Stone Tile Installation and in ANSI. It is found on page 37 in the 2018 TCNA Handbook section entitled, “Grout Joint Size, Layouts, and Patterns,” which is excerpted from ANSI A108.02-2017, section 4.3.8. The Handbook states: “To accommodate the range in facial dimensions of tile supplied, the actual grout joint size shall be at least three times the actual varia- tion of facial dimensions of the tile supplied. Example: for tile having a total variation of 1/16” in facial dimensions, a minimum of 3/16” grout joint shall be used. Nominal centerline of all joints shall be straight with due allowances for hand-molded or rustic tiles. In no circumstance shall the grout joint be less than 1/16”.” It goes on to give an example of tiles that vary in size in run- ning bond/brick joint patterns, call- ing for a minimum of 1/8” wide grout joints for rectified tiles and 3/16” wide grout joints for cali- brated tiles with any side greater than 15”. Generally speaking, under this standard, most calibrated tile should not have a grout joint small- er than 3/16”. Most rectified tiles should have no grout joint smaller than 1/8”. The smallest grout joint you should ever have is 1/16” and is usually only applicable in stone installations. I hope this helps. – Robb Roderick, NTCA Technical Trainer As part of the STRATA_HEAT™ electric radiant floor heat- ing system, LATICRETE intro- duced STRATA_HEAT Wi-Fi Thermostat, a smart-focused thermostat compatible with home automation devices to assist in achieving optimum comfort and efficiency. With the ability to control the floor’s heat with a smartphone app or GPS positioning technol- ogy, and check energy statistics on-the-go, the STRATA_HEAT Wi-Fi Thermostat is able to learn homeowner routines and apply the most efficient settings to reduce heating usage by up to 25 percent. Its intuitive interface makes set-up easy and does not include any complicated pro- gramming modes. The thermo- stat is also available in a touch- screen-programmable version. www.laticrete.com ASK THE EXPERTS –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 26 TileLetter | February 2019