neutral detergents, absolutely avoiding rubbing against the surface to avoid damaging it. In some cases the use of the “magic rubber”, an abrasive sponge commonly found on the market, has always been effective, always avoiding excessive pressure that could damage the protection.
For the superficial signs, typically due to rubbing that has not removed the protection, for Concreo you can use steel wool 0000 (4 zeros), exerting a slight rubbing to restore homogeneity to the surface, being careful not to insist too much on the same point to avoid affecting the surface protection. After this operation it is necessary to remove the wool residues with air or a soft cloth soaked in a neutral detergent and, if necessary, to pass quickly afterwards, and without applying any pressure, a soft rag slightly dampened in acetone, in order to spread them. a very thin veil to evaporate instantly to attenuate any haloes on the surface.
For any deeper damage that has compromised the protection and altered the color, proceed as described below, specifying that a good restoration technique can surely limit the visibility of the damage but can hardly eliminate it completely. On the other hand, the type of material itself maintains an authentic aesthetics and an image of life with a fascinating taste even in the presence of a visible repair.
In the presence of a damage to the surface protection it is possible to operate by applying the restoration techniques typical of wood, with the use also of the specific stucco combined with pigments used in a manner coherent with the surrounding mottled surface, also using different shades of gray as a brush to create nuances of color as similar as possible to the original material and mixing Non Cement cement powder with vinyl glue as you would do with sawdust in the case of wood repair. Once the mass has been reconstructed and the most suitable chromatic effect has been created, fix the repair using the specific transparent protection branded Concreo and Conclad. Depending on the taste, the road can also be chosen to maintain the damage very evident without repairing it, simply by applying the base color impregnating agent and the transparent protection, both Concreo Conclad brand products, leaving the material with a pleasant chipped concrete appearance, often even wanted by the designers.
Given the nature of the material, if there are no particular alterations due to accidental events, the aging of the Cemento Non Cemento panels does not lead to structural alterations whereas on the contrary it can give the material an extremely pleasant image of experience.
The components used for the production of Cemento Non Cemento are all excluded from any list of dangerous substances, the emissions in the environment are absolutely free of any toxicity, and even the nature of the material contributes to a balance of air humidity levels, contributing to make the surrounding environment healthier and more comfortable.
It’s possible. As with any concrete wall, if a base or protection is not applied to the base, a halo can be created over time if in contact with moisture. Stressing that the type of cement coating is aesthetically consistent with the presence of halos, the choice of protecting or not protecting the panel, for example by keeping it detached from the floor and / or treating it with a protective and waterproofing paint and / or by applying a plinth, remains with complete discretion of the customer based on his personal aesthetic preferences, also bearing in mind that the material itself is very well matched to any other material that would be used as protection: from wood, raw or lacquered to shiny or rusty metals, aluminum, bronze etc. creating extremely pleasant combinations with other furnishing elements in the context in which it is installed.
Cemento Non Cemento is very easy to pierce with a nail and has an excellent seal. Obviously it cannot carry on itself a load-bearing function for heavy objects. For these it is necessary to provide supports that pass the panel to anchor themselves on the wall or on the rear frame, which must bear the load.