ASK THE EXPERTS This month’s Ask the Experts focuses on two recent questions concerning installing resin-backed stone. QUESTION Can you give me some guid- ance on working with resin-backed stone? ANSWER The issue that we have with resin- backed stone is there is no stan- dardization. The backing could be composed of epoxy, polyester, ure- thane or a variety of other types of resin. If there was some consistency to the resin backing, setting materi- als manufacturers could probably produce thinset that would work. Epoxy adhesives are the safest bet, and should always be used on moisture-sensitive stone. When installing resin-backed stone, you should contact the stone provider for installation instruc- tions. Many of them are not suitable for installations in wet areas. The 2017 TCNA Handbook addresses some of this in the Natural Stone selection guide on page 10. The NTCA Reference Manual has a tremendous amount of information about this situation in its mesh- backed stone white paper on page 179. Both will point you toward the use of epoxy adhesives. Some manufacturers of these resin-backed stones have incor- porated sand and other aggregates to their backings to help with Sponsored by 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-5437-1117 ©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 | December 2017