grout for tile stone

1. Good Morning and welcome to the Laticrete International AIA/CES Continuing Education Seminar. Your attendance is appreciated. Your attendance here will be recorded and presented to the AIA/CES officials. Laticrete International has been providing solutions to Tile and Stone Installation issues around the world for nearly 50 years. We provide one of the most comprehensive training programs and technical support services in the industry.Good Morning and welcome to the Laticrete International AIA/CES Continuing Education Seminar. Your attendance is appreciated. Your attendance here will be recorded and presented to the AIA/CES officials. Laticrete International has been providing solutions to Tile and Stone Installation issues around the world for nearly 50 years. We provide one of the most comprehensive training programs and technical support services in the industry.

3. With ceramic tile � the sky is the limit when it comes to design Tile and Stone offer maximum choice in color, texture, pattern, size, and finish. Tile is easy to clean and maintain without harsh chemicals or cleaners. Properly installed, tile offers long lasting installations and low cost over the life of the project At times though the grout presents the biggest challenge to long lasting projects. What are the benefits to specifying the correct grouting material? How can the right grout be specified? Grout can now be used a design element. There are so many things that you can do with grout. It can be used to enhance, create contrasts, blend applications, there are sparkly � dazzle elements to grout now and even glow in the dark options. Grout is not just a necessary evil to tile and stone installations anymore. It actually adds to the aesthetic value of the installation. Today�s grouts not only add these design elements but they are performance driven products. They are more colorfast, durable, some are even stain and chemical resistant. Grout may be the most important component of the installation to the end user because this is the only part that is visible to them. Extra care in determining the end users needs and expectations, and then specifying the appropriate grout will help to assure a more satisfied customer Grout may also be the least expensive material used but comprises a vast majority of the complaints. Basic cement grout is the �industry standard� of the installers. However other types of grouts are available which are easy to install, yet provide much higher levels of performance, color consistency and ease of maintenance.With ceramic tile � the sky is the limit when it comes to design Tile and Stone offer maximum choice in color, texture, pattern, size, and finish. Tile is easy to clean and maintain without harsh chemicals or cleaners. Properly installed, tile offers long lasting installations and low cost over the life of the project At times though the grout presents the biggest challenge to long lasting projects. What are the benefits to specifying the correct grouting material? How can the right grout be specified? Grout can now be used a design element. There are so many things that you can do with grout. It can be used to enhance, create contrasts, blend applications, there are sparkly � dazzle elements to grout now and even glow in the dark options. Grout is not just a necessary evil to tile and stone installations anymore. It actually adds to the aesthetic value of the installation. Today�s grouts not only add these design elements but they are performance driven products. They are more colorfast, durable, some are even stain and chemical resistant. Grout may be the most important component of the installation to the end user because this is the only part that is visible to them. Extra care in determining the end users needs and expectations, and then specifying the appropriate grout will help to assure a more satisfied customer Grout may also be the least expensive material used but comprises a vast majority of the complaints. Basic cement grout is the �industry standard� of the installers. However other types of grouts are available which are easy to install, yet provide much higher levels of performance, color consistency and ease of maintenance.

4. In order to understand what the correct type of grout that should be specified, we need to understand the typical problems that are associated with grout. These are the most prevalent grout joint issues. The grout generally requires the most attention after an installation. How do we prevent grout problems?In order to understand what the correct type of grout that should be specified, we need to understand the typical problems that are associated with grout. These are the most prevalent grout joint issues. The grout generally requires the most attention after an installation. How do we prevent grout problems?

5. To understand the potential problems with grout � we need to understand the different types of grouts that are available on the market today. Most grout manufacturers provide a list of features and benefits of the products that they manufacture. However, careful consideration and selection of the grout based on its performance properties is critical for long term performance on that project In some cases � the wrong grout is used for the application. For example a basic portland cement based grout is used in a commercial kitchen.To understand the potential problems with grout � we need to understand the different types of grouts that are available on the market today. Most grout manufacturers provide a list of features and benefits of the products that they manufacture. However, careful consideration and selection of the grout based on its performance properties is critical for long term performance on that project In some cases � the wrong grout is used for the application. For example a basic portland cement based grout is used in a commercial kitchen.

6. There are several important references for the tile industry; The TCNA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation � information on industry guidelines and specific installation types American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI) � information on installation and testing methods, and, product performance requirements � establishes minimum requirements for product performance The ANSI Manual establishes performance standards for the various grout types.There are several important references for the tile industry; The TCNA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation � information on industry guidelines and specific installation types American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI) � information on installation and testing methods, and, product performance requirements � establishes minimum requirements for product performance The ANSI Manual establishes performance standards for the various grout types.

7. Choosing the grouting material for the application depends upon on the following: How is the installation to be used? Are there any aspects of the overall project which might limit choices of the grouting material ? (e.g. chemical resistant area) Type of tile or stone can also play a factor in which grout can be used.Choosing the grouting material for the application depends upon on the following: How is the installation to be used? Are there any aspects of the overall project which might limit choices of the grouting material ? (e.g. chemical resistant area) Type of tile or stone can also play a factor in which grout can be used.

8. Knowing if the installation is interior or exterior is vitally important � freeze/thaw conditions, thermal expansion and contraction, traffic, and moisture can, and will, affect a tile and grout installation All types of applications are affected differently by a variety of stresses and movement Vehicular and foot traffic put different types of stresses on an installation and the tile and setting materials must be able to handle the load Wet areas will require a different type of grout.Knowing if the installation is interior or exterior is vitally important � freeze/thaw conditions, thermal expansion and contraction, traffic, and moisture can, and will, affect a tile and grout installation All types of applications are affected differently by a variety of stresses and movement Vehicular and foot traffic put different types of stresses on an installation and the tile and setting materials must be able to handle the load Wet areas will require a different type of grout.

9. Substrate � not all substrates are suitable for tile and not all substrates are suitable in particular applications. Movement in the substrate often lead to a �grinding effect� within the grout joint that will then lead to powdering out. All surfaces to be tiled should meet the minimum standard for deflection of L/360 under a concentrated load for ceramic tile and L/720 for stone. (Some manufacturer�s will allow L/480 for stone). Typical Grout Problems that lead to powdering out- Grout mixed too soupy � dilutes the strength of the portland cement and chemical additives. Mix grout to a stiff yet workable mix. Over washing the grout. Exposing Grout to acid cleaners or harsh chemicals prematurely. Using a cement grout in an application that is too demanding. There are grouts available in the marketplace that are not sensitive to the same issues as portland cement based grouts. Substrate � not all substrates are suitable for tile and not all substrates are suitable in particular applications. Movement in the substrate often lead to a �grinding effect� within the grout joint that will then lead to powdering out. All surfaces to be tiled should meet the minimum standard for deflection of L/360 under a concentrated load for ceramic tile and L/720 for stone. (Some manufacturer�s will allow L/480 for stone). Typical Grout Problems that lead to powdering out- Grout mixed too soupy � dilutes the strength of the portland cement and chemical additives. Mix grout to a stiff yet workable mix. Over washing the grout. Exposing Grout to acid cleaners or harsh chemicals prematurely. Using a cement grout in an application that is too demanding. There are grouts available in the marketplace that are not sensitive to the same issues as portland cement based grouts.

10. Deflection issues that can lead to powdering can also lead to cracking grout joints. Use of the wrong grout � for example an unsanded grout is usually designed to be used in a grout joint that is a maximum width of 1/8� (3mm). If used in a grout joint wider than 1/8� (3mm) then the grout will shrink and crack. Cracking of grout joints can also be the result of improper installation of expansion joints. When movement joints are grouted � the movement will still occur � it needs relief � the grout joints will crack or powder out or the tiles will heave and may lose bond to the substrate. Lets take a look at the issue of deflection a little bit closer.Deflection issues that can lead to powdering can also lead to cracking grout joints. Use of the wrong grout � for example an unsanded grout is usually designed to be used in a grout joint that is a maximum width of 1/8� (3mm). If used in a grout joint wider than 1/8� (3mm) then the grout will shrink and crack. Cracking of grout joints can also be the result of improper installation of expansion joints. When movement joints are grouted � the movement will still occur � it needs relief � the grout joints will crack or powder out or the tiles will heave and may lose bond to the substrate. Lets take a look at the issue of deflection a little bit closer.

11. Deflection is movement of the system when a load is added Excessive movement is not good for a tile or stone installation and can cause powdering or cracking of grout. L/360 means that you are allowed 1� of movement over a 30 ft. (360 inch) span. To figure deflection let�s assume that we have a 24 ft. span 24 ft. x 12� = 288� 288 / 360 = .8� The floor can experience .8� of movement over this 24 ft. span Translated this means that the allowance between 16� o.c. joists is .044�. Stone installations must be even more rigid � 1 inch over a 40ft span for L/480 and 1� over 60 ft for L/720. It is important to note that the deflection requirements for the tile and stone industry are different that the typical building code L/360 requirement. The building code deflection requirement is a uniformly distributed load. The ceramic tile industry requirement is a concentrated load � usually determined by the Robinson Floor Test � ASTM � C-627. Deflection is movement of the system when a load is added Excessive movement is not good for a tile or stone installation and can cause powdering or cracking of grout. L/360 means that you are allowed 1� of movement over a 30 ft. (360 inch) span. To figure deflection let�s assume that we have a 24 ft. span 24 ft. x 12� = 288� 288 / 360 = .8� The floor can experience .8� of movement over this 24 ft. span Translated this means that the allowance between 16� o.c. joists is .044�. Stone installations must be even more rigid � 1 inch over a 40ft span for L/480 and 1� over 60 ft for L/720. It is important to note that the deflection requirements for the tile and stone industry are different that the typical building code L/360 requirement. The building code deflection requirement is a uniformly distributed load. The ceramic tile industry requirement is a concentrated load � usually determined by the Robinson Floor Test � ASTM � C-627.

12. Wood framed installations usually will experience more deflection than masonry type installations. Unfortunately that can lead to cracking and powdering issues. Suspended Concrete floors can also present a problem if the deflection criteria is not properly met. Wood framed installations usually will experience more deflection than masonry type installations. Unfortunately that can lead to cracking and powdering issues. Suspended Concrete floors can also present a problem if the deflection criteria is not properly met.

13. Possibly the greatest challenge for grout is for it to come out the color that is specified. Specifiers and designers spend a lot of time coming up with color schemes that match their designs. Then the grout comes out the wrong shade. Portland Cement grouts are basically made up of portland cement, sand (or fine fillers � for unsanded grouts) and color pigments. When a grout is mixed too soupy or too stiff the intensity of the color pigments will be affected which has a direct result of the finish color. When inconsistencies exist in mixing or washing from batch to batch � the problem can be even worse. How to avoid the problem? For successful portland cement based grouts. Use grouts from the same manufacturing batch number. Use the same mixing techniques Use the same washing techniques Use of latex additive � can help to eliminate the problems associated with job site water. Well water (hard water), contaminated water can all have a direct effect on the color of the grout. Use a grout that is not portland cement based. Cross linking grout that contains no portland cement. Epoxy Based grouts that have the color fused onto the aggregate. Some epoxy grouts are mixed with portland cement grouts. This concept does not really provide any better results since you are still introducing cement and color pigments into the system.Possibly the greatest challenge for grout is for it to come out the color that is specified. Specifiers and designers spend a lot of time coming up with color schemes that match their designs. Then the grout comes out the wrong shade. Portland Cement grouts are basically made up of portland cement, sand (or fine fillers � for unsanded grouts) and color pigments. When a grout is mixed too soupy or too stiff the intensity of the color pigments will be affected which has a direct result of the finish color. When inconsistencies exist in mixing or washing from batch to batch � the problem can be even worse. How to avoid the problem? For successful portland cement based grouts. Use grouts from the same manufacturing batch number. Use the same mixing techniques Use the same washing techniques Use of latex additive � can help to eliminate the problems associated with job site water. Well water (hard water), contaminated water can all have a direct effect on the color of the grout. Use a grout that is not portland cement based. Cross linking grout that contains no portland cement. Epoxy Based grouts that have the color fused onto the aggregate. Some epoxy grouts are mixed with portland cement grouts. This concept does not really provide any better results since you are still introducing cement and color pigments into the system.

14. Efflorescence � is basically the migration of soluble salts that may be present in the substrate, the adhesive mortar and the portland cement grout itself. White chalky residue that is deposited on the grout joint surface. Salts can be present in most masonry type products (inherent in portland cement and sand based materials). Can be present in raw materials used to make tile mortar bases, adhesives and grouts. Caused � by the salts present in the P.C. based material either driven to surface by moisture working its way through the system or being drawn to the surface by capillary action. How to avoid the problem? For successful portland cement based grouts. Use high quality mortars, adhesives and grouts. Use of latex additive � can eliminate the problems associated with job site water. The latex additives form a latex web around the cement and sand fines and reduce the potential for salt migration. Eliminate water intrusion in exterior applications by treating parapet and cap walls correctly. Designing weeps in fa�ade systems, treating penetrations, windows and doors with correct flashing to eliminate water getting behind the tile system and then working its way to the tile surface. As was the case in avoiding grout color shading issues, the use of non portland cement based grouts will help in avoiding the efflorescence issue. Cross linking grout that contains no portland cement. Epoxy Based grouts that have the color fused onto the aggregate. Some epoxy grouts are mixed with portland cement grouts. Efflorescence � is basically the migration of soluble salts that may be present in the substrate, the adhesive mortar and the portland cement grout itself. White chalky residue that is deposited on the grout joint surface. Salts can be present in most masonry type products (inherent in portland cement and sand based materials). Can be present in raw materials used to make tile mortar bases, adhesives and grouts. Caused � by the salts present in the P.C. based material either driven to surface by moisture working its way through the system or being drawn to the surface by capillary action. How to avoid the problem? For successful portland cement based grouts. Use high quality mortars, adhesives and grouts. Use of latex additive � can eliminate the problems associated with job site water. The latex additives form a latex web around the cement and sand fines and reduce the potential for salt migration. Eliminate water intrusion in exterior applications by treating parapet and cap walls correctly. Designing weeps in fa�ade systems, treating penetrations, windows and doors with correct flashing to eliminate water getting behind the tile system and then working its way to the tile surface. As was the case in avoiding grout color shading issues, the use of non portland cement based grouts will help in avoiding the efflorescence issue. Cross linking grout that contains no portland cement. Epoxy Based grouts that have the color fused onto the aggregate. Some epoxy grouts are mixed with portland cement grouts.

15. Basically it is the absorption of water or other liquids and other items into the grout itself. The stains can then �lock� themselves into the pores of the grout joints and become very difficult if not impossible to dislodge. It is directly related to the porosity of the grout joint itself. The more porous the grout the more susceptible to staining it is.Basically it is the absorption of water or other liquids and other items into the grout itself. The stains can then �lock� themselves into the pores of the grout joints and become very difficult if not impossible to dislodge. It is directly related to the porosity of the grout joint itself. The more porous the grout the more susceptible to staining it is.

16. Examples of porosity rates of grouts Epoxy based materials are easier to maintain. The grout can be cleaned back to its original color. It will not stay that dingy mop water grey color that most cement based grouts turn to after a short period of time. The lower the porosity rate the more durable, stain and chemical resistant the grout. Examples of porosity rates of grouts Epoxy based materials are easier to maintain. The grout can be cleaned back to its original color. It will not stay that dingy mop water grey color that most cement based grouts turn to after a short period of time. The lower the porosity rate the more durable, stain and chemical resistant the grout.

17. The denser the grout the better the stain and chemical resistance. At times the use of a high quality grout sealer can help to reduce staining of portland cement based grouts � but it requires reapplication potentially every year � even then it still does not perform to the same level as the denser ANSI A118.3 grouts. The use of non portland cement based grouts will help in avoiding the staining issue.. The denser the grout the better the stain and chemical resistance. At times the use of a high quality grout sealer can help to reduce staining of portland cement based grouts � but it requires reapplication potentially every year � even then it still does not perform to the same level as the denser ANSI A118.3 grouts. The use of non portland cement based grouts will help in avoiding the staining issue..

18. Use of grout that is designed for the heavy load and exposure. At times an inferior grout is used in areas that require a more demanding product. For example a cement based grout would not hold up in breweries, dairies or other like facilities. In these areas it may be wise to use an even stronger grout � an ANSI A118.5 compliant grout.Use of grout that is designed for the heavy load and exposure. At times an inferior grout is used in areas that require a more demanding product. For example a cement based grout would not hold up in breweries, dairies or other like facilities. In these areas it may be wise to use an even stronger grout � an ANSI A118.5 compliant grout.

19. Cure periods are also very important for the grout to have long term performance. Rule of thumb: Cement Grouts � 14 days @ 70 F (21C) Epoxy Based Grouts � 7 to 10 days @ 70F (21C) Cooler temps will require extended cure periods. For every (and up to) 18 degrees cooler � add an extra day for curing. For chemical resistance and aggressive cleaning exposure times follow the manufacturers instructions as these times can vary by manufacturer. Cure times are very important to prevent contamination. Especially in colder temperatures with epoxy based grouts. Dirt and debris can stick to the grout if it not protected properly. Usually after the grout reaches an initial set; it can be covered with clean plastic sheeting or non staining kraft paper. Cure periods are also very important for the grout to have long term performance. Rule of thumb: Cement Grouts � 14 days @ 70 F (21C) Epoxy Based Grouts � 7 to 10 days @ 70F (21C) Cooler temps will require extended cure periods. For every (and up to) 18 degrees cooler � add an extra day for curing. For chemical resistance and aggressive cleaning exposure times follow the manufacturers instructions as these times can vary by manufacturer. Cure times are very important to prevent contamination. Especially in colder temperatures with epoxy based grouts. Dirt and debris can stick to the grout if it not protected properly. Usually after the grout reaches an initial set; it can be covered with clean plastic sheeting or non staining kraft paper.

20. Sealant plays an important factor by helping to allow for movement in the tile system and helping to maintain waterproof integrity (if necessary) while still remaining aesthetically pleasing. Sealant must be specified at all corners, coves, changes in plane, at convergence with dissimilar materials and in expansion joints. Failure to do so may result in cracked grout or possibly cracked or delaminated tiles. These materials are highly flexible. The most common types are silicones and urethanes for use in exterior, wet and traffic bearing applications. The use of standard acrylic based caulks should just be limited to interior, dry, non traffic areas. A few manufacturers are making these products with mold and mildew fighting agents.Sealant plays an important factor by helping to allow for movement in the tile system and helping to maintain waterproof integrity (if necessary) while still remaining aesthetically pleasing. Sealant must be specified at all corners, coves, changes in plane, at convergence with dissimilar materials and in expansion joints. Failure to do so may result in cracked grout or possibly cracked or delaminated tiles. These materials are highly flexible. The most common types are silicones and urethanes for use in exterior, wet and traffic bearing applications. The use of standard acrylic based caulks should just be limited to interior, dry, non traffic areas. A few manufacturers are making these products with mold and mildew fighting agents.

21. Tile and Grout are NOT self-cleaning and does require regular maintenance. The proper cleaners and cleaning techniques are very important to the long term success of any tile or stone installation. For instance, acids are not recommended for use with Portland cement products. Generally neutral PH cleansers are sufficient for everyday maintenance (e.g. Top Job, Spic N Span) There are also several companies that just specialize in providing cleaners for tile, grout and stone. These products are also neutral pH cleaners. Portland cement grout, some tile and most stone can be stained by a wide variety of materials. These stains can be difficult, if not impossible to remove without replacing part of the installation. Choose the proper product for the installation environment and specify highly stain resistant grouts to provide the best protection If an epoxy based grout is used, a grout sealer is not necessary. This is a great advantage to the cross linked technology grouts and the epoxy based grouts. The grout is just as durable as the tile itself. If a portland cement based grout is used, a sealer is generally required to make sure that it resists stains and dirt. The sealers also need to be reapplied on a regular basis in order to be effective. This is another good argument to choose the cross linked technology grout or the epoxy grout. The up front cost for these grouts may be a little more, however, the life cycle cost of the cross linked technology grout and the epoxy grout is much less. Tile and Grout are NOT self-cleaning and does require regular maintenance. The proper cleaners and cleaning techniques are very important to the long term success of any tile or stone installation. For instance, acids are not recommended for use with Portland cement products. Generally neutral PH cleansers are sufficient for everyday maintenance (e.g. Top Job, Spic N Span) There are also several companies that just specialize in providing cleaners for tile, grout and stone. These products are also neutral pH cleaners. Portland cement grout, some tile and most stone can be stained by a wide variety of materials. These stains can be difficult, if not impossible to remove without replacing part of the installation. Choose the proper product for the installation environment and specify highly stain resistant grouts to provide the best protection If an epoxy based grout is used, a grout sealer is not necessary. This is a great advantage to the cross linked technology grouts and the epoxy based grouts. The grout is just as durable as the tile itself. If a portland cement based grout is used, a sealer is generally required to make sure that it resists stains and dirt. The sealers also need to be reapplied on a regular basis in order to be effective. This is another good argument to choose the cross linked technology grout or the epoxy grout. The up front cost for these grouts may be a little more, however, the life cycle cost of the cross linked technology grout and the epoxy grout is much less.

22. Some other pitfalls and items to aware of. All tile spacers and anything else in the grout joints should be removed prior to grouting. If the spacers are left in the joints, you will wind up seeing small little �crosses� at all the corners. If a pre-sealer or grout release is being used (for example on a porous or rough textured tile or stone to make the clean-up easier) avoid getting the sealer in the joint. This can cause the grout to easily flake out of the grout joint. This machine can do some serious damage to the tile, stone and the grout. Not only could the tile, stone and grout crack but it can be discolored by the tires. Other trades can also do damage to the installation even after it has cured sufficiently. So protection is critical.Some other pitfalls and items to aware of. All tile spacers and anything else in the grout joints should be removed prior to grouting. If the spacers are left in the joints, you will wind up seeing small little �crosses� at all the corners. If a pre-sealer or grout release is being used (for example on a porous or rough textured tile or stone to make the clean-up easier) avoid getting the sealer in the joint. This can cause the grout to easily flake out of the grout joint. This machine can do some serious damage to the tile, stone and the grout. Not only could the tile, stone and grout crack but it can be discolored by the tires. Other trades can also do damage to the installation even after it has cured sufficiently. So protection is critical.

23. To review our learning objectives today. We have learned that grout can now be used a design element. There are so many things that you can do with grout. It can be used to enhance, create contrasts, blend applications, there are sparkly � dazzle elements to grout now and even glow in the dark options. Grout adds to the aesthetic value of the installation. Today�s grouts not only add these design elements but they are performance driven products. They are more colorfast, durable, some are even stain and chemical resistant. Grout may be the most important component of the installation to the end user because this is the only part that is visible to them. Extra care in determining the end users needs and expectations, and then specifying the appropriate grout will help to assure a more satisfied customer Grout may also be the least expensive material used but comprises a vast majority of the complaints. Basic cement grout is the �industry standard� of the installers. However other types of grouts are available which are easy to install, yet provide much higher levels of performance, color consistency and ease of maintenance. The cross linked technology grouts and expoy grouts have a very low absorption rate which makes them very durable and resistant to staining and chemicals. They are easier to maintain, they never require sealing. They actually may wind up being a better value in the long run with a lower life cycle cost. They are also much easier to install than the older technology epoxy grouts. A few of the manufacturers use non pigmented color filler powders that do not stain, bleed or absorb into the tile or stone making the clean up process much easier. These materials are also cold water cleanable. The better choice is to use these grouts. To review our learning objectives today. We have learned that grout can now be used a design element. There are so many things that you can do with grout. It can be used to enhance, create contrasts, blend applications, there are sparkly � dazzle elements to grout now and even glow in the dark options. Grout adds to the aesthetic value of the installation. Today�s grouts not only add these design elements but they are performance driven products. They are more colorfast, durable, some are even stain and chemical resistant. Grout may be the most important component of the installation to the end user because this is the only part that is visible to them. Extra care in determining the end users needs and expectations, and then specifying the appropriate grout will help to assure a more satisfied customer Grout may also be the least expensive material used but comprises a vast majority of the complaints. Basic cement grout is the �industry standard� of the installers. However other types of grouts are available which are easy to install, yet provide much higher levels of performance, color consistency and ease of maintenance. The cross linked technology grouts and expoy grouts have a very low absorption rate which makes them very durable and resistant to staining and chemicals. They are easier to maintain, they never require sealing. They actually may wind up being a better value in the long run with a lower life cycle cost. They are also much easier to install than the older technology epoxy grouts. A few of the manufacturers use non pigmented color filler powders that do not stain, bleed or absorb into the tile or stone making the clean up process much easier. These materials are also cold water cleanable. The better choice is to use these grouts.

25. You have many choices � why choose LATICRETE? Tile and Stone installation materials is all we do. We pour all of our resources into creating solutions to installation challenges brought about by changes in technology in construction and in the tile and stone industries. We�ve provided innovative solutions for our entire existence and will continue into the future. LATICRETE products are available and have been used the world over in all types of climates and installation types. Our experience and success in these demanding environments is your best guarantee of success. We stand behind our brand. Comprehensive labor and materials warranties are available for all types of installation systems. They are written in advance, in plain and simple language and are available for review at www.laticrete.com Our Technical Support and training are second to none. Our staff of 8 full time Technical Service Representatives is available by phone. Over 40 local Technical Representatives are available to work with you in your office or on jobsites. We also train thousands of installers each year to assure that local labor is fully informed on new products and methods. LATICRETE was first in our industry to obtain ISO 9000 certification. You can have confidence in LATICRETE QualityYou have many choices � why choose LATICRETE? Tile and Stone installation materials is all we do. We pour all of our resources into creating solutions to installation challenges brought about by changes in technology in construction and in the tile and stone industries. We�ve provided innovative solutions for our entire existence and will continue into the future. LATICRETE products are available and have been used the world over in all types of climates and installation types. Our experience and success in these demanding environments is your best guarantee of success. We stand behind our brand. Comprehensive labor and materials warranties are available for all types of installation systems. They are written in advance, in plain and simple language and are available for review at www.laticrete.com Our Technical Support and training are second to none. Our staff of 8 full time Technical Service Representatives is available by phone. Over 40 local Technical Representatives are available to work with you in your office or on jobsites. We also train thousands of installers each year to assure that local labor is fully informed on new products and methods. LATICRETE was first in our industry to obtain ISO 9000 certification. You can have confidence in LATICRETE Quality

27. With so many variables to consider in each installation, why not use the fastest and most reliable specification system available today? The LATICRETE Architectural Guidebook quickly guides users through a qualification process and then creates a tightly �written specification and execution statement. No more disagreements about what materials or methods are to be used � it is all clearly spelled out in black and white � in text and graphically. Appropriate editable CAD details are also immediately available as are complete submittal packages. The Architectural Guidebook is a great way to streamline your specification process � why not try it today?With so many variables to consider in each installation, why not use the fastest and most reliable specification system available today? The LATICRETE Architectural Guidebook quickly guides users through a qualification process and then creates a tightly �written specification and execution statement. No more disagreements about what materials or methods are to be used � it is all clearly spelled out in black and white � in text and graphically. Appropriate editable CAD details are also immediately available as are complete submittal packages. The Architectural Guidebook is a great way to streamline your specification process � why not try it today?