FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions: Everything you need to know about Carocim Cement Tiles

Welcome to the Carocim House FAQ page. With over 40 years of expertise, we've compiled the most common questions from our customers, both individuals and professionals. Whether you're wondering about the handcrafted manufacturing process, delivery options, or the technical details of installation and maintenance, you'll find a clear and expert answer here.

1. The Product and Handcrafted Production

What makes up a real cement tile?
A cement tile is an unfired product. It is composed solely of mineral powders: cement (white, grey or black), marble powder, sand (fine and coarse) and natural pigments for the coloured layer (the "beautiful face").

Why are there color variations between the tiles?
This is the hallmark of "handmade." Our tiles are crafted one by one. The natural pigments can react slightly differently depending on the batch and drying conditions, which vary according to the season. These nuances create the vibrancy and beauty of a living floor, unlike uniform, mass-produced imitations.

What is the thickness of your tiles?
We offer two standard thicknesses. The 16 mm is our original format, ideal for floors due to its robustness. The 10 mm is lighter, designed specifically for wall installation (backsplashes, bathrooms).

Are your tiles rectified?
No, because they are manually demolded. They may have very slight dimensional variations on the order of a millimeter. We therefore recommend a thin gasket to compensate for these handcrafted tolerances.

What is "faïençage" or hair?
Occasionally, micro-cracks (called hairlines) may appear on the surface. This is not a structural defect, but a characteristic of the cement as it "dries" and "strets." This does not affect the tile's strength.

Can I order samples?
Yes, we strongly encourage you to order samples through our website to confirm the colors and feel the velvety texture of our cement tiles before starting your project. The cost of the samples will be deducted from future orders.

2. Ordering, Stock and Delivery

Do you have stock or do we need to order?
Maison Carocim maintains a large stock of our flagship products (plain and patterned) in Aix-en-Provence. For special orders or large quantities, we launch dedicated production.

What are the delivery times?
For in-stock items, preparation and shipping typically take 5 to 10 business days. For made-to-order items, please allow 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and the workshop's schedule.

Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship our cement tiles worldwide. Shipping costs are calculated based on weight and destination.

How are the tiles packaged?
Our tiles are packed in reinforced cartons, which are themselves packed on film-wrapped and secured pallets to withstand road or sea transport.

What to do in case of damage upon delivery?
Although rare, breakage is possible. It is essential to check the goods in the presence of the driver, especially if you notice a dented corner. If you find any damage, you must make specific reservations on the delivery note and contact us within 48 hours with photos.

Can I return my order?
In accordance with the law, you have a 14-day withdrawal period for standard products in stock. Custom or personalized orders are neither returnable nor exchangeable.

3. Installation: Technical Rules

On what type of surface can cement tiles be laid?
The substrate must be a perfectly dry cement screed (wait a minimum of 3 weeks for a new screed to dry), flat (do not hesitate to level if in doubt), clean and solid.

Should the tiles be wetted before installation?
No, never! Unlike terracotta, cement tiles are laid dry. Immersing them would cause mineral salts to rise to the surface and create stains (efflorescence) that are difficult to remove. See our dedicated installation pages.

What type of glue should I use?
We recommend using a high-quality, flexible tile adhesive suitable for small formats and compatible with natural stone. See our dedicated installation pages.

Is the double-gluing technique mandatory?
Yes. You must apply adhesive to both the substrate (the floor) and the back of the tile (spreading it evenly), ideally in a crisscross pattern. This ensures perfect adhesion and prevents hollow sounds or future breakage. See our dedicated installation pages.

What joint width do you recommend?
We recommend a very thin joint, 1 to 2 mm maximum, to respect the aesthetics of the pattern, especially for carpets or friezes.

What color sealant should I choose?
We have a whole range of proven effective and coloured grouts, which allows you to harmonize the grout and the tiles, or to create an additional effect in your combinations.

Are the tiles compatible with underfloor heating?
Yes, cement is an excellent thermal conductor with good thermal inertia. Installation must be done with an adhesive and flexible joints ("Flex") designed to accommodate thermal expansion.

Can the tiles be sanded after installation?
This is generally unnecessary if the installation is done correctly (tiles are level). Very light sanding with fine (120 grit) wet sandpaper can be done locally to correct slight unevenness, but be careful not to damage the colored layer. A general pass with a floor scrubber can also be an excellent way to revive an old cement tile floor.

4. Treatment and Protection

Why is it necessary to treat cement tiles?
Cement is naturally porous. Without treatment, it would absorb water, grease, and stains (wine, coffee). The treatment saturates the pores to make the tile waterproof. Furthermore, cement is composed of limestone, making it susceptible to damage from acids (vinegar, lemon, limescale remover, etc.). The pore sealer also helps to delay the effects of these products until you rinse thoroughly with water.

When to apply the treatment?
The treatment must be applied in two coats. The first coat should be applied before installation, after washing and allowing the tiles to dry. The second coat should be applied to a perfectly dry and clean floor, after the adhesive and grout have fully cured. See our dedicated treatment pages.

Which product should I use for protection?
We recommend applying a water- and oil-repellent sealant (such as Fila MP90). It provides deep protection without forming a surface film, allowing the material to breathe. You can find all our cleaning and treatment products online or in store.

Does the treatment change the color of the tile?
A good water repellent is invisible and does not alter the matte appearance of the tile. On the contrary, you can subtly enhance the contrasts and create a satin finish (wet look) by choosing a specific version of our water repellents or by selecting an additional wax that will give a wet effect.

How often should the treatment be repeated?
The water-repellent impregnation is long-lasting (5 to 10 years depending on location and use). You'll know the treatment needs reapplying if water no longer beads on the tile's surface. The finishing wax, on the other hand, can be reapplied once a year in high-traffic areas. It's also worth noting that over time, the pores of cement tiles tend to become naturally clogged with rubber from shoes. This is the secret to their longevity in older buildings…

5. Daily Maintenance

How do I clean my cement tiles on a daily basis?
Maintenance is simple: dampen the mop with clean water and a pH-neutral soap (liquid Marseille soap or a mild cleaner like Cleaner Pro). Black soap also works very well, provided it's used in the correct proportions. See our dedicated maintenance pages.

Can I use bleach or vinegar?
No! That's the golden rule. Never use acidic (vinegar, limescale remover) or aggressive (bleach) products that would attack the limescale on the tile and leave permanent matte marks.

Is black soap recommended?
Black soap is traditional but greasy. If used incorrectly or not rinsed properly, it can leave a greasy film that will eventually clog the tiles. We prefer modern, neutral cleaners that leave no residue.

How to remove a stubborn stain?
If the tile is treated, the stain should come off with a sponge. If a stain persists (acid, grease), you can very gently sand the area locally with very fine-grit sandpaper (120 or higher) and water, then treat the area again.

Do the tiles scratch?
Like natural stone or marble, cement can be scratched by chairs being dragged or by gravel. This wear and tear creates the patina. To minimize scratches, protect furniture legs with felt pads. For superficial scratches, you can sand them with very fine sandpaper and water, just as you would for stains.

6. Specific Uses

Can cement tiles be installed in a shower?
Yes, absolutely. The tile must be treated with a high-quality water repellent. For the shower floor, be careful of slipperiness: cement tiles are smooth once treated.

Can they be placed as a kitchen backsplash behind the cooktop?
Yes. They are very heat resistant. The oil-repellent treatment is essential in this area to protect against cooking grease splashes.

Q33: Are cement tiles suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, for terraces or patios. They must be laid with a slope for drainage to prevent standing water. In areas prone to frost, it is essential to apply a sealant to prevent water from freezing inside the tile, which could cause it to crack. For sunny spots, you can choose to let the tiles develop a natural patina (be aware that dark and bright colors patinate more quickly than others) or treat them with our UV-resistant sealants to improve color longevity.

Q34: Can they be placed behind a wood stove?
Yes, cement resists heat and the inertia of the material will even allow the heat to be diffused gently.

Q35: Do you renovate old floors?
Yes, Carocim has expertise in restoration. We can perfectly reproduce antique patterns to complement or renovate an existing floor. See our dedicated renovation page.