b'Surface preption systems that are traditionally heavy in nature. tion schedules are in demand. In addition, multi-functionSafety/Health ConsciousThis is a core concern of install- and single-application materials minimize the complexity of ers. Creating innovative underlayments and membranesprojects and speed up the installation process.that are not harmful to the user or the built environment are in high demand by installers and design professionals.Mark AlbonettiSilica-free, low-VOC and user-friendly products will con- Installation and Technical Specialist tinue to be a product design trend. MD Pro/PROVA Products Versatility/Fast Setting and Return to Service FeaturesOurMembranes now take the place of cementitious back-current business and construction environment is placingers in many situations. As it happened in the mid-1970s an even greater strain on construction schedules and thewhencementitiousbackerboardbeganreplacingmud ability for contractors to meet these demands. Therefore,as a substrate in tile and stone installations, membrane high-delivery/productivity-focused and rapid- setting prod- underlayments are taking some of the cementitious board ucts that can shave time off of already truncated construc- square footage. Todays membranes can solve a multitude ofsituationsforinstallers;whether movement, sound control, water man-agement or heat, there are now mem-branes for your installation.Protect your nished ooring! Irememberdistinctlythefirsttime Iheardaboutcementbackerboard.I was at a tile distributor with my uncle Have you found cracks in yourpickingupmaterialforajobandthe ceramic or porcelain tile floors? manager said to us, The next time you Do you hear the footsteps and voicesare here, we will have this new product from the floor above? Do you need waterproofing or protection from moistureto replace mud. It is a sheet of concrete vapor transmission on the floor? that you lift up and nail to the wall! You Choose the membrane systemshad to be in the industry at that time to Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI preferred by architects,understand how foreign that sounded.contractors and consultants.NAC membrane systems are installedTom Carrollprior to the finished flooring, andSenior Product Managerprovide crack isolation, sound reductionPAREX USAand waterproofing protection. As size and weight of tile and stone continuetogrow,andtheuseof Ted Stevens International Airport, Anchorage, AK CRACK ISOLATION SOUND CONTROL WATERPROOFING planks and thin porcelain tile continue For surfacesFor surfacesFor surfacestogrow,theimportanceofsubstrate that requirethat requirethat require protectionimpactwaterproofpreparationismagnifiedforthese from structuraland audibleprotectionmovement sound reduction projects as the tolerance of substrate Membrane Systemsvariancebecomessmallerandthe That Protect Your Flooring Investment variancebecomesmorenoticeablein thefinishedprojectifnotaddressed prior to installation. This has increased The Ritz Carlton Hotel at LA Live, Los Angeles, CA theattentiononsurface-preparation products such as patching compounds, screeds and self-leveling systems.Levelingproductsaresometimes overlooked to save installation time and 1(800)633-4622cost but since the growing popularity of www.nacproducts.comlarge-format tile and plank tile requires The Oaks Mall, Thousand Oaks, CA truer floor criteria, it should definitely 722020|TECH'