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NTCA is a Registered Provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems. Credit earned on completion of this

program will be reported to CES Records for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for non-AIA members

are available on request.

This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or

construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or

dealing in any material or product. Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of

this presentation.

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Learning Learning ObjectivesObjectives

• Discuss the American National Standards for the most common tiles installed in today's market

• Identify causes of job-site problems and how to avoid them

• To understand the limitations for proper installation of large format tile

With the conversion to thin-bed methods, With the conversion to thin-bed methods, installation has become a installation has become a

knowledge-based tradeknowledge-based trade

• Evaluation/remediation of substrate issues

• Engineering (load) considerations a factor

• Many products and manufacturers to address a multitude of thin-bed considerations

A137.1 StandardA137.1 Standard

• More than 30 pages

• Outlines performance for:• Mosaic Tile• Quarry Tile• Glazed Wall Tile• Pressed floor tile• Porcelain tile

What is A137.1?What is A137.1?Purposes:

• establishes minimum acceptance criteria for ceramic tile mfrs. (quality control)

• reference standard for buyers and specifiers

• A137.1 labeling conveys what’s in the box

9 Non-Destructive Tests9 Non-Destructive Tests

• Evaluation for facial and structural defects

• Facial dimensions• Warpage • Wedging• Thickness• Coefficient of friction• Mounting (mosaics) • Color uniformity• Shade value

12 Destructive Tests12 Destructive Tests• Bond strength• Breaking strength• Chemical resistance• Stain resistance• Deep abrasion• Visual abrasion resistance• Thermal Shock resistance• Crazing resistance• Moisture expansion• Thermal expansion• Resistance to freeze/thaw• Water absorption

DefinitionsDefinitions

• Natural tile: tile that is not sized, nor sorted mechanically

• Calibrated tile: tile that has been sorted and boxed based on its facial dimensions

• Rectified tile: tile that has had all edges mechanically finished to achieve a more precise facial dimension

TCATCA

• Both the handbook and ANSI Standards are Voluntary Standards

• There is no compliance requirement

RememberRememberthere are no tile policethere are no tile police

There are also There are also Voluntary International StandardsVoluntary International Standards

• ISO (International Standards Organization)• ISO 13006-Standards for Ceramic Tile • There are 17 tests under ISO 13006 similar to and in

some cases the same as ANSI• Two areas of disagreement are Freeze/Thaw and Slip

Resistance

GENERAL CURRENT CONSENSUSGENERAL CURRENT CONSENSUSGENERAL CURRENT CONSENSUSGENERAL CURRENT CONSENSUS

ANY ONE SIDE 15 INCHES and larger IS “Large Format”

Standards DevelopmentStandards DevelopmentASTM C627 Test MethodASTM C627 Test MethodStandards DevelopmentStandards DevelopmentASTM C627 Test MethodASTM C627 Test Method

Accessibility: Accessibility: Flatness and LippageFlatness and Lippage

Accessibility: Accessibility: Flatness and LippageFlatness and Lippage

• A flat tile installation requires a flat substrate

• Designate trade responsible when substrate does not meet flatness requirements:• 1/4˝ in 10´ and 1/16˝ in 1´• 1/8˝ in 10´ may be required for large format tile • no more than 1/32˝ difference between modular substrate

edges

• Or, specify a mortar bed or self-leveler method

New language addresses New language addresses grout joint sizegrout joint size

• For requirements on workmanship, cutting, fitting and grout joint size refer to ANSI A108.02 section 4.3.8 To accommodate the range in facial dimensions of the tile

supplied for a specific project, the actual grout joint size may, of necessity, vary from the grout joint size specified. The actual grout joint size shall be at least 3 times the actual range of facial dimensions of the tile supplied. Example: for tile having a total variation of 1/16” in facial dimensions, a minimum 3/16” grout joint shall be used

1/16” minimum grout joint size

LIPPAGELIPPAGE

LIPPAGELIPPAGE

Minimizing Lippage Minimizing Lippage

• Specify wider joints for more gradual changes

• Off-set patterns can sometimes result in more lippage

• Beveled/cushion-edge tiles can minimize effects of lippage

Medium bed thinset?Medium bed thinset?

• No Standards• Manufacturers vary on maximum thickness• ½ inch to ¾ inch• Not intended to be used for true up• Designed to hold more weight

IMPORTANT EDITORIAL ADDITIONS IMPORTANT EDITORIAL ADDITIONS SUBSURFACE TOLERANCESUBSURFACE TOLERANCE

• Thin-set is not intended to be used in truing or leveling the work of others

• The subsurface typically should not vary by more than 1/16" over 1’-0", nor more than 1/32˝ between adjoining edges (where applicable: e.g. sheets of plywood or between adjacent concrete masonry units).

MOVEMENT MOVEMENT ACCOMMODATIONACCOMMODATION

Thermal ExpansionThermal Expansion

• Growth due to raised temperature, such as direct sunlight or steam room applications

• Growth varies by type of tile

• Growth is cyclical – may occur several times in a single day

Moisture Moisture ExpansionExpansion

• Growth due to moisture exposure

• Irreversible and long-term growth

• Exteriors and other areas of high moisture are critical

Both can cause “Tenting”Both can cause “Tenting”

……thanks to thanks to contractor contractor

associationsassociations

Specifier needs to Specifier needs to SPECIFY which SPECIFY which method applies in method applies in the contractthe contract

– – full or partial full or partial coverage!coverage!

Thin-set coverage requirement is Thin-set coverage requirement is 80% interior / 95% exterior and wet areas80% interior / 95% exterior and wet areas

QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?