COVER STORY:
Consistent grout color is key for beautiful tile and
stone installations.
New science behind Prism SureColor Grout ensures no shading, efflorescence or shrinkage regardless of environment, substrate or tile type

Next to the actual tile or stone itself, nothing affects the finished appearance of an installation more than the grout. Tile installers have struggled for years (if not centuries) with problems of shading, mottling and efflorescence – the unsightly white residue that often mars grout after curing. Read More

MMSA Bulletin:
Sound rated floors - Part I

This month we look at part I of MMSA Bulletin 4: Sound Rated Floors. This bulletin was revised November 1, 2005. It meshes nicely with the underlayment story by Noble Company’s Richard Mauer on page 44 of this issue, which also addresses the issue of sound control. Read More

Helping Hands
LATICRETE donation makes a dream come true

LATICRETE recently made a generous donation towards tuition in the People to People Student Ambassador Program for 13-year-old Jacob Hawes of Prospect, Conn. Read More

Building your business -
Part I
Dedication, reputation, integrity and trust are the keystones to success
by John C. Cox, first vice president, NTCA

This column will address the challenges in transitioning from a craftsman to a business owner. This includes keeping many balls in the air all at once: setting tile, estimating, bidding, appointments, marketing and paying bills. Read More

Underlayments: what, when, and where Choosing the best membrane for the job
by Richard Mauer, director of marketing, Noble Company

A quick look at TileLetter will show that there are a number of products that purport to protect thin-set tile from cracking, provide waterproofing and/or reduce floor to floor noise. Some products claim to do all three functions. Read More

Business Snapshot:
directors report conditions
and opportunities in their regions
by Lesley Goddin

Born on the proverbial cocktail napkin, from a suggestion made by Dan Welch after the Birmingham board meetings, this story presents a region by region snapshot of business conditions by a handful of our directors, showing how contractors are meeting the challenges or taking advantage of growth opportunities. Read More