ASK THE EXPERTS QUESTION I am looking for installation guidance for 30” x 60”, 1/4” thin porcelain panels in a floor appli- cation over concrete. It is a high rise building so I assume it is post- tensioned concrete assembly for the floors. Does TCNA have any guidelines? Furthermore, the City of Minneapolis requires a sound damping product be used under hard surface flooring such as por- celain tile. While I have received informa- tion from one thin-panel distribu- tor and from LATICRETE that this thin material should not be used over a sound control membrane, the architectural rep for the prod- uct manufacturer says their thin panel can be treated like any other porcelain tile. However, she will not provide any documenta- tion that validates that statement. Can you perhaps help me get something from the manufacturer that sheds light on this question? ANSWER There are several points neces- sary to discuss regarding your concerns. Do you own a copy of ANSI A137.3 / ANSI 108.19? These are the material specifica- tions and installation standards for Gauged Porcelain Tiles and Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels/Slabs. I refer to these as “GPTP” for short. This standard defines what GPTP is, where it can be used, how to properly Sponsored by Ask the Experts Q&As are culled from member inqui- ries to NTCA’s Technical Support staff. To become a member and make use of personal, targeted answers from Technical Support staff to your installation ques- tions, contact Jim Olson at jim@tile-assn.com. 20 TileLetter | October 2018