b'MembranesThis section begins our analysis of product and technology trends according to category, with accompanying con-tractor comments and product entries. Underlayment products support todays tile sizesA sound tile installation begins with a firm foundationcontinue to be vital to the success of installations and a that is level, flat and treated for crack isolation and, if nec- focal point for manufacturers to invest in perfecting.essary, waterproofing. Detailed attention to the underly- A common need among contractors, builders, tile set-ing needs of the installation sets the stage for not onlyters and even designers is finding a a desirable finished product, but one that will performproduct that can save time, money for years into the future. With the growth of large, thinand still provide 100% waterproof gauged porcelain panels, the proper support for the tilesolutions for wet areas, noted Kate system is a must. Schaddelee, Marketing Coordinator, Manufacturershaveplacedahugeamountofeffortwedi Corp. At wedi, we provide an andmoneyintodevelopingstate-of-the-artmembraneeasy-to-use premium product that prep solutions to fit most situations and ways in whichKate Schaddelee can be tiled upon same day, exten-contractorsliketowork,includingmembranes,light- sive warranty programs, along with weightfoam-coreunits,roller-appliedanduncouplingon-site training and support. The company is addressing membranes. customer needs with new vapor-stopping building panels As Dennis Bordin, CEO, Progress Profiles noted, prod- and sealants, and a kit that allows a wedi shower base to ucts nowadays provide several andbe recessed into wood floor construction without cutting different functionalities. For exam- into floor joists.Louis Iannacople,thecompanyssystemscan be at the same time waterproof-ing,uncouplingandneutralizing vaporpressure,supportingload distribution, crack isolation, drain-Dennis Bordin age,dryingetc.,besidesbeing designed to allow higher adhesion to the support and anchoring of the floor, and to optimize their performances.New technological advancements continue to make it harder to find membrane products that serve a single purpose, said ArthurMintie,SeniorTechnical Advisor for LATICRETE. New prod-uctsfocusonincludingavariety of benefits to suit the overall proj-ect,forexample,underlayments Arthur Mintie thatcanbetoppedwithflooring materials or have the ability to be polished and used as the final flooring product.Choosingtherightmembraneorunderlaymentcan protect from water intrusion, damage and cracking, as well as provide sound reduction properties, he explained. These products can also help to present a better overall surface to adhere the finished flooring, so while they may not be the first product thought of on the jobsite, they 342019|TECH'