TECH TALK –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Now TEC® Power Grout® Ultimate Performance Grout performs even bet- ter, achieving the highest standards for a cement-based grout. Power Grout has an extended pot life of 60-80 minutes and the quick-set time of just four hours to make installation eas- ier and faster. Power Grout has superior stain resistance, bet- ter protecting the long-term beauty of the grout. Improved Power Grout guaran- tees color uniformity and zero efflores- cence*, a competitive advantage proven by independent testing. Installers can worry less about call-backs with these perfor- mance advantages. Additionally, Power Grout sets itself apart as the only cement- based grout to exceed 10,000 psi compres- sive strength. This industry-leading strength offers exceptional support that rivals epoxy grouts. Power Grout joints resist shrinking, cracking, mold and mildew. Power Grout provides excellent perfor- mance on floors and walls in virtually any environment including high-traffic areas, wet conditions, and from residential up to extra-heavy commercial applications. This unique breakthrough in grout technology maximizes performance while providing ease-of-use. Power Grout exceeds ANSI A118.7 specifications. *For details about the TEC Power Grout Limited Lifetime Warranty, contact your sales associate for visit tecspecialty.com. cial buildings, ships, and hospitals. Traditionally, metal stairs had to be tack-welded with reinforcing mesh, followed by a mortar-bed installation before setting tile. Usually a welder had to be hired separately from the tile installers. For metal deck- ing, previous methodology required that the tile was set with an epoxy mortar, which had unique handling requirements. After a simple clean- ing of the metal surface removing debris and other contaminants, the advanced technology primers, such as TEC® Multi-Purpose Primer, can be applied to the metal substrate, allowed to dry and then become a surface suitable for setting tile with a latex-modified mortar. The primer facilitates a simpler, more stream- lined tile installation. Glazed ceramic tile ––––––––––––– When tiling over tile, especially glazed ceramic tile, there have been cumbersome steps to ensure getting a good bond. In the past, an installer needed to mechanically abrade the glazed tile surface or remove the tile. Abrading generates high levels of dust, and removing tile often causes damage to the substrate below. Either option was time-intensive and messy. Now, after ascertaining that the exist- ing tile’s bond with the original sub- strate is secure, installers can use the new primers to save time and hassle. The advanced primer technol- ogy means installers can clean the glazed tile surface, prime it, allow the primer to dry and then simply install the new tile wall or floor. Whether commercial or residential, owners 48 TileLetter | September 2017