Thursday, May 31, 2012

Large Format Thin

Technical Service Advisory
Large Format Thin "Laminate" Type Panels vs. Large Format Thin Porcelain Panels
Some confusion in the field exists concerning the differences between “Large Format Thin Porcelain Panels” and “Large Format Laminate Type Panels”. Note that these two material finish types are very different. Note some of the differences as follows:

LARGE FORMAT THIN PORCELAIN PANELS

Large format thin porcelain panels are typically installed in similar fashion to large format porcelain tiles. The panels can range in thickness from 3mm (1/8”) up to 7mm (5/16”). Some of these panels are coated with a polyester or epoxy and mesh backing. The available Technical Data Sheet 170 – “Installing Large Format Thin Porcelain Tile Panels” deals with this topic and provides installation considerations for these finish material types. The available TDS 193 – “Installation of Large Format Tile and Stone” provides supporting information for these material types as well.

Since large format thin porcelain panels can be as large 6’ x 8’ [1800mm x 2400mm]; uniform bedding and coverage are key. In addition to having an very flat substrate, keying / spreading the latex fortified adhesive mortar uniformly and in one direction will prove advantageous in achieving the proper bond and bedding of the panel. The use of a rubber grout float or “soft” rubber mallet can aid the installer in systematically “seating” the panel while simultaneously working out any entrapped air pockets.

LARGE FORMAT THIN LAMINATE TYPE PANELS

Large format thin laminate type panels are very different from the aforementioned thin porcelain panel types. These materials are as thin as 1.5 mm (1/16”). Generally, the backing is some form of acrylic composite material which has a very thin stone layer applied as the finish.

When these finish types first came out on the market, contact adhesive was mainly used to install the material in similar fashion to traditional laminate type finishes (e.g. Formica®). Since then, we have seen the successful use of latex fortified thin set mortar (e.g. LATICRETE® 254 Platinum) or an epoxy adhesive (e.g. LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive) with these finish types.

However, there are some issues to consider:

1.     These finish types are typically only used on interior walls.
2.     These finish materials typically have “memory” – meaning that they can “curl” / “warp” while they are being installed. Although this feature can be advantageous and is marketed as a feature (e.g. can be wrapped around circular columns, etc…); it can also prove challenging to keep the finish material in place as it sets firm. In many cases, the laminate must be “held” in place until the material reaches an initial set.
3.     These finish material types should not be used in exterior applications
4.     These finish material types should not be used in submerged applications
5.     These finish material types should not be used on walking surface applications

These finish materials are commonly confused with and / or are mistakenly considered to be in the same category as the aforementioned thin porcelain panel types.

Therefore, please be aware of the differences in these two finish types. If you come across a specific manufacturer of these materials and are unclear on how to specify an installation method, please consult with Laticrete Technical Services.

Information courtesy of:
Arthur Mintie CSI, CDT
Laticrete Technical Services Director 
amintie@laticrete.com 
Tel. +1.203.393.0010 ext. 326

Swimming Pool Project in Sweden




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Kumla Swimming Pool - Sweden

This is the new Community In-door Pool in Kumla which is scheduled to be opened in December.


This contractor does 75% of all the new and re-modelling large commercial pool projects in Sweden and LATICRETE is their preferred choice.

For them, the in-depth LATICRETE technical support they receive as well as the quality, proven experience and history of the LATICRETE products gives them 100% confidence to deliver the pool to the client right the first time.

Sweden is currently having a big push on building new community center swimming pools which are Swedish government and local government funded projects - the idea being that every child in Sweden will be able to swim by the age of 8.

Products used on the project: HYDRO BAN Waterproof Membrane, 254 Platinum Thinset, PERMACOLOR Grout, SPECTRALOCK epoxy grout, LATASIL Silcone Sealant.

In the "action picture" the tile installer is using 254 Platinum thinset to install the Agrob Buchtel German tiles to the HYDRO BAN tile waterproofing.

Due to the size of the area to be waterproofed the HYDRO BAN  was spray applied. This is fast and productive.  HYDRO BAN is ideal for spray application in large areas and it is thinner than competitive waterproofing membranes but is stronger. 
PERMACOLOR grout will be used in the body of the pool with SPECTRALOCK epoxy grout used at pool water level. This is a 50m / 150' pool.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Fresh Tuna

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A White Swan

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Monday, May 28, 2012

Since The Time Of The Romans




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Piece by piece

Sunday, May 27, 2012

The Troops Are Arriving

The Troops
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And Lunch


Friday, May 25, 2012

Lovely Sausages Selection




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A nice selection of tasty sausages !

Dinner is being Prepared

 Being prepared
Being sliced for lunch


A lovely roast pig !

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Yesterday


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A BBQ restaurant with chop sticks ?
Southeast Asian meets Southern BBQ ?
Earlier in the day

Educational Program Today & Tomorrow - Part 2

A Laticrete Passport to Knowledge (PTK) Educational Program in California Today & Tomorrow
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Laticrete guy Tim Evans on the left and Laticrete guy Jack Hamilton "on the tools !" on the right!

As Patrick Allen - our Laticrete Technical Service guy based in Indy - sez: "We love to spread the knowledge !

Educational Program Today & Tomorrow

A Laticrete Passport to Knowledge (PTK) Educational Program here in Bethany Today & Tomorrow
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Attend a Laticrete educational program and make more money !
Click here for more info

Seen On The Road

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Monday, May 14, 2012

OK, Who Is This Guy ?

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Learning Exchange

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Have you received your invitation ?

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Showers

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Showers
A System Approach and a System Warranty
More info - click here

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Profit Through Knowledge

"went to the Laticrete PTK and loved it, great class."
The Laticrete Profit Through Knowledge Technical Seminar is an intensive training program specifically developed for ceramic tile and stone industry distributors, dealers, and other industry professionals who want to gain knowledge regarding construction industry practices & standards and become familiar with Laticrete products. 

Experienced faculty utilizes both classroom instruction and hands-on product demonstrations. Attendees also have the opportunity to meet with key Laticrete personnel.

Click here for additional information and program locations & schedules

Friday, May 11, 2012

CTEF Certification Program - Follow Up


Message received:
"Renee from Tile America has additional people interested in the CTEF program and we have scheduled another event for November 8th in Bethany."

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Another email received:
"Henry,

It was good to be back in Bethany this week to conduct the CTI test.  Thank you for your ongoing support of the CTI program as you and Laticrete generously continue to support these tests.  The combined efforts of Laticrete and Tile America has structured a strong system which provides a good number of installers who exhibit better quality installation skills.

Thanks for taking time to speak with me yesterday, providing the photos and posting the event on your blog.  Please let me know if there is anything that I may do for you and Laticrete in the future.  Scott

Best Regards,

Scott M. Carothers
Executive Director
Ceramic Tile Education Foundation
email: scott@tilecareer.com
Phone: 864-222-2131
Fax: 864-222-1299
Cell: 814-931-8453"

Steve Rampino - Laticrete Technical Service Training Supervisor - with Tile America friends
He makes things happen regarding Training !

Specialty Tile Atlanta Annual BBQ / 20th Anniversary

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More info regarding Specialty Tile and their locations - click here
More info regarding Specialty Tile and Laticrete - click here

LEED & Green

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Thursday, May 10, 2012

CTEF Certification in Bethany

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CTEF Certification program at Laticrete Bethany today
Event sponsored by TileAmerica
The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) provides education and installer certification for professionals working in the ceramic tile and stone industry
To learn more about the CTEF click here.

Productivity & Availability


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Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Trade Show Project Qatar 2012

Laticrete Presence at Trade Show Project Qatar 2012

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The Project Qatar Exhibition was officially opened & inaugurated on 30th April by Minister of Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning, HE Sheikh Abdurrahman bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al Thani.

The UAE Ambassador to Qatar visited our stand and we gave him a very warm welcome. He was very much impressed by the Latapoxy 310 display showing a large rock stuck onto a large sheet of plain glass.

We did live demos of a range of Laticrete products including showing Latapoxy 310 for fixing Marble, Sandstone directly onto Concrete Block work, Steel and Glass. We also demonstrated the easy of use of Spectralock "StainProof Grout" on tiled sample displays.


Tuesday, May 08, 2012

Nice Trailer


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Monday, May 07, 2012

Productivity & Speed Of Installation

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Click here for more info

Friday, May 04, 2012

iPhone App & iPhone Cases

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We have an iPhone (and Android !) & iPad App.  
And we have iPhone 4 / 4s cases.
Both are available for FREE !
Download the App from the App store.
Click here to send me an email if you would like an iPhone case.

Went to the Laticrete Demo

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Sean Boyle doing a LatiDrain & Pre-Formed Shower Pan Presentation
Message from a tile guy:
"Just wanted to shoot you a line. Went to the Laticrete Demo the other night to see the new drains. Very nice stuff!
I am looking outward to using the line drain on an upcoming job.
Also wanted to mention that Gerard Meyers and Jack Hamilton did a great job demoing the product and also showing the installation of the drains and shower pans. The two of those guys are a good blend of book knowledge and field knowledge. Kudos to them for a good demo."

Sent from www.cdc54.com