Another Supply of Laticrete On A Jobsite

Looks like Stephen is getting ready to grout

A Contractor Saw My Blog Posting And Sent This

Looks like I need to send a blue Laticrete hardhat to Brian

Laticrete on Jobsites

Some of my Relatives send me photos when they see Laticrete products on jobsites. These always put a smile on my face. Here's one from my Niece in NYC:

New Poetry House Library in Battery Park.

(also spotted a few bins of Laticrete being stored down in the bike storage room in our apt building. Will snap a shot of that next time I go down to get my bike!)

LATICRETE® 125 Sound & Crack Isolation Adhesive - REBATE

Save More $$ with a 10% Rebate

LATICRETE® 125 Sound and Crack Adhesive
Comprised of a special liquid latex, rubber fillers and reinforced with Kevlar®, LATICRETE® Sound & Crack Adhesive reduces impact sound transmission and provides exceptional anti-fracture protection – all in one simple step! Just mix, spread and set!

Offer good on purchases made from June 15, 2009 to August 15, 2009
on LATICRETE® 125 Sound & Crack Adhesive

1. Visit www.laticrete.com, click on products and then Anti-Fracture/
Crack Suppression.
2. Click on Cost Savings under LATICRETE 125 Sound & Crack Adhesive.
3. Use the cost comparison form to help you consider the real cost of your current installations vs. the cost of using LATICRETE 125 Sound & Crack Adhesive.
4. Click print for the completed cost comparison plus a 10% rebate offer on your next purchase of LATICRETE 125 Sound & Crack Adhesive.

Grout Colors, and Technology, Change. Please Keep Up with the Changes ...!

Specific Laticrete grout colors will no longer be manufactured beginning July 1, 2009 in both our LATICRETE® 1500 Sanded Grout and LATICRETE 1600 Unsanded Grout series.

The following colors will be discontinued in the 1500 Sanded and the 1600 Unsanded series beginning July 1, 2009.

#67 Autumn Green
#51 Buff
#31 Caramel
#47 Cinnamon
#36 Copper Beech
#54 Dusty Rose
#38 River Rock
#53 Twilight Blue
#12 Navajo Tan
#16 Siltstone

These colors will be available in LATICRETE PermaColor™ Grout and LATICRETE SpectraLOCK® PRO Grout.

Please contact your local LATICRETE Representative if you have questions......!

New Laticrete Warranties Brochure Available

LATICRETE offers a comprehensive 100% labor and materials warranty for tile and stone installations.

Underwritten by a AAA rated Global Insurance Company. With over 50 years of worldwide experience, LATICRETE is the recognized leader in product quality and installation expertise.

LATICRETE warranties cover any suitable tile or stone manufacturer’s product, allowing you to select the appropriate product and finish you desire for your project with confidence.

Customizable warranties are available to suit your specific project requirements.

Laticrete offers the most comprehensive assortment of tile and stone installation materials available for virtually any tile or stone application around the world.

Our highly trained and experienced Technical Support personnel stand ready to assist you with project specifications, details, LEED compliance information, and to address any installation questions for your project.

For over half a century Architects, Engineers and Developers have trusted LATICRETE with their tile and stone installation needs. Let our global experience, product quality and technical support assist you on your next project – no matter where it is.

Please visit www.laticrete.com for product data sheets and more information.

Contact LATICRETE Technical Services for additional information. 800.243.4788, ext. 235 / technicalservices@laticrete.com / www.laticrete.com

Proud to be Laticrete

Whether destined for a Professional Tile Installer or a Do-It-Yourselfer, every Laticrete product is designed, engineered, manufactured and extensively tested at one of the Laticrete facilities across the USA or around the world.

This is our Second Generation commitment to product innovation, jobs, superior quality, and a square deal for our customers & end users.

SpectraLOCK (pails) useful for many purposes

Another email that put a smile on my face:

"My uncle uses only SpectraLock on all his custom home projects. We had a birthday party for my grandfather who turned 82 and a SpectraLock bucket made a nice ice bucket for homemade ice cream, thought you would find it amusing."

One Step Method - Install & Grout Glass Mosaic Tiles

This photo series shows the One Step Method for Installing & Grouting Glass Mosaic Tiles.

A Colored thinset can be used to provide a complementary or contrasting color of adhesive and grout.

For more info and a step by step procedure, click here. Or contact Laticrete Technical Support or your local Laticrete person. 1 (800) 243-4788 x 235 or technicalsupport@laticrete.com.

Or, send me an email and I'll send you a DVD containing a video of this installation method. hbrothberg@laticrete.com

Not all glass tile is the same

A quote from a posting on the JB Tile Forum:

"Not all glass tile is the same. Some scratch and some don't. Your idea to test it on some scrap is a good idea."

While we have had great acceptance, use and results with SpectraLOCK with many types of glass tiles on many installations, there are many different types of glass tiles available.

So ..

It is best to test the specific grout that you plan on using BEFORE making the final grouting installation...!

This is true for SpectraLOCK as well as "normal" Portland Cement based grouts.

Lippage Prevention

Have you seen the adverts in the trade journals about the anti-lippage systems or lippage prevention systems for use with large format tiles and stones?

One such system is called the “Tuscan Leveling System” - http://www.tuscanleveling.com/index.html (notice the LATICRETE^® 4237 Latex Additive and LATICRETE 220 Medium Bed Mortar being used in the installation video).

These systems claim greater productivity and the elimination of lippage. It is important to note that to achieve the productivity claimed, these systems should be used for large format tile (greater than 12”) and the system should only be used to install evenly gauged tiles in order to function correctly.

Our concerns with these systems are as follows:

1. Voids / hollow spots can arise when one edge of the tile / stone is lifted in an effort to prevent lippage.
2. There is potential of breaking the adhesive bond entirely if the adjustment is made after the adhesive mortar has reached its initial set.
3. Walking on the stones / tile while the mortar is still fresh, can also compromise the bond.
4. Part of the strap could still remain in the grout joint.

If these systems are used, we would still stress the need to achieve the minimum industry standards for coverage according to ANSI A108 – minimum of 80% for interior non-wet areas and 95% minimum for exterior and interior wet areas.

In addition, we would still suggest that a piece of tile or stone is periodically pulled up to verify the adhesive coverage.

Although, we are not fundamentally opposed to the use of these systems, we would encourage installers to achieve the minimum industry required coverage standards.

Feel free to contact one of our Technical Service team people to discuss this matter further. Toll Free: 1 (800) 243-4788 x 235 or technical support@laticrete.com

This post courtesy of Art Mintie, Technical Service Director, Laticrete International - amintie@laticrete.com

Ceramic Tile Industry Terms

In the Tile & Stone Industry we often use specialized "terms" and sometimes various people use these terms to mean slightly or dramatically different things.

Here's a Glossary of Ceramic Tile Industry Terms. Click here.

Vapor Transmission Can Be A Problem

And, we have a solution.

LATAPOXY® 312 Vapor Reduction Membrane is a roller applied epoxy membrane specifically designed to reduce the vapor transmission from concrete slabs through to a finished floor surface.

Click here for additional information.

Another smile on my face

I get emails that put a smile on my face ... I get PMs on Tile Forums that put a smile on my face. This one is from a 3rd generation tile installer:

"Henry, I've said it before, and I'll keep ON saying it. You've got a top shelf company with a top shelf product, and I would seriously feel remiss if I WEREN'T pushing it - not just for your benefit, but for that of the consumers I spend so much time on line trying to help, as well.

DATS SOME GOOD ****, MAN!"

We Want To Be .....

We want to be your one-stop-shop for technical support and answers to your tile & stone installation questions.

As one of the Sales Managers for a major tile factory stated:

" ..... you guys certainly are ahead of your competition in regards to info and training.

I did also receive the catalog and other info you sent me, I'm actually keeping it in my car as a resource tool to be able to help customers when asked installation questions ......."

Do you know about our Laticrete Training & Educational programs ..? Click here for more info

Do you use us as your resource when you are asked installation questions…? Click here for more info

Use our Technical Support team:

Toll Free: (800) 243-4788 x 235
technicalservices@laticrete.com

Some emails really put a smile on my face

And here is one:

"Thanks very much for the newsletter, i found it very informative and a little funny as i've recently tried alot of the products mentioned in the letter.

As i said before we started using permacolour grout a while ago and love it, (only my supplier stocks 10 colours, so this job we are on gets 1776 admix with its grout).

Today we tried the hydroban and again no problems, went on beautiful and the first coat dried in about 30 - 40 minutes, which was no problem as we had a small bit of drywall work to do on the outside of the shower, then back in with the second coat and then it was time to pack up, ready for tile tomorrow (which we'll be using 255), love the hydroban to and very easy to apply. My helper said we are now officially "hydroed".

I also picked up the small containers of your 310 rapid epoxy from my supplier during the week to keep in my truck for certain small projects like setting fixtures, ect.

I didn't know the 125 sound and crack adhesive was a new product but i know my local supplier has little samples of it in the showroom and is advertising it.

When we finish up this job i'll send you some photos of our progess using hydroban."

Laticrete Spotlights

We're really proud of some of the incredible things that have been accomplished with Laticrete.

Click here to see & read about a few of these outstanding Tile & Stone projects.

Standards

OK, time for alphabet soup ... ANSI, EN, ISO, JS, BS, AS

Laticrete operates Globally. We understand the subject of "Standards." We produce Laticrete products in many countries around the world and we meet & exceed applicable standards in each Country, Region & Market.

Just thought that you should know.

Tile Installations Directly Over Plywood

Installing ceramic tile and stone directly over the proper type of properly prepared Plywood is pretty well proven and pretty well accepted.

In wet areas a waterproof membrane over the plywood is usually recommended

Most major manufacturers of thinsets have products for direct bonding to plywood.

More info on LATICRETE 254 Platinum the ultimate one-step, polymer-fortified thin-set is viewable by clicking here.

---

Single Source Responsibility ....? Huh ..?

To quote one of the moderators on the JB Tile Forum:

"In the true spirit of one-sourcing your tile installation projects, you can't get any more complete than with Laticrete.

Looky here what today's full bathroom remodel is absolutely not complete without. You got your Laticrete thinset, you got your Laticrete grout, you got your Laticrete waterproofing, you got your Laticrete floor heat, and you got your Laticrete ............."

ps - this is meant to be a bit of humor and not a "Product Endorsement" BUT, if you want a set of Laticrete towels then send me an email: hbrothberg@laticrete.com. First come, first served, the supply is limited.

LATICRETE 125 Sound & Crack Isolation Adhesive Promo

One Incredible Product Replaces the Anti-fracture Membrane and Thinset Combination on projects that need crack suppression.

Unlike competitor’s products that masquerade traditional, non-flexible cement thin-sets as crack suppression mortars – only LATICRETE® 125 Sound & Crack Adhesive offers proven performance

One Incredible Product Replaces the Sound Control Mat and Thinset Combination on projects that need sound control.

LATICRETE® 125 Sound & Crack Adhesive offers incredible sound protection with straight forward proof to back up the claim.

Save $$ on installations where you need Crack Isolation or Sound Suppression. And get a 10% Rebate.

Offer good on purchases made from June 15, 2009 to August 15, 2009 on LATICRETE 125 Sound & Crack Adhesive only.

Click below to directly open Cost Comparison pages and Rebate pages:

Anti-fracture Membrane and Adhesive Combination - click here

Sound Reduction and Adhesive Combination - click here

Click here for Laticrete 125 Product Information

Re-Grouting Floor Joints in Commercial Kitchens and Industrial Applications

I have been following a VERY interesting conversation on the John Bridge Tile Forum about this subject.

Click here to read the posts.

Click here to review a Laticrete technical data sheet about this subject

Portland Cement Hydration

OK, now for something "Technical .....!"

A lot of what we do when installing Ceramic Tile & Stone revolves around Portland Cement.

Want to know a bit about the subject of Portland Cement and "How It Works ..?"

Check out http://people.ce.gatech.edu/~kk92/hyd07.pdf

Laticrete Miata Race Team - Update

From our Laticrete Mid-Atlantic Regional Operations Manager:

I've raced four times and won four times .... we're tied for the Southeast Division Championship and fully intend to win!

Oz Zoo Mural - a tribute to Steve Irwin

Just two years ago, our planet lost one of its most engaging and memorable human beings. Steve Irwin was an iconic Australian television personality, wildlife expert and conservationist who achieved worldwide fame from the television program, “The Crocodile Hunter,” an internationally broadcast wildlife documentary series co-hosted with his wife, Terri. Together, they also co-owned and operated Australia Zoo, which was founded by his parents in Beerwah, Queensland. Read the whole story by clicking here

Q2 2009 Laticrete Newsletter

Our Second Quarter 2009 Laticrete Newsletter is now online.

This issue includes information on topics ranging from new products, warranties, marketing tools to customer highlights and more.

Click to view the Newsletter:

http://apps.laticrete.com/download/T-1761-0609_The LATICRETE Quarterly Q2.pdf

A Top Secret Laticrete Project

Top Secret Laticrete project:

"..... Helper in a Bag ....."

Need Tile People for Field Trials

Tile & Stone Design Manuals

We have published a series of Design Manuals covering the design & implementation of Tile & Stone installations on specific types of applications. Click here to review, read, download or order the series of these Design Manuals.

Tiled Swimming Pools, Fountains and Spas
Industrial Tile and Paver Applications
Direct Adhered Ceramic Tile, Stone and Thin Brick Facades
Animal Health and Wellness Facilities
Tiled Steam Room and Steam Showers

From an email this morning:

I just saw the new Swimming Pool Design Manual on line and I am very impressed, it looks like the best yet. it's very technical and covers everything and easy to read .
It's interesting how you have chosen the hardest topics in the industry and written easy to read manuals.
I am a tile technical addict and this is candy
Congratulations

A submitted Project

Here is one of the floor we finished recently. The toe kick and the quarter round are not installed yet ........

Anyway, we used some of the 125 to set the deco diamonds.

This floor is a full Laticrete installation:
We used 272 to bed the 1/4" cbu over two layers of plywood. We then skim coated the cbu with 254, then primed, then installed Laticrete heat mats with sill seal foam around the perimeter
Then, we primed again and poured #86 SLC.
Then a skim of 254, then HydroBan and fabric, then set all the tile with 220, using a skim coat of 254 on the substrate and the back of each tile to really adhere the 220.
Then grouted with SpectraLOCK and used the Latisil on the perimeter for expansion.

I got a GREAT email today

"Picked up the bucket of hydroban this evening from my local supplier and even got it in the new formula, we will use it on our next project next week which is a shower rebuild that is joined to a tub deck that wont be touched. John called me a couple of days ago and explained the process again and talked about a few other things like thinsets and grouts(permacolour, which we just used today and i love).
This is just to let you know that we appreciate all you have done for us and that we have confidence in your products and we look forward to trying some of your other products in the future."

Another Green Item

Some very interesting Green construction is being Planned or Built

The Zero Energy Idea House in Bellevue, WA is designed to show that smart choices can result in a home that minimizes energy use while maximizing comfort and style. The 1,630-square-foot home aims to combine energy generation and conservation techniques to result in total energy bills of less than $40/month!

Take a look at this - click here

Laticrete .... and YOU

If you are NOT already committed to Laticrete,

If you are a tile distributor - have you considered selling Laticrete ...?

If you are a tile contractor - have you considered using Laticrete on your projects ...?

While the Global Economy may be facing a bit of a challenge, may be facing a bit of difficulty at this time;

Our base of tile distributors committed to selling Laticrete and our base of tile contractors committed to using Laticrete continues to grow.

In "Difficult Times" people often turn to quality, they turn to strong, stable suppliers that they can count on.

Think about it.

Think about Laticrete.

Call me if you would like to discuss this subject.
My Office: (203) 393-0010 x 202
My Cell: (203) 988-1814
My Home: (203) 387-0052

I LOVE getting emails like this one

"Hey Henry,

got a little care package of some 310 and a product guide.

much appreciated -

Gracious of you to extend these small kindnesses to the little guy.

Dig that about you.

Thanks again"

Floor Warming

This Floor Warming subject is of growing interest. Not just in cold climates but everywhere that Tile and stone are used as flooring.

More information is available here about the FloorHeat products in the Laticrete family.

A versatile floor warming mat for installation underneath tile and stone. Equipped with self-adhesive backing, LATICRETE Floor HEAT is simple to install and comes with a low profile wire so it is virtually undetectable beneath tile and stone floors.

A Front End Book

Do you know what a "Front End Book" is ...?

Do you deal with Construction Management Firms ...?

Don't be surprised when you hear the term.

Do some research .... Learn what a "Front End Book" is and what the information it contains means to the tile subcontractors bidding a project.

Plans, Specifications and the Front End Book are important parts of the Construction Documents on a project.

What's a "Front End Book ?" It is:

The General Information that applies to all Trades on a specific project.

Green Is In

Green Is In ... and a range of Laticrete products are GreenGuard Certified

See the specific products and read more here

It Is GREAT When Companies Work To Educate Their Customers

We would like to personally invite you to attend a tile seminar Clay Werks will be hosting on June 9th at 5:00pm. We will be highlighting products from two international companies. Hey, it’s wise to polish ours skills during slow times!

Kurt Weber of Laticrete and Joey Miles of Schluter always give a very informative seminar yet make it a lot of fun.

Benefits

>Gain a better understanding of the tile and stone industry.

>Learn how to select the most suitable installation materials.

>Learn how to solve and avoid job problems.

>Learn trade definitions, performance requirements and industry standards.

>Question and answer session.

You are welcome to bring crew members, please RSVP by June 8th so we know how much food and refreshments to have on hand. If you can not attend feel free to stop by our showroom Monday thru Saturday from 9:00 to 5:00, we always have product sheets & CD’s to make your job easier!

Hope to see you soon,

Dona Danziger & Diane Lange

Clay Werks Ltd.
4253 Lankford Hwy., Exmore, VA 23350
Ph: 757-414-0567 info@claywerksltd.com Fax: 757-414-0571

The Shore’s Premier Source for Tile~Stone~Wood

Click here to visit our website.

A Laticrete Rep on YOUR Jobsite

Have you had a Laticrete rep out on one of your jobsites ..?

Our guys are here to support you and your efforts.

Let us know when you want us to be on your jobsite - to demonstrate, to train, to provide answers to installation questions.

Latapoxy 310 Rapid Kit Revisited

I have recently been sending samples of our Latapoxy 310 Rapid Repair Kits to tile and stone contractors. See my post below. See information about the product here.

One comment to me this morning: “I need to have one of these on each of my Punch List Trucks ..!”

Tile over Tile - Floors & Walls

Just had an interesting conversation with a commercial tile contractor about a tile-over-tile installation in a food store.

Usual issues .... store is in operation and work needs to be done at night. New tile is to be installed over existing tile so cleaning and surface prep is an issue.

We've got a great "track record" and history & experience with new tile over existing tile with Laticrete materials. For specific product info click here. To read a technical paper on the subject click here.

Jobsite Temperatures

When we talk about Jobsite temperatures and the installation of tile and stone we are usually more concerned with SURFACE temperature than we are with air temperature.

There are some simple, reasonably priced tools to make surface temperature measurement quick and easy before installing waterproof membranes, thinsets, tile & stone.

Click here for more info.

Optimism

Optimism .... and reasons to be Optimistic

There are 300+ million people in the USA. Growing up, getting married, having babies, wanting to take a vacation, wanting to remodel their existing homes or wanting to buy a new home.

In general people like tile and stone. And I'm in the Tile & Stone business.

The world economy will recover, the American economy will recover.

And people will build. Homes, Hotels, Hospitals, Schools. Commercial Buildings, Residential Buildings.

Light Weight Thin Set Adhesive Mortars

There has been a tremendous amount of new technology introduced in our industry over the last few years. Some of this technology has been in the area of light weight mortars. Take a look at some of the postings on the John Bridges Tile Forum here.

"I got my bags from laticrete a few weeks ago and I like it, but it is weird to work with at first. Pouring it out of the bag into the bucket it seems to resemble nonsanded grout to me. My first quarter bucket I mixed w/o measuring water like I normally do thinset, and I got it to wet used it and everything sagged on me. My next batch I measured the water and really liked the results.
I will say about Laticrete that their customer service is far and away better than any company I have ever dealt with before. Henry Rothberg, Tim Evans, and even one of their distributers in Denver 180 miles from me have been great to work with."

Read more about Laticrete 255 lightweight thinset here.