b'TECHNICAL Method #1 for movement joints: tionsontheproperinstallationInstall the appropriate-sized foamof sealant joints, I often hear this backer rod into the joint statement,Itcantbethateasy.ApplypainterstapealongtheItisreallythateasy.Usingthis tile edges of the joint technique will save time, eliminateFill the joint with 100% silicone costly callbacks, make your install- Smoothitwithasealanttool,ers happy, and yield satisfi ed cus-popsicle stick, or plastic spoon tomers.SometimessomethingsoRemove the tape by pulling it onsimple can provide huge rewards.an angle toward the joint as soonas the sealant is in place. TheCeramicTileEducationFoundation (CTEF)provideseducationandinstaller Method #2 for movement joints: certifi cation for professionals working in the ceramic tile and stone industry. Certifi cationInsert the appropriate foam back- programsincludetheCTEFCertifi edTile er rod into the jointInstaller (CTI) program, that is the only third- Fill the joint with 100% siliconeparty assessment of installer skill and knowl-sealant (no need for tape) edgetoberecognizedbythetileindus-try, and the Advanced Certifi cations for TileSpray the sealant and the face ofInstallers (ACT). CTEF is headquartered in the tile with a mixture of waterPendleton, S.C., near Clemson University and and dish detergent. the TCNA offi ces. For more information, visit Thesealanttool,popsiclestick,www.ceramictilefoundation.org.orplasticspoonisalso sprayedwithdishdeter-gentsolution,allowingthe excesssealanttobeeasily removed without the worry of it sticking to or smearing on the face of the tile. This technique is something that Certifi ed Tile Installers have tosuccessfullycomplete during their hands-on test.When should the sealant be applied?ANSIA108.024.4.5 states,Installsealantafter tilework and grout are dry. Followsealantmanufactur-ers recommendations. Depending on the type of joint specifi ed, the pro-fi le of the smoothing tool can provide a joint which AsIconductdemonstra- is either concave (as shown) or fl at.100 TileLetter | July 2020'