ensure baseline compliance with the most current requirements, including the latest ADA param- eters when ADA compliance is also intended. Although tile contractors should in theory be able to follow speci- fications as written, when less than 1/4” per foot slope is speci- fied, it may be worth reconfirm- ing the desired and/or necessary slope with the general contractor and/or project design profession- al before proceeding. The same could be said for the specified slopes and drains, and the result- ing floor recess needed to accom- modate them. If a reconfiguration is necessary, a proactive approach might avoid finger pointing and delayed payment later on, or help to build relationships that will lead to more work. But regardless of how or when potential design issues are addressed – some contrac- tors prefer to wait until they’ve been awarded a job – what’s not optional is a good understanding of the critical design elements for curbless showers. Even when it’s a designer’s responsibility to design a shower that’s curbless and drains effectively, tile contractors will no doubt discover – and therefore have to address – various design and rough-in execution flaws as part of the process. TECH TALK –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– National Tile Contractors Association 626 Lakeland East Drive | Jackson, MS 39232 PO Box 13629 | Jackson, MS 39236-3629 601.939.2071 | 601.932.6117 fax | tile-assn.com The VOICE of the TILE CONTRACTOR The NTCA Reference Manual was developed to identify recurring chal- lenges to successful installations of tile and stone,recognize potential problems,and to gain consensus from industry experts on offering solutions. Now available for purchase in print or digital download.www.tile-assn.com 72 TileLetter | March 2019