b'ASK THE EXPERTSASK THE EXPERTSthetiledoesntmeetstandards. is sponsored by Idothinktherecanbesignifi-cant difference depending on the manufacturerofthematerial.If anothermanufacturermakesa similar material, there might be a ThisFebruary,LATICRETEwillbetter substitute.launch SPECTRALOCK 1, an evo- Because stackable wall tile has a lutionary pre-mixed, stain-proof groutset grout joint size usually 1/16, thathastheperformanceofanifthetilehasverymuchdevia-epoxy.Thisproductofferssuperiortionitmaynotmeetminimum strength at 3,500 psi, the ability togrout-jointsizetolerances.The be submerged and an extremely fastTCNAHandbooksaysthemini-curingratesothatcustomerscanmum grout joint should be three complete durable projects in less timetimesthefacialdeviationofthe than ever before. tile themselves. The example they The grout also provides exceptionalgive is for tiles that deviate 1/16, versatility and excellent color consis- youshouldnothavegroutjoint tency, even with the most demandingsmaller than 3/16. You could cre-applications. The stain-proof formulaatealargergroutjointtohide is available in a wide variety of col- someofthesesizedifferences, ors to match any design, and is easy to use - simply open the package andbutthosechangeswouldhave begin applying! tobeapprovedbytheenduser. SPECTRALOCK 1 exceeds all theAlso, the fact that the tile is stack-standards under the ANSI A118.3,able is desirable to some installers whichnocomparableproductonbecause installations can be done themarketcanclaim.Nootherquicker. I think speed was a major competitorcurrentlyofferstheissue to begin with.strength,qualityandapplicationLookingforasubstitute,or opportunitiesinatrue,pre-mixedchanging the grout joint size, are grout.Formoreinformation,visitthe only things that come to mind. SPECTRALOCK1.com. Robb Roderick, NTCA Technical TrainerTestingmighthelp,butjustto note,TCNAwillonlymeasure and report the tiles supplied. They wontassesswhetherthetoler-ancesactuallyapplyinagiven scenarioorlookatanyother nuancesthatcouldberelevant, 26TileLetter | February 2020'