New Tile & Stone Installations Methods Handbook

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The New 2015 version of the TCNA Tile & Stone Installations Methods Handbook is now available.

New 2015 TCNA Handbook Now Available

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2015 TCNA Handbook

More info here

Changes to the 2015 TCNA Handbook

The TCNA just released their 2015 Handbook. The Handbook has increased in length from 336 pages to 445 pages. This is mainly due to the reformatting of the details / methods making it much easier to read.  

The major changes to the 2015 TCNA Handbook are as follows:

1. CURBLESS SHOWER DETAILS / METHODS:
Two new methods (B421C and B422C)
Method B421C utilizes the traditional two stage clamping ring style drain type with a recessed slab to create a curb-less shower 
Method B422C utilizes a bonding flange type drain with a recessed slab to create a curb-less shower
We will create / issue our LATICRETE AG version details / specifications for these methods as well. 
We have many other curb-less shower pan installation options. Our Product Development and Marketing teams are currently working on a brochure that will highlight these methods. 

2. STONE FLOOR WITH RADIANT HEATING DETAILS / METHODS:
Six new methods (RH111 STONE, RH111A STONE, RH112 STONE, RH112A STONE, RH116 STONE and RH116A STONE)
These methods include stone floor finishes installed over concrete slabs with either electric floor warming or radiant liquid in pipe type systems
Our versions of these details / methods are already in place

3. LARGE AND HEAVY TILE MORTAR (the mortar formerly known as 'Medium Bed Mortar'):
New category name is "Large and Heavy Tile Mortar" (LHT)
The "setting materials guide" for this section on page 16 is now entitled "Dry Set Mortar for Large and Heavy Tile (LHT Mortar), formerly Medium Bed Mortar". 
Some highlights of this section – the LHT designation is a mortar characteristic that will be included in the respective ANSI A118.1, ANSI A118.4, ANSI A118.11, ANSI A118.15 sections and designated by "H". It is intended to be used for large and heavy tiles / stones weighing 5 lbs. per sf [24.5 kg/m2] or heavier and / or of ungauged thickness and / or having an edge at least 15" [375mm] long. The bond coat thickness is between 3/32" and 1/2" [2.5mm to 12mm].
LHT mortars are intended to be installed per ANSI A108.5 methodology. The category 'Large and Heavy Tile' is a material classification and not an installation method.
The respective ANSI material standards (ANSI A118.XX series) mentioned above will be ready and include the H designation in the 2015 ANSI Handbook Release later in the year. 

4. ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE CLASSIFICATION (formerly known as Environmental Classifications):
Revised section appearing on pages 42-45
Res7 and Com7 are new classifications for submerged environments
The existing pool / tub methods – P601MB, P601TB, P602 and B417 will now have these environmental exposure classifications

5. STONE FLOORS OVER WOOD CONSTRUCTS:
Maximum allowable deflection changed to L/720 from L/360
LATICRETE still maintains L/480 as our deflection criteria for all stone finishes for floors and interior walls

6. TCNA METHOD F125 – Crack Isolation Methods [Partial and Full]:
Method appears on pages 94 & 95
Revised section makes a clearer distinction between the two methods. If a specifier makes no specific distinction in the project specification - partial coverage is then implied. 

7. EXPANDED INSERT SECTIONS:
Tile the Natural Choice – new section on Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for tile and updated green building compliance sections. This section demonstrates the reasons why North American made ceramic tile is one of the best choices for finishes. The EPD for North American produced ceramic tile now proves that it has a much lower carbon footprint when compared to all other flooring finish categories. 
The current LEED rating system does not require product EPD's. LATICRETE will start the process to develop EPD's for select cement based products later this year – stay tuned for updates on this matter in the coming months.
EPD's will be an option in LEED Version 4 when it will be the mandatory standard for LEED projects after October 31, 2016.   

There are many other 'minor' changes throughout the manual. If you have any questions on how any of the changes affect our Laticrete products / positioning / methodology please let us know. 

Arthur Mintie CSI, CDT
Technical Services Director
Laticrete

2011 TCNA Handbook Advisory

Information & comments regarding the appendices included at the end of the new 2011 TCNA handbook.
 
APPENDIX A. ISO 13007 STANDARDS FOR ADHESIVES AND GROUTS – page 276 - 280
 
Each TCNA method references an ISO standard for the applicable adhesives and grouts contained within the respective method. It is important to note that there are no current ISO material standards for membranes and underlayments. The appendix breaks out the required performance standards for adhesives and grouts and then lists the respective optional performance characteristics.
 
Pages 276 through 278 list the performance levels of each category of adhesives and grouts along with the optional performance level characteristics.
 
Pages 279 & 280 list the ISO Adhesive and Grout types (in chart form) by type / class / optional characteristics and materials description
 
APPENDIX B. ESTIMATED WEIGHTS FOR FLOOR INSTALLATIONS – pages 281 - 287
 
Each TCNA method includes the “typical weight” of the installation system components. The methods will usually list the typical weight based on an assumed thickness with the provision to increase the weight as the underlayment type changes or increases in thickness. The substrate itself is not included in the weight of the method. The individual installation methods point to Appendix B for weight assumptions. This feature of the handbook is intended to assist the design professional in calculating the contribution of the installation method to the total dead load of the structure.
 
Page 281 begins with ‘general weight assumptions’ for tile, stone, bond coats and membranes.
 
Pages 281 & 282 continues with weight assumptions for mortar beds, cementitious self-leveling underlayments, poured gypsum underlayments, backer board, wood underlayment panel and membranes.
 
Pages 283 – 287 contain charts by category type (e.g. “Direct Bond Methods”, “Mortar Bed Methods”) which lists the TCNA method along with component weights and total tile / stone assembly weights. This is a very helpful section for the design professional. Methods can easily be compared and assist the design professional in their selection of appropriate installation systems.
 
APPENDIX C. MATERIAL AND INSTALLATION SPECIFICATIONS, TEST METHODS, AND GUIDES REFERENCED IN THIS HANDBOOK – pages 288 - 291
 
This is a quick reference guide to all of the industry reference materials included in the handbook. Design professionals with questions on the source / considerations for assumptions can be directed to the appropriate industry standards organization for more information. An address and web site are provided for each organization.
 
METHOD LOCATOR BY METHOD NUMBER – page 292
 
Quick reference guide for each TCNA method and its respective page number.
 
INDEX OF METHODS BY METHOD TYPE – pages 293 – 296
 
Quick reference guide that lists methods by category type (e.g. interior floors over wood, tile tubs, fountains and pools, etc..). The method name, TCNA number designation and page number are listed. The methods are divided into “Tile” and “Stone” types.
 
ASSOCIATE INSTALLATION MEMBERS – Inside rear cover
 
A listing of all associate installation member companies is listed. LATICRETE International, Inc. and LATICRETE, S.A. de C.V (Mexico) are listed in this section.
 
TCNA MEMBERS – Rear cover
 
A listing of all TCNA member companies appears on the rear cover. These companies are tile producing companies that form the foundation of the TCNA.

Information courtesy of:

Arthur Mintie CSI, CDT
Technical Services Director
LATICRETE International Inc.
amintie@laticrete.com
(203) 393-0010 x 326

Technical Advisory - TCNA Steam Shower/Room Assemblies

This week’s Technical Advisory deals with the two TCNA Steam Shower/Room assemblies

STEAM SHOWER/ROOM; MASONRY/CONCRETE – SR613 (Ceramic, Porcelain and Glass Tile) - pages 179 & 180

There is a fundamental departure in the design and use of steam rooms in the new manual. In previous TCNA manual editions, there was no distinction in performance between the two installation methods. Method SR613 is now the only method approved by TCNA for commercial applications. It achieves a Res 4; Com 4 environmental classification. This method is much more detailed and comprehensive than in past editions. Attention is drawn to the fact that steam shower installations are highly specialized applications that require an understanding of temperature and humidity control, insulation, the behavior of the waterproofing membrane and how it integrates into / with many of the other installation elements within the tile assembly. An optional “bonding flange” cut away floor / base detail is now also part of the method.

STEAM SHOWER/ROOM; MASONRY/CONCRETE – SR614 (Ceramic, Porcelain and Glass Tile) - pages 181 & 182

This method is now positioned as a residential only method achieving a Res 4 environmental classification. This method is unique in that provision is made to build this method with cement backer board walls or with lath and plaster walls. The method requirements list similar design criteria as the previous method. In addition, specific instructions are listed that pertain to the use of cement backer board as the wall cladding and for lath and plaster walls. An optional “bonding flange” cut away floor / base detail is now also part of the method.

We have already started to receive calls on the limitations of this method. A common question is; ‘Will LATICRETE warrant method SR614 when used in a commercial setting?’

Our answer has been:

Yes. Provided that the Design Professional understands the limitations and concerns with the installation of steam showers and the critical elements required therein. We have many successful steam shower projects installed in accord with method SR614. As with other critical installations / methods, attention to detail is necessary. We ask that the Design Professional and the Tile Installation Professional follow the installation methodology carefully in order to prevent any problems with the installation. Both of these methods are so detailed, that one can literally go down the list of requirements to double check if all of the major issues / concerns have been addressed with the design, specification, the installation and maintenance of the steam shower.

Read more about this subject of Steam Showers  in the Laticrete Technical Design Manual on this subject:

Tiled Steam Room and Steam Shower Technical Design Manual

The goal of this manual is to provide the necessary information to help ensure a proper and long-lasting tile installation in a steam room or steam shower environment.
View Manual
Download Manual (pdf)
Download Manual (ePub / iBooks / iPad / iPhone)
Download Manual (Kindle)

More Info Here: http://www.laticrete.com/contractors/technical_design_manuals.aspx

Technical Advisory

This Technical Advisory deals with TCNA methods for Pools, Water Features, Tubs and Fountains

POOLS AND WATER FEATURES (Ceramic, Porcelain and Glass Tile) - pages 183 – 186

This section has changed in many ways. Method P601 has been split into the following two methods:

P601MB
This is now the “mortar bed” version of the method. The details have been improved to reflect mortar bed detailing at the coping and base with several cove base options and coping / decking profiles. More detail is provided in the section; “Preparation by other trades, which includes recommendations for soil reports, engineering analysis, etc… to meet the requirements of ANSI/ APSP (Association of Pool and Spa Professionals). Another important note that appears within the method references ongoing pool water chemistry and balance. In addition, minimum cure times are acknowledged as a critical item to consult with the installation materials manufacturer. Weather protection is also mentioned as a concern during the surface preparation, installation and cure periods. An optional surface applied waterproofing membrane can be inserted into this method. The use of heavily pigmented cementitious grouts are discouraged (primarily blue, green and red). A much more comprehensive section on movement joints is also included in the method requiring more frequent placement of movement joints.
P601TB
This is now the “thin-bed” version of the method. The details have been improved to reflect detailing at the coping/decking and cove base areas.
An optional waterproofing membrane can be inserted into this method. This method can be utilized if the concrete / shotcrete tank meets 1/8” in 10’ and 1/16” in 1’ finish tolerance and has a concrete surface profile (CSP) of 3 or better. If the concrete / shotcrete cannot meet this criterion, method P601MB should be used. The same notes that pertain to water chemistry and balance, soil reports, engineering analysis, minimum cure times of installation materials, weather protection, movement joints, etc… are also part of this method.

A new method appears in this section:
P602
This method should be utilized when the concrete / shotcrete / gunite tanks are not watertight. They can be made watertight with a “cementitious waterproofing layer” applied to the concrete shell. It is important to note that this is not an ANSI A118.10 compliant membrane. These products are produced by Xypex, Aquafin, etc… The cementitious waterproofing membrane may require additional surface preparation steps prior to applying the leveling layers (e.g. power washing).
The characteristics of the cementitious waterproofing are; “recommended by manufacturer for use in positive and negative hydrostatic pressure applications and swimming pools. Must be able to support the weight of the bonded mortar bed and tile assembly; consult manufacturer for application suitability”.
The cementitious waterproofing must make the pool tank waterproof. A flood test should be performed after the cementitious waterproofing is applied and cured per manufacturer’s directions. An optional surface applied ANSI A118.10 compliant waterproofing membrane can then be applied over the cured leveling mortars. The same notes that pertain to water chemistry and balance, soil reports, engineering analysis, minimum cure times of installation materials, weather protection, movement joints, etc… are also part of this method. Compatibility issues could arise with certain cementitious waterproofing products. In order to avoid conflicts; it is best to secure a letter of compatibility from the cementitious waterproofing manufacturer to ensure that the desired performance is achieved. We are already noticing a trend to recommending this method from several of the glass tile manufacturer’s. Bear in mind that many glass tile manufacturers do not recommend the use of a waterproofing membrane directly under the glass tile finish. Therefore, this method reconciles the need for tanks / projects that require waterproofing and the glass tile manufacturer’s restriction on the placement of membranes directly under their product.
TILE TUBS, FOUNTAINS, AND POOLS (Ceramic, Porcelain and Glass Tile) – page 187
This method has remained essentially the same when compared to previous versions. However, the term “curbs” has been dropped from the title and replaced with “pools”. The “pre-formed curb” detail previously included in this sections has been relocated to the section entitled “common shower configurations” on page 170.

In the future we will discuss the stone methods. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Arthur Mintie
Technical Services Director 
amintie@laticrete.com
Tel. +1.203.393.0010 ext. 326

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Technical Info - new additions to the 2011 TCNA Handbook

This week’s Technical Advisory deals with one of the unique new additions to the 2011 TCNA Handbook – specific installation methods that pertain to the installation of dimensional stone.

Recall that “stone” in the 2011 TCNA Handbook is defined as:

“Natural stone tile, also called dimension stone, is stone that has been harvested from its in-situ position in the Earth and cut and machined into tiles without altering the natural fabric of the material. Dimension stone has a nominal thickness of less than ≤” (19mm) and does not have any facial dimension greater than 2’ (610mm). Agglomerates and other engineered products do not meet this definition and therefore are excluded. Natural stone tiles that meet the definition but not the dimensional requirements are also excluded.” - 2011 TCNA Manual – Natural Stone Tile Selection and Installation Guide page 13.

For a refresher on natural stone tile characteristics and installation tips, reference the Natural Stone Tile Selection and Installation Guide located on pages 13-17 of the 2011 TCNA Handbook.

A note of importance contained within the Natural Stone Tile Selection and Installation Guide concerns “fiberglass mesh reinforced stone”. This note can be used to back up our position on the use of epoxy adhesive with stones backed with epoxy or polyester. The note states: “Many stone products have a mesh reinforcement adhered to the back surface of the tile. The adhesive used to attach the mesh is not standardized, but is commonly an epoxy or polyester-based adhesive that Portland cement mortars will not reliably bond to. Such reinforced stone tiles require epoxy bonding mortar.” An exclusion to this caveat is a specific stone / backing that has been tested and approved to be used with a latex fortified Portland cement based adhesive.

Another item that is need of clarification is the deflection criterion associated with stone installations over floors. The Marble Institute of America requires the following deflection criteria (MIA Design Manual):

Concrete slabs – not to exceed L/360
Plywood / Wood Framed Constructs – not to exceed L/720

Bear in mind that LATICRETE has established a deflection criterion not to exceed L/480 under total anticipated load for “stone” installations for both walls and floors (except when building codes take precedence). This LATICRETE requirement covers both dimensional stone as defined by the TCNA (above) and engineered stones. In addition, the L/480 criterion takes into account the variability in stone hardness and flexural strengths. Many stones may not have the flexural strength / integrity to be installed on slabs that meet L/360 deflection criteria. Therefore, LATICRETE’s more rigid requirement of L/480 covers the instances where these conditions may apply.

Also, it is important to note that all of the thin-bed stone installation methods require a tighter substrate surface tolerance of 1/8” in 10’ from the required plane when measured from the high points in the substrate surface.

EXTERIOR FLOORS – pages 198 - 205

Exterior Floors – (Stone) - pages 198–200
Exterior Roof / Deck Floors (Stone) – pages 201-203
Exterior Balcony / Deck Floors (Stone) – pages 204-205

A simple concept to keep in mind is that all of the exterior floor methods that apply to ceramic tile also apply to stone applications. There are a total of 5 methods that cover the three exterior applications under EXTERIOR Floors. This will not be the case with the INTERIOR Floor methods.

INTERIOR FLOORS – pages 206 – 230

Interior Floors Over Concrete – (Stone) – pages 206 – 221
Interior Floors with Radiant Heat Over Concrete – (Stone) – pages 222 – 225
Interior Floors with Radiant Heat Over Wood – (Stone) – pages 226 – 227
Interior Floors Over Wood – (Stone) – pages 228 – 230

Most of the common installation methods that apply to ceramic tile applications are covered in the stone section. Chemical resistant installations and methods that utilize organic adhesive are not suitable to receive stone as a finish and are therefore excluded.

Stone installation methods over wood framing are limited. There are 3 methods in the handbook over wood frame construction:
RH141
F141
F250 (note that this method erroneously states L/360 maximum allowable deflection, it should be L/720)

However, method F250 allows for the use of various backer board types as the underlayment in addition to multiple combinations of plywood underlayment / backer board types.

Some common notes / requirements for the stone methods are as follows:

The stone methods factor in an additional 2lbs. weight per sf when compared to the ceramic tile details.
Consider unsanded grout for soft or semi-soft stones such as limestone, travertine, marble, onyx, or similar.
Cementitious Bond Coat – use white (colored adhesive mortar) for light colored marble, limestone, and other stones where staining or darkening from grey setting materials is possible.

Next week we will discuss vertical stone installation methods. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Arthur Mintie
Laticrete International

Technical Services Director
amintie@laticrete.com