Tile Contractors' Association of America (TCAA)

The 2024 Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Handbook conference is in full swing at Quikrete in Atlanta, GA! A big thank you to our sponsors for their generous support: - Platinum sponsors: Custom Building Products and LATICRETE International - Gold sponsor: Schluter Systems - Silver sponsors: Panariagroup U.S.A. Inc. and Tile and Stone Council of Northern California Excited for a day filled with discussions on technical revisions and updates in anticipation of the upcoming release of the 2025 TCNA Handbook!

Great day today ! Got to spend some quality time with a Tile Industry Legend - Mr. John Trendell representing the TCAA - Thanks for making the trip John - Always an Honor and a Pleasure 🤜🏼

95%. That’s the minimum acceptable area of mortar coverage required underneath tile in a wet area like a shower or swimming pool, according to the ANSI standards for tile installation. There are many variables that affect mortar coverage: Which direction is the mortar spread? What size notched trowel is used? Is the tile sufficiently back-buttered? What techniques are used to embed the tile once it’s laid in place? All these matter. Union tile setters and finishers are trained to install tile the correct way according to ANSI standards, TCNA guidelines, manufacturers’ instructions, and project requirements. Training matters. To learn more about minimum mortar coverage in wet areas and how to achieve it, view my LinkedIn article on this topic at https://lnkd.in/eA5eHiw #Tile #Watertight Why Tile #WhyTile #MortarCoverage

Did you know that many electrical risks are related to the inappropriate use of extension cords? When multiple cords are connected, they can easily overdraw electricity from the circuits, causing the wires to heat up and potentially result in a fire. 🔥🔌Set aside time to identify hazards in your workplace. Periodically inspect cords so they stay in good working condition. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gnQV2wZB #SafeandSoundAtWork #ElectricalSafety

What a great experience at Coverings this week in Atlanta with our industry partners Tile Contractors' Association of America (TCAA). We delivered a panel presentation on Tile Essentials 101, demonstrated skilled installation of tile with the Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) mockups, participated in important ANSI and other technical committee meetings, learned about new and interesting products, reconnected and made tons of new friends, and picked up some wristbands along the way! I’m proud to be a part of North America’s largest tile and stone conference. #Tile #Coverings24 #Coverings #WhyTile Why Tile

In my previous post entitled “No Birdbaths" ( https://lnkd.in/g88q5Kx8 ), I talked about the 1/4 inch per foot* slope required of floors in wet areas like showers and pool decks, highlighting the importance of qualified tile installers in the successful delivery of compliant floors. But just how do these installers achieve such precise slopes? There are a couple techniques commonly used to achieve slope in floors. Perhaps the simplest is the use of a prefabricated underlayment board manufactured with the prescribed slope. These devices work well for smaller standard square or rectangular showers that have a single drain in the center. These boards still need to be waterproofed and tightly tied into the rest of the shower assembly. The classic method, and perhaps most suitable for complex shower configurations or larger areas with multiple drains, is to pull, or screed, a thick sand and cement mortar bed, commonly called “mud,” tapering the mortar bed with the required slope to drain. Installing mud floors is a skill taught in the tile apprenticeship program of International Masonry Institute, and it is also a specialty skill area in the industry-wide ACT certification (Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers). No matter what means they use to achieve slope, you can be sure that BAC tile installers are trained and often certified in mud floor installation, and able to provide a floor with positive and continuous slope to drain. *Always follow national and local codes and manufacturers’ recommendations. #Tile #Watertight Why Tile #Slope #Pitch

Be sure to stop by the TCAA/IMI Booth #7536 at Coverings where you can connect with the TCAA staff and Scott Conwell of IMI. we hope to see you there!

This just in: International Masonry Institute will host our 2024 Tile Expo May 2 in suburban Chicago! Join IMI, Tile Contractors' Association of America (TCAA), and other industry sponsors for a time of education, enrichment, and refreshments. Receive 2.0 AIA HSW LUs as you learn about the latest trends and technologies in designing with tile. The construction team from the recently completed Life Time Fitness at One Chicago will present a panel discussion on this challenging and diverse tile project. Then, participate in an interactive tour of tile training and certification mockups as we discuss critical points of large format tile, membranes, showers, and other specialties. There will be hands-on opportunities for those who want to pick up a trowel. Lunch is included. More information and registration at https://lnkd.in/gWqfvs49

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It takes specially trained tile setters to install a specialty product like art glass panels. International Masonry Institute recently hosted a workshop for designers and architects at our suburban Chicago training center, co-sponsored by Italian art glass company SICIS. Designers learned about the evolution of glass as an architectural material from the 19th century to modern times, examining the countless decorative choices and contemporary applications available today. After the classroom session, the designers were treated to a demonstration of uncrating, handling, and cutting a full-size panel led by IMI tile coordinator Mike Spatz and his team of instructors and apprentice tile installers. Attendees also viewed several art glass panels installed throughout the training center. IMI is filling the need for skilled labor in this growing market with our tile training classes in art glass installation. #Tile #ArtGlass #TilePanels #WhyTile