of the concrete and tile could break open all of the cuts. Please help. Thank you very much. ANSWER It sounds like you are having a traditional mortar bed type installation constructed that uti- lizes a waterproofing liner over a pre-sloped pitch. It is critical to install this, or any type of waterproofing system, in a manner consistent with tile industry methods and standards and manufacturer’s instructions. Rips, tears, cuts, punctures and improperly-sealed seams lead to leaks and failures of the system. With any type of shower instal- lation, I recommend conducting a water test of the system before mortar is placed. In many locales, this is a code requirement placed on the plumbing permit. The proper methods and details to construct this and many other type of shower pan installa- tions can be found in the TCNA Handbook. If your contractor is a member of the National Tile Contractors Association they will have a copy of this handbook and know how to use it. They should also have a copy of the ANSI A108 standards that provide detailed instructions for the requirements of mud bed installations. I will be happy to speak to your installation contractor to help them with any questions they may have about this or any other installation. Please feel free to have them contact me. If they are an NTCA member, they are familiar with this service we pro- vide our members. If they are not a member, I would be happy to discuss with them the many ben- efits of membership including technical support, free training opportunities and obtaining and using the industry standards to base their installations on. I hope this helps! – Mark Heinlein – CTI #1112, NTCA Training Director; Technical Trainer/Presenter ASK THE EXPERTS –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– e-Learning Program Industry and product information in short, easy segments Train from the comfort of your home or office anytime Fast and easy to access, listen, and complete A-8337-1017 ©2017 LATICRETE International, Inc. All trademarks shown are the intellectual properties of their respective owners. Register today at laticrete.com/university Globally Proven Construction Solutions 22 TileLetter | November 2017