b'Surface prepMeeting demands and cutting installation time for contractorsA firm foundation is important in any building project and tile is no exception. The evolution of underlayments, mem-branes and backing products has cut installation times and offers greater longevity to projects. Large-format tiles and porcelain slabs require more precise surface prep, so manufacturers are engineering products to meet the demands of the tile and stone materials but also to make life easier for installers, with lighter-weight building panels that are waterproof, VOC-free and offer ready-made components to speed the job for the installer. Trowelable and self-leveling underlayments are smoothing the wayliterallywhen installers encounter challenging substrates. Products in this category also provide moisture vapor management and sound abatement, laying the groundwork for a long-lasting, well-performing installation. William Alan White John AndersonTile & Stone Field Marketing Specialist, Western US Construction Product Manager ARDEX Americas H.B. Fuller/TEC Specialty ProductsConstruction schedules have cre- Todays large format tile (LFT) sizes ated a need for speed. Trends con- such as 24 x 24 or 24 x 48 require tinuetofavorlargerformattilesmoreprecisesurfacepreparation whereaflatsubstrateiscritical.thanyesterdays8x8tile.Asa Installerswantproductstomini- result, subfloor preparation for suc-mize project time and systems thatcessful tile installation is now more arethinnerandlighterweight.critical than ever. To meet the more Uncouplingmembranesalsopro- stringentrequirementsforlarge William Alan White videmaximumshearprotectionJohn Anderson format tile, many tile installers are andarelighterweightthantradi- increasingly using advanced installa-tional substrate prep methods. tion materials such as high-flow self-leveling underlayments (SLU) and liquid-applied crack-isolation membranes. High-Amanda Henke flow SLUs can greatly simplify meeting LFT flatness require-Marketing Manager ments of 1/8 variation in 10 while reducing tile lippage. Blanke Corporation High-performance liquid-applied crack-isolation membranes With more and more people spend- isolate cracks up to 1/4, while allowing tile installation as ing time in their homes, residentialsoon as one to three hours after application. High-flow SLUs tile installations have experienced anand liquid applied crack isolation membranes can speed tile increased focus on longevity. Havinginstallation versus alternate surface-preparation methods, a consistent and reliable product likewhile enhancing appearance and durability.tilecomeswithdemandsinmem-brane and underlayment technologyArthur Mintiethat solve a multitude of problemsSenior Director, Technical ServicesAmanda Henke such as crack isolation, deflection inLATICRETE International, Inc.substrates, and protection from theThe trends that we are seeing and the characteristics elements. No matter the material, size, or location of thein installation products in this sector focus on three main tile, all tile installations need to be protected and reinforcedareas:against damage. Modern underlayment technology has had Lightweight/ErgonomicsMaking it easier on the install-tofindnewsolutionsbeyondoutdatedthick-bedinstalla- er is a core focus of new product design and innovation. tion methods, cement board, and plastic rolled products toLightweightproductsarenolongerjustnicetohave; provideversatileandmultifunctionalunderlaymentsthattheseproductsareindemandtomakeiteasieron support every type of tile installation. installers, but also to lower the weight of tiled installa-702020|TECH'