on thin panel installation. We are supplying large-format, thin porcelain panels for an exte- rior façade in Oakland, Calif. It is approximately 2,500 sq. ft. at 102˝ x 47˝ x 6.5mm and we are researching installation options for the owner that do not involve the normal setting method. It would be great to know what options there are for a “rail & clip” system versus full contact instal- lation. At the very least, it would be great to get some information on the guidelines and practices for installing thin panels using some sort of clip or fastening system. ANSWER 1 Thanks for contacting us. I took a quick look at the manufacturer’s instructions. They are very typical of most gauged porcelain tile panel manufacturers. I did not see any- thing other than the direct bond method as an option for installa- tion. Most distributors of thin por- celain tile have been working with installation product manufacturers and tool companies to present a system approach to installation. Some even require the use of man- ufacturer trained installers. Last April there were new stan- dards added for this product. ANSI 137.3 and ANSI 108.19. ANSI 137.3 deal with stan- dards for the product itself. ANSI A108.19 deals with the installation of the product. LATICRETE recently launched PERMACOLOR® Select, which is an advanced high-performance cement grout that offers the indus- try’s first dispersible dry pigment solution. Designed for virtually all types of residential and commer- cial installation, PERMACOLOR Select allows contractors and dis- tributors to eliminate waste and carry product for five years – much longer than traditional grouts, which require disposal after only one year. Contractors gain increased pro- ductivity and time savings on the jobsite, with a faster time-to-grout and foot traffic permitted in as little as three hours when using PERMACOLOR Select. Additionally, PERMACOLOR Select is easy to clean, meets UL GREENGUARD certifica- tion standards for low chemical emissions and is a component of the LATICRETE Lifetime System Warranty. www.laticrete.com. ASK THE EXPERTS –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 32 TileLetter | January 2018