July/August 2011
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TILE
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L VE An edition of TILE Magazine
Art & Specialty Tile pg. 22 TILE Company Profiles pg. 29 Tile and Radiant Floor Systems: The Perfect Combination pg. 40
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Commercial kitchens require commercial w a t e r p r o o f i n g.
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Table of Contents July/Aug 2011 vol. 8, no. 4
TILE
Magazine
Features
18 Let’s Keep it Quiet On the cover: Ceramicas Calaf’s Montserrat Beige series, which is mechanically extruded, is a half-fired flintware product.
TILE Magazine, Vol. 8, Issue 4 (ISSN 1555-0567) is published 6 times annually, Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sep/Oct and Nov/Dec by, BNP Media II, L.L.C., 2401 W. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 700, Troy, MI 48084-3333. Telephone: (248) 3623700, Fax: (248) 362-0317. No charge for subscriptions to qualified individuals. Annual rate for subscriptions to nonqualified individuals in the U.S.A.: $115.00 USD. Annual rate for subscriptions to nonqualified individuals in Canada: $149.00 USD (includes GST & postage); all other countries: $165.00 (int’l mail) payable in U.S. funds. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright 2011, by BNP Media II, L.L.C. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for product claims and representations. Periodicals postage paid at Troy, MI and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: TILE Magazine, P.O. Box 2149, Skokie, IL 60076. Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608. GST account: 131263923 Send returns (Canada) to Pitney Bowes, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON, N6C 6B2. Change of address: Send old address label along with new address to TILE Magazine, P.O. Box 2149, Skokie, IL 60076. For single copies or back issues: contact Ann Kalb at (248) 244-6499 or
[email protected].
Most of the sound reduction data available in the market relates to tests of floor/ceiling systems that comprised of concrete slabs with gypsum wallboard hung on resilient furring channels (suspended or sound-rated ceiling system) with a layer of mineral wool or fiberglass insulation in the cavity. Unfortunately, says Dave Gobis, most of the construction in the field does not have this type of ceiling treatment.
22 Art & Specialty Tile
Handcrafted and artisanal tiles have had a long history within society as beautiful and durable embellishments that enhanced living areas. Each piece, hand-formed and hand-painted, is a standalone piece of artwork. Author JoAnn Locktov takes a detailed look at various tile artisans, and the inspiration behind their creations.
29 TILE Company Profiles
TILE Magazine presents some of the most innovative companies in the ceramic tile industry. These profiles offer insight into the companies and the products and services they provide to the tile community.
40 Tile and Radiant Floor Systems: The Perfect Combination Installing tile and stone floors have taken large leaps forward from the days of our grandfathers. Prefabricated cement backerboards and other substrate composites provide stability required for tile and stone floor coverings. But, modern home construction is much more than simply providing a beautiful home. Today’s homeowners want beauty and efficiency. The secret is to be able to do both.
40
8 Departments Editorial...................................................................... 6 New Product Showcase ............................................ 8 Art & Decorative Tile Techniques............................ 12 Art Tile Collection .................................................... 25 A Woman’s Perspective .......................................... 26 Green Matters ......................................................... 37 Industry News .......................................................... 38 Calendar .................................................................. 38 Floor Warming/Radiant Heating Guide ............... 43 Tiles of Italy ............................................................. 44 Tile of China ............................................................ 48 Tile of Spain ............................................................ 51 Tile Products ........................................................... 53 Advertiser’s Index .................................................... 55 Classifieds ............................................................... 55 Tile Q & A ................................................................ 56 Product Marketplace ............................................... 58
On the Web For the most up-to-date information on all industry events, breaking news items, and special web-only features, visit www.tilemagonline.com daily!
Add some speed at the tile backer position. When your team hits the showers—or the kitchen— Diamondback™ Tile Backer will add speed to your game. Diamondback’s unique textured pattern and coating help grip tiles to prevent slippage during installation X Lighter weight than traditional cement or glass-mat gypsum backer boards X No need to install additional vapor barrier X Scores and snaps like regular gypsum board X
800-233-8990 • www.certainteed.com ROOFING • SIDING • TRIM • DECKING • RAILING • FENCE • FOUNDATIONS GYPSUM • CEILINGS • INSULATION • PIPE Circle 18 on Information Card
Letter From The Editor
TILE
®
Magazine
Arpi Nalbandian, Editor
[email protected] John Moore, Senior Editor
[email protected] Rick Arvidson, Sr. Art Director Jennifer Allen, Production Manager
[email protected] Editorial Contributors: Michael Byrne, Dave Gobis Publishing and Sales Office: 22801 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91364 Phone: (818) 224-8035, Fax: (818) 224-8042
Want to Become More Efficient? Try Decluttering Your Surroundings First
R
ecently, our offices were asked to remove the extra clutter and “stuff” that dominated areas of much-needed and precious space. Yes, there were large scale items such as desks, filing cabinets, and chairs that had gone unoccupied for years, but we were used to seeing these items in their particular spaces and their presence didn’t bother us. So, the day was chosen to take on this monumental task. Two full truckloads later, I now see the importance and underlying benefits of decluttering your work environment, and thus, your mind. Speaking of streamlining, BNP Media, the parent company TILE Magazine, recently announced a partnership with BirdDog Career Centers. During its 14-year history, BirdDog has helped more than 3,500 employers in specialized industries (such as ours) move to a strategy of planned hiring. In addition, the combined BirdDog family of sites and solutions has attracted more than 100,000 job seekers. “We are excited to partner with BirdDog to provide job placement and career counseling solutions for our markets,” said BNP Media Publishing Director Tim Fausch. Companies seeking employees or job seekers can access the Career Center by clicking on the BNP/BirdDog widget found on TILE’s homepage at www.tilemagonline.com. “The collective audience from our flooring, tile, stone, construction, mechanical systems, and maintenance
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brands approaches 1 million subscribers or Web site visitors,” added Fausch. “By partnering with BirdDog, we will help those pros solve employment challenges so they can focus more intently on serving their customers.” Also on the efficiency front is the newly minted partnership between BNP Media and Mike Rowe, host of cable show Dirty Jobs, to supply blogs for his Web site Trades Hub (tradeshub.mikeroweworks.com). The site is dedicated to championing the cause of the skilled trades. Through those experiences, combined with a legacy of a carpenter grandfather, he developed a passion for the skilled trades. With the launch of the Trades Hub site, he is connecting tradesmen and women from even more trades by providing additional content from a number of selected trade media. Specifically, Trades Hub is dedicated to providing high quality trades-focused content, centralized information, and business- and career-building news and stories. In short, Trades Hub will be collecting all kinds of blogs, articles, and news stories relating to the trades, by the trades, and for the trades. Finally, a reminder to join TILE Magazine and 10 other BNP Media publications August 4 (9 am- 4 pm ET)as we bring back the ultimate green virtual show, focusing on Green Schools. Visit exhibitors, network with peers, attend educational webinars, earn CEU credits and more. For more information, or to register, visit www.TheVirtualGreenExpo.com. TILE
July/August 2011
Southeast Regional Manager Scott Daniell • (770) 788-6377 Western Regional Manager Dan Lipman • (818) 224-8035 ext. 2206 Northeast Regional Manager Keith Parry • (973) 248-6097 Classified Ad Sales Sharon Ward • (847) 405-4017
[email protected] UK/Europe/Mideast Patrick Connolly • 44-170-247-7341 e-mail:
[email protected] Fax: 44-170-247-7559 Brazil Lazzaro Menasce • 55-11-3822-4422 e-mail:
[email protected] Fax: 55-11-3663-5436 Turkey Hilmi Zafer Erdem • 90-0212-257-76-66 e-mail:
[email protected] Fax: 90-0212-287-00-99
For advertising information, call (800) 835-4398. Corporate Office: BNP Media II, L.L.C. 2401 W. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 700 Troy, MI 48084 Phone : (248) 362-3700, Fax: (248) 362-0317
Corporate Directors Timothy A. Fausch – Publishing John R. Schrei – Publishing Lisa L. Paulus – Finance Rita M. Fourmia – Corporate Strategy Director Marlene J. Witthoft – Human Resources Director Scott Kesler – Information Technology Vincent M. Miconi – Production Nikki Smith – Directories Michael T. Powell – Creative Holly Banks – Marketing Beth Surowiec – Clear Seas Research Emily Patten – Conferences & Events Christopher Wilson – BNP Custom Media Group (248) 244-8264 •
[email protected] Audience Development Cassandra Haggard – Audience Development Coordinator Kelly Carlson – Multimedia Specialist Carolyn M. Alexander – Audience Audit Coordinator Contact Customer Service at: (847) 763-9534 • Fax: (847) 763-9538 •
[email protected] List Rental Postal Email Contacts: Kevin Collopy Sr. Acct. Mgr. Phone: (800) 223-2194 ext 684
[email protected] Michael Costantino Sr. Acct. Mgr. Phone: (800) 223-2194 ext 748
[email protected] BNP Media Helps People Succeed in Business with Superior Information
Express Your Good Taste They say what you buy says a great deal about your taste and persona. Florida Tile believes that what we design and manufacture also says the same about our company. We infuse the qualities of strength, durability, sustainability & value into every product we make. Our line of HDP High Definition Porcelain products bring our attention for detail to the surface. From slate, wood and marble look tiles, we produce a finished product that is both beautiful and responsible. Visit one of our Florida Tile locations for more information.
BERKSHIRE HDP BY
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Product Showcase
Want to see more of the latest in ceramic and porcelain tile trends? Visit www.tilemagonline.com!
182
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181 183 180 Florida Tile
181 Bode
182 Mediterranea
183 Bellavita Tile
Pietra Art Travertine from Florida Tile offers a wide selection of natural stone, including the newly added shades of Silver and Scabos. Silver, is the “cleanest” silverand-white-veined travertine, while Scabos delivers bold veins of white, gold, brown and light travertine. Available in various formats, including mosaics. Circle 180 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
Bode’s Rare Stone series mimics the look of marble in a porcelain tile collection. Naturallooking carrara, cream marfil and emperador are offered in crystal and glazed polished finishes for both wall and floor installations. Available in three formats (24x24, 32x32, 40x40). Circle 181 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
Mediterranea has launched the Exotica, a collection of planksized, exotic hardwood-look glazed porcelain tiles in colors and surface textures that reflect the uniqueness of the prized exotic rainforests species. Offered in 6” x 24” plank-style formats in five exotic hardwood colors. Circle 182 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
With the introduction of H Line, Bellavita Tile has translated the popular eye makeup trend of smoky eyes to its newest line of mosaic tile. Offered in seven colors and in several formats (4” x 16” and 3” x 6” formats or 1” x 1” mosaics), the collection features a glossy finish. A line of trim pieces is also available. Circle 183 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
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July/August 2011
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185 187 184 Lea Outdoor is the new collection for exterior spaces created by Lea Ceramiche. Inspired by the Barge stone from Piemonte, the collection utilizes Lea’s HD technology whereby the porcelain is “form styled,” restoring the chromatic, material and tactile effects that are closest to the natural stone. Available in three sizes, and a palette of three colors. Circle 184 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
185 Metropolitan Ceramics Metropolitan Ceramics combined rich color variation, detailed texture, classic earth tones, and traditional and unique sizing when developing Down to Earth. The series is offered in four shades, three textures and several formats. Circle 185 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
186 Crossville
187 Marazzi USA
Crossville Ceramics celebrates the beauty of natural stone and glass by blending them harmoniously in its new Ebb & Flow mosaic wall tile. Suitable for commercial and residential applications, the collection achieves a “tromp l’oeil,” threedimensional effect on interior and exterior walls, while maintaining a smooth surface. Offered in nine color blends, and various formats. Circle 186 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
The newly expanded Crystal Stone II collection from Marazzi USA incorporates “bits of sparkly clear and subdued translucent glass intersperse with marble and slate segments, creating a sumptuous, ever-appealing palette of 12’x12” meshmounted mosaics.” Offered in five colors. Circle 187 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
July/August 2011
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190 188
189 191 188 Almatec
189 StonePeak
190 Roca Ceramics
191 JSG Oceana
Produced using Continua technology, the Travertino collection from Almatec stands out “for the definition and fineness of the veins and the gradual color transitions of the mixes,” which make up the body of the ceramic sheet. Available in three finishes (natural, polished and textured), four colors, and four sizes. Circle 188 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
TheStandard from StonePeak Ceramics, offered in four shades ranging from Creme to Dark Gray, is designed to fit every space. Available in three sizes and two finishes, including Satinato — a new polishing technique exclusive to StonePeak in the United States. Circle 189 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
Green City is Roca Ceramics’ latest launch from its Top Green collection. Made with 80% preconsumption recycled material, the LEED-contributing series offers a wide range of shapes, colors, finishes and decorative pieces. Suitable for interior and exterior surfaces. Circle 190 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
JSG Oceana’s Precious Metals Tile collection combines the unique ocean pattern of its glass tile with three metals; Copper, 24K Gold and Platinum. Each piece is infused with the precious metal to produce a distinguished look and value. Available in various shapes and sizes, including custom designs. Circle 191 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
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July/August 2011
Heavy duty performance in a lightweight epoxy grout.
s 0ART3OLIDS%POXY s.OSHRINKAGEORCUPPING s2ECYCLEDCONTENTQUALIlES FOR,%%$®
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Art & Decorative Tile Techniques by Michael Byrne
Mortars and Grouts
A
t one time, floor tiles were installed and grouted with a single mortar. This mortar was mixed with Portland cement or its equivalent, was on the wet side, and served as setting bed, adhesive, and grout. The mortar was floated and tiles were beat into the surface until some of the mortar oozed up into the joints. After the initial setup, the joints were struck, the tiles cleaned off, and the mortar was damp cured. Sometimes, to increase the bond strength between the setting bed and tiles, a thin layer of dry Portland cement was spread over the wet setting bed before the tiles were installed. This type of installation required a very highly skilled tile mechanic who was able to work both quickly and accurately. For best results, this type of installation required a rather lengthy damp curing period that involved covering the floor with loose-laid plastic film or building paper and, depending on ambient temperature and humidity, misting the surface one, two, or three times every day for about a week or longer. Regular thinset mortars and unmodified grouts are modern advances and are relatively easy to use, but both
still require damp curing to achieve maximum strength, and neither have any of the benefits available with modified materials. Unmodified thinset mortars have good bond strength, but like regular, unmodified grouts, are rigid and inflexible. These qualities are fine for buildings that are also rigid with limited flexibility, but these types of structures were far more common in the past and do not represent the type of construction now in use. Today’s residential and light commercial structures are designed to be flexible, and the materials used in construction must be able to withstand a certain amount of flexing. Currently, tile installations need to be done quickly, with minimal time and expense spent on damp curing, and with installation labor that may not always be highly trained. Technological advances in mortars and grouts have resulted in
Right: When working alone, I use a small table to back-butter tiles.
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July/August 2011
materials that do not need long periods of damp curing nor seasoned professionals. These may cost a bit more than regular grout and adhesive mortars, but increased material costs are more than offset by reductions in the cost of labor. From an installer’s point of view, less time spent on fussing with damp curing means more time can be spent installing tiles. Dry-set thinset mortar: The starting point for adhesive mortars is dry-set thinset mortar: a combination of sand, Portland cement and other additives that help this mix retain water. Dry-set thinset mortar has a high compressive strength, and good bond strength for dry- and wetareas and for tiles that will be submerged. Some manufacturers offer a non-sanded version of dry-set thinset that is useful for installing small tiles (1-inch or less). Modified thinset mortar: Modified thinset mortar refers to thinset mortar that has latex as an ingredient. The latex can be in liquid form and added on-site (normally mixed with dry-set thinset powder). Modified thinset can also have the latex added, in dry form, at the factory: this is referred to as polymer-modified thinset and it is mixed with water on-site. There are also some very high strength polymer-modified thinset mortars that require a companion liquid latex to be added, in place of water, on-site. Epoxy thinset mortar: There are two types of epoxy thinset. One is a mixture
Photo 1
Contractors made us #1. Reliability keeps us there.
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Custom Building Products is the #1 most preferred manufacturer of cementitious grout in America according to the 2009 CLEAReport™ by Clear Seas Research.
Photo 2
Photo 4
Photo 3
Photo 5
Photo 2: To ensure that all parts of each tile are completely supported, add a small dab of thinset to each corner. Photo 3: To back-butter mosaic sheets, the first step is to spread a uniform layer of thinset on a scrap piece of plywood or OSB. Photo 4: The next step is to gently knock down the adhesive ridges made by the notch trowel. Photo 5: The third step is to press the mosaic chips into the adhesive so the back of each tile is coated with adhesive.
of sand, Portland cement, epoxy resin, and epoxy hardener and it is called epoxyemulsion thinset. Another type, made from sand, epoxy resin, and epoxy hardener, is called 100% solids-epoxy and it can be used as both tile adhesive and grout. Applying thinset mortars: Thinset mortar is spread with a notched trowel. As tile sizes get larger and larger, the amount of thinset required achieving the industry-recommended 80% dry-area and 95% wet or exterior area adhesive contact must also increase. Charts are available on packaging to aid in selecting the right size notch, but in my experience, most charts underestimate the amount of thinset actually required. As well, tile industry practice says that in order to achieve good adhesion, the flat side of the trowel should be used first, to key the material onto the setting bed surface, and the notched side is used next to comb out a uniform layer of thinset: good advice for any setting bed, but what about adhesion to the tiles? In my opinion, in order to achieve maximum adhesion of the tile to the setting bed,
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all tiles should be back-buttered before they are set into the thinset spread on the setting bed. In fact, when I am installing large-format tiles (10-inches or larger), rather than apply a skim coat to the back of each tile, I may use another notched trowel to ensure 95% uniform coverage (on my installations – dry or wet area – I strive for greater then 95% coverage). Photos 1 and 2 show the method I use to install large tiles. In photo 1, I use a portable table to make back-buttering easier. Back-buttering is not a slap-dash process but rather applying a uniform layer of adhesive. Photo 2 shows a method I use to ensure that the most vulnerable sections of a tile – the corners – are completely supported. After back-buttering, I apply a small amount of thinset to each corner before installing the tile. Achieving proper adhesive coverage when installing small tiles such as sheetmounted mosaic tiles can be difficult, especially when slightly irregular tiles are selected. Normally, back-buttering sheet-mounted tiles is not recommended
July/August 2011
because this method usually results in joints clogged with thinset that is very difficult to remove. Photos 3, 4, 5, and 6 illustrate a method I use to backbutter small tiles without the usual thinset bleed-through. First, I spread a layer of thinset on the setting bed. Next, using a notched trowel, I spread a layer of thinset on a scrap piece of plywood (Photo #3). After that, I use the smooth side of the trowel to gently flatten the adhesive ridges (Photo #4). Then, I set a sheet of tiles over the adhesive and press each tile into the thinset (Photo #5). When this is done, I peel off the tile sheet (Photo #6) and install it on the setting bed. With the right trowel selection on both the setting bed and the tile sheet, maximum adhesion is attained with little or no bleed-through. Note: the ridges on the setting bed must be knocked down smooth before each back-buttered mosaic sheet is installed. Regular grout: Regular grout comes in two flavors: sanded and unsanded. Generally, unsanded grout is used for
Substrate. Joint width. Tile type. Whatever the variables, one color consistent grout.
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The final step is to inspect the back of the sheet, add thinset, as needed, to ensure complete coverage, then install the sheet over the adhesive layer spread on the floor or wall.
Photo 6 joints less than 1/8-inch wide, while sanded is used to fill wider joints. Regular grout is composed primarily of sand and cement with a colorant and other trace ingredients that help retard setup. Regular grout is mixed with water and it should be damp cured for three or four days after installation. Regular
grout is inexpensive, but if used properly – with damp curing – labor costs can be significantly higher than if a modified grout is used. Modified grout: Regular grout can be modified by mixing with latex instead of water. Grout modified by the manufacturer with dry polymer latex
is site mixed with water. Dry polymer modified grout has several advantages over a regular grout/liquid additive. The most obvious are less weight to carry and more room in the truck. A not so obvious advantage for a general contractor working with a sub installer is that with dry polymer mixes, it is hard to cheat by diluting the liquid latex with too much water. The benefits of modified grout include more flexural strength, better color retention, and of importance to the installer, limited damp curing requirements. Some modified grouts require no damp curing while others may require one or two light mistings. In hot weather, it is a good idea to mist all types of modified grout to improve hydration. TILE
About the Author Michael Byrne has been a tile installer since 1968 working on residential, Michael Byrne commercial, industrial, artistic and specialty installations. He is the author of three books, numerous videos and hundreds of articles on tile installation. His new book, “Tiling for Contractors,” is published by JLC Books. He has worked as an independent consultant on installations in a global level, is one of the founders and the first president and executive director of the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF), and the owner of a consulting, expert witness, and publishing company on Kiawah Island, SC. He can be reached at
[email protected].
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The grout choices you want for the results you need. CUSTOM GROUT SOLUTIONS CEG-Lite
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Custom Building Products is the #1 most preferred manufacturer of cementitious grout in America according to the 2009 CLEAReport™ by Clear Seas Research.
Let’s Keep it Quiet By Dave Gobis
I
n the not too distant past, sound control was an afterthought -- both during the construction of a new building and afterwards. In most cases, it was considered normal and expected to be able to hear when the upstairs occupant(s) were present. Knowing that the neighbors were home, and in some cases their activities, became an aggravating annoyance. With the growth of apartment, condominium, and townhouse construction, there was increasing concern about sound attenuation. To meet consumer demands for peace and quiet contractors and architects became tasked with finding ways to accomplish the goal of peaceful living. This was followed by building codes which decided how quiet was considered peaceful and unobtrusive.
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Over the years, a plethora of products and innovations have been developed to control noise on the floor above. All of these materials or methods are only one component of a complete system in which each piece plays an essential part of a total assembly. Elimination of any component in the assembly can seriously weaken the sound rating desired. It is not the floor system in and of itself that is the sole contributor to sound attenuation (reduction), every part of construction must be considered. Most of the sound reduction data available in the market relates to tests of floor/ceiling systems that comprised of concrete slabs with gypsum wallboard hung on resilient furring channels (suspended or sound-rated ceiling system) with a layer of mineral wool or fiberglass insulation in the cavity.
July/August 2011
Unfortunately, most of the construction in the field does not have this type of ceiling treatment. Thus, rule number one should be to understand the structure you’re dealing with and how its attributes (total components) will affect the final and expected result. It’s important to understand sound attenuation terminology and how it is used in discussing the system. The term
Above: Every room in each unit of this 10 story structure is tiled with exception of the bedrooms. With a total of 97 units sound transmission is a major concern. A sheet applied system was used directly over the structural slab. The tile units experienced no problems; there were a few problems with units that received stone flooring.
Circle 20 on Information Card
Left: It is important that the sound reduction membrane selected is suitable for the product to be applied over it. This membrane was excessively compressive and adequate movement accommodation joints were not provided.
The IIC rating is used for specifying minimum sound control performance of assemblies in construction. Higher numbers refer to more effectiveness. IIC and/or IIC are measured using either ASTM E2179 “Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of the Effectiveness of Floor Coverings in Reducing Impact Sound Transmission Through Concrete Floors” or ASTM E492 “Standard Test Method of Laboratory Measurement of Impact Sound Transmission Through FloorCeiling Assemblies Using the Tapping Machine.” These test methods measure impact sounds on a floor surface through the use of sophisticated monitoring equipment. STC (Sound Transmission Class) refers to the single figure of evaluation used to quantify the transmission of airborne sound through building elements, such as walls or floor systems. These types of sounds would be the equivalent of voices, radio, or television in the context of a multi-unit building. The term IIC (Impact Insulation Class) refers to statistical measurement standards used to quantify the transmission of impact sound energy through a floor/ceiling assembly system. These types of sounds would be the equivalent of foot traffic, dropped articles, or furniture moving in the context of a multifamily building. While enforcement is haphazard, multi-family construction in many jurisdictions must meet minimum IIC and STC values in floor and ceiling assemblies to meet local building code standards. Most common code used is published by the ICC (International Code Council) which calls for a minimum reduction value of 50 IIC and 50 STC. The higher the IIC or STC, the better the sound attenuation. You should always consult your local Building Department for the exact code requirements applicable for your area. In addition to the building code standards, some condominium developers and homeowners associations set their own minimum standards written into their Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R). These are often more stringent than the building code requirements in that given jurisdiction. It is wise to consult your condo association on the CC&R standards required for IIC and STC values before installing hard surface flooring materials in your unit or project. The overall message here is if you don’t know what the requirements are, find out and avoid replacement and/or litigation later. The following is how both IIC and STC are evaluated: Impact Insulation Class (IIC) refers to a positive rating number that is used to compare and evaluate the performance of floor and ceiling construction in isolating impact noise. 20
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July/August 2011
Delta ( IIC) refers to the actual IIC Value added to the floor/ ceiling assembly for a particular flooring product installed on top of the actual floor construction. This value shows how much better a flooring assembly will perform, in terms of IIC, when using that particular sound control component. For example, a tile installation system incorporating a sound and crack isolation mat may add a IIC of 20 to a typical 6”-thick (150mm) concrete floor, that otherwise carries an IIC rating of approximately 28 means that the total rating for this particular floor would be 48 IIC. Field IIC (FIIC) is a positive rating number used to evaluate the performance of a floor construction and the associated structure derived from field impact sound measurements in accordance with ASTM E1007 “Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Tapping Machine Impact Sound Transmission Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies and Associated Support Structures.” It’s important to note that building codes allow for a difference (generally a lower rating in the field) of five points between laboratory (IIC) and field (FIIC) testing results. Sound Transmission Class (STC) refers to a positive rating number that is used to measure the effectiveness of sound isolation in regards to audible, air-borne sound. STC is measured using ASTM E90 “Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements.” This test measures air-borne sound (e.g. voices, TV, stereos, etc…). In most cases, sound control underlayments in general, have extremely marginal or no affect on STC. The predominant factor for STC reduction is the mass of the structure, in other words, the greater the structural mass, the greater the STC performance. STC values are in large part influenced by the solid mass of the structure, but are also dependent on isolation and resilience within the structure that can be provided by the appropriate products.
Some sound reduction can easily achieve in almost any structure. However it requires very diligent adherence to the specific product manufacturer’s recommendations. As mentioned, when STC and IIC values are provided by a manufacturer they typically come as a result of a very specific assembly. When using any tile or stone product it would not be wise to install a compressive
Several manufacturers have thinset products available which offer some sound reduction. They provide simple and effective sound attenuation within the limits of the product selected.
material under ceramic tile unless the product has been performance tested under ASTM C-627, the Robinson Floor Test. You should also inquire about the tile size, setting material, and grout recommendations. All may vary with each different sound reduction product. My thanks to Laticrete International for assistance in verification of several parts in this article. TILE
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