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National Tile Contractors Association www.tileletter.com August 2015 ON THE COVER LATICRETE International Inc. Harvard Law for the 21st century Wasserstein Hall Caspersen Student Center and Clinical Wing Project AD Guest Theory or practice Real-world sustainability experience from AD professionals Sustainability Feature The January 2015 deadline for HPDs did we survive GREEN the issue MAPEI is serving up something lite and NEW Keyword MAPEI Americas Premium Highly Deformable Lightweight Thin-Tile Mortar with Polymer Polymer-enriched for high performance and deformability Extended coverage formula for most types and sizes of thin tiles 25-lb. 113-kg bag provides the same coverage as a 50-lb. 227-kg bag of a standard polymer-modified mortar Superior transfer promotes full coverage for tile panels Excellent wet-out characteristics promote bonding MAPEI Ultralite S2 simplifying the... Installation challenges of large-format thin tiles Transportation of products Ease of application and so much more. news you need to know Dedicated to education and industry service Feature Story 36 In this issue... 54 Qualied Labor ACT certication enriches Neuses superintendents abilities By Terryn Rutford Social Structure Marketing 66 AD Guest Theory or practice Real-world sustainability experience from AD professionals By Lesley Goddin 82 Sustainability Feature The January 2015 deadline for HPDs did we survive By Bill Griese LEED AP BDC Tile Council of North America feature story LATICRETE International Inc. Harvard Law for the 21st century Wasserstein Hall Caspersen Student Center and Clinical Wing Project By Art Mintie CSI CDT LATICRETE technical Services director and Tanja Kern tileletter.com ONLINE NOW 66 44 66 60 August 2015 2 TileLetter August 2015 Its easy to cut and install whether youre using it for walls ceilings oors or countertops. Diamondback GlasRoc Tile Backer meets the demands of all high moisture areas gripping tiles to prevent slippage during installation it goes on easy and it stays on. get a grip. Diamondbacks unique texture grips tiles to prevent slippage during installation Tile Backer 800-233-8990 certainteed.com ROOFING SIDING TRIM DECKING RAILING FENCE GYPSUM CEILINGS INSULATION THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL TILE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION BART A. BETTIGA publisher barttile-assn.com LESLEY A. GODDIN editor lesleytile-assn.com MICHELLE CHAPMAN art director advertising sales michelletile-assn.com MARY SHAW-OLSON advertising sales marytile-assn.com Mailing Address P.O. Box 13629 Jackson MS 39236 U.S.A. Shipping Address 626 Lakeland East Drive Jackson MS 39232 Tel 601-939-2071 Fax 601-932-6117 Website www.tileletter.com www.tile-assn.com Departments 6 Welcome new members 8 NTCA Tile Stone Workshops 12 Editors letter 16 Presidents letter 20 Ask the Experts Sponsored by LATICRETE International Inc. 28 Business Tip Creating a sustainable culture for your business By Wally Adamchik president FireStarter Speaking and Consulting Sponsored by MAPEI Corporation 44 Member Spotlight Hawthorne Tile Sponsored by Custom Building Products 60 Tech Talk Encountering steel trowel-nished concrete oors that do not have a ne broom nish By Tom D. Lynch CSI Sponsored by TEC H.B. Fuller Construction Products 90 NTCA Benets Box NTCA Reference Manual 92 Workshop News 98 Faces in the News 98 Industry News 104 New Products 114 Advertisers Index The National Tile Contractors Association Inc. is an equal opportunity association and seeks to include qualied individuals and businesses in all phases of its activities. The National Tile Contractors Association Inc. does not discrimi- nate on the basis of race color religion age sex sexual orientation national origin veteran status or disability. The National Tile Contractors Association Inc. seeks opportunities to include these groups in its programs and activities. TileLetter is a free subscription to the tile stone and allied products industries. To subscribe visit www.tileletter.com - click on Advertisers Subscribers - click on Subscribe. To make address changes or unsubscribe please send an email to webmastertile-assn.com. TILELETTER EDITORIAL POLICY TileLetter is the ofcial publication of the National Tile Contractors Association Inc. NTCA. TileLetter provides a medium for expressing views and opinions without approving disapproving or guaranteeing the validity or accuracy of any data claim or opinion appearing under a byline or obtained or quoted from an acknowledged source. Statements of fact and opinion are made on the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion or reect the ofcial position of NTCA. NTCA would not be possible with- out the dedicated service of our board and committee members and regional and state directors. Meet these dedicated volunteers by visit- ing www.tile-assn.com and clicking on About Us. You can also nd infor- mation and a continually updated list of Five Star Contractors at www. tile-assn.com click on Find a Tile Contractor or Consultant. 4 TileLetter August 2015 Create dramatic spaces built on the power of Summerville and other fashion-forward design options from Marazzi. PHOTO FEATURES SUMMERVILLE IN CHAMPAGNE 12 X 24. 2015 DAL-TILE CORPORATION A DIVISION OF MOHAWK INDUSTRIES M A R A Z Z I T I L E . C O M These members recently joined NTCA Please take the opportunity to welcome those in your region to the NTCA family WELCOME NEW MEMBERS CONTRACTOR MEMBERS All American Design and Construction Karl Parker 505-463-7630 Albuquerque NM kpaadnc.com Artisan Tile Mosaic Kirk Gruber 360-275-0352 Belfair WA artisantileandmosaicgmail.com Fantasy Tile Justin Howell 410-829-1589 Grasonville MD fantasytile1985gmail.com Heritage Tile Co. LLC Mark Nichols 615-456-7663 Pleasant View TN heritagetilecollcgmail.com Joes Tile and Stone Joe Garofalo 865-318-9362 Maryville TN joestileandstonegmail.com Lofthouse Tile Mosaic Randy Lofthouse 812-604-2171 Newburgh IN randylofthousetile.com Moser Construction Kevin Moser 406-690-1718 Billings MT moser.constructionyahoo.com NW Flooring Solutions Tim Buller 360-253-9878 Vancouver WA timbnwflooringsolutions.com On All Floors LLC P. Joseph Dantro III 717-855-5588 York PA onallfloorsyorkhotmail.com Paterson Contract LLC Joseph Paterson 425-501-2042 Everett WA jgpatersongmail.com Terrible Tile LLC Frank Granata 412-973-2668 Etna PA terribletilegmail.com The Flooring Dept. Latonya Padilla 505-688-8343 Albuquerque NM theflooringdepartmentgmail.com Tile Lines Dorrell Helbling 253-872-0449 Kent WA infotilelines.com Wagners Flooring Jeremy Wagner 423-298-6095 6 TileLetter August 2015 Cleveland TN wagnersflooring06yahoo.com Wilkerson Tile Co. Inc. Richard Wilkerson 423-842-6464 Hixson TN richard_tilecomcast.net Zickel Flooring Bob Huesgen 636-343-8663 Fenton MO bob.huesgenzickel.com DISTRIBUTOR MEMBERS Centura Montreal Bryan Morin 514-796-0185 St-Laurent Quebec bmorincentura.info PTX Group Inc. Edmund Biec 905-364-2567 Mississauga Ontario infoperfectlevelmaster.com MANUFACTURER MEMBERS CMP Specialty Patrick Mullins 267-522-8000 Bensalem PA patrickmcmpsp.com Musselbound LLC Terry Jones 844-624-6464 Brewster MA tjonesmusselbound.com For information about joining NTCA visit the website at www.tile-assn. com contact Jim Olson at 601-939-2071 or email him at jimtile-assn.com. Bostik Ceramics of Italy Coverings Crossville CTDA Custom Building Products Daltile Florida Tile Florim USA LATICRETE MAPEI NTCA Schluter Systems StonePeak Ceramics TCNA TEC Tile of Spain American Olean CertainTeed Marazzi USG www.tilecareer.com Signature Sponsors Platinum Sponsors CTEF Certied Tile Installers The ONLY Tile Installer Certication recognized by the tile industry TileLetter August 2015 7 NTCA Tile Stone Workshops presented by Gerald Sloan Michael Whistler NTCA Tile StoneNTCA Tile StoneNTCA Tile StoneNTCA Tile StoneNTCA Tile StoneNTCA Tile Stone WorkshopsWorkshopsWorkshopsWorkshopsWorkshopsWorkshopsWorkshopsWorkshops presented by Gerald Sloan Michael Whistler NTCAs Tile Stone Workshops are a great opportunity to stay abreast of the latest techniques and systems for tile and stone installation. Workshops now include information on the many changes in the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic Glass and StoneTile Installation live demonstrations and an open forum at every event. Visit www.tile-assn.com for a workshop schedule or check each issue of TileLetter for upcoming events in your area. 2015 NTCA Tile Stone Workshops SEPTEMBER 15 Daltile 345 South River Run Road Flagstaff AZ 928-556-0583 Shawn Tipton shawn.tiptondaltile.com Daltile 214-A East JJ Drive Greensboro NC 336-274-7647 Sid Fields sid.fieldsdaltile.com SEPTEMBER 16 MarazziAmerican Olean 2115 S. 11th Ave. Suite 170 Phoenix AZ 602-253-5551 Joey Schipper jschippermarazzitile.com Daltile 400 Innovation Ave. Morrisville NC 919-544-1000 Bobby Radcliffe bobby.radcliffedaltile.com SEPTEMBER 17 MarazziAmerican Olean 1861 W. Grant Road Suite 109 Tucson AZ 520-623-4411 Joe Cisneros American Olean 70-A Weathers Street Youngsville NC 919-556-6120 Tony Carr tony_carramericanolean.com OCTOBER 6 Daltile 4000-A Royal Drive NW Kennesaw GA 770-528-1145 Chris Schmidt chris.schmidtdaltile.com OCTOBER 7 Daltile 1441 Ellsworth Ind. Blvd. NW Atlanta GA 404-355-0158 Katie Roberts katie.robertsdaltile.com 8 TileLetter August 2015 OCTOBER 8 Daltile 75 Brookfield Oaks Dr 400 Greenville SC 864-288-2090 Robert Bowen robert.bowendaltile.com OCTOBER 13 Daltile 1358 South 400 E Suite1 St George UT 435-634-9777 Daniel Logue daniel.loguedaltile.com OCTOBER 14 Daltile 701 N 1200 West Orem UT 801-226-2170 Dora Rogers dora.rogersdaltile.com OCTOBER 15 Marazzi 2940 South 300 West Unit E Salt Lake City UT 801-475-8453 Michael Kelsch mkelschmarazzitile.com NTCA Workshops are subject to change. Visit www.tile-assn.com for up-to-date information. Thank you for your sponsorship of the NTCA Tile Stone Workshops. www.usg.com TileLetter August 2015 9 www.vanhearron.com www.suntouch.com www.uofcts.org www.tecspecialty.com Thank you for your sponsorship of the NTCA Tile Stone Workshops. www.texrite.com us.wedi.de 10 TileLetter August 2015 2015 Dal-Tile Corporation A Division of Mohawk Industries Photo features Fusion Cotto in Cotto 18 x 18. PROVEN IN TILE American Oleans nod to the enviable European look comes to life through Fusion Cotto. Fusing old-world cotto with contemporary concrete Fusion Cotto is as relevant to residential interiors as it is to commercial spaces. Learn more at americanolean.com. Is there anyone among you whose business is not touched by sus- tainable practices in some form Recycling office waste and paper purchasing products in containers with recycled content selecting tile and setting materials that are Green Squared Certified following LEED parameters in the content manu- facturing and sourcing of products to obtain a Silver Gold or Platinum certification or adhering to Green Globes parameters all of which helps safeguard the resources of our planet and the quality of our envi- ronment The importance of sustainability isnt going anywhere but up. At its foundation is a conscious responsi- ble use of natural resources in a way that helps and does not harm air land plants waterways and animals who live and breathe on this planet. But coming to this consciousness and acting on it is a learning curve. It wasnt so long ago that we would just throw things away before real- izing that on this closed system we call planet Earth there IS no away. Sustainable and eco-friendly practic- es started out being optional today more and more specs require imple- mentation of pro-environment prac- tices and product selections at every level of construction. And rightly so. In some ways its more challeng- ing than ever before with the ever- increasing transparency of EPDs and HPDs in LEED V4. And in some ways its easier to make eco- conscious choices with the broader range of responsible manufacturing processes being implemented by tile makers and Green Squared Certified tile and setting materials from which to choose. EDITORS LETTER Lesley A. Goddin Sustainability cant be like some sort of a moral sacrifice or political dilemma or a philanthropical cause. It has to be a design challenge Bjarke Ingels 12 TileLetter August 2015 MK-212 Professional Tile and Stone Saws MADE IN USA The MK-212 series offers the MK-212-4 with a 10 blade capacity length of cut 30 diagonal cut 24 and depth of cut 2. The MK-212-6 has a 12 blade capacity length of cut 72 diagonal cut 42 and depth of cut 3. Both blade guards accommodate a 10 profile wheel. The MK-212 is portable and lightweight and built with precision and accuracy. Phone 1.800.421.5830 mkdiamond.com 1 Brand Made in America Roller-bearing carriage runs on a stainless steel rail Plunge cut capability for scoring or cutting large tile 2 HP120 V Direct Drive Motor is fully enclosed Tilting Head allows easy and precise 22 and 45 miter cuts Optional Side Table provides support for larger tiles and stone Optional wheels makes transportation easy To wit we look at green issues from a number of angles in this issue. From an update on the sta- tus of HPD deadlines from TCNAs Bill Griese to an AD perspective from Anne Rue and Robin Wilson on incorporating sustainable prin- ciples and products into projects to a sampling of green materials in our New Product section to Wally Adamchicks original perspective on sustainability in your company from a people perspective we ven- ture a bit further into green waters with information we believe can help support your business and inform your decisions. God bless Lesley EDITORS LETTER A-5923-0715 2015 LATICRETE International Inc. All trademarks shown are the intellectual properties of their respective owners. For more information visit www.laticreteuniversity.com Industry and product information in short easy segments Train from the comfort of your home or ofce anytime Fast and easy to access listen and complete New E-Learning Program Quality Products Since 1927 Tile Setting Tools for the Professional Beno J. Gundlach Company 211 North 21st Street P.O. Box 544 Belleville IL 62222 U.S.A. TEL 618 233-1781 FAX 618 233-3636 www.benojgundlachco.com Horseshoe Tile Spacers Great for wall tile installations Ask your Gundlach Tool Distributor for our latest Product Catalog. 116 316 These Horseshoe Tile Spacers are preci- sion injection molded for accurate evenly spaced grout joints. Suitable for use with all types of tile installations regardless of tile thickness or layout pattern. The design makes them easy to grasp for placing and removing.They wont crush or compress in vertical installations of heavy large format tiles.The non-tapered design assures these spacers stay in place and wont be pushed out of wall tile installations. Mortar will not load up in these spacers like hollow backed spacers.They are color coded for easy size identificationandcanbereusedmanytimes. Available in bags of 100 each or bulk boxes of 500 each. Made in the U.S.A. Available in bags of 100 each or bulk boxes 14 TileLetter August 2015 A SINGLE GROUT THAT REFLECTS COLOR TO COMPLIMENT YOUR TILE Texrites newest technology in grouts EPOXYPLUS 372 Starbrite TM A commitment I made to you six months ago as part of my vision and goals for the NTCA was to grow our association both domestically and internationally. Although the NTCA is the largest labor organization in the industry we have plenty of room for growth in geographic footprint in membership numbers in depth of knowledge and in service to mem- bers and our communities. This type of growth will strengthen our indus- try as a whole because it will ensure that labor continues to have a mean- ingful voice in the important conver- sations that affect us all. One of our first efforts in realiz- ing growth is building partnerships with other tile labor organizations in regions where the NTCA is under- represented. It is vital that we reach out to new areas to ensure we repre- sent the varied interests of labor and that we have a strong pool of future leaders. This month the executive commit- tee is meeting with theTile and Stone Council of Northern California. Our agenda includes discussions on installation standards membership and ways we can work together in the future. These meetings will help introduce the NTCA to a region that we have not previously invested in developing membership. The NTCA has been invited to participate in a charity golf event that helps families facing terminal cancer. We will host a reception where we will provide additional information on our pro- grams and initiatives. We anticipate that many of the attendees will be union tile contractors although the NTCA does not ask any member if he or she is a member of a union nor do we restrict membership based on union affiliation. Our Membership Director Martin Brookes who is also the Regional Director out of San Francisco explained that if union members work with the NTCA other tile contractors in the area will likely follow. We have several international efforts underway as well. In February 2016 I will speak at Qualicer the XIVth World Congress on Tile Quality in Castelln Spain. Congress organizers graciously invited me to explain how and why tile contrac- tors have become such a major force in helping to develop standards for the installation of ceramic tile and stone in the United States. I will of course be sharing the benefits of NTCA membership and extending PRESIDENTS LETTER James Woelfel Growing The Voice of the Contractor 16 TileLetter August 2015 Manufacturing the best tile cutters and top professional solutions for contractors since 1951 httpswww.facebook.comClubRubiEnglish httpstwitter.comRubiTools_USA Follow us on www.rubi.com RUBI TOOLS USA INC. 10813 NW 30th St Suite 110 DORAL FL 33172. Tel. 1 305 715 9892 Fax. 1 305 715 9898 E-mail rubitools.usarubi.com membership invitations. As Australia moves into its fourth year of using the NTCA Reference Manual we are exploring ways of providing greater opportunities for their NTCA involvement. Educational workshops are already taking place in locations such as Trinidad and Tobago to serve members there. As membership grows in places like Canada and England we will look to expand our outreach. Working to grow our association also means that established mem- bers are important to our success by attending workshops and events to keep learning and by sharing ideas and concerns with your regional and national leadership. We share com- mon goals and only together can we continue to strengthen and grow the voice of the contractor. Respectfully James Woelfel NTCA president PRESIDENTS LETTER JJTILESHARK FLOORSTRIPPERM A D E I N A M E R I C A VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE edcoinc.com TS-8 MANUAL FLOOR STRIPPER EDCOs Push Electric Floor Stripper is designed to remove glued down soft-goodcoveringsfromafloorssurface NTCA presenter Gerald Sloan conducts installation workshops with NTCA mem- bers in Trinidad and Tobago. 18 TileLetter August 2015 Waterproof Period 8 0 0 6 3 3 - 4 6 2 2 w w w . n a c p r o d u c t s . c o m SubSeal is a ready-to-use elastomeric waterproofing membrane which also functions as a sealant stand alone crack suppressant and moisture barrier. Easily applied with a trowel brush roller or airless sprayer SubSeal has superior adhesion to the substrate and meets ANSI A118.10 and ANSI A118.12 for thin-bed load bearing waterproof membranes. functions as a sealant stand alone crack suppressant trowel brush roller or airless sprayer SubSeal has superior adhesion to the substrate and meets Liquid Waterproofing and Crack Supression Membrane Perfect solution for bathrooms kitchens exterior decks - areas where waterproofing and crack suppression are needed available in 1 or 5 gallon sizes ASK THE EXPERTS QUESTION I was referred to you through my tile supplier. I am a general contractor and I would like to ask you a question regarding a former project of mine. I took on a tile job for a person in an electric wheelchair. The chair weighs several hundred pounds plus the amount of the person probably 170 lbs-180 lbs. Before I started the old tile in her hall kitchen and entryway had broken resulting in loose tiles. She had told me that her wheelchair was the cause of the damage. Those tiles were 12 x 12 installed long ago. She wanted new tile installed throughout the house. I installed 18 x 18 ceramic tiles. I used flexible thinset and 14 cement board. I staggered the board and used screws in the correct sequence as recommended by the manufacturers instructions. The joists are 24 center. Expansion joints were used throughout. I have installed many jobs with these specs in the past without any issue whatsoever. The customer has said some of the tiles have loosened and the grout is cracking. I suspect this is due to the wheel- chair which is of course out of my control. I am looking for your opinion if you can share it with me based on this information. ANSWER There is no industry method for 14 backer over 24 centers. I understand it is done often and if all the stars are aligned and every- thing done correctly it might work. However with a rolling wheel load extra precautions would be required. The PSI of a wheel is much greater than normal foot traffic. The deflection between 24 centers is too great. Flexible thin- set doesnt compensate for lack of a supporting structure. You need another layer of plywood at a mini- mum and I would consider some bridging as well to stabilize the trussjoist. David M. Gobis CTC CSI Ceramic Tile Consultant QUESTION Ive been setting tile on and off for the past 11 years and it wasnt several years after getting started that I learned about the importance of using expansion joints in tile. Thats thanks to working under Mike Hearn one of the few Certified Tile Installers in Atlanta Ga. Id like to get your opinion on one project. I just moved to Guayaquil Sponsored by 20 TileLetter August 2015 coverings.com Chicago April18-21 2O16 You Belong Here Ecuador with my wife to be closer to her family. My father-in-law is in the final stages of building a house here where all the flooring and bathrooms are tile. They are nearly finished installing 24 x 24 recti- fied porcelain upstairs and 24 x 24 non-rectified porcelain down- stairs. Each level is approximately 1000 s.f. and is tiled continuously throughout the entire floor. On the rectified tile the joint looks like maybe 132 and on the non-rectified it looks like about 116. I emphasized to my father- in-law on several occasions the importance of expansion joints. Ive even pointed out how you can see them used here in malls and many commercial applications. Well they did not use any and they grouted in hard around the perimeter. The subfloor is concrete and the walls are concrete as well. The first thing he said when I walked in was that he checked on it and because here the temperature variations are minimal there was no need for expansion joints. This is frustrating because they could have at least left a gap around the perimeter without any aesthetic change since it will be covered by base. So I did some research on temperature variations here in Guayaquil. The average monthly temperature variation is only 5 degrees Fahrenheit thats the dif- ference between the lowest aver- age monthly temperature and the PLASMA is a revolutionary professional-grade grout that is ready-to-use no mixing required. Built on a new patent-pending technology platform it pro- vides unmatched early strength development ease of workabil- ity and superior stain resistance that does not require sealing. Equipped with anti-microbial technology PLASMA provides a uniform color no blotchi- ness or shading. Its UV-stable and is available in 20 popular LATICRETE grout colors as well as a translucent option for more design possibilities. PLASMA is backed by a LATICETE 25 Year System Warranty. www.laticrete.com ASK THE EXPERTS 22 TileLetter August 2015 30 years in floor heating electronic controls Thousands of installations Above- and below-floor solutions for new and retrofit projects Thermostat options with programmable touchscreens and remote access 25-year warranty for WarmWire whether used with SunTouch or other manufacturers membranes electric floor heating snow melting SunTouch.com Innovators in electric floor heating A Watts Water Technologies Company Rely on our experience and broad product selection to make your next floor heating installation a success Go with the experts Extensive product line Feature-rich controls Flexible installation highest average monthly tempera- ture. The average daily variation and also the max from day to night is 16 degrees Fahrenheit. The only thing I could think to do about it now would be to cut out expansion joints around the perim- eter of the rooms but Id like to get your opinion before I confront my father-in-law. I know in the end this is his problem but having worked in the industry I hate to see so much money invested into projects that will likely fail prematurely. ANSWER I had an argument like this on a project in Hawaii. They said the other projects had been in more than 20 years with no problems and chose to not use soft joints. A few years later one of those proj- ects lost bond. Temperate climates are helpful but Soils do move Tile gains size long term with moisture absorption from the slab and cleaning. Sun exposure creates unequal thermal mass. Large tile has a fraction of the grout joints smaller tile does. Compression strength of grout is maybe 1500 lbs to 3000 lbs. Compression strength of tile later- ally is 25000 lbs 30000 lbs. Big tile fewer sacrificial grout joints. My experience is if you have a 12 x 12 and a 24 x 24 in the same installation like a bor- der the 24 will go first. I see this a lot on malls where they have a fair amount of footage to observe. Small joints or butt joints have nearly no buffer of sacrificial grout. Based on temperature range alone this is likely not a prob- lem. But everything in a building moves and it all moves at different rates. My opinion would be this is low risk not no risk unless it is wet soil and sunny then raise it a few notches. The picture attached shows the different temperature early in the morning on a floor that received sun exposure yel- low and the shaded area purple. I have been down to Mexico a half dozen times in recent years in the Southern part of the country for bond loss due to expansion issues. David M. Gobis CTC CSI Ceramic Tile Consultant This picture shows the different tempera- tures early in the morning on a floor that received sun exposure yellow and the shaded area purple. Sun exposure cre- ates unequal thermal mass. ASK THE EXPERTS 24 TileLetter August 2015 PROTECTYOURSHOWER ANDYOURWALLET www.noblecompany.com 2015NobleCompany. TrademarkofNobleCompany RegisteredTrademarkofNobleCompanyGrandHavenMI ValueSeal Thin-Bed Bonded Waterproong FULL FEATURES LOW PRICE Thin lightweight exible Holds a crease Available in 3 6 widths Made in USA Thin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded WaterproongThin-Bed Bonded Waterproong FULL FEATURES LOW PRICE PROMA features a full line of high-performance surface preparation and tile and stone installation systems. No matter what the installation condition tile or stone type or productivity demands PROMA has the right solution to fit your needs. Visit www.proma.us or call toll-free at 1.866.51.PROMA 77662 for more information on PROMA products. TILEANDSTONE INSTALLEDWITH PROHPXANDPROCBM2 OVERCONCRETE SUBSTRATEPRIMED WITHPROSUPERPRIME WOODFLOORING INSTALLEDWITH PRO9000ANDPROCBM2 OVERCONCRETE SUBSTRATEPRIMED WITHPROSUPERPRIME w 20MORECOVERAGETHANTHEORIGINAL w Isolates shrinkage cracks in plane up to 10 mm 38 wide w Compatible with all polymer-modified thin-set mortars and urethane wood flooring adhesives w Reduces the need for expensive resurfacing e.g. epoxy floor surfaces w Provides sound-dampening characteristics w Self-adhesive backing for quick and easy installation w Flexible and lightweight w White fabric for easy surface marking w No odor w Exceeds ANSI A118.12 high-performance standards w Contributes to LEED objectives and requirements Introducing PROCBM2apremiumextremelyflexiblepeel stick fabric-reinforced crack-isolation and sound reduction sheet membrane for tile and stone installation. 10 CrackIsolation just became more Flexible. sponsored by BUSINESS TIP A few years ago I was work- ing with a large client to help plan their annual meeting. There would be over 1000 attendees with mostly internal speakers who had worked to create the content. One of the groups was assigned the topic of sustainability. After several months of planning and development the steering commit- tee met for a dry run. We were all caught off guard when the sustain- ability group presented sustainabil- ity in the context of people. They argued that if the company didnt work hard to create a great culture that attracted and retained the best people it would not endure. It was hard to disagree. And here we are looking at sustainability in this issue so lets take a closer look at sustainability from a people per- spective. In construction sustainability starts with design. Thats no differ- ent with the people side of your business. Your firm has a distinct culture. Does that culture stem from a dedicated and deliberate effort or is it the result of inat- tention and lack of effort Either option is a choice. Best-in-class firms make the choice to invest in their culture and make it a place people want to work. With culture established we now look to people. To create a sustainable culture where people stay for the long term you must be very intentional and disciplined in selection. The U.S. Marines are known for creating Marines from civilians. The better-kept secret is their ability in the selection pro- cess during recruiting to select people who actually want to be Marines. It is far easier to make a Marine from someone who wants to be a Marine than from someone who doesnt want to be one. We know construction is not a glamour industry but that doesnt Creating a sustainable culture for your business By Wally Adamchik president FireStarter Speaking and Consulting 28 TileLetter August 2015 Ideal for all dense stones including granite and unglazed porcelain tiles VOCs far lower than EPA standards Maximum stain protection for up to 15 years No sheen natural look Odorless solvent-based formula Can also be used as a pre-grouting sealer To learn more about the entire UltraCare line of stone tile and grout care solutions visit www.mapei.com. Leading the way with the lowest VOCs in the industy Penetrating Plus SB Stone Porcelain Tile Sealer MAPEIs mean we have to hire anyone who can fog a mirror. Its not easy to find top-tier people but its worth the effort. Maybe you find people in the second tier and work to make them top tier. Do you know the characteristics of the people who succeed in your company Identify those traits and then find candidates who have them. What about referrals Internal referrals from current employees are the best way to find qualified employ- ees. Do you have a real robust and not cheap referral program Creating top-tier talent requires training and leadership. You can- not expect people to perform if they have not been trained correct- ly. In fact inadequate training con- tributes to high turnover as people leave because they dont feel like they can do the job correctly. All the training in the world though will not create great employees. It is a foundation to build on but leadership is required to give peo- ple a reason to lean in and engage with their heart as well as with their hands. Another facet of sustainability is disposal. I hate to say it but some- BUSINESS TIP Kerapoxy CQ is a 100-sol- ids epoxy grout and mortar that has superior workability and is water-cleanable. Easy-to-apply Kerapoxy CQ uses colored quartz to achieve its durable color making it excellent for countertops high-traffic areas and areas needing stain and chemical resistance. It produces non-sagnon-slump joints up to 38 10 mm that do not require a sealer. With proper cleaning and maintenance Kerapoxy CQ has excellent resistance to chem- icals staining alkalinity chlo- rine bacteria and color dete- rioration. Plus using Kerapoxy CQ means that spills stay at the surface level for easier mainte- nance once the area is in use. www.mapei.com. Inadequate training con- tributes to high turnover as people leave because they dont feel like they can do the job correctly. 30 TileLetter August 2015 We can test per ANSI B101.1 ANSI B101.3 ASTM C1028-07 ANSI A137.1 AcuTest SCOF DCOF SLIP INDEXSLIP INDEX EXCEEDS ADA AND OSHA GUIDELINES Local testing and installers available Increase your traction up to 600 Treated over 10000000 sq ft Engineer Tested and Proven We accept all tile store and installer POs with 30 day terms www.slipdoctors.com Toll FREE 888-436-5404 Fax 214-666-3225 100 GUARANTEED times we do need to get people off our team. Do you do this with dignity and respect or with an email on Friday afternoon I know what you think you do but we have all gotten this wrong at least once in our life. The important part here is not that a former employee feels treated fairly and respectfully after being dismissed. The impor- tant part is that current employees see how you treat people and will not have the they are going to wrong me like that someday too feeling. There are many examples of firms that have downsized and morale increased because of the process they used and the way they involved people along the way. What is your process for insuring people walk out the door with their dignity In ecology sustainability is about how biological systems remain healthy and productive. Achieving sustainability will enable the Earth to continue supporting human life. In business a bigger view of sus- tainability beyond products and processes is to include people who will enable your firm to continue supporting profitable operations. NTCA has partnered with Wally Adamchik to bring his interactive virtual training system at www. firestartervt.com to NTCA mem- bers. Contact him at wallybeaf- irestarter.com to learn more about how the NTCAFireStarterVT part- nership can save you training dol- lars while improving your leaders at all levels. Leadership is required to give people a reason to lean in and engage with their heart as well as with their hands. 32 TileLetter August 2015 800.423.5243 www.barwalt.com Providing professional tools for over 35 years Walter Pytlewski CEOOwner BARWALT TOOL Jack Abravanel OwnerContractor TILE TECHNIQUES Providing professional tools for over 35 years Walter Pytlewski CEOOwner BARWALT TOO Jack Abravanel OwnerContractor TILE TEC The first industry approved Hollow Leave-In Spacer Reacts like a rubber spacer which adjusts on 10 and will not compress further. These spacers are also longer to handle the radius corner tiles better Our Leave-In Spacers stay in the joint and are grouted over for faster and more accurate installation. Now the installer can grout a day earlier what a time saver Makes sense doesnt it If you had used our Leave-In Spacers you would be long gone by now Now you tell me This floor took too darn long to install. BEAST 10 WET TILE SAW 24 x 24 Diagonal Cut 39 Rip Cut with plunge Most accurate 10 saw on the market Only 84 lbs BEAST 7 WET TILE SAW 18 x 18 Diagonal Cut 24 Rip Cut Most accurate 7 saw on the market Only 48 lbs BEAST 5 HAND SAW 12 amp motor Bevel cuts up to 45 Accepts contour blades Contact us at 800-850-2044 Lackmond.com F E A T U R E S T O R Y arvard Law School is renowned for turning out highly qualified attorneys who become leaders in every area of law and part of the schools success relies on offering its stu- dents state-of-the-art facilities that honor both technology and tra- dition. This is certainly the case with the schools Northwest Corner Complex. A beautiful blend of nat- ural stone tile metal and glass the project sets a new standard for construction on the Harvard campus. LATICRETE was fortunate enough to be a part of this his- toric 130 million project that has transformed both student life and learning. Prior to the complexs renova- tion it became increasingly clear that some of Harvard Laws core facilities needed expansion to sup- port an enlarged curriculum and growing research and clinical pro- grams not to mention a steady increase in the number of faculty. The schools facilities just couldnt Harvard Law for the 21st century Wasserstein Hall Caspersen Student Center and Clinical Wing Project By Art Mintie CSI CDT LATICRETE technical Services director and Tanja Kern arvard Law School is renowned for turning out highly qualified attorneys who become leaders in every area H LATICRETE former Dean Elena Kagan and LEED Gold certification contribute to a standout project 36 TileLetter August 2015 Globally Proven Construction Solutions Globally Proven Construction Solutions www.laticrete.com l 1.800.243.4788 Snap for more information A-5921-0715 2015 LATICRETE International Inc. All trademarks shown are the intellectual properties of their respective owners. See product DS 038 for complete product and installation information. See DS 025.0 for complete warranty information. Super Strong Super Fast PLASMA Ready-To-Usegroututilizespatentpending technologytoachievetheindustrysbestearlystrength development.Groutjointsarehardand durablereadythenextday Superior stain resistanceno sealing required No mixingReady-To-Use Easy to install and clean Crack resistanttough and durable Available in 20 colors plus Translucent Anti-MicrobialTechnology Equipped with Warranty 25YEAR FEATURE LATICRETE Havard Law for the 21st century meet the demands of its 1900 full-time students and the planned program expansions. University administrators hired Robert A. M. Stern Architects LLP to tackle this massive project. The 38-year-old New York- based firm has extensive experience in educational facilities. The complex houses three centers Wasserstein Hall an academic center designed for 21st century education the Caspersen Student Center a central gathering place for stu- dents and the Clinical Wing which will house the schools expanding clinical programs. Current SCOTUS justice Kagan weighs in Former Harvard Law Dean and current Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan worked closely with Sterns team to ensure that Wasserstein Hall would incorporate both historic and modern aspects. While the facilitys faade is remi- niscent of the more tra- ditional architecture seen at Harvards Austin and Langdell Halls the exterior design pairs well with more modern features such as a 38 TileLetter August 2015 glass curtain wall that overlooks a courtyard. It will dramatically improve the teaching environment provide new spaces for student activities and significantly strengthen the learning community Kagan said at the time of construction. Like the law itself this project has solid grounding in the past but looks toward the future. The Northwest Corner complex received Gold LEED certifica- tion Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design one of the highest award levels for environ- mental design. Although project managers did not specifically aim for Gold certification the Law School incorporated environmen- tally friendly materials as long as they were financially feasible. The building takes advantage of natu- ral light and reuses rainwater from the roof for irrigation. Seventy- five percent of the construction waste was also recycled or reused rather than being sent to land- fills according to a report on the sustainability of the project. The project also relied on a suite of FEATURE LATICRETE Havard Law for the 21st century 40 TileLetter August 2015 MADE IN AMERICA LATICRETE Greenguard-certified products and a variety of natural materials. LATICRETE Greenguard products support 40000 sq. ft. of stone Medford Mass.-based J.A.J. Co. Inc. known for its stone and masonry expertise was respon- sible for many of the Northwest Corner complex stone installa- tions. Vinnie Penta and his crew installed 30000 sq. ft. of natural slate on the floors and 10000 sq. ft. of Portuguese limestone on the walls. For those types of installations we always use LATICRETE 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed Penta said. The one-step pre-mixed mortar is designed to save stone contractors time on the job because it does not require any jobsite blending. It is also ready for foot traffic in just 16 hours. Ive been here for 16 years and we always use LATICRETE products for the installations Penta said. For this project we particularly relied on LATICRETE for their tech- nical expertise because we had three arches that spanned 30 feet. The limestone was very large and heavy and we needed to ensure that each piece adhered properly. We typically rely on LATICRETE 310 Stone Adhesive high strength epoxy adhesive for these difficult applications. Joseph Cohn Son a premier commercial flooring installation firm based in North Haven Conn. was hired to install the tile in the new kitchen and public restrooms. FEATURE LATICRETE Havard Law for the 21st century 42 TileLetter August 2015 FEATURE LATICRETE Havard Law for the 21st century To install the new 12 x 24 and 12 x 12 tiles we had to make sure that we had a good base so we used LATICRETE self-leveling underlayment mortar said Robert Monico vice president of Joseph Cohn Son. This wasnt a new floor we had some existing mate- rials to work around so ensuring that we had a level subfloor was the single most important element in creating a quality finished floor. Monicos team poured LATICRETE self-leveling underlay- ment from a feathered edge to a 1 thickness in one pour making it a fast and durable solution for a host of flooring issues. It produced a smooth flat surface with excellent durability. The team then used LATICRETE 272 Mortar gauged with the LATICRETE 333 Superflexible Admix to install the ceramic tile. This high-performance cementi- tious powder was mixed with latex for a strong durable installation. To make certain that the tile would look new for years to come the team finished the installation with LATICRETE SpectraLOCK PRO Premium Grout which Monico uses because its stain- proof extremely durable and pro- vides consistent color uniformity. Weve been using LATICRETE products for 30 years Monico says. In fact we use LATICRETE for 99.9 of all the jobs we do. For a job as large as the Harvard Law project we just know we can trust these products to perform well and have long-lasting durability. Our reputation relies on it. MEMBER SPOTLIGHT sponsored by Hawthorne Tile Portland Ore. www.hawthornetile.com Hawthorne Tile is a unique company of edu- cated craftspeople who are able to execute techni- cally-challenging tile and stone installation projects primarily for discerning homeowners talented designers and superb builders. The firm has a reputation as a company of collaborators problem-solvers and visionaries honed over time. Most Hawthorne Tile clients are renovating beautiful older homes from a variety of eras utilizing the highest-quality materials and stan- dards to complete their projects. Hawthorne Tile also provides a high level of craftsmanship that makes the company natural part- ners with builders of fine custom homes. The company executes a limited number of small custom commercial projects and han- dles the restoration and maintenance of existing tile projects especially where a higher level of skill is required to work with fussy materials or forensics are required to solve underlying installa- tion issues. Hawthorne Tile is dedicated to the timeless art of tile and to the tradi- tion of creating elegant and lasting tile work. The companys team of highly skilled and creative craftsmen understand that tile is just a deco- rative covering. Without the knowl- edge and under- standing of how to properly build the foundation for a tile system that deco- rative covering will leak crack and fail. Dirk Sullivan 44 TileLetter August 2015 CUSTOM OFFERS 40 COLORS IN ALL GROUTS. Refreshed Palette Complements Todays Trends CUSTOM continues to lead the grout industry by offering the best color lineup that combines existing popular favorites with nine new nature-inspired colors added for 2015. Designers have a new array of colors to choose from all complementing todays tile trends including wood plank stone reclaimed wood and glass. The new colors are drawn from nature with inspiration from water sand and fog with muted gray brown green and blue tones. Choose the right grout CUSTOM empowers tile contractors and design professionals to choose the right grout type for the job. All 40 colors are now available in all grout lines including Fusion Pro. CustomBuildingProducts.com 800-272-8786 TL0615B Technical excellence artistic vision Dirk Sullivan a native Oregonian istheCEOandfounderofHawthorne Tile. After years in the tiling indus- try Dirk made the decision to start his own tile company to meet the demands of homeowners for more complex tile projects that require not only technical but artistic vision as well. I have a deep sense of satisfaction from creating a successful company built on referrals Sullivan said. Ive always enjoyed the creative end of tile designing with function and lon- gevity in mind. I feel proud that Ive created a culture within my company that puts education first allowing my company to grow and someday live on without me. Finish the job With Aqua Mix Sealers Choice Gold and keep your projects looking great. Interior and exterior tile and natural stone sur- faces are exposed to food bever- ages weather moisture grease oil dirt and other harmful stain-causing elements on a regular basis. Without sealing these surfaces are subject to unsightly stains and permanent damage. Use a quality sealer like Aqua Mix Sealers Choice Gold. It is part of the Custom Building Products line of Aqua Mix tile and stone care products the preferred choice among professional contrac- tors. The flagship Aqua Mix Sealers Choice Gold product is a premium no-sheen natural-look water-based penetrating sealer designed to maxi- mize protection against undesirable stains without hurting the tile. In fact Aqua Mix Sealers Choice Gold incorporates high-quality polymers that penetrate into the pores of tile stone and grout so stains can be safely cleaned off of the surface before causing permanent damage. www.aquamix.com. MEMBER SPOTLIGHT This gorgeous reclaimed French Terracotta kitchen floor features very old and uneven tiles that were a challenge to work with but the end result is a completely unique and inviting heart of the home. 46 TileLetter August 2015 Make a Statement in Style Since 1954 Florida Tile has been an innovator marking many accomplishments from building the first floor tile plant in the USA to introducing the first digitally printed products with our HDP High Definition Porcelain lines. Throughout our history Florida Tile has been a pioneer but equally important we have been a guideline for style. Offering products that are both practical and stylish is what we are all about and tile never looked so good. Please visit us on the web for more about this product and more at www.floridatile.com. TileLetter August 2015 47 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Founded in 2000 Hawthorne Tile is Oregons only NTCA Five Star Contractor. The company has grown nurtured and educated its dedicated team building a reputation among homeowners builders and designers as Portlands premier source for inte- rior and exterior custom tile glass and stone work. Hawthorne Tiles thoughtful profes- sionals collaborate and exercise surgi- cal precision to solve design dilem- mas and keep clients up to date on emerging industry trends and installa- tion products. Hawthorne Tile has been a NTCA member for five years. I like the idea of being a part of something larger than just my company and myself Sullivan said. Upon meeting NTCA presenter Michael Whistler I was instantly inspired by his enthusiasm and knowledge. In 2010 I was really ready to take Hawthorne Tile to the next level and felt that becoming an active member of the NTCA was an essential part of this process. Sullivan counts the greatest value in NTCA membership as the con- nections made and feeling of support This mud-set shower features a trench drain custom bench and extensive water- proofing around win- dows. The tile is a cus- tom three-color blend of Pratt Larson sub- way tile. 48 TileLetter August 2015 The architect specied 24 x 48 rectied polished porce- lain with 116 grout joints on 50 offset for a high-end Ital- ian retailer in Wailea Maui. MLT does not replace skill and experience but it does enhance it and makes providing a high- quality nished product easier especially on demanding projects. Isaac Homza Owner Higher Standard Tile Stone Maui Hawaii tel. 808.214.4364 ihomzahigherstandardtile.com www.higherstandardtile.com Send us your photos and comments for a chance to be featured in TileLetter. www.mltsystem.com tel 319.610.3038 fax 319.524.1638 INFOmltsystem.com Nothing to throw away NO WASTE Caps designed to last installers career. Stainless steel strap will not break above the installed surface. Rubber accessory protects and holds installed material in aligned position. Thin tile porcelain offsetungauged slab. You pick desired plate and performance. Superior clamping ability. Most valuable best-performing and more affordable than you may think. For use on walls oors ceilings and counter tops with most hard surface materials. Qualies for BOSTIK CUSTOM LATICRETE MAPEI and TEC warranties. from my colleagues not just in the building with me or in my city but all over the United States he said. Im no longer just a tile setter in Portland Ore. but a member of a national organization of equally dedicated and like-minded professionals. The insight I have gained in a short time from interacting with fellow NTCA and NTCA Five Star members has been invaluable. Further as a member of the NTCA Technical Committee along with outstanding NTCA mem- bers I have had the opportunity to help shape the future of the industry. As stated one of Sullivans greatest satisfactions is having built a company that makes education a key compo- nent to the culture of Hawthorne Tile. We are the proud employers of MEMBER SPOTLIGHT This mud-set shower in a historic home combines Pratt Larson tile and Mission West tile. Differing gauges required floating the tile to make it flush. Lay Turn Remove Progress Proles America Inc. 4 Middlebury Boulevard Unit 14 Randolph New Jersey 07869 Tel. 973-584-2650 ppaprogressproles.com Progress Proles SpA Certicated company UNI EN ISO 90012008 PROLEVELING SYSTEM Leveling system Lippage is a huge issue Its our turn to help The only one with 2 elements Save 3 pieces on intersections www.progressproles.com With a glance always oriented to the future Protection Cup World Patent U.S. 8635815 B2 50 TileLetter August 2015 20000 in cash prizes are up for grabs - enter for free today Showcase your project at Coverings 2016 Win up to 2000 and a one-night hotel stay in Chicago Be featured in leading industry publications and on the Coverings website Have your project included in the onsite CID brocure three CTI Certified Tile Installers and two ACT Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers holders Sullivan explained. This means our skilled team is formally trained and techni- cally certified as well as being able to successfully interpret our clients artistic vision. Sullivan is planning to bring the CTI exam to Portland Ore. with the intent to certify all his installers. One of the goals at Hawthorne Tile is to engage and inspire the young tile professionals of tomor- row. Beginning in September 2015 Hawthorne Tile plans to send 1-3 of its young team members through the Northwest College of Constructions Apprenticeship pro- gram untilizing curriculum devel- oped by the NTCA. This investment in the tile craftsmen of the future will ensure Hawthorne Tiles promise of excellence for years to come and benefit the entire tile industry for generations Sullivan said. Mudset curbless shower in a basement master bath features CPE membrane waterproof- ing. The floor heat is set over concrete using a thermal block. Hawthorne Tile seamlessly blended seven different materials with varying thicknesses and characteristics to form a restful environment. The pebbles in the shower floor were scribed into the porcelain to flow from one space to the next. The rectangular niche is backed with glass tile and LED lights are integrated to highlight the beautiful green color. Light blue glass mosaic and Calacatta marble bathroom features a mud-set pan with a dedicated polystyrene foam shower system and linear drain as well as built-in benches and niches. The Artistic Tile glass mosaic feature wall was custom made to fit the space requiring exact measurements and surface preparation. MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 52 TileLetter August 2015 wetsaw containment systems Wet saw overspray a problem Not with the Dry Guy NEW Cut wet. Stay dry. The Dry Guy. 1-866-633-0619 thedryguy.com infothedryguy.com We recently purchased the Dry Guy and it has already made a big improvement on the job site. Both my crew and subcontractors are impressed with the quality of the equipment but importantly my customers are impressed with the lengths we go to protect their homes. Now we can place our wet saw in a convienient location close to our work rather than outside or in a garage. Thanks for solving a problem with overspray water damage that we have faced for 30 years with one piece of equipment. Joe Constantine of Constantine Builders Inc. Amsterdam New York Solving a problem... Isnt that what having the right tool is all about Made in the U. S. A. Dont just take our word for it... check this out Less steps less time more productivity. ACT certification enriches Neuse superintendents abilities Juan Sauceda is the first Neuse Tile Service installer to obtain ACT credentials QUALIFIED LABOR Juan Sauceda recently completed his Advanced Certified Tile Installer ACT certification in Membranes and Shower Receptors. He is one of many Neuse Tile Service installers to have successfully completed the Certified Tile Installer CTI exam over the last decade but the first to achieve ACT certification. I felt like it was an opportunity Sauceda said. The com- pany didnt have any- body with that label and they just wanted to go for it. Paige Smith vice pres- ident said Neuse www. neusetile.com sends installers to NationalTile Contractors Association NTCA and CertifiedTile Education Foundation CTEF education pro- grams because It dis- tinguishes us from the many com- petitors we have in the market. Its also a great opportunity as the installers study for the tests to refresh what they already know and it gives them pride in what they do. As Neuse Tiles superintendent and installer for over 13 years By Terryn Rutford Social Structure Marketing Neuse Tile Services Juan Sauceda with a poster depicting many projects that he has either overseen or installed. 54 TileLetter August 2015 ELECTRIC FLOOR WARMING SYSTEM Over the last 40 years weve perfected the manufacturing of safe dependable and high-quality floor warming systems. Its a standard we set for ourselves. And a name you can trust. Choose confidence visit WarmTiles.com. DFT CABLES Flexible floor plan solution SELF-ADHESIVE MATS Pre-cabled easy to install WARM TILES ELITE Ultra-thin low profile mat AppletonGrpLLCdbaAppletonGroup.TheAppletonO-ZGedneySolaHDEasyHeatNelsonandEmersonlogosare registeredintheU.S.PatentandTrademarkOffice.EasyHeatInc.isawhollyownedsubsidiaryofAppletonGrpLLC.Allother productorservicenamesarethepropertyoftheirregisteredowners.2014AppletonGrpLLC.Allrightsreserved. QUALIFIED LABOR Sauceda took the ACT exam in order to enrich his abilities. Sauceda said When youre in the field sometimes you learn on your own there are very few opportu- nities to see other points of view. Taking the test is a good way to see other ways to get things done. Different techniques. You just expand your knowledge. Sauceda became a CTI about eight years ago and has continued to learn and improve over the last decade. Becoming a CTI and ACT helped Sauceda learn different tile setting techniques that literally cut the time in half it that it took him to do it before. Neuse Tile Service is a NTCA Five Star Contractor based in Youngsville N.C. from where past NTCA president Nyle Wadford hails. The company uses the CTI and ACT credentials everywhere it possibly can. Smith said We try to promote any of the programs that are in our area through our social media anything that we attend and any offerings we want our customers to know are avail- able for continuing education. Smith pointed out that paying attention to continuing education distinguishes Neuse Tile as a com- pany that cares about its customers and their employees which hope- fully gives them a leg up over the competition. Joseph Lundgren Consulting where growing your business is our purpose. Joe is a globally recognized product and marketing expert in the ceramic and stone worldwide markets. His specialty is Business Development Product Management and Marketing. He has developed his expertise in strategic planning new development and marketing strategy during his 27 year career at Dal-Tile a subsidiary of Mohawk Industries. Joe has extensive experience in multiple sales channels including distribution and Home Centers. Additionally Joe represents the Tile Council of North America TCNA for its testing laboratories which has Joe at the epicenter of the industry for all new initiatives. Please contact Joe at 214.641.7773 for a free consultation proposal. www.JosephLundgrenConsulting.com Facebook TwitterFacebookFacebook TwitterTwitter Facebook Google Plus Twitter Google Plus Facebook Google Plus Linked-InLinked-In 56 TileLetter August 2015 THE FIRST STEP TO A HIGH PERFORMANCE SYSTEM. Fast Installations. Quality Performance. Up to 20 lighter than original Wonderboard same durable performance For use in wet and dry areas both indoors and outdoors Contains no wood ber or gypsum Meets ANSI A108.11 A118.9 A108.5 and A118.4 Eligible for Lifetime Warranty Available at The Home Depot and tile distributors nationwide. Wonder-Board and Wonder-Board Lite are the registered trademarks of Modulars Inc. CustomBuildingProducts.com 800-272-8786 TheGroutGame HasChanged Anti-MicrobialTechnology Equipped with Warranty LIFETIME T E C H N O L O G Y EQUIPPED WITH STONETECH SEALER Watch a brief video on PERMACOLOR Select See Data Sheet 230.99 for complete warranty information. When mixed with PERMACOLOR Select Base. 2015 LATICRETE International Inc. All trademarks shown are the intellectual properties of their respective owners.A-5920-0715 Globally Proven Construction Solutions Globally Proven Construction Solutions Industry Leading Performance Simply select a Color Kit from 80 PERMACOLOR Select Colors then mix with PERMACOLOR Select Base and youre ready to grout. Easy to Mix Features Exceeds ANSI A118.7 and achieves ISO 13007-4 CG2FAW Reinforced with Kevlar crack and shrink resistant For joints 116 to 12 1.5 mm to 12 mm All 40 LATICRETE Colors plus the top selling competitor colors Benets Never needs sealing equipped with STONETECH Sealer Technology Virtually eliminates batch-to-batch color variation Vibrant consistent color resists efflorescence Fast setting ready for foot traffic in 3 hours www.laticrete.com l 1.800.243.4788 To find out more visit your local LATICRETE Distributor today Every thin-set applied-tile instal- lation method over concrete substrates found in the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic Glass and Stone Tile Installation calls for floors to have a steel trowel and fine broom finish free of curing compounds. When encountering floors that do not meet this criteria a myriad of unanswered questions immediately arises What process should be used to scarify the floor to make it comparable to a fine broom fin- ish e.g. acid etching grinding or shot blasting Is there an industry- acceptable alternative to a fine broom finish If so what is it There is also the issue of possible residue left from curing compounds which the concrete contractor may or may not admit to using. Lastly who is to pay for prepping the surface to comply with the architects specifi- cations and the TCNA Handbook Ed. note NTCA in conjunc- tion with ASCC NWFA and FCICA issued a joint position statement Division 3 versus Division 9 Floor Flatness Tolerances Position Statement 6. This statement addresses some of the questions raised in this story. It is contained in the 20152106 NTCA Reference Manual which can be ordered at www.tile-assn.com Good questions all but why do floors scheduled to receive ceram- ic tile hardly ever have a fine broom finish in the first place There are many possible answers to this question. The fine broom finish requirement appears in the 09300 tile specifications but one must usually refer to the selected TCNA method of installation to see it spelled out in writing. Concrete contractors most likely do not read the tile specs when bidding a job and they rarely own a TCNA Handbook. Many times room fin- ish schedules calling for vinyl com- position tile or carpet that do not need fine broom finishes may get upgraded to ceramic tile long after the concrete has been poured. Another scenario might be that slabs get poured in large open Encountering steel trowel-finished concrete oors that do not have a fine broom finish By Tom D. Lynch CSI TECH TALK Sponsored by 60 TileLetter August 2015 TECH TALK TEC presents InColor Advanced Performance Grout as part of its enhanced line- up of advanced- performance ready-to-use grouts. As the choice for heavy-duty resi- dential and commercial applica- tions InColor grout offers resis- tance to many chemicals as well as permanent stain protection with no sealing. The pre-mixed high-strength formula is crack- and-shrink-resistant and is recom- mended for high-traffic interior and exterior installations including submerged water applications. Both strong and easy to use InColor eliminates color variations caused by inconsistent mixing methods water sources or efflores- cence. Its universal formula can be used for both floors and walls with grout joints 116 to 12. InColor spreads smoothly to fill joints and cleans up easily from the tile sur- face using only water and a sponge. InColor grout comes in 20-lb. pails and 10-lb. pails in 15 colors that match todays designs. www.tecspecialty.com. spaces long before interior walls get erected so mapping out areas that are to receive tile becomes difficult and time consuming for the concrete contractor. No mat- ter what the reasons a fine broom finish must be applied to freshly- poured concrete and that means it iswas the responsibility of the concrete finisher to apply not the tile contractor. Lets get back to the issue of what can be done to make a smooth steel-troweled finished slab accept- able to receive tile. I have a sug- gestion. The International Concrete Repair Institute ICRI has devel- oped a Concrete Surface Profile CSP system to shed some light on concrete surface preparations. The CSP kit contains a set of nine samples of different degrees of scarification that can be obtained by shot blasting concrete floors. Shot blasting machines can uti- lize different-sized steel shot that get blasted onto concrete floors under varying degrees of force for Shot blasting machines can utilize differ- ent-sized steel shot that get blasted onto concrete floors under varying degrees of force for different lengths of time to develop a desired profile. 62 TileLetter August 2015 Typical residential and household products will not stain grout however be sure to clean spills immediately. STAINMASTER is a trademark of Invista. Used under license. For additional information visit www.TileDoctor.com THE MOST TRUSTED BRAND IN FLOORING IS NOW REVOLUTIONIZING GROUT 12CLASSICCOLORS 12GLAMOURCOLORS 5METALLICCOLORS 6CRYSTALGLASSCOLORS ADD A SHIMMER FINISH TO YOUR GROUT Designed specifically for use with STAINMASTER grout Shimmer Finishes add dimension to the look of your tilewhether youre using the shimmer to enhance a mosaic or simply beautify a wall or floor installation. For the first time high performance grout offers unparalleled design options.Available in hundreds of color and finish combinations the STAINMASTER grouting program is easy to sell and install. Better yet it is highly resistant to mold mildew acid and chemicals no sealing necessary eliminating unnecessary time and costs. different lengths of time to develop a desired profile. Slab texture is of paramount importance to enhance good bond performance for thin-set mortars and my experience has shown that a CSP-3 profile closely resembles the texture that a fine broom fin- ish on freshly poured concrete will provide. As an added benefit shot blasting can remove curing com- pound residues that might be pres- ent on the surface of the concrete. Concrete Surface Profiles are currently being used to prepare concrete floors for many types of floor finishes such as trowel applied epoxy resins. These CSP profile ratings are something that can be architecturally specified so maybe it is time to get our indus- try involved and officially include them in thinset-applied ceramic tile installations. It would definitely reduce installation failures and that is really what this article is all about Tom D. Lynch is an experienced and accomplished technical con- sultant to the ceramic and stone tile industry. Honored to be one of the first Recognized Industry Consultants by the NTCA Lynch now has 53 years of experience from which to draw. He can be reached at 181 Sunnyside Park Road Jefferson NC 28640 or by phone at 336-877-6951. Website is www.tomlynchconsultant.com. Email at tommydlynchgmail.com. TECH TALK TileIndustry M arketingTips FREE MARKETINGREPORT IN UNDER30-MINUTES TILE INDUSTRY AD AGENCY How would you like a to help with everything What areYOU DOINGTO MARKET YOUR COMPANY REPUTATION MANAGEMENT WEBSITES MOBILE WEBSITES BRANDING VIDEO ON-HOLD MESSAGES 800.789.4619 www.omgnational.com IMAGE IS EVERYTHING DONT SETTLE FOR ANYTHING 101MARKETING TILE INDUSTRY The Concrete Surface Profile kit from the International Concrete Repair Institute contains a set of nine samples of differ- ent degrees of scarification that can be obtained by shot blasting concrete floors. 64 TileLetter August 2015 Ceramic Porcelain Natural Stone Decorative www.emser.com Theory or practice Real-world sustainability experience from AD professionals Over the last few decades buzz about sustainability is on every- ones lips. Green certification programs like LEED and Green Globes and product certification programs like Green Squared and Greenguard abound. And yet what is the experience of actual AD professionals today How often are green solutions demanded offered or implement- ed And how are tile products helping to keep our planet the water we drink and the air we By Lesley Goddin AD GUEST Anne Rue of Anne Rue InteriorsRobin Wilson of Robin Wilson Home 66 TileLetter August 2015 TERRAZZO TILE by Tectura Designs The perfect choice for your next project made for your unique needs to our uncompromising standards Visit tecturadesigns.com to learn about our precast terrazzo accessories and how our terrazzo tile products -- including our Atmosphere Series -- can contribute to LEED points for your project. Finish your next project with confidence knowing that Tectura Designs has helped leading designers architects and building professionals transform their dreams into reality. The possibilities are endless with beautiful unique and durable terrazzo tile from Tectura Designs. AD GUEST breathe clean fresh and healthy We put a series of questions to two respected forces in the world of design Anne Rue Anne Rue Interiors of Lake Mary Fla. and Robin Wilson of Robin Wilson Home based in New York City. Rue is a sought-after and respect- ed voice in the design of resi- dential hospitality multifamily and senior living interiors whose work is about a 5050 mix between residential and commercial inte- riors. Anne Rues interior design team has built a reputation for its down-to-earth approach to design working with a broad range of lifestyles and budgets. This spring she was the designer of one of the Coverings Installation Design Progress Proles America Inc. 4 Middlebury Boulevard Unit 14 Randolph New Jersey 07869 Tel. 973-584-2650 ppaprogressproles.com www.progressproles.com Warmth and Comfort in Every Room PRODESO HEAT SYSTEM With a glance always oriented to the future. Progress Proles SpA Certicated company UNI EN ISO 90012008 VAPOR AND MOISTURE MANAGEMENTUNCOUPLING CRACK ISOLATION WATERPROOFING LOAD DISTRIBUTION The Made in Italy alternative PRODESO HEAT SYSTEM by Progress Proles combines the benet of an underlayment membrane with the comfort and convenience of electrical radiant oor heating. The Prodeso Heat Membrane can be installed directly over the entire suboor as an uncoupling crack isolating and waterproong membrane making it possible to install underoor electric heating even on problematic substrates such as wood and cracked screeds. The Prodeso Heat Cable is installed in the areas where heat is desired and tiling can begin immediately after the heating cable is in place. No additional steps are required. PRODESO HEAT SYSTEM is a revolutionary and cost effective way to add warmth and comfort to your cold surfaces. Electrical oor heating system U.S. Patent No. 8176694 There are also adhesives and grouts that have zero to low VOCs an important part of the overall tile installation project keeping it green from top to bottom said designer Anne Rue. 68 TileLetter August 2015 Showcase vignettes that featured Crossville tile products. Wilson is an interior designer businesswoman expert on healthy homes and author most recent- ly of Clean Design Wellness for your Lifestyle Greenleaf 2015. Robin Wilson Home her design firm was founded in 2000 and works on select projects through- out the United States ranging from high-profile clients private homes developers and consultation with leading consumer brands. Both Rue and Wilson have appeared on HGTV Rue in Design Starand Wilson in Selling New York among other prestigious broadcast and print appearances. Sustainability surges and setbacks Both professionals report a surge in demand for eco-friendly products and sustainable compo- nents. For Wilson earth-friendly design is a cornerstone of any project. All of our projects incor- porate elements of sustainability and eco-friendly products Wilson said. We were one of the early pioneers of this movement since 2000 and we began to publicize our efforts starting in 2006. Today it is often requested by clients. For Rue about 50 of commer- cial projects demand sustainability. I would say that is up by at least 20 to 30 from 5 years ago Acclaimed Florida designer Anne Rue conceptualized this stunning glamorous mas- ter bath for the 2015 Coverings Installation Design Showcase using tile by Crossville. Sparking Sideview Glass mirrored accents brought drama to the space Virtue porcelain stone captures the beauty of white marble for floors and Yin Yang hexagon stone tile in Dragon Black created visual interest on the shower floor. Five Star Contractor Canto Tile Stone installed this luxurious vignette. AD GUEST 70 TileLetter August 2015 DITRA Fast and Easy ARDEX AF 207 TM Pre-Mixed Rapid Set Schluter -DITRA Bonding Adhesive Install tile immediately Ultimate convenience -Pre-mixed -Resealable container Plywood concrete OSB and gypsum subfloors Aggressive initial grab Outstanding coverage 300 sq. ft. 4 gal. 15.14 L 50 less cost per square foot than mortar GreenLine TM water based solvent free 888-512-7339 www.ardexamericas.com NOW for concrete and wood subfloors ARDEX AF 207 TM is the faster easier and more cost effective way to install Schluter -DITRA . A great initial grab for immediate tile installation without displacement. Rue explained. Why arent all projects clam- oring for eco-friendly prod- ucts Wilson said For some people the biggest issue is the perceived barrier of expense. However so many companies have brought down the costs so that people can have afford- able options. Expense isnt quite the issue for Rue finding suitable prod- ucts is. The biggest challenge is finding sustainable products for all areas she said. The market is not saturated in the LEED and sustainable products yet but that will be changing I am sure. Earn More Jobs Earn More Money and Avoid Problems Get Your Installers ITS Verified The Tile Installer Thin-Set Standards ITS Verification Certificate is awarded by the University of Ceramic Tile and Stone UofCTS and endorsed by tile and floor covering associations in North America. Tile installers who successfully complete this 4-hour online course that teaches industry standards and methods for adhered thin-set applications will earn the ITS Certificate. The ITS Certificate will give you credibility with your customers and will enable you to earn more jobs make more money and avoid costly failures. Course material teaches industry standards for thin-set installation applications including how to inspect and prepare substrates thin-set methods and workmanship requirements. The ITS online course is available in English and in Spanish. Additional online tile and stone courses are available from our website Understanding the Basics of Ceramic Tile and Understanding the Basics of Natural Stone UofCTSs training courses are ideal for installers architects salespeople designers or anyone interested in tile and stone. infoUofCTS.org www.UofCTS.org 866 669-1550 Only 150 per tuition 247 Internet Access No Travel Expenses No Lost Productivity Certificate Issued Volume discounts available. Membership discounts available through CTDA TTMAC and WFCA. 2014-8_UCTS_TileLetter_2color.qxp_Layout 1 81114 249 PM Page 1 Natural teak wood on the walls and quartz stone tile gave this bathroom an earthy look. AD GUEST 72 TileLetter August 2015 From first ingredient to final fragment the environmental impact of every Crossville product is meticulously assessed across its full life cycle and transparently shared through Environmental Product Declarationsmaking it easier than ever to create beautiful design solutions that are truly measurably sustainable. Read our award-winning Sustainability Report available online bit.doCrossville Distinctly American. Advantageously Crossville. USADVANTA CrossvilleInc.com 931-456-3136 Tile important player for green projects Tile products are important players in the sustainable scenario particularly large thin porcelain tile that can be used as floor covering wall covering or even cabinet facing. For me the thin tile like Laminam by Crossville has been a big benefit to my projects Rue said. The thin tile is so easy to put over existing flooring if need- ed and being able to use a large-scale prod- Glass mosaics also make beautiful wall accents and can be sustainable too when they incorporate recycled glass. AD GUEST SOLUTIONS WITH METAL TRIMSSOLUTIONS WITH METAL TRIMSSOLUTIONS WITH METAL TRIMSSOLUTIONSSOLUTIONSSOLUTIONSSOLUTIONS WITHWITHWITHWITH METAL TRIMSMETAL TRIMSMETAL TRIMSMETAL TRIMS Carpet Trims Carpet Trims ReducersReducers Custom Trims Knowledge. Experience. Service.Knowledge. Experience. Service. Ceramic Tool CompanyCeramic Tool Company www.ceramictool.com 1-800-236-5230 74 TileLetter August 2015 uct or cut it into small scale or even different shapes make it really fun to design with. Wilson added I love thin tile that can also be used as a wall cladding. Both designers cite the advantages porcelain tiles with wood-like aes- thetics are giving to proj- ects. Many people are using porcelain tile with wood grain in home spaces that have pool access to prevent dam- age to actual hardwood floors Wilson said. Rue concurred add- ing The wood tile look has really changed the game for a lot of people in both com- mercial and residen- tial projects. The tile looks so realistic that people cant believe it is not real wood. I am designing a home in St. Simons and my clients wanted real wood but knew the durability of it would not be the best choice for the high-traf- fic areas and the areas that would be exposed to water. Wood tile was our answer. Wilson also praised glittering glass accents as wall coverings. It is Robin Wilson Home combined glass tile manufactured with reclaimed content and ceramic tile for this bath project. Kohler fixtures for lighting toilet shower van- ity were also used their WaterSense certification keeps water use to a minimum. AD GUEST 76 TileLetter August 2015 SIZES X-L LARGE MEDIUM QUANTITIES BALES MINI BALES GROUT SPONGES MFG BY U.S. FOAM CORP. 7412 Jager Court Cincinnati Ohio 45230 Phone 800-830-2183 Fax 513-528-9802 www.us-foam.com for the professional ceramic installer Rounded edges and excellent water absorption ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS OUR GROUT SPONGE FEATURES Far better recovery in bales Squeezes out damp not wet Better tear strength lasts longer More uniform cutting and buffing Scrubbies nylon pads Quarry tile sponges Epoxy sponges Economy sponges Floor and wall grout system replacement pads MADE IN THE U.S.A. often recycled glass so people are ensuring that glass is sustainably harvested from the landfill she said. In addition to aesthetics tile offers a range of advantages that help earn LEED points. Ceramic and porcelain tile is a great option for LEED points because of the low to no VOCs and tile manufacturers are reus- ing water and materials to reduce waste Rue pointed out. There are also adhesives and grouts that have zero to low VOCs an impor- tant part of the overall tile installa- tion project keeping it green from top to bottom. And tile can be used together with other technologies to pump up earth-friendliness. Tile can be used in conjunction with radiant heatgeothermal technology to increase LEED points which can create an overall energy savings Wilson offered. I have also used Silestone as a wall cladding and cut it into tiles for bathroom proj- ects and it is durable versatile and antibacterial she said. Silestone by Cosentino is a quartz material made from reclaimed sources which has antibacterial properties perfect for this bath by Robin Wilson Home. All faucetsfix- turestowel barsvanitieslighting fixtures are by KOHLER the steam shower is by Mr. Steam which minimizes water usage. AD GUEST 78 TileLetter August 2015 Introducing VersaBond LFT Todays floors call for large and heavy tile so use a trusted everyday mortar specifically designed for the job. When you have tile 15 or longer on any side dont just ask for VersaBond ask for VersaBond-LFT where you buy mortar. For CUSTOMs complete line of mortars for large and heavy tile including MegaLite and ProLite see our website.We know large format tile. Count on CUSTOM. VersaBond is Now Available for Large Format Tile CustomBuildingProducts.com 800-272-8786 For Horizontal Applications Available at The Home Depot and tile distributors nationwide. DOWNLOAD CUSTOMS MOBILE APP TL0615A large porcelain panels with state- of-the-art technology provide the aesthetics of a beautiful marble or stone but contain the durability of porcelain. Because of this breakthrough technology a factory certified installer is highly recommended for fabrication and installation. F.A.C.T. Factory Advanced Certified Training is implemented in our TN manufacturing facility by experts knowledgeable with Plane. Participants learn how to handle fabricate and install our large porcelain panels for interior exterior floor and wall applications. Upon completion and passing of our testing they are then certified and more importantly obtain knowledge and hands on experience. Please contact FACTstonepeakceramics.com for further information and to participate in a training session. For more information factstonepeakceramics.com F.A.C.T.FACTORY ADVANCED CERTIFIED TRAINING CERTIFIED SUSTAINABILITY FEATURE The January 2015 deadline for HPDs did we survive By Bill Griese LEED AP BDC Standards and Green Initiative manager Tile Council of North America Do you remember the panic over Y2K It was seemingly all anyone could talk about toward the close of 1999. At the stroke of midnight on December 31st it was believed the year 2000 would be indistinguish- able from 1900 causing all comput- ers to crash and creating financial and infrastructural chaos. A Y2K-like scare gripped the man- ufacturing community near the end of 2014. At least 26 of the largest architectural firms in the U.S. man- dated manufacturers supply HPDs Health Product Declarations for all building products by January 1 2015. Stated consequences for failing to meet the deadline ranged from pursuit of alternative product options to complete deletion from product catalogs. Some building product manufac- turers including a few in the tile industry met the January 1 dead- line for HPDs but many didnt. And yet as with Y2K everyone is doing just fine. So what is happening with HPDs HPDs which involve building product disclosure of chemical ingredients and associated risks and hazards are still very much a part of the overall green building con- versation and continue to be heav- ily supported within the architec- tural community. In fact today there are seemingly more inquiries about human health ramifications of prod- ucts than there are about environ- mental ramifications. Nevertheless since the January 1 deadline has come and gone the urgency for Ceramics made from natural ingredients that are fused together to become homogenousCeramics made from natural ingredients that are fused together to become homogenousCeramics made from natural ingredients that are fused together to become homogenous and inert are being considered by the HPD Collaborative as having no assumed healthand inert are being considered by the HPD Collaborative as having no assumed healthand inert are being considered by the HPD Collaborative as having no assumed health risks and available for declaration as the primary component of ceramic tile.risks and available for declaration as the primary component of ceramic tile.risks and available for declaration as the primary component of ceramic tile. 82 TileLetter August 2015 TCNA Handbook and ANSI Standards Available in Print and Digital Formats AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR GLASSTILE ANSI A137.22013 Release Date January 31 2014 For updates visit www.tcnatile.com AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR GLASSTILE GREEN SQUARED AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE CERAMICTILES GLASSTILES AND TILE INSTALLATION MATERIALS ANSI A138.12011 Version 2 Printing reference 2012.1 For updates go to www.tcnatile.com GREEN SQUARED AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE CERAMICTILES GLASSTILES AND TILE INSTALLATION MATERIALS The Tile Council of North America TCNA is a trade association representing North American manufacturers of ceramic tile tile installation materials tile equipment raw materials and other tile-related products. Established in 1945 as the Tile Council of America TCA the Tile Council has a leadership role in promoting the use of ceramic tile and in developing North American and international industry standards. Additionally towards the goal of expanding the ceramic tile market in North America the Tile Council regularly conducts independent research and product testing works with regulatory trade and other governmental agencies offers professional training and publishes installation guidelines tile standards economic reports and promotional literature. Our member companies help sustain the publication of this document and other technical literature look for the Member of Tile Council of North America logo on their products. For more information regarding the Tile Council of North America or for links to TCNA members please visit www.tcnatile.com. 2014HandbookforCeramicGlassandStoneTileInstallation Standards Leading Developer of National and International Standards for Tile Installation Materials and Sustainability Secretariat of ANSI Accredited Standards Committee A108 and ISO Technical Committee 189 Editor and Publisher of the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic Glass and Stone Tile Installation Science Largest Independent Tile and Installation Materials Testing Laboratory in North America Leading Research Partner in the Development of Standards Education Founding Partner in Installer Education and Certication Programs in the U.S. and Mexico Promoting Tiles Superior Sustainability through the Green Squared Standard Provider of Quarterly Tile Industry Economic Reports Regular Contributor to Industry Journals Advocacy Promoting Tile Industry Interests in Legislative and Regulatory Matters Government Watchdog for Trade and Import Issues STANDARDS. SCIENCE. EDUCATION. ADVOCACY. 2014 Handbook for Ceramic Glass and Stone Tile Installation Handbook for Ceramic Glass and Stone Tile Installation 2014 Copyright 2014. Tile Council of North America Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. 100 Clemson Research Boulevard Anderson SC 29625 Phone 864-646-8453 Fax 864-646-2821 www.tcnatile.com AmericanNationalStandardSpecicationsfortheInstallationofCeramicTile ANSI A108 A118 and A136 Release date December 2014 For updates www.tcnatile.com American National Standard Specications for the Installation of Ceramic Tile Material and Installation Standards Standards Leading Association for National and International Standards for Tile Installation Materials and Sustainability Secretariat of ANSI Accredited Standards Committee A108 and ISO Technical Committee 189 Publisher of the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic Glass and Stone Tile Installation Science Largest Independent Tile and Installation Materials Testing Laboratory in North America Leading Research Partner in the Development of Standards Education Founding Partner in Installer Education and Certication Programs in the U.S. and Mexico Provider of Tile Industry Economic Reports Advocacy Consumer and Industry Interests in Legislative Regulatory and Environmental Matters STANDARDS. SCIENCE. EDUCATION. ADVOCACY. 100 Clemson Research Blvd. Anderson SC 29625 864-646-8453 www.tcnatile.com ANSI A108 A118 and A136 Release date December 2014 For updates www.tcnatile.com American National Standard Specications for the Installation of Ceramic Tile Material and Installation Standards The Tile Council of North America TCNA is a trade association representing North American manufacturers of ceramic tile tile installation materials tile equipment raw materials and other tile-related products. Established in 1945 as the Tile Council of America TCA the Tile Council has a leadership role in promoting the use of ceramic tile and in developing North American and international industry standards. Additionally towards the goal of expanding the ceramic tile market in North America the Tile Council regularly conducts independent research and product testing works with regulatory trade and other governmental agencies offers professional training and publishes installation guidelines tile standards economic reports and promotional literature. Our member companies help sustain the publication of this document and other technical literature look for the Member of Tile Council of North America logo on their products. For more information regarding the Tile Council of North America or for links to TCNA members please visit www.tcnatile.com. 2015HandbookforCeramicGlassandStoneTileInstallation Standards Leading Association for National and International Standards for Tile Installation Materials and Sustainability Secretariat of ANSI Accredited Standards Committee A108 and ISO Technical Committee 189 Editor and Publisher of the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic Glass and Stone Tile Installation Science Largest Independent Tile and Installation Materials Testing Laboratory in North America Leading Research Partner in the Development of Standards Education Founding Partner in Installer Education and Certication Programs in the U.S. and Mexico Promoting Tiles Superior Sustainability through the Green Squared Standard Provider of Quarterly Tile Industry Economic Reports Regular Contributor to Industry Journals Advocacy Promoting Tile Industry Interests in Legislative and Regulatory Matters Government Watchdog for Trade and Import Issues STANDARDS. SCIENCE. EDUCATION. ADVOCACY. 2015 Handbook for Ceramic Glass and Stone Tile Installation Copyright 2015. Tile Council of North America Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. 100 Clemson Research Blvd. Anderson SC 29625 Phone 864-646-8453 Fax 864-646-2821 www.tcnatile.com Handbook for Ceramic Glass and Stone Tile Installation 2015 Manual TCNA y ANSI A108A118A136 Tambin Disponibles en Espaol www.tcnatile.com 864.646.8453 HPDs has relaxed to a certain extent. This can be attributed to three main factors delayed implementation of LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Version 4 the as-yet unreleased Version 2 of the HPD Open Standard and the lingering controversy surrounding HPDs in general. LEED There are many initiatives driv- ing the adoption of HPDs but the biggest is arguably USGBCs US Green Building Council LEED. When LEED Version 4 was released in late 2013 it was announced that points would be awarded toward certification for the use of prod- ucts with HPDs in LEED building projects. The 60000-plus registered LEED projects and 20000-plus cer- tified LEED projects along with LEEDs substantial influence in the green building marketplace thrust HPDs into the spotlight. However after the release of LEED Version 4 it was announced that projects could be registered in accordance with older versions of LEED through most of 2016. As a result according to a USGBC presentation given at a Chemicals Summit in April 2015 there have been just 18 projects cer- tified to LEED Version 4 only one of which claimed HPD-related points toward certification. Version 2 HPD Open Standard Another factor slowing the pace of architectural adoption of HPDs has been the delayed release of Version 2 of the HPD Open Standard the document that defines the require- ments and chemical cutoff thresh- olds for manufacturers to follow when creating HPDs. Version 2 will contain some new and several mod- ified requirements for HPDs and many manufacturers have elected to wait for its release before issuing HPDs for their products. Material contents vs. end-user exposure Finally even with widespread architectural demand some remain reluctant to accommodate HPDs. There is an ongoing debate over material content vs. end-user expo- sure and manufacturers and scien- tists alike agree that pure chemical ingredient reporting can be mislead- ing especially when chemicals are encapsulated or are only one com- ponent of a harmless compound. Even though their adoption has been delayed chances are good that HPDs are here to stay at least for the foreseeable future. Organizations like USGBC have invested substan- tial time and effort in establishing provisions for HPDs in building project specifications. USGBC will require the use of LEED Version 4 exclusively beginning in October 2016 and many have predicted that this will generate more demand for HPDs. Additionally the HPD dis- cussion will likely be reinvigorated when Version 2 of the HPD Open Standard is released. And finally manufacturers recognize the gen- eral rise in demand for material health transparency and are working SUSTAINABILITY FEATURE 84 TileLetter August 2015 toward consensus on HPD solutions that are technically correct and pro- vide relevant information. Whats next for the tile industry TCNA and its members are well versed in LEED Version 4s HPD- related requirements and can pro- vide education and project solutions in preparation for increased demands as 2016 approaches. Additionally TCNA has been in communication with the HPD Collaborative the organization responsible for devel- oping the HPD Open Standard and it is expected that special consid- erations will soon be given to cer- tain building materials including some ceramics recognizing them as inherently inert with no assumed health risks. And because ceramic tiles are made from natural ingredi- ents that are fused together to form a homogenous and inert product the ceramic tile industry can readily provide HPDs to satisfy a variety of project requirements. Did we survive the January 1 2015 deadline crisis Not only did we survive it is expected that the tile industry will remain in good position as health-related green building initiatives such as HPDs evolve with support from various parties working to increase aware- ness and ensure HPDs accurately address ceramic tile. Waterproof wall inserts for use with any installation method Surface mount design easy to install without precise framing. Available in 3 modular practical sizes for more design options. Nail it on and tile it in with modified thin set mortar. Popular for new or remodeling projects. QuickShelf adds style and value to any tiled area. Retailer inquiries welcome. 9x13 t 13x13 t 13x20 Wheeler Tile Company t 800-965-9501 t www.QuickShelf.net t t t t SUSTAINABILITY FEATURE 86 TileLetter August 2015 800 938-7925 - OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Serv OUR 22000 SQ.FT.SHOWROOM IS LOCATED AT 520 S.Front Street -Seattle WA 98108 Master Wholesale is an authorized reseller of these and many more quality brands sku t-bl_prosku t-bl_pro Cyclone Vacuum Brazed Cup Wheels Extremely aggressive versatile tool for edge shaping. Cuts like blade shapes like cup wheel. 2 grits avail. 4 84.00 5 97.54 Cyclone Turbo Cup Wheels Balanced to eliminate vibration and chipping when shaping. 4 52.70 5 71.06 6 88.06 7 99.62 Cyclone Ultra 4Pads The highest quality diamond resin wet pad Diamax makes. Grits 50 to black or white buff. 9.44 Dryflex Polishing Discs Supreme quality polishing pads great for jobsite touchup. 9 grit choices from 60 - 5000. 26.56 Cyclone WetDry Core Bits T-segment increases durability and minimizes segment loss. Sizes 1 - 2 34 1-14 52.14 1-38 55.60 Hurricane Turbo Cup Wheel Light weight professional cup wheel with an economical price. Coarse medium or ne. Size 4 CorFine 39.78 Med 37.67 t-pol_dry2 t-pol_spd t-cup_hcw t-core_d1t-grind_bgc5t-core_tt SAVE 20 ON ALL DIAMAX DIAMOND PRPrices below reect savings after coupon. Coupon valid through July ONLINE WWW.MASTERWHOLESALE.COM Most products ship for free on orders over 49 ving professionals in the heart of Seattles Georgetown industrial district since 1993 EMAIL US AT SALESMASTERWHOLESALE.COM SEATTLE AREA 206 767-6771 sku t-bl_proiisku t-bl_pdia005ec Cyclone Porcelain Tile New improved rim for even less chipping on all surfaces. Thick center hub for stability. 5 26.00 10 43.60 Storm Granite Turbo Soft bonded economical blade for fast cutting on hard surfaces. Hurricane Contour Blade Very open bond for free cutting on very hard surfaces. Perfect balance ensures smooth entry. 5 62.32 6 71.79 sku t-bl_pdia005ec Cyclone Granite Turbo Extremely clean and sharp precision cuts for less chipping. sku t-bl_pdia005ec Cyclone Turbo Blade with Side Protection Side Segments assures fast cutting and prevents blade from binding. 527.08 6 36.04 7 44.88 sku t-bl_proii Cyclone 10Tile Blade Versatile blade that cuts granite marble porcelain and ceramic tile with minimal chipping. 50.32 t-blade_tbp t-blade_ctbh t-blade_stb t-blade_csr100t-blade_sstbt-blade_tbs RODUCTS USE COUPON CODECYCLONE6 4.5 52.70 5 12.77 6 21.71 7 24.64 4 22.92 4.5 24.52 5 25.32 8 54.12 31 2015. Limit 1 use per customer. Prices subject to change at any time. Enter coupon code in shopping cart to receive discount. The NTCA Reference Manual is a compendium of knowledge research and development brought to you by the NTCA Technical Committee and its members. These members include leading experts from various industry sectors tile and stone contractors distributors manufacturers and oth- ers allied to the tile industry. The NTCA Reference Manual identifies recurring challenges to tile and stone installations and recog- nizes potential problems. Industry experts come together to achieve consensus on solutions presented here. The problem-prevention-cure format presented for many issues in the book is complemented by clarifying photographs as well as letter templates that address com- mon issues in documentation and negotiation on the jobsite and can be customized to fit the needs of the contractor. A collection of general position statements about industry issues is also included. Each year Technical Committee subcommittee members review and revise the publication since new technologies methods and prod- ucts all impact the experi- ence practice and outcome of tile and stone instal- lations. In fact this month the new 2015-2016 NTCA Reference Manual is being published printed and mailed free of charge to all NTCA members. Because the information is so crucial to the industry NTCA also makes the NTCA Reference Manual available on its website enter NTCA Reference Manual in the search bar at the top of website www.tile-assn. com to non-members or those who desire additional copies. Familiarize yourself with this well- respected companion document to the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic Glass and Stone Tile Installation and ANSI standards. Together these pub- lications form a triumvirate of exper- tise and knowledge that creates a strong framework from which to conduct your business. Additional copies can be purchased at www.tile-assn.com. NTCA BENEFITS BOX NTCA Reference Manual published and available this month ucts all impact the experi- lations. In fact this month the 90 TileLetter August 2015 WORKSHOP NEWS 92 TileLetter August 2015 Louisville Tile Knoxville We reported on Sloans swing through several Louisville Tile Distributors LTD sites in our July issue. This month we wrap up with the Knoxville installments of the Tile Stone Workshop at LTD. Daltile Oregon Bend and Salem In June NTCA presenter Michael Whistler toured the Pacific Northwest bringing the NTCATile Stone Workshop to Daltile locations in Bend and Salem Ore. Whistler focused on bringing information on mosaic installation glass tile and pre-manufactured shower systems to the attendees at these events. NTCA brings workshops to Tennessee and Oregon Over the summer months NTCA presenters Gerald Sloan and Michael Whistler continue road-tripping across the country bringing the NTCA Tile Stone Workshops to host sites for an evening of education cama- raderie raffle prizes networking and of course delicious food. NTCA presenter Gerald Sloan addressed a healthy crowd at the LTD Knoxville location. Crossvilles Noah Chitty l and Mike Davis demonstrate the use of a cutter on large thin porcelain tiles like the com- panys Laminam by Crossville tiles. Crossvilles Mike Davis l. Noah Chitty c.r. and Mark Shannon r. with NTCAs Sloan at LTD Knoxville. Globally Proven Construction Solutions Globally Proven Construction Solutions Snap for more information STONETECH Professional Products Ensure the beauty of your customers natural stone and tile countertops oors walls and other installations for generations to come. With a complete line of products to protect clean and transform STONETECH features innovative easy-to-use solutions designed to protect and preserve stone and tile for everyday living. www.stonetech.com l 1.888.786.6343 Keep your stone andtile beautiful. A-5922-07152015LATICRETEInternationalInc.Alltrademarksshownaretheintellectualpropertiesoftheirrespectiveowners. WORKSHOP NEWS 94 TileLetter August 2015 CUSTOMs Tom DeNure made fabulous carnitas from a recipe passed down from his great-grandfather at the Bend event. NTCAs Whistler l. with Daltile Bend assistant manager Danon Rayner and the NTCA van. At the Salem event architects cluster around the vendor tables set up near the NTCA van to get information on products that benefit their projects. Bostik Ceramics of Italy Coverings Crossville CTDA Custom Building Products Daltile Florida Tile Florim USA LATICRETE MAPEI NTCA Schluter Systems StonePeak Ceramics TCNA TEC Tile of Spain American Olean CertainTeed Marazzi USG www.tilecareer.com Signature Sponsors Platinum Sponsors CTEF Certied Tile Installers The ONLY Tile Installer Certication recognized by the tile industry Rustic Elegance Handcrafted in Los Angeles Since 1966 Brick Tile Architectural Murals Decos 310.768.8500 www.artobrick.com 2x8 Antik Used Red WORKSHOP NEWS 96 TileLetter August 2015 AOMarazzi Portland Ore. Whistler also rolled out the NTCA Tile Stone Workshop program at the Portland home of American Olean and Marazzi two Daltile brands. NTCA presenter Michael Whistler fields questions from the audience at Daltile Portland. Daltiles Derek Forbes with NTCAs Whistler at Salem Ore. NTCAs Whistler l. with Daltile Portland Sales Service Center manager Dennis Glover in front of the NTCA van embla- zoned with program sponsor logos. The workshop took place in the Salem Daltile warehouse among the enthusiastic and engaged attendees. No NTCA Tile Stone Workshop is complete without a visit from the NTCA mascot Ariel a six-year old Portuguese Water Dog. This canine companion travels the country with Whistler. Never Needs Sealing Easy to Spread and Clean Ultimate Color Consistency WE GUARANTEE IT TO BE STAIN PROOF AND COLOR PERFECT. Accept no substitute. Choose the original patented and eld proven single component grout. Typical Cementitious Grout Fusion Pro Single Component Grout Available at The Home Depot and tile distributors nationwide. Ask for Fusion Pro where you buy grout. CustomBuildingProducts.com 800-272-8786 Fusion Pro will not eforesce mottle fade or color shade within the grout joint when installed per manufacturers directions. Cured Fusion Pro will not stain when exposed to most common non-corrosive household goods and cleaning agents. All spills should be immediately cleaned from the grout. DOWNLOAD CUSTOMS MOBILE APP FACES IN THE NEWS Custom Building Products has promoted Garett Shandler to vice president of sales in Canada and Matt Flowers to division vice presi- dent of the companys U.S. South Region. Shandler joined CUSTOM more than 20 years ago and fostered sig- nificant growth in the construction and retail sales channels across Canada. He led the Canadian sales team to build CUSTOM into that countrys category brand leader together with its valued distribu- tion partners. Flowers has held numerous posi- tions during his 18-year tenure at CUSTOM most recently as the national manager for consumer accounts. In his new role Flowers will continue to oversee national sales and service for CUSTOMs co-op retail partners as well as take on the companys construction channel sales leadership across the Southern U.S. Caribbean and Central America. Fuse Alliance a member-owned organization of professional com- mercial flooring contractors has welcomed Kevin Sergenian to its leadership team. A seasoned industry veteran with over 30 years of ser- vice in the specified commercial flooring industry Sergenian will focus on increasing Fuse Alliances exposure in the real estate devel- opment market building out this segment of Fuse Commercials business. Fuse Commercial is the organizations highly successful national contracting initiative spe- cializing in senior living retail and hospitality flooring installa- tions across the continental U.S. and Canada. Sergenian previously held prominent roles with Bentley Mills Mohawk Industries Beaulieu Group Shaw Industries and JJ Invision. LATICRETE has promoted Bernadette Smith Anderson to the position of assistant director of sales Tile Stone Installation Systems. Anderson will continue to report to Rob Smith director of sales APD as a regional sales man- ager for California and Oregon while assisting in an expanded set of sales projects throughout the year. Anderson joined LATICRETE in 2008 as a senior architectural specialist. In that role she promot- ed the benefits of the LATICRETE Systems Warranty to architects specifiers and design professionals. INDUSTRY NEWS The Size hosts second international design competition TheSize www.thesize.es man- ufacturers of Neolith sintered 98 TileLetter August 2015 SINCE1908WEVEMADE QUALITYTOOLSFORCONTRACTORS IN120COUNTRIES MAKETHAT121. Discover our new manual tile cutters online. bellota.com 800 234 2547 INDUSTRY NEWS compact surfaces announces its second international competition for architects interior designers remodelers and students. The competition is broken into European American North and South America and Worldwide editions with an entry category for professionals and one for students in each edition. All entries will be judged by a panel of notable pro- fessionals in architecture interior design and construction. My Neolith Project for profes- sionals requires a completed resi- dential or commercial remodeling project using Neolith surfacing in a creative way. The winner of the My Neolith Project America com- petition will win an all-inclusive trip for two to Living Interiors 2016 in Cologne Germany. Remodeling project images should be submit- ted to myneolithprojectthesize.es with My Neolith Project America in the subject line. The Neolith New Talents students will compete under the theme the Neolith Restaurant of the Future designing an innovative restaurant and kitchen space with Neolith as the primary surface. The stu- dent winner will receive an all- inclusive trip for two to the 2016 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas NV. Conceptual proj- ects should be submitted to neo- lith_newtalentsthesize.es with Neolith New Talents America in the subject line. Deadline is December 1 2015. Winner will be announced December 15 2015. Dal-Tile expands with Mexican Tennessee plants Dal-Tile announced last month it has acquired the North American operations of Cermica San Lorenzo. The purchase includes a modern manu- facturing facil- ity in Mexicali Mexico and a product showroom and warehouse in Southern California. The plant is Dal-Tiles 11th manufacturing facility in North America it pro- duces tile collections under the San Lorenzo brand for the builder residential remodeling and com- mercial segments. This addition further strength- ens our industry-leading manu- facturing capabilities which are focused on delivering stylish high performance and innovative tile products to our customers said Dal-Tile president John Turner Jr. This acquisition will support our rapid growth in Mexico and strengthens our competitive posi- tion especially in the western and southwestern U.S. Turner said Dal-Tile will invest in the Mexicali plant to enhance its processes and capabilities. Following its parent company John Turner Jr. Dal-Tile president 100 TileLetter August 2015 www.schluter.com 800-472-4588 Connect with us Made for TILE Schluter -DITRA Uncoupling membrane for tiled floors Ensures the lasting beauty and functionality of tiled oors Prevents the main cause of cracked tiles Waterproof to protect your suboor Lightweight alternative to cement backerboard Easy to handle and transport Cuts with utility knife or scissors no saws and no dust Quick and easy to install No-nonsense warranty Warm it up Schluter -DITRA-HEAT Electric oor warming system with integrated uncoupling INDUSTRY NEWS Mohawk Industries 2013 acquisi- tion of The Marazzi Group Dal- Tile integrated Marazzis U.S. oper- ations including two manufactur- ing plants in Sunnyvale Texas and Florence Ala. The plants have sub- sequently increased tile production capacity and capability and also implemented numerous process improvements. Dal-Tile is also currently build- ing a state-of-the-art ceramic tile manufacturing facility and distribu- tion center in Dickson Tenn. The Dickson plant is scheduled to open later this year and will begin full- scale tile production in early 2016. Bostik tours with Tour de France 2015 Bostik Inc. was an official sup- plier of Tour de France 2015 held last month. This sponsorship pro- vided a platform for promotional activities showcasing Bostik brands and activities to a global audience. This 102nd Tour de France start- ed July 4th in Utrecht Netherlands and finished on the world-famous Champs-lyses in Paris France July 26th. The 21-stage route cov- ered a distance of over 3000km taking riders through three coun- tries and extremely challenging ter- rain. There was 6000-plus hours of worldwide TV coverage with reports broadcast in 190 coun- tries reaching an estimated 3.5 bil- lion viewers. 12 million spectators were expected to view the race as it crossed France Belgium and the Netherlands. As a sponsor Bostik participated in the Tour de France Publicity Caravan that accompanied the race. Various promotional vehicles offered spectators gifts and give- aways while they awaited the rid- ers. These vehicles strongly pro- moted Bostik incorporating the firms well-recognized gecko in a prominent visual role. To add to the 102 TileLetter August 2015 NEW PRODUCTS Tour de France 2015 sponsorship Bostik will be launching a num- ber of international promotional programs through September. These will include social media campaigns customer events and in-market promotions across mul- tiple countries which will include cycling-related competitions give- aways and special offers. The Tour de France sponsorship is key to spreading the word in the Americas of the global accep- tance Bostik products enjoy said Michael Jenkins business director for Bostiks Consumer Construction Business Unit - Americas. Globalizing the distinct image of our brand is a good step one in getting everyday people to become even more familiar with the Bostik name and range of solu- tions our company provides he said. Added Scott Banda director of Marketing for Bostiks Consumer Construction Business Unit -Americas added We want customers in the Americas to be confident that when they decide upon Bostik products they will be receiving high-performance mate- rials that have been thoroughly researched selected and accept- ed worldwide. By associating our unique brand identity images with prestigious global sporting events such as Tour de France 2015 we will continue to accomplish these well-thought-out image-building strategies. NEW PRODUCTS USG Fiberock Tile Backerboard and Underlayment are made from 97 recycled content. Ideal under tile stone vinyl hardwood floor- ing laminate flooring and carpet- ing the products uniform com- position provides strength and water resistance. The superior tile bond is three times the indus- try standard. USG Fiberock Tile Backerboard and Underlayment are free of resins adhesives and solvents that might stain a vinyl floor and provide a smooth flat paintable surface for wall applica- tions. The products are easy to cut fasten and install. www.usg.com tileandflooring. Daltiles Cotto Contempo is as expansive as it is stunning. This gorgeous upscale glazed porcelain marries a bold cotto look with ele- ments of cracked cement. Equally at home in an urban loft or country villa Cotto Contempos contempo- rary large-format tiles are a great choice for floors walls counter- tops and more. With its earthy dimensional hues and multi-facet- 104 TileLetter August 2015 VETROPVA 103 Bauer Drive Oakland NJ 07436 800-648-7229 Fax 800-286-0114 www.alpha-tools.com Copyright 2015 Alpha Professional Tools. All rights reserved. CUTTING DRILLING POLISHING To see our tools in action visit WWW.ALPHA-TOOLS.COM NEW PRODUCTS ed color variance Cotto Contempo offers stun- ning modern style in four colors to indoor and outdoor spaces. Cotto Contempo is composed of over 50 pre-con- sumer recycled materi- als allowing designers to select a product that will help obtain LEED credits. www.daltile.com Crossvilles Gotham porcelain tile line is inspired by the urban strength and utility of sidewalks subways and superstructures. Gothams appearance captures the detailed subtleties of concretes aggregate sur- face nuanced across all six of the collections foundational colors and enhanced by the unpol- ished finish. The six color options range from lighter to dark tones Lamp Post Penthouse Clock Tower Main Line Dockside and Pavement. The two calibrated field tile size options include 12x24 and 2x6 formats with a 4x24 bullnose trim and a 6x12 cove base. This calibrated product is an excellent choice for value-conscious design projects such as interior Daltile Cotto Contempo Crossville Gotham 106 TileLetter August 2015 www.sgm.cc We exceed industry standards to deliver the quality you come to expect from start to finish. Quality Tile Setting Materials NEW PRODUCTS floors walls countertops and exte- rior walls in both residential and commercial applications. Gotham is made in Crossvilles Tennessee facilities using third-party certified sustainable processes is Green Squared Certified and contains a minimum 4 recycled content. www.crossvilleinc.com Florida Tiles Rhyme line was inspired by the textural richness and simplicity of traditional linen fabric. This linen look pairs beautifully with natural stone glass and other elements. Through an innova- tive design process Florida Tile replicates the fragile texture of fabric in the sur- face of Rhyme with a special punch and graphics that imitate the subtle tone-on- tone effect in 12 x 24 format. Included in the collection are two 12 mosaics 1 x 6 and three Roman- patterned multicolored blends plus a full bullnose package for each of the five colors. Rhyme is made in the USA of 40 pre- consumer recycled content and is GREENGUARD and Porcelain Tile Certified. www.floridatile.com Florim USA introduces Charleston glazed porcelain a wood look tile that enlivens applications from restaurants to stores to a country home or modern abode. Florida Tiles Rhyme Desert Office Florim USAs Charleston 108 TileLetter August 2015 Patent Pending NEW PRODUCTS The white finish adds a charming aged touch. Made in the USA and available in four colorways multi- color grey white and timber a brown tone Charleston comes in a unique 3 x 36 size that brings a shabby chic look to walls and floors with 18 x 36 and 24 x 48 flag deco and 3x 18 bullnose trim. Charleston is made with 40 recy- cled content. www.florimusa.com Oneir Solutions helps tile and flooring compa- nies stem losses and manage both retail and whole- sale sides of the business. Oneir Solutions Inc. is a provider of scalable Enterprise Resource Planning ERP software that efficiently manages key busi- ness functions for tile and floor- ing companies through one shared information database. The custom software runs on a modern-day Linux operating system making it more capable of meeting the specific needs of the company. The software includes modules that provide added capabilities to cover additional business areas and auto- mate functions that had previously been performed manually. Because it works on Windows workstations where staffers make entries at the sales counter in the warehouse and in the back office there is little need for re-training. With Oneir managers can check stock sales and know what is going on in all locations and areas of the business up to the min- ute. The softwares order-taking and invoicing capabilities can be used to control costs and run both the wholesale and retail sides of the business with one package. By upgrading to Oneir compa- nies avoid shipment errors and can recover more than a years wages. www.oneirsolutions.com Lackmond Stone offers the new Lackmond PRM Series Granite Turbo Blade. The Lackmond PRM Series Granite Turbo blade is designed for cutting granite mar- ble engineered stone and other hard natural stone. It is engineered with premium diamonds and a specially designed diamond matrix with narrow cutting flutes. The nar- row flutes allow for an aggressive clean chip-free cut. Lackmonds PRM Series Granite Turbo Blades are among the fastest most aggressive cutting blades on the market. They are available in 4-12 5 6 and 7 and can be used dry or wet. www.lackmondstone.com 110 TileLetter August 2015 Welcome to the NATIONAL TILE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION ABOUT NTCA MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS EDUCATION CERTIFICATION MAGAZINES AWARDS UPCOMING EVENTS LATEST NEWS BLOGS FREE PRODUCT VOUCHERS TO MEMBERS NTCA Associate supporters believe so strongly in the value of NTCA Membership that they offer FREE product vouchers to offset the investment in joining the NTCA. Contractor members receive up to 3x the value of Associate membership every single year NTCA STORE Welcome to the NTCAs Online Store Here you can easily locate and purchase our Professional Resource Materials in print and electronic format. You can also nd and purchase NTCA curriculum tools other publications and NTCA merchandise. NTCA members receive special store pricing FIND A CONTRACTOR Find a Contractor Find a Distributor Find a Five Star Contractor Find a Recognized Consultant Why hire an NTCA Contractor Why hire a Five Star Contractor LEARN MORE VISIT TODAY JOIN NTCA TODAY NTCA is one of the fastest growing trade associations in the U.S. construction industry. Resources are available that offer both technical and business support and the Partnering for Success Program offsets your annual membership investment. NTCA is the Voice of the Tile Contractor. Members associated with NTCA are valued and respected. Join today to realize the many benets NTCA offers. National Tile Contractors Association P.O. Box 13629 Jackson MS 39236 USA 601.939.2071 www.tile-assn.com EDUCATION The National Tile Contractors Association has dedicated its staff volunteers and resources to the betterment of the ceramic tile and allied industries and is engaged in a wide variety of activities on behalf of our members and our industry. Each year NTCA conducts over 100 programs and seminars around the country reaching thousands of industry professionals. EDUCATIONCERTIFICATIONCEU OPPORTUNITIES www.tile-assn.com W elcom e to our new website Alpha Professional Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 American Olean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 ARDEX Americas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 ARTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Barwalt Tool Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Bellota. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Beno J. Gundlach Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Best Tile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Blanke Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Ceramics of Italy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Ceramic Tile Education Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 94 Ceramic Tool Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 CertainTeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Coverings 2016. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 51 Crossville Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Custom Building Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 57 79 97 Dal-Tile Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 - inside back cover EDCO Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 EGS Easy Heat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Emser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 FinPan Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 109 Florida Tile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Joseph Lundgren Consulting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Lackmond Products Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 - 35 LATICRETE International Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . outside front and back cover LATICRETE International Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . center spread LATICRETE International Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 37 93 MAPEI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . inside front cover - page 1 MAPEI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 MK Diamond Products Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 MLT Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Mark E. Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Marazzi USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Master Wholesale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 - 89 Merkrete Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 111 Miracle Sealants Abrasives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 NAC Products Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Noble Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 OMG National . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Progress ProlesProdeso Heat System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Progress ProlesProleveling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Proma Adhesives Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 - 37 QuickShelf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Rubi Tools USA Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 SGM Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Sawmaster Diamond Tools Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Schluter-Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 SlipDoctors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Slip Grip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Slip Guard Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Stabila Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 StonePeak Ceramics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 - 81 SunTouch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 TI-ProBoard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 TexRite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 The Dry Guy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 The Tile Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Tile Floor Care USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Tile Council of North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 University of Ceramic Tile and Stone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 US Foam Corp. of Indiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Wausau Tile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 ADVERTISERS INDEX 114 TileLetter August 2015 porcelain Photo features Skybridge in Gray 10 x 14 2 x 4 mosaic on wall and Off White 18 x 18 on oor. Combining the look of brushed cement with the versatility of porcelain tile Skybridge is designed to bring your vision to life. To learn more visit Daltile.com. 2015 Dal-Tile Corporation A Division of Mohawk Industries Globally Proven Construction Solutions Globally Proven Construction Solutions www.laticrete.com l 1.800.243.4788 Install over existing substrate or recess floor Designed for safety comfort and easy access Waterproof and ready to tile Constructed with lightweight high density polystyrene Snap for more information. See Data Sheet 230.99 for complete warranty information. 2015 LATICRETE International Inc. All trademarks shown are the intellectual properties of their respective owners. A-5933-0715 Linear and Square DrainsPre-Sloped Shower PansPreformed Shower Accessories A complete line of waterproof shower components including barrier free solutions. Warranty LIFETIME HYDRO BAN Shower System