GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. Where can I buy your products?
Our products are found at more than 400 retailers specializing in the sale of ceramics and wood floors. Write us an email to know the nearest retailer.

2. I am a consumer. Can I buy directly from Impex?
No. Impex products are sold only through our network of 400 retailers. Write us an email to know the nearest retailer.

3. I am a consumer and would like to visit your showroom. Is it possible?
Yes. If you wish to visit us, it will be our pleasure to advise you.

4. I do not know how to install your products. Do you have installation guides?
The installation guides for all products can be found on the website: www.impexstones.com.

5. Does Impex offer an installation service?
No. Impex does not offer an installation service. The retailer from whom you purchased the product can be of great help to you. Impex offers regular training to retailers. Ask about the dates of the next training.

6. Can I stick your products on a plywood?
No. Plywood reacts to moisture. Regardless of the glue used, the stone could peel off the wall.

7. Why does the National Building Code and CSA A371 require the installation of a wire mesh when installing stone?
You will understand that Impex does not write the construction standards. However, installing a mortar-filled wire mesh on a gypsum wall will protect your wall in case of water infiltration.

8. If I install lightweight Duroc type concrete panels, should I still install a wire mesh?
Section 10.5.1 of CSA A371-04 "Building Masonry" states that galvanized metal lathing must be installed on any load bearing structure other than a masonry product or concrete. Since a fiber cement board is not considered a masonry product or concrete, it is important to install a metal batten at this stage. This must be securely attached to the support.

9. Pieces are broken in the boxes. What do I do?
It is extremely rare that this happens when the boxes are handled correctly. Use the broken stones for the cuts.

10. On what type of surface can I stick your products?
The surface must be porous, clean, even, free of dust, dirt, oil, soot, wax, mildew, powder, or flaking, etc. All installations must conform to applicable standards.

11. What percentage of loss do I have to calculate to make sure I have enough merchandise?
Depending on the complexity of the project, provide for between 5% and 10%.

12. What is the source of your products?
Our products come from all over the world.

13. How should I apply the adhesive mortar?
Unless otherwise noted, Impex products install in double bonding. That is to say we must apply glue behind the stone and on the wall. Preferably, the mortar is applied to the wall with a straight trowel and behind the stone with a trowel 3/8 - 3/8 (external stones require a ½-½ trowel). It is very important to apply the adhesive mortar in horizontal lines. At no time should the spot or rainbow glue mortar be applied. It is not a laying technique recognized by the industry.

 

INTERIOR NATURAL AND DECORATIVE STONES 

1. I bought a marble stone. What mortar glue should I use?
Since marble stones are very porous, they must be installed with white LTC adhesive mortar. The use of a gray glue mortar will stain the stone without any means of repair.

2. How many square feet does a LTC glue mortar bag cover?
A bag covers between 40 and 50 square feet with a 3/8-3/8 trowel and between 20 and 30 square feet with a ½-½ trowel.

3. I bought stones and corners. I do not know where to start the installation.
We must start the installation from the corners and then install the stones.

4. I feel like a pro this morning. I think I can put my stone at least 8 feet high in my day. May I?
No. Stone is not a ceramic. You must install a maximum of 4 feet high per day so that the mortar can stick properly.

5. I know that there are glue mortars that dry faster than others. In this case, can I install more than 4 feet high per day?
No. All glue mortars that dry faster will shrink when drying. This shrinkage could split the stones. We recommend using LTC adhesive mortar which has been specially formulated for our stones. Avoid sources of problems and use the LTC.

6. My installer has installed stones that appear to be defective. What can I do?
As mentioned in the warranty and in the Installation Guides, an installed stone is a stone accepted by the installer and the consumer; even if the latter is absent during installation. The best way to avoid this situation is to take the products out of the boxes yourself to mix the pieces and create the desired effect.
However, do not hesitate to contact our customer service. We will be happy to advise you.

7. There are variations in the color of the stone between the sample panel and the one I just received. What is the reason?
The main characteristic of natural stone is ... it is natural. It is a product of nature, both unique and of great aesthetic value, which is characterized by distinctive variations in hue and color. These natural variations are not flaws but are part of the natural beauty and uniqueness of the stone.

 

EXTERIOR NATURAL STONES

1. I want to install stone on the outside. What mortar glue should I use?
The only exterior adhesive mortar is Mason Bond. Always use it in double bonding, with a straight trowel on the wall and a ½-½ trowel behind the stone.

2. How many square feet does a Mason Bond bag cover?
A Mason Bond bag covers between 20 and 30 square feet with a ½-½ trowel.

3. For Halifax Stone, how can I fill the spaces between the stones?
For Halifax stone, apply Mason Bond mortar with a straight trowel behind the stone, while making sure that the mortar penetrates between the joints. Apply Mason Bond Mortar to the wall with a 1 / 2-1 / 2 trowel.

 

Retailers designers and architects

1. I am an authorized retailer and would like access to the order section of the website. How can I proceed?
Very simple. Contact Jean-François Dufour at 450-973-1732.

2. I am a general contractor and I would like to buy your products. Can I buy directly from Impex?
No. You must go through an authorized dealer. Please contact us for the nearest retailer.

3. I am an architect and I would like to buy your products. Can I buy directly from Impex?
No. You must go through an authorized dealer. Please contact us for the nearest retailer.

4. I am a designer and I would like to buy your products. Can I buy directly from Impex?
No. You must go through an authorized dealer. Please contact us for the nearest retailer.

5. I would like to have access to your product data sheets. How can I get them?
Data sheets in pdf format are available in the Documentation section of our website: www.impexstones.com.

 

CONCRETE PRODUCTS

1. Which adhesion product should I use to glue the concrete products?
For all products except Vivaldi, always use LCT adhesive mortar (gray or white) in double bonding  with a 1 / 2-1 / 2 trowel. For Vivaldi products, use SikaBond glue. Apply 8 SikaBond glue buttons behind the board.

 

BRICK VENEER

1. Which adhesion product should I use to glue the briquettes?
Always use LCT adhesive mortar (gray or white) in double bonding with a straight trowel behind the briquette and 3/8 on the wall. SikaBond glue can also be used. Apply 2 buttons of SikaBond glue behind the briquette and stick to the wall.

2. I have broken pieces in my box. What can I do?
Briquettes must be cut on each row. Use these briquettes for cuts. To avoid unpleasant situations, 4-6 additional briquettes are already included in the boxes.

3. Old Bank and St-Charles briquettes seem old and dirty and some are broken. Is this normal?
Old Bank and St-Charles briquettes are clay bricks that have been harvested from old houses. It is normal for these briquettes to bear the marks of time and installing broken briquettes will bring realism to your decor.

4. I took possession of my merchandise and I have LTC glue mortar bags and King 1-1-6 mortar bags. What is the difference between these two mortars?
LTC adhesive mortar (white or gray) is used to glue the briquette on the wall. Mortar 1-1-6 is used to make the joints between the briquettes. CAUTION: 1-1-6 mortar does not act as ceramic grout. It must be applied with a mortar cone between the briquettes and not on the briquettes.

5. I mixed the mortar 1-1-6 according to the manufacturer's recommendations and I cannot get it out of the cone. Is this normal?
Yes. You mixed the mortar perfectly. The trick is to put a single drop of clear dish soap and remix the mortar. It will come out easily from the cone. You can see this procedure in the installation video of the briquette.

6. I am an experienced bricklayer and I usually wash bricks with acid to remove mortar stains. Can I use this technique with your briquettes?
No. Briquettes are a decorative element and should never be washed with acid or water. The joints must be done in a clean way using the mortar cone. If mortar gets on the briquettes, wait 20 minutes and wipe with a dry cloth.

7. I would like to use a ceramic grout to make the joints. Is it a good idea?
No. It's actually a very bad idea. A ceramic grout, by its name, is designed for ceramics. Mortar 1-1-6 is the only mortar that should be used for briquette joints.

8. What is the ideal width of the joints between the briquettes?
The ideal width is 3/8 to 1/4 maximum.

 

AUSTRALIA AND EUROPA LEATHER TILES

1. The back of the tiles does not seem porous. What can I do?
Indeed, the back is not porous. You must use a medium sandpaper on the back so SikaBond glue can work properly. Apply 5 to 6 buttons behind the tile and stick to the wall.

 

CUSTOM-MADE LEATHER TILES

1. How should I stick the tiles to the wall?
Apply 5 to 6 SikaBond buttons behind the tile (18 x 32 tile) and stick to the wall. Adjust the number of buttons according to the format of the tile.

2. How should I place my order?
If you are a consumer, you must contact your retailer. If you are a retailer, you must contact your representative and fill out a form designed for this purpose. Allow 2 weeks for delivery.

3. Are the dimensions of the custom tiles accurate?
Yes. The tiles are cut with CNC machines.

 

ORBIT METAL TILES

1. How should I stick the Orbit tiles to the wall?
Durapro AC0055 adhesive is to be used in single bonding with a 3/16 V trowel. The adhesive should be applied behind the tile. Leave 2 cm without glue on all 4 sides.

2. Do you have other formats than 24 x 24 tiles?
Yes. We can provide tiles up to a size of 4 by 8 feet. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery.

 

TUILES DE MÉTAL ORBIT

1. De quelle façon je dois coller les tuiles Orbit au mur ? 
La colle Durapro AC0055 doit être utilisée en simple encollage avec une truelle 3/16 en V. La colle doit être appliquée derrière la tuile. Laisser 2 cm sans colle sur les 4 côtés. 

2. Est-ce que vous avez d’autres formats que les tuiles 24 x 24 ? 
Oui. Nous pouvons vous fournir des tuiles jusqu’à un format de 4 par 8 pieds. Prévoir 2 à 3 semaines pour la livraison. 

 

LAMSTONE

1. How should I stick the Lamstone to the wall?
Durapro AC0055 adhesive is to be used in double bonding. The glue should be applied behind the tile with a straight trowel and on the wall with a 3/16 V trowel. The trowel marks on the wall should be horizontal to ensure that air is removed behind the panel. The rainbow application technique is not recognized because it will be impossible to evacuate the air that is found between the panel and the wall.

2. What formats are available?
The two sizes are: 60cm x 120cm (approximately 24 inches by 48 inches) and 100cm x 200cm (approximately 40 inches by 80 inches).

3. How should I prepare to install translucent Lamstone?
For your translucent Lamstone applications, we invite you to contact customer service who will answer all your questions.

4. I would like to install the Lamstone around a fireplace. Are there any limitations?
Yes. The fireplace capacity must not exceed 40,000 BTU’s.

5. I have bubbles that form over my fireplace. What is this phenomenon?
At the time of installation, the air between the Lamstone and the wall was not properly removed.

DECORATIVE PANELS

1. What colors are available?
There are 4 colors available: Pure Cream, Ebony Black, Sumptuous Gray and Antique Bronze.

2. I would like to buy panels of a color that is not offered. Is it possible?
Yes, it's possible. Ask your retailer. He will help you in your choice.

3. What is the difference between the decorative panel kit and the custom leather tiles?
The decorative panel kit consists of a box that contains 4 x 12 x 32 panels, a template for installation, screws and dowels. As for Custom Leather, you decide on the size of your tiles, the material, the color and the finish.