May 20, 2013

The Handy LATAPOXY® 310 SPOT-ON™ Utility Tool. Quick Fixes in a Pinch for Contractors.

LATICRETE, a manufacturer of globally proven construction solutions for the building industry, has introduced LATAPOXY® 310 SPOT-ON, an extension of the firm’s highly successful and globally popular LATAPOXY 310 STONE ADHESIVE. It will debut at Coverings 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia, April 29th – May 2nd at the Georgia World Congress Center.

According to Jay DeLuca, LATICRETE Product Manager, “This is the perfect product for installation professionals who need to make a last second touch-up or quick fix for tile or stone projects. It’s so handy, a contractor can keep a number of them right inside their truck, to always be ready when these situations arise.

“Basically, the product is a little epoxy stick, housed in a small, 7″ tube. It consists of a Part A center and a Part B outer layer. One simply breaks off a piece, kneads it to a uniform consistency and a chemical reaction starts to take place,” continued DeLuca. “In just five to ten minutes, the curing process begins, leading up to an incredibly strong epoxy bond.”

epox

DeLuca went on to state that  LATAPOXY 310 SPOT-ON will be sold as a point of purchase item from contractors’ counters located at various distributors. “There are times when an errant tile needs to be re-affixed to the substrate. When a ceramic soap dish has fallen off the shower wall and must be quickly put back. With this product, contractors will get the same bond strength they’ve come to count on for bigger jobs using LATAPOXY 310 STONE ADHESIVE. But with our new epoxy stick, there’s no mixing, no need for storage… it is the ideal quick fix for those small situations that always need to be remedied right away. And, compared to other types of adhesives, there is no mess whatsoever

“You break, mix, apply and, you’re done!” concluded DeLuca.

LATICRETE International, Inc. provides globally proven construction solutions for the building industry.  LATICRETE® products are manufactured and distributed worldwide in the commercial and consumer channels. The company’s philosophy of innovation and technical expertise has led to an unparalleled reputation and commitment to superior quality, performance and customer service. Engineered and produced in state-of-the-art ISO 9001:2008 certified facilities, LATICRETE offers a broad product portfolio including an extensive line of independently certified low VOC sustainable products. LATICRETE®, LATAPOXY®, SPECTRALOCK®, HYDRO BAN® and DRYTEK® are registered brands of LATICRETE International, Inc. Corporate Website: www.laticrete.com.

MAPEI Americas Introduces New Product Line

MAPEI, a global manufacturer of tile and stone installation systems, has just introduced a complete line of care and maintenance products that will add to the durability of these types ultracareof floor covering installations in the Americas. For the last 18 months, MAPEI’s Research and Development team has worked on developing a complete line of high-quality products that will rival the other products currently in the market. MAPEI has also set up a full production line to support this new range of products.

“For the past 75 years, MAPEI has been an industry leader in developing products for the installation of tile and stone, including surface preparation, waterproofing, mortars and grouts. MAPEI is excited about our UltraCare line of products for the care and maintenance of stone, tile and grout surfaces,” said Nick Valenti, MAPEI’s UltraCare systems technical representative.

The addition of this comprehensive lineup complements MAPEI’s existing installation systems by offering a complete array of items:

  • Sealers
  • Finishes
  • Cleaners
  • Problem-Solvers
    sealer picThese products have been designed for the industry professional and do-it-yourself markets.  Each product is formulated to be environmentally friendly, safe to handle and easy to use, as well as to provide outstanding performance and durability at a cost-effective price. The complete line of UltraCare products will be available to distributorships for the use of professional contractors on February 1.

David Mowery, Product Manager for the UltraCare line, commented: “From protecting delicate natural stone to maintaining porcelain and ceramic tile, MAPEI’s UltraCare care and maintenance products deliver outstanding results. From the bottom to the top, work with the best – work with MAPEI.”

About MAPEI

MAPEI Group, with 65 subsidiaries including 62 plants in 30 countries, is today the world leader in the manufacturing of adhesives and complementary products for the installation of all types of floor and wall coverings. The company also specializes in manufacturing other chemical products for building, including waterproofing products, special mortars and admixtures for concrete, products for the restoration of ancient buildings, and special decorative and protective coatings for walls.

Eighteen MAPEI manufacturing facilities are located in the Americas, with headquarters in Deerfield Beach, Florida. MAPEI is an environmentally conscious manufacturer – the company has been a member of the U.S. Green Building Council since 2001 and a member of the Canadian Green Building Council since 2008. MAPEI Americas is a registered provider to the AIA/CES program and also offers training related to ceramic and stone tile, floor coverings and concrete repair through the MAPEI Technical Institute. The Quality Management Systems of the majority of MAPEI Americas facilities are ISO 9001 certified. Visit www.mapei.com for technical data or call 1-800-42-MAPEI (1-800-426-2734) for the nearest location.

Eight Designer Colors Added to LATICRETE® SPECTRALOCK® Dazzle

dazzlLATICRETE, a manufacturer of globally proven construction solutions for the building industry, has added eight bright and exhilarating additive colors to its LATICRETE® SPECTRALOCK® Dazzle line. “Blue Hawaii,” “Tangerine Orange,” “Limeade,” “Pretty in Pink,” “Lemonade,” “Ruby Slippers,” “Candied Apple” and “Purple Haze” will continue to add unique design enhancements to LATICRETE SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout and LATICRETE SPECTRALOCK PRO Grout applications.

“These new colors bring contemporary, high-end design image ‘looks’, especially to glass tile installations,” stated Ryan Blair, LATICRETE Channel Manager. “Dazzle was a big hit when it was introduced ten years ago. Now, with these bold and cheerful new colors, it adds even more to one’s creative arsenal. Designers’ imaginations can run wild with the limitless artistic potential Dazzle now offers.”

Appropriate for both walls and floors, Dazzle can enhance plain tile and stone installations with a metallic look. It adds visual “kick” by accentuating metallic tiles, glass tiles, mosaics dazand natural stone with its various color combinations. Dazzle brings sparkle to pools and spas, and its Glow-In-The-Dark design brings a safety component to bathrooms, hallways and entryways.

LATICRETE International, Inc. provides globally proven construction solutions for the building industry.  LATICRETE® products are manufactured and distributed worldwide in the commercial and consumer channels. The company’s philosophy of innovation and technical expertise has led to an unparalleled reputation and commitment to superior quality, performance and customer service. Engineered and produced in state-of-the-art ISO 9001:2008 certified facilities, LATICRETE offers a broad product portfolio including an extensive line of independently certified low VOC sustainable products. LATICRETE®, LATAPOXY®, SPECTRALOCK®, HYDRO BAN® and DRYTEK® are registered brands of LATICRETE International, Inc. Corporate Website: www.laticrete.com.

LATICRETE Expands the HYDRO BAN Shower System Line

LATICRETE, a manufacturer of globally proven construction solutions for the building industry, announced today the expansion of its LATICRETE HYDRO BAN line of products, panincluding a pre-sloped linear shower pan, preformed benches and shelves, and new drain finishes. Launching to the market at the Surfaces trade show January 29th – 31st at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, the HYDRO BAN Shower System provides the installer a high quality rapid shower installation with unique design possibilities.

According to LATICRETE Product Manager, Jay Conrod, “At Surfaces, we’ll be debuting four new SKUs of our pre-sloped linear shower pans as well as new sizes of pre-formed benches and shelves. All of these products are constructed of lightweight high-density polystyrene and are 100% waterproof. Once set in place, they function as substrates onto which tile can immediately be adhered.”

Conrod went on to state that new drain finishes will be unveiled as well. “These include brushed, polished, oil-rubbed bronze and tile-in-grate versions. A 42-inch linear drain will be added to the sizes offered,” he said.

All these new “Made-in-America” products pass ANSI 818.10 standards and offer the LATICRETE Lifetime Warranty/Single Source Responsibility which ensures total confidence for re-sellers, installers and end-users.

LATICRETE International, Inc. provides globally proven construction solutions for the building industry.  LATICRETE® products are manufactured and distributed worldwide in the commercial and consumer channels. The company’s philosophy of innovation and technical expertise has led to an unparalleled reputation and commitment to superior quality, performance and customer service. Engineered and produced in state-of-the-art ISO 9001:2008 certified facilities, LATICRETE offers a broad product portfolio including an extensive line of independently certified low VOC sustainable products. LATICRETE®, LATAPOXY®, SPECTRALOCK®, HYDRO BAN® and DRYTEK® are registered brands of LATICRETE International, Inc. Corporate Website: www.laticrete.com.

FLORIM USA INTRODUCES “JEWEL” A LUSTROUS PORCELAIN STONE-LOOK TILE TAKING REALISM TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Florim’s “Jewel” is a true gem of glazed porcelain tile. It is produced with cutting-edge High Definition Graphic (HDG) Technology which results in a natural stone look so real, seasoned geologists will be taking second and third glances to believe this is a man-made material!

Available in five unique colors (Petrolio, Noce, Beige, Grigio, and Silver), Jewel is presented in five size formats , all available with coordinating trim pieces.  The 18”x18” and 12”x24” sizes are available either as pressed format with a natural finish… or, a rectified format with a semi-polished finish.  The 18”x36” rectified size represents a new large format produced by Florim USA.

florim

Made in America by American workers, Jewel tiles with a natural finish have a Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) rating of >0.42, which makes the range an ideal choice for nearly any application (residential/commercial and indoor/outdoor). Jewel also contains 40% recycled content; therefore projects specified with this exquisite new tile are eligible for LEED points.

Stefano Rabaioli, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Florim USA stated,  ”People in the United States are big fans of having natural stone installed in bathrooms, both commercial and residential. Many of the beautiful stones in demand are really not suitable for these projects, as they are too soft  and have a high porosity level, which means they become water-absorbent and soon will deteriorate. Jewel tiles are as durable as the strongest granite… and, they are even more non-porous. When selected, the result is a beautiful installation with a stone look as realistic as can be found, that is strong enough to endure the rigors of time. And unlike natural stone, porcelain tile never needs sealing. We feel this is an ideal product for any kind of ‘wet area’ tile installation.”

About Florim USA

Florim USA is one of the largest and most technologically advanced porcelain tile manufacturing facilities in all of North America. The company is a subsidiary of the Florim Group, which is located in the heart of Italy’s Sassuolo industrial district. To find out more about Florim USA, visit the website: www.florimusa.com or call 1.877-FLORIM 1.

Crossville Launches “Limestone” Porcelain Tile Collection

Crossville, Inc. has announced the introduction of Limestone, a new porcelain tile collection that captures the appearance of the natural stone from which it borrows its name. The product takes inspiration from samplings of limestone mined from quarries across the globe—echoing the soft, Old World elegance that has made the stone’s look popular for generations.

According to Lindsey Waldrep, Crossville’s Vice President of Marketing, Limestone was developed with an array of design elements to offer targeted appeal to commercial and residential markets.

“Limestone is a hybrid product line. We were intentional in the development of colors and sizes so this line is well-suited for commercial and residential applications—for floors and walls,” she explains.

The line comes in a spectrum of five earthen hues ranging from light to dark—Sant Andrea, Lipika, Camel, Pierre Brune and Midnight. Gently punctuated with genuine stone detailing, the colors can serve as subdued, sophisticated backdrops of singular tone or may be mingled to create focal points and striking design elements on interior floors and walls, as well as vertical surfaces outside.

Field tiles are available in a broad range of sizes: 8″x8”, 8”x16”, 16”x16” and 16″x24″ with 4″x24″ bullnose trim. Coordinating accent pieces, available in all colorways, include 2”x4” tumbled mosaics, 3”x6” tumbled subway tiles and 2”x2” diamonds. As part of Crossville’s “Get Planked” program, Limestone may be cut into custom plank sizes with no minimum order requirements. With this thorough selection of sizes, Limestone is suited for floor-to-wall installations that provide a coordinated, seamless look.

Manufactured in the U.S. with Crossville’s EcoCycle Tile ProcessTM, Limestone contains a minimum of 20% pre-consumer recycled content and is Green Squared certified through the Tile Council of North America for its proven standards of sustainability.

“This collection is low maintenance without sacrificing aesthetics and stays true to our commitment to sustainability. We know these are key points for commercial and residential customers alike,” Waldrep says.

She also reports that Limestone is the first product to be launched under Crossville’s new strategy for in-field samples and marketing materials. All Limestone materials feature updated visual branding in keeping with new campaigns, and the sample book for Limestone is designed in a streamlined size format in response to feedback from the market.

“We trimmed the sample book in width and height so it takes less space in an A&D library yet doesn’t skimp on showing the product or sharing pertinent details. In its design and marketing, Limestone is a reflection of our knowledge and responsiveness to the marketplace.”

For more information on Limestone or to learn about Crossville’s product marketing solutions, visit crossvilleinc.com.

MAPEI Introduces Next-Generation Sound-Reduction Membrane

Researchers at MAPEI have delivered a new, patent-pending sound-reduction membrane for use in both residential (homes, apartments, condominiums) and light commercial (office buildings) environments. Mapesonic 2 provides reduced transmission of both impact sound (footsteps, dropped objects, etc.) and airborne sound (voice, TV, etc.) through floors. The membrane also helps prevent movement up to 3/8″ (10 mm) wide from transmitting through flooring assemblies.

Mapesonic 2’snext-generation technology combines sound reduction and crack isolation in a thin, flexible, lightweight, load-bearing, fabric-reinforced “peel-and-stick” membrane approved for use under ceramic tile, stone and wood flooring. The challenge for MAPEI’s R&D group was to meet or exceed a rating of 50 for both STC (airborne sound) and IIC (impact sound) standards on a 6″ (15 cm) concrete slab with no ceiling. Mapesonic 2 met both of those challenges head-on, bringing to the marketplace an easier-to-use membrane that compares favorably with thicker membranes currently on the market.

Brian Pistulka, Business Manager for MAPEI America’s Tile & Stone Installation Systems product line, commented enthusiastically on Mapesonic 2: “This patent-pending membrane is the most significant development in the industry that I have seen in my career. The MAPEI Group did in-depth research into understanding sound, how it travels, and how various  materials and the dynamics of components work together to reduce that sound. Mapesonic 2 is truly a product innovation – delivering better sound-performance results with a thinner membrane than existing contenders, because of its material composition and design format. The result is technology you can build on.”

Mapesonic 2 is available from MAPEI distributors throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America. For details about product performance, visit www.mapei.com to view the Technical Data Sheet.

About MAPEI

MAPEI Group, with 68 subsidiaries including 59 plants in 28 countries, is today the world leader in the manufacturing of adhesives and complementary products for the installation of all types of floor and wall coverings. The company also specializes in manufacturing other chemical products for building, including waterproofing products, special mortars and admixtures for concrete, products for the restoration of ancient buildings, and special decorative and protective coatings for walls.

Eighteen MAPEI manufacturing facilities are located in the Americas, with headquarters in Deerfield Beach, Florida. MAPEI is an environmentally conscious manufacturer – the company has been a member of the U.S. Green Building Council since 2001 and a member of the Canadian Green Building Council since 2008. MAPEI Americas is a registered provider to the AIA/CES program and also offers training related to ceramic and stone tile, floor coverings and concrete repair through the MAPEI Technical Institute. The Quality Management Systems of the majority of MAPEI Americas facilities are ISO 9001 certified. Visit www.mapei.com for technical data or call 1-800-42-MAPEI (1-800-426-2734) for the nearest location.

DITRA 25 Contest at Schluter Systems

If you’re a fan of Schluter Systems, you’ll want to find out more about their DITRA25 contest.  To celebrate DITRA’s 25th anniversary, Schluter is inviting all DITRA-lovers to tell their story, for their chance to win a trip to Montreal, Canada, a free roll of DITRA, or a Schluter soccer jersey.  If you’ve used DITRA in a successful tile installation, make sure and visit www.DITRA25.com to submit your story and pictures for your chance to win. Contest closes November 30, 2012.

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Emser Tile New Product Announcement: LUCENTE

Lustrous color shines through in this exclusive glass wall tile and mosaic line.  Lucente tile can be used on its own to make a statement on a kitchen or bathroom backsplash.  It can also be combined with natural stone or porcelain tile as a decorative accent.

Lucente Product Launch 09.10.2012 pdf

 

 

Surfaces Launches The Metallika Collection

Miami-based Surfaces, Inc., one of America’s premier producers and suppliers of glass tile, has announced its new glass wall tile collection Metallika. Metallika brings to you the beauty of pure aluminum, transformed in sophisticated patterns and color combinations with stone and glass.

Aluminum has many unique, advantageous properties such as light weight, with high strength and resistance to corrosion, which contribute to low environmental loading and superior malleability allowing it to be easy to mill, drill, punch and weld.  A perfect “green” material, aluminium can be reused and recycled over and over again. And, unlike many other materials, it does not  lose its unique properties. A modern and chic look to enlighten any room, Metallika is offered in a 12”x13” sheet on a pure aluminum linear pattern and 12”x12” sheets mixed with glass and stone in 1”x1” chips; it is available and stocked in the US. With Surfaces’ Metallike Collection, eco-friendly never looked so good.

About Surfaces

Miami-based Surfaces is constantly creating new products. The firm created the first iPhone App for the tile industry. Additionally, Surfaces created a brand new nationwide program at Lowe’s to sell 100% recycled glass produced with discarded automobile windshields. Surfaces, in the past has also successfully created the exclusive Britto Glass Collection in partnership with world-renowned pop artist Romero Britto, as well as backsplash kits under the DIY Network brand. And, Surfaces recently forged an agreement to market a line of glass mosaics in conjunction with Crayola, LLC, the Easton, Pa.- based brand known for its iconic art tools that inspire kids’ creative expression, which has 99% name recognition in U.S. consumer households. For more information, please contact Nauro Rezende at Surfaces, Inc. nrezende@surfaces.net  305-372-9787 or visit the Surfaces website: www.surfaces.net.  3009 NW 75th Ave., Miami, FL 33122 – Phone: (305) 372-9787 – Fax: (305) 372-9683  info@surfaces.net – www.surfaces.net