May/June 2011
TILE
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L VE An edition of TILE Magazine
Coverings: Technology Meets Geometry pg. 12 Successful Self-Leveling Underlayment Use pg. 20 The 2011 Underlayment Guide pg. 25
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Building with Ceramic Tile pg. 30
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MAPEI’s green system solution
for tiling a spa fast!
Mapelastic ™ AquaDefense Premium waterproofing and crack-isolation membrane
Granirapid ® Premium, rapid-setting, flexible tile mortar system
Ultracolor ® Plus Premium, rapid-setting sanded grout with polymer
Helps contribute LEED points
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Table of Contents May/June 2011 vol. 8, no. 3
TILE
Magazine
Features
12 Coverings: Where Technology, Geometry, Bold Colors Take Center Stage
On the cover: ABK’s Velvet Stone, a 25x50 cm white body wall tile available in four colors.
TILE Magazine, Vol. 8, Issue 3 (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].
For its West Coast premiere, the organizers and exhibitors of Coverings 2011 pulled out all the stops in delivering North America’s premier tile and stone exhibition.
20 Preparation is Key to Successful Self-Leveling Underlayment Use Self-leveling materials are useful in producing flat and level tile substrates that have a high compressive strength, but no two brands are alike, and all have their own specific application limitations, mixing routines, and curing times. Read how being prepared will save you time, money and callbacks.
30 Departments
30 Building with Ceramic Tile: Moving Beyond the Novelty A recent visit to Spain and Cevisama revealed not only the centuries-old structures that incorporated ceramic tile, but also provided an eye-opening education on recent projects that have integrated massive amounts of tile, including the City of Arts and Sciences by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
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Editorial...................................................................... 6 New Product Showcase ............................................ 8 Green Matters ......................................................... 16 Industry News .......................................................... 18 Calendar .................................................................. 18 Tile Products ........................................................... 19 2011 Underlayment Guide ...................................... 25 A Woman’s Perspective .......................................... 28 Tiles of Italy ............................................................. 34 Tile of Spain ............................................................ 38 Tile of Brazil............................................................. 42 Tile of Turkey........................................................... 44 Art Tile Collection .................................................... 37 Advertiser’s Index .................................................... 47 Classifieds ............................................................... 47 Tile Q & A ................................................................ 48 Product Marketplace ............................................... 50
On the Web Feel like something is missing in your day-to-day activities? Then follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, and let’s start talking! For the most up-to-date information on all industry events, breaking news items, and special web-only features, visit www.tilemagonline.com daily!
Letter From The Editor
TILE
®
Magazine
Phil Johnson, Publisher
[email protected] 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 Tile Accounts Manager Phil Johnson • (818) 224-8035 ext. 2207 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
How Technology Moves Business With four tradeshows in as many months (Surfaces, Cevisama, Coverings, KBIS), I’ve noticed several advancements within our industry I felt should be pointed out.
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irst, the increased usage of Quick Response (QR) codes and Microsoft Tags used by manufacturers to guide smartphone users to find more information, product videos and even promotions exclusive to those who scanned the codes. The savviest of manufacturers understood that leading people to their website alone wasn’t enough so they created dedicated microsites specifically for this purpose. Further, having the best product around isn’t enough anymore. Your current partners and customers may know it, but what about everyone else? Are you invisible to the hundreds, thousands and millions of people you need to reach? In the past, just having a listing in a business directory was good enough. Humor me and Google yourself and/or your business. What results do you get? Did you find a few obscure listings? If you want to remain relevant in the current economic market and you’re competing with someone who is on top of their marketing game, then you need to reach out of your tried-andtrue safety zone via social media platforms. Social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter are continually gaining momentum. If you don’t have a presence
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on either of these, then you are an unknown entity to the current purchasing generation. During the tweetup held at KBIS in Las Vegas recently, Barbara Segal, designer and founder of Twitter-based Interior Designer Chat (@IntDesignerChat), highlighted a chat response stating, “Gen Y will sign a contract on an iPad for a kitchen design quicker than any generation.” That bit of information speaks volumes, in my opinion. Which brings me to another point, networking. In the past, you may have been too busy to attend networking events, for whatever reason. You may have thought, “I won’t know anybody,” “I have nothing in common with [insert industry here] folks,” and so forth. Fair enough, but if you don’t go, how will you meet distributors, designers, architects, specifiers, installers or retailers – one of which who may be your next client? Finally, if after reading this, you’re ready to take the social media plunge but need a little help, then let me know. I would be happy to help you in any way I can. You can also join TILE on Twitter (@ TileMagazine) and me (@TileEditor), as well as liking us on Facebook (www. facebook.com/TileMagazine). TILE
May/June 2011
Classified Ad Sales Sharon Ward • (847) 405-4017
[email protected] Italy Phil Johnson • (818) 224-8035 ext. 2207 e-mail:
[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 contact: Rob Liska at 800-223-2194 x726
[email protected] Email contact: Shawn Kingston at 800-409-4443-828
[email protected] BNP Media Helps People Succeed in Business with Superior Information
Product Showcase
Want to see more of the latest in ceramic and porcelain tile trends? Visit www.tilemagonline.com!
195 193
194 192 195 Mediterranea
194 Bellavita Tile
Mediterranea has used its exclusive Dynamic HD Imaging program to create the Tuscania collection of high-definition glazed porcelain tiles. Inspired by the stone found in the northern hills of Italy, Tuscania is made with recycled content, and can contribute to LEED certification. Available in three shades and five formats. Circle 195 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
Bellavita’s Metal Tiles blend the industrial look of metal into an elegant collection with a timeless appeal. Available in Metal, Copper and Bronze, the series can be used for custom blends in several different sizes including Penny Rounds, Mixed Strips and Subway Style mosaics. Circle 194 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
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May/June 2011
193 StonePeak Ceramics Raja, StonePeak’s newest collection, is engineered to inspire the exotic slate found in the ancient quarries of India. Using advanced ink jet technology, the variation in colors and texture found in the collection interpret the smallest details of the quarried slate. Circle 193 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
192 Ragno USA The latest product from Ragno USA, Eternal Limestones, is created using state-of-the-art 3-D printing techniques that can digitally print up to 360 dpi, directly to tile. The color body porcelain collection is offered in several formats, and in three colors (Lagos Blue, Jura Beige and Crema Europa). Circle 192 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
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190 189 191 Crossville
190 Orchid Ceramics
188 Marazzi USA
189 TAU
Inspired by the natural stone from which it derives its name, Bluestone by Crossville features a field of soft earthen tones, enhanced by fossil-like impressions and the subtle pearlescence of embedded shells. In both natural and semipolished finishes, Bluestone features a minimum of 20% recycled content. Available in four colorways, a variety of sizes, and complementary trim pieces. Circle 191 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
The Moon Stone series from Orchid Ceramic’s Carissa collection takes its name from the visual effect, or sheen, caused by light reflecting internally. Orchid’s Moon Stone is comprised of whites, browns, khakis, grays and opalescent sheens. Moon stone has been used for centuries in jewelry, and was common in the United States as part of the Art Nouveau movement. Circle 190 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
Treasures from the past inspire Marazzi USA’s Archaeology, a travertine look recreated using the latest advances in digital print technology. With its chiseled edges and surface indentations, Archaeology is available in four colors and various formats, including mosaics. Circle 188 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
Tuscany from TAU takes inspiration from Rapolano marble. Available in three formats, and three colors (Ivory, Beige and Noce). Complementing the collection are two mosaics, (5x5 and 7.5x15). Circle 189 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
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185 187
186 184 187 NCC
186 Atlas Concorde
185 Aguayo Tiles
184 White Horse
The Sandstone series from Newzhongci Ceramic Co. (NCC) is offered in four natureinspired shades and several formats with a complete line of complementary pieces. Circle 187 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
Atlas Concorde’s Advance delivers “an architectural material with a superior quality finish available in five different types of stone with a surprising variety of patterns and depths,” the company says. Offered in three finishes. Circle 186 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
Aguayo Tiles presents Outlook, a cement tile collection that developed from the firstever inter-university design competition among students at Dominican Republic universities majoring in Fine Arts, Interior Design, Industrial Design, Architecture and Graphic Design. The collection is composed of six different designs. Circle 185 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
White Horse tiles, manufactured in Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan, utilize the latest available technology and are “on par with international standards in terms of design, quality and features,” the company says. Circle 184 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
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181 180 183 Florida Tile The Berkshire series is the newest High Definition Porcelain (HDP) line from Florida Tile. The color body floor and wall tile evoke a nostalgic Americana feeling of East Coast prep and the rugged northeast. With up to 40% recycled content, GreenGuard and Porcelain Tile certifications, the line also meets the .06% wet COF. Offered in 6x24 planks in five colors. Circle 183 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
181 Stone & Pewter Accents Tozen glass tiles from Stone & Pewter Accents feature complimentary colors, shot through with transparent layers of contrasting colors. Mosaics are stacked together creating a unique repeating pattern. Available in 17 hues, in both natural and silk finishes, on 12”x 12” paper-faced repeating sheets. Circle 181 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
182 Daltile
180 Ceracasa
Daltile’s new City Lights collection offers eye-catching blends, inspired by the shimmer and glow of 16 cityscapes, in creating borders, backsplashes or walls. Offered in Bangkok, Barcelona, Capri, Fiji, Hollywood, Honolulu, Las Vegas, London, Manhattan, Monte Carlo, Paris, Rio, South Beach, St. Mortiz, St. Thomas and Tokyo. Available in a 1/2 x 1/2 mosaic blend (12 x 12 sheet). Circle 182 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
The ECOM4Tile® by Ceracasa meets four different characteristics that “place it as the floor or wall tiles with the biggest potential for the eco-construction or for the sustainable construction industries (biocidal, energysaving, temperature-controlled, easily cleaned),” the company notes. Circle 180 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
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Technology, geometry, bold colors take center stage at Coverings By Arpi Nalbandian
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irst-time attendees and veterans alike had planned for months to attend the 2011 edition of Coverings. And, for the first time in the show’s history, this edition was held in Las Vegas. As a result of the move, National Trade Productions (NTP), the show’s organizers, said “More than 100 first-time Coverings exhibitors appeared this year.” Further, this year’s edition saw a “71% increase in attendees from the West Coast states, including a massive increase from California alone, plus an 82% increase from the Rocky Mountain region states. Overall attendance was pegged at 19,000, a slight dip from 2010, with more than 800 exhibitors lining the aisles,” NTP added.
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Lindsay Rider, ForzaStone marketing and PR manager, said “Being a new exhibitor and introducing a new product to the industry, our ultra thin, natural stone panels, ForzaStone had high expectations for the show and we’re happy to report, Coverings delivered. We met with everyone from large, wellknown distributors to expert installers, which was our main initiative as we develop nationwide distribution. The Coverings Show was the international venue we needed to reach the next level of growth for ForzaStone.” Additional good news came from the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) who reported that U.S. tile consumption had increased 6% from 2009.
May/June 2011
Further, the association unveiled several additions to the 2011 TCNA Handbook (glass, stone, large format tile installations, underlayments, etc.), as well as the news that research had begun for a hypoallergenicity standard to evaluate
Above: Sicis’ “Window” mosaic mural — part of the Skyline Collection.
Top Left: Patti Fasan of Professional Attention to Tile Installation (p.a.t.t.i.) received the Joe A. Tarver Award during Coverings 2011 for her dedication and service to the tile industry. She is the first woman to receive this award! Bottom Left: Eric Astrachan (TCNA executive director), together with Opportunity Village’s Laura D’Amore (left) and Rachel Allen (right) present tile artisans with an appreciative plaque (created by Motawi Tileworks) for benches that will benefit Opportunity Village residents. Accepting her award is Barbara Schmidt, B.A. Schmidt Arts & Enterprises. Top Right: Jose and Aida Garcia of Alcalaten Ceramicas with “Gaudi Mosaic” in the background. Bottom Right: At the CTEF’s Certified Tile Installer (CTI) testing area with the candidates up for certification. Scott Carothers of the CTEF (far left) and Stephanie Samulski (far right) administered the 2-1/2-day written and hands-on test.
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ceramic tile and installation products. TCNA research scientist, Dr. Jyothi Rangineni, is developing a protocol to test the hypoallergenic qualities of tile and installation products and to test if they induce allergic reactions in people who use them. On the show floor, attendees witnessed many previously unthinkable applications of tile and stone, such as ceilings, to stretching the possibilities of size, including the aptly named “The Size,” which measures 12-ft. x 4-ft. x 1/5-inches. Geometry played a larger role than in the past in developing the latest collections from Lea’s triangular “Gouache” collection and Apavisa’s hexagonal façade, as did textures for Tagina’s “Wire System,” and handcarved curves for Artistic Tile’s “Ziva” collection.
May/June 2011
Nature-inspired creations were popular among the exhibitors with BonTon’s sepiatoned “Botanical” series; natural stone motifs from Marazzi with “Archaeology,” Mediterranea’s “Essence,” and Casa Dolce Casa’s “Belgique”; as well as high-gloss marble looks from Grespania, Florida Tile, StonePeak, and Iris. To further attest to the current environmental concerns, the number of manufacturers using recycled (pre- and post-consumer) content has markedly increased from previous years, as has the amount of antibacterial tile offerings, including the newly launched “bios” collection” by Casalgrande Padana. In terms of color use, the palette of choice has moved from the “safe” beige neutrals to bold accent tiles surrounded by the new neutral — gray. Also enjoying a resurgence in appreciation were the visually appealing
Top Right: At the Coverings TweetUp, the social media event that gained momentum through Twitter, are Ryan Fasan (P.A.T.T.I.) and JoAnn Locktov (Bella Figura Communications and “Tileista”). Center: Onix Mosaico’s collections feature 98% recycled glass. Pictured is the “Fused” glass series. Bottom: Kaos by Refin incorporates textured surfaces. Designed by Luca Nichetto, Kaos emulates, “A state of zero that means complete disorder and potential infinitesimal possibilities of creation.” Top Far Right: Peronda’s “Gallant” collection of deco tile. Center: The Perlamarmi collection by Artistic Tile combines natural stone with mother-of-pearl. Water-jet technology is utilized to achieve the collection’s intricate pattern. Bottom: Tile Council of North America (TCNA) presented its 2011 Tile Person of the Year Award to Quarry Tile’s Richard Baiter. TCNA’s executive director, Eric Astrachan (right) presents him with a framed mosaic tile mural handcrafted by Brigid O’Connor of Artfind Tile.
mosaic tile applications, such as those from Sicis, Onix Mosaico, Mosaico+, Bellavita, Stone + Pewter Accents, and many more. Lastly, more than 500,000 pounds of surplus and used tile and stone were ultimately diverted from the dumpsters thanks to the show’s collaboration with Tile Partners for Humanity. Collected from exhibitors after the build of their displays and at the conclusion of the show, these discards are being “recycled” for use in Habitat for Humanity and other building projects undertaken by non-profit community organizations and public agencies benefitting the disadvantaged nationwide. TPFH was aided in the collection by Mountain Re-Source Center. Coverings 2012 will be held April 17-20 in Orlando, FL. For more information, visit www.coverings.com. TILE
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green matters sponsored by:
Virtual Green Expo, a free online event
USGBC unveils LEED for Healthcare program
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NP Media, the parent company of TILE Magazine, will host Virtual Green Expo, August 4. The free online virtual trade show, focusing on green schools, includes specialized topics on high-performance K-12 and college/ university buildings and educational facilities, such as: • Specifying interior, exterior and mechanical systems (including plumbing, flooring, roofing and wall systems) • Creating a high-performance, healthy learning environment • Financing, operating, maintaining and cleaning a green school Featured webinars include: • Building a LEED K-12 School with Thomas A. Taylor, General Manager, Vertegy; Christy CunninghamSaylor, Environmental Specialist, Vertegy; and Tara Fridhandler,
Project Specialist, Vertegy • How School Districts can build New Green Schools even when Public Funds are Scarce with Beth Heider, SVP, Skanska USA and Chair Elect, USGBC (moderator); Simon Beauchamp/Terry Mitchell, Skanska UK – Bristol Schools Project; Anthony Bango, VP, Skanska USA • Critical issues facing the Greening of America’s Schools with Henning Bloech, LEED AP, Executive Director, GREENGUARD Environmental Institute; Rachel Gutter, Director, Center for Green Schools at USGBC; and Jennifer Seydel, Member of the Board of Directors, Green Charter Schools Network Virtual Green Expo is an AIA and GBCI approved education provider. For more information and to register, visit www.thevirtualgreenexpo.com.
TCNA to develop hypoallergenic standard
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he Tile Council of North America (TCNA) has embarked upon research for a hypoallergenicity standard to evaluate ceramic tile and installation products. In accordance with TCNA’s commitment towards greener and healthier environments, TCNA Research Scientist, Dr. Jyothi Rangineni, is developing a protocol to test the hypoallergenic qualities of tile and installation products and to test if they induce allergenic reactions in people who use them. The TCNA says its goal in conducting this research is to develop a standard for certification which would allow a product
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to be marketed as hypoallergenic. Two variations of ISO 10993-5:2009, which is the test standard for the hypoallergenicity evaluation of medical devices, are in development to evaluate for contact and inhaled allergens. “This new standard will give our manufacturers a platform to evaluate and market their products competitively against other surfaces that have historically made such claims,” noted Dr. Rangineni. This research is an extension of TCNA’s initiative to provide the industry with new testing services geared towards human health, safety, and the environment.
May/June 2011
he U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recently launched LEED for Healthcare during CleanMed 2011. The rating system guides the design and construction of both new buildings and major renovations of existing healthcare buildings, and can be applied to inpatient, outpatient and licensed long-term care facilities, medical offices, assisted living facilities and medical education and research centers. “Research has shown that when we are treated and heal in a green healthcare facility – one that has a healthy indoor environmental quality and connects us to the outdoors – we heal faster, have shorter hospital stays and fewer return visits,” said Scot Horst, svp LEED, USGBC. “LEED for Healthcare represents a milestone for green building,” said Gail Vittori, co-director of Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems and founding chair of the LEED for Healthcare Committee. “Building on the foundational work of the Green Guide for Healthcare, it provides an explicit recognition of health consequences associated with a spectrum of buildingrelated decisions—from location, to water and energy sources and use patterns, and materials specification—and emphasizes integrative design as requisite for a successful design, construction and building performance outcomes.” To learn more about LEED for Healthcare, pre-order a Reference Guide or participate in a rating system-specific workshop, visit www.usgbc.org/leed/ healthcare.
Green Matters is a new section where TILE readers can quickly reference news items, feature articles and products detailing carbon footprint reduction, sustainable environmental quality enhancements, LEED point contributions, and more. Visit TILE’s website (www.tilemagonline. com) to access the entire Green Matters section.
Troubleshooting Installations Over Concrete Subfloors
FREE WEBINAR
Date: May 24, 2011 Time: 2 p.m. ET A must see Webinar for flooring contractors, retailers, specifiers, installers and more covering: • Moisture measurement before installation • Moisture control remediation • Crack suppression • Underlayments • Solutions when flooring does not adhere properly Topics also include: • concrete sealers • coatings • dealing with existing adhesives • condition of the concrete *flatness and levelness • moisture testing CaCl vs RH • dealing with cracks • concrete joints – dormant vs moving • slab curl • leveling compounds and • troubleshooting problems.
SPEAKER: Ray Thompson Jr. President Ray Thompson Floorcovering Institute Renowned floor installation troubleshooter, forensic expert and NFT & FCI columnist, Ray delivers the “what you need to know” in this one-hour webinar you won’t want to miss!
Register at: webinars.ntlfloortrends.com Webinar sponsored by:
www.quietwalk.com
World Leader in Moisture Measurement Technology. www.wagnermeters.com/concretemoisture.php
custombuildingproducts.com
Industry News Latest Breaking News at www.tilemagonline.com
Laticrete joins CTEF Installer Program as top sponsor
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aticrete is continuing its commitment to the education, training and testing of end-user installers by contributing as one of the top sponsors or “Signature Level” partners for the 2011 Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) testing program. In addition to financial support, Laticrete will continue to make materials donations for specific CTEF host testing sites and provide further assistance by making its technical sales representatives available in each region as the installer testing program makes it way around the country. The CTEF provides the only certified tile installer program with a nationally recognized set of standards that includes testing the hands-on skills of each enduser along with a written evaluation to produce a verifiable CTEF Certified Tile Installer (CTI). The CTEF has the full support of several of the tile industry’s organizations, including the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), the National Tile
Contractors Association (NTCA), the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) and Coverings, along with manufacturers to ensure it continues to be a driving industry force for years to come. “Laticrete was one of the original sponsors to come on-board when we began the CTEF CTI testing and certification program in 2008,” said Scott Carothers, CTEF Executive Director. “They do an excellent job conducting their own Laticrete Profit-ThroughKnowledge program, and have always been very supportive of the CTEF. In addition to funding, they donate materials and supplies, and we greatly appreciate all of the support we get from them. Just as we do here at CTEF, Laticrete clearly understands that proper installation of tile and stone materials is critical for the industry and highly important for the continued growth and specification of tile and stone.” For more information about the program, contact Scott Carothers at scott@ tilecareer.com or call (864) 222-2131.
Calendar
Stone+tec 2011 June 22-25, Nuremberg, Germany www.stone-tec.com
AIA 2011 National Convention & Design Exposition May 12-14, New Orleans, La. www.aiaconvention.com
Virtual Green Expo August 4, webinar www.thevirtualgreenexpo.com
NeoCon 2011 June 13-15, Chicago www.neocon.com
For more events and training/ educational opportunities, visit www.tilemagonline.com.
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May/June 2011
Seven charities to benefit from Daltile sales meeting, events
Daltile’s sales regions competed in a variety of fun team-building events resulting in a donation of $21,000 to seven noteworthy charities.
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ollowing its National Sales Meeting in late March, Daltile’s sales regions competed in a variety of team-building events that resulted in a donation of $21,000 to seven noteworthy charities. Key vendor partners including, Noble Company, Color Fast Caulk, James Hardie, MAPEI, Laticrete International, Custom Building Products and Protecto Wrap agreed to donate $3,000 on behalf of each of the seven competing teams to Daltile’s charities. Following the 2011 Daltile National Sales Meeting, Daltile will present these charitable gifts on behalf of each Regional team. This year’s honorees include: Make-a-Wish Foundation, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Surfers Healing, American Diabetes Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters National. Those in attendance consisted of over 600 Daltile stakeholders, including sales service center managers, sales representatives, architectural sales representatives, regional vice presidents, regional operations managers, regional sales managers and Daltile corporate members.
Tile Products
200 MP GLOBAL PRODUCTS
MP Global Products’ new Peel & Stick Membranes MP Global Products introduces two membranes for floor and wall tiling. Made primarily of recycled textile and carpet fibers diverted from landfill, UltraLayer® Peel & Stick is a self-adhesive acoustic and protective membrane for use under ceramic tile, porcelain tile and natural stone. TileQu!ck™ is a self-adhesive roll-out backing for wall tile. For details, circle 200 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
196 PROSPEC
197 LATICRETE 199 MAPEI CORP.
New Grout Refresher from MAPEI forms wear-proof seal MAPEI’s new Grout Refresh™ grout colorant and sealer has been formulated to “penetrate deep into old grout to form a seal that doesn’t wear off,” the company notes. Grout Refresh, which can be used for interior and exterior grout applications, comes in 36 colors that match all of MAPEI’s grouts and caulks. For details, circle 199 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
Laticrete publishes Masonry Veneer Installation Systems guide Laticrete’s Masonry Veneer Installation Systems (MVIS) guide, designed to offer solutions for the installation of manufactured stone, natural stone masonry veneers and thin brick facades, is now available. The MVIS guide offers permanent, high-strength, freeze-thaw, thermal, and shock resistant masonry veneer solutions. For details, circle 197 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
198 CERTAINTEED CUSTOM BUILDING PRODUCTS
ProSpec’s ProColor offers 38 grouting solutions ProSpec’s ProColor Tile Grout Portland-cement-based blend is offered in 38 designer colors, each color selected to complement a variety of tile and stone options. The company also guarantees the color consistency of its product, ensuring that the color selected for the project is the same color that end users see once the project is completed. For details, circle 196 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
CertainTeed’s Diamondback offers moisture, fire resistance Diamondback™ Tile Backer from CertainTeed offers a bonding technology that makes tile installation “simpler, faster and less costly,” the company notes. Reinforced with embedded glass mats for strength and moisture and mold resistance, Diamondback features a patent-pending polymer coating with a textured surface. The product conforms to ASTM C 1178. For details, circle 198 on the Reader Inquiry Card.
Custom Building Products’ Emerald System Custom® Building Products says it has taken its longstanding Build Green® program to the next level with its new Emerald System™ of products. All Emerald system products comply with the standards of all five emerging green building agencies, have recycled material and low VOC content, and an industry first of offering Carbon Offset Credits, the company adds.
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Art & Decorative Tile Techniques by Michael Byrne
Preparation is Key to Successful Self-leveling Underlayment Use
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ast-track construction, poorly specified projects, careless workmanship, and lack of appropriate inspections can result in floors that are not flat and level and which must be corrected. One way to repair such conditions is to use a self-leveling underlayment (SLU). Conversely, on some projects, a selfleveler may be specified as part of the construction. Self-leveling materials are useful in producing flat and level tile substrates that have a high compressive strength, but no two brands are alike, and all have their own specific application limitations, mixing routines, and curing times. As well, the name “self-leveling” can be somewhat misleading because all such materials require a significant amount of help from the installer. While all brands have different application,
strength, and curing properties, generally speaking, most share similar surface preparation, mixing, application, and curing requirements. Self-leveling materials should not be confused with leveling materials which are used to correct surface imperfections but which require careful troweling to produce a flat surface. If you have never used an SLU before, I recommend you purchase a sack or two of the material you will use, construct a simple frame of 2x4s, line it with plastic film, then mix and pour a batch to see how it behaves and learn what you need to do to
Top Left: To provide space for a movement joint, apply self-adhering foam tape around the perimeter of the floor. Top Right: To prevent fluid SLU from draining, all seams and holes must be filled. Bottom Left: A combination of tar paper and caulk keeps SLU off of the closet flange. Bottom Right: Spray primer onto a prepared concrete floor.
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www.TILEmagonline.com
May/June 2011
ensure that when you are on-site with a real installation, there will be no surprises. A practice run is advisable for anyone who has not used an SLU before, and it is also advisable for the seasoned pro who is using an unfamiliar material. The cost of a sack or two of material is peanuts compared to the cost of ripping out an installation that didn’t go well. The first step to achieving good results is to choose a material that meets the strength requirements of the installation. Compressive strengths vary from light residential to heavy industrial, and not all brands of SLU are suitable for use with ceramic or stone tiles: some are only recommended for non-tile floor coverings. Only selfleveling compounds made specifically for use with ceramic or stone tiles should be used, and manufacturer’s instructions must be followed. Preparing for application of most SLUs is quite similar although each brand will have its own specifics. The first step is to ensure the existing floor surface is clean and free of grease, oil, and dust.
The next step is to install ¼-inch thick resilient foam tape to the perimeter of the floor. This creates space for a movement joint – a requirement for every brand of SLU. Since self-leveling materials are made to flow easily, the third step is to fill all floor seams, fastener holes, and other openings with caulk or sealant to prevent draining.
Over wooden subfloors, some brands of SLU require or recommend the use of reinforcing mesh. Reinforcing mesh is usually not required when installing an SLU over concrete. Another step that may or may not be required is to apply a primer to the flooring surface to ensure the SLU bonds to the substrate. Primer can be installed with a brush, roller, or
Top: This plywood subfloor is covered with reinforcing mesh – a requirement of some brands of SLU. Above: A 20-gallon party bucket makes a convenient mixing container that can hold three sacks of SLU mix.
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