b'TECHNICAL TECHNICAL fashion polished tiles that are pleas-is sponsored by ing to the eye, but offer little resis-tancetoslipping,especiallywhen combined with soap, shampoo, and water. Foryearsthepopularandfunc-tionalselectionofshowerfl oor tilesresidedwitha1x1or ARDEXX90OUTDOORisthe2 x 2 mosaic tile as shown in the new level in mortar standards, offer- attached photo. This small facial sur-ingmaximumweatherproofprotec- face area tile provides a signifi cant tion against the harshest elements fornumber of grout joints that can aid outdoor tile and stone installations!inprovidingasurfacethatoffers Featuringarevolutionaryweathergood traction. proof technology, the tile and stoneHowever,todaysconsumersare mortarisformulatedwithspecialty,demandingtheuseoflargertiles high-performanceARDEXcements,that offer a sleek look that slope to polymers and micro bers. It deliversa linear drain located either in the fullprotectionagainsttheharshestcenter of the fl oor or at the intersec-weatherconditions,andmaximumtion of the wall. These large-format levels of ef orescence resistance fortiles look great on the shower flexterior tile and stone installations. It oor sustains the highest levels of freeze/ and offer a look not available in the thawresistance,testedat150+past. Imagine combining a realistic freeze/thawcyclesseventimeswoodgrainplankfl withagor- oor greater than ANSI 118.15 standardgeous marble wall that both offer the requirementof20cycles.Italsobenefi ts of a porcelain tile.featuresoutstandingrapid-settingAfterthetilehasbeenselected properties, even at temperatures asand properly installed, the appropri-low as 40F.atemaintenanceregimenmustbe For more information, visit https:// instituted.Normally,apH-neutral www.ardexamericas.com/product/ cleanerwillworkwellforroutine ardex-x-90-outdoor. cleaning.However,ifaresidueof soap scum, body oil, shampoo, and/orcreamrinseaccumulateonthe fl oor surface, the use of a high-alka-line cleaner may be needed remove thebuild-up.Asalways,carefully follow the directions on the contain-er to ensure thorough cleaning and a trouble-free tile installation that will stand the test of time.84 TileLetter | January 2020'