How often are you including tile edge protection in your tile assem- bly specifications? Although not required for all installations, edge protection absolutely provides bet- ter results. Ultimately, if you’re serious about delivering only high-quality instal- lations of ceramic, porcelain and stone tile, you must have the hand- skills to put the entire tile assembly into place along with the knowl- edge of what products are available to finish the project successfully. Thinking about protecting tile edges is a perfect example. What is tile edge protection? You wouldn’t be in this business if you didn’t have an appreciation for how perfectly ceramic and por- celain tile function as floor and wall finishes. Tile is beautiful, durable, and easily maintained. It has an amazing performance record and inspires intense product innovation. Critical to your well-earned repu- tation is ensuring that your tile installation will perform despite heavy traffic. Edge profiles do the following: • Protect tile edges from chipping, • Provide easy transitions between adjacent floor and wall surfaces. • Deliver a design element that is often ignored. Specify each component of the tile assembly On most commercial tile jobs, the specifications clearly call out each component of the tile assem- bly, but not always. However, on many residential jobs, the various items necessary for a good job may be overlooked. Whether the project is commer- cial or residential, the tile installer is the last person on the job who should provide his or her input and expertise so that the ceramic tile installation is pleasing to the eye and will stand the test of time. Don’t skip the little details! Unfortunately the ultimate suc- cess of the completed project sometimes gets lost in the rush to get it done yesterday or in the little Have you added tile edge protection to your installation project? Sponsored by TECH TALK –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– By Scott Carothers, CTEF Director of Certification and Training 44 TileLetter | December 2017