b'2016-10_UCTS_TileLetter_2.qxp_Layout 110/19/1610:12 AMPage 1TECHNICAL In my experience as a tile con- mock-up and lippage. NEW!tractorwhenusingnaturaltileThereasonthisoffsetisimpor- NTCA Online (which has a lot of variation}, thetantisbecauselargertilesmay tile manufacturer will often recom- havemorewarpageuptoacapInstaller Trainingmend1/4groutjointsorlarger.designated in ANSI A137.1. When Using this standard, many calibrat- installingthesetilesonanoffsetEarn an ITS Certificate Today!ed tiles I installed would require ajointat50%,wenowhavethe 3/16 grout joint, and many recti- high point of one tile (the middle)Earn more jobs, earn more money and avoid costly problems!fi tileswouldrequirean1/8next to the low point (the ends) ofed grout joint. the two adjacent tiles, which can Presenting this information as thegiveusunacceptableamountsofThe Tile Installer Thin-Set Standards (ITS) industrystandardsandguidelineslippage. Verification Certificate is awarded by the University of Ceramic Tile and Stone (UofCTS) and endorsed by and not as your personal opinionthe National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA).canbebenefi cialinTile installers who successfully complete this onlinechangingtheownerscourse that teaches industry standards and methods forperspective. adhered thin-set applications will earn the ITS Certificate.The ITS Certificatewill give you credibility with your customers and will enableRunning bond, brickyou to earn more jobs.Training your employees is always a good investment and itjoint, or any offsetcan help avoid costly failures.pattern The ITS online course is available in English and in Spanish. Rated as a 4 hour course.Consideringthe locationoftheoffset jointsinabrickpat- Only 100 per tuition for NTCA members$ternisanimportantVolume discounts availablepartoflayoutandisSince larger tiles have more warpage, installing an offset joint at 50%, the high point of one tile will be next to theSelf Paced Courses No Travel Expensesalsoaddressedinourlow point of the next tile, creating unacceptable amountsManagement Monitoring No Lost Productivitystandards.TheTCNAof lippage.24/7 Internet Access Certificate IssuedHandbookstates,For runningbond/brick jointandanyoffsetAdditional online tile and stone courses are availableNTCApatternsutilizingtilesfrom the NTCA website below: Understanding theP.O. Box 13629wherethesidebeingBasics of Ceramic Tileand Understanding theJackson, MS 39236offsetisgreaterthanBasics of Natural Stone. Tel. 601-939-207115,theoffsetpatternThese training courses are ideal for installers,Fax: 601-932-6117will be a maximum ofarchitects, salespeople, designers or anyone interestedE: info@tile-assn.comin tile and stone.33%unlessotherwise specifi edbythetilePROVIDED BYmanufacturer. If an off- www.tile-assn.comset greater than 33% is If the tiles are not modular or made for the pattern you specifi ed, specifi er andwill install, there may not be room to account for theInvesting in training provides a return ownermustapprovegrout joint. on investment that never ends!88 TileLetter | June 2020'