BUSINESS TIP ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– standards. If tile installers follow industry standards and manufac- turers’ directions, they can avoid failures and have successful tile installations to perpetuate and grow our businesses and industry. Tile installer training is an investment that everyone in the industry ben- efits from because when there is a problem it doesn’t matter who is at fault, we all will pay one way or the other with our time, money or reputation. UofCTS online course endorsed by NTCA That is why the University of Ceramic Tile and Stone (UofCTS) developed the new online Tile Installer Thin-set Standards (ITS) Verification course and why NTCA endorses and is making it available to its members and the industry. This course focuses on standards for thinset application in terms of the required substrate conditions, prop- er preparation of substrate and tile, proper thinset application, proper installation methods, and proper quality control steps that all tile installers should incorporate into their work. The ITSVerification course applies to and covers ceramic tile, glass tile, stone tile or any other type of adhered tile product whether thin-set mortar, epoxy or mastic adhesives are used. By making this training course on thinset standards Mapesil ™ 3D is a profession- al-grade, 100%-silicone seal- ant for use on multiple substrates. This seal- ant features “ s p e c i a l effect” addi- tives to offer direct color matches to MAPEI Flexcolor ™ 3D grout. MAPEI Flexcolor 3D is a professional- grade, ready-to-use (RTU) trans- lucent specialty grout with an “iridescent effect” finish. It is offered in 10 designer colors with translucent characteristics that not only reflect but also refract light. This allows the grout to transition in color to complement the tile color. Mapesil 3D is suitable for use in interior, exterior, wet and dry installations, including coun- tertops, vanities, sinks, bath- tubs, showers, backsplashes and fixtures. Mapesil 3D also provides excellent elongation and flexibility for use in both change-of-plane and joint appli- cations in tile or stonework. www.mapei.com 30 TileLetter | September 2018