Specifying & Installing Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels/Slabs Presented by National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA)

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding industry standards, reviewing actual specifications, and examining finished projects, we will dive into current industry concerns for potential failures and how to prevent them. We will begin a review of ANSI tile standards used in specifications and concerns design professionals and owners should have when actual tile does not meet ANSI standards. We will discuss the TCNA Handbook and installation information that needs to be provided by the design professional. The session will conclude by showing how to use ANSI and the TCNA Handbook to achieve successful tile specifications and installations.
• Gauged porcelain tile panels have manufacturing advantages, such as fewer raw materials and less energy used. They are ideal for tiling over existing tile and remodeling. Understand the benefits of gauged porcelain tile panels and how they can be used in many applications and segments to enhance the health, safety and welfare of a project. • Examine the porcelain tile panel manufacturing process to distinguish new vs. traditional technology that enhances product performance and sustainability. • Review important environmental and material ingredient transparency documents to aid in the specification of sustainable products like porcelain tile panels.
• With an understanding of the standards, the participant will understand the importance of using qualified labor along with the specialty tools and materials for installing, handling and cutting of gauged porcelain tile panels. If qualified labor and specialized tools and materials are not used, installers could be injured while on the job and the product could be installed using incorrect techniques and methods leading to a costly fix and potential injury of end users.
• Once a basic understanding of the product and installation process is reviewed, an installer will discuss issues and actual field experience of installing gauged porcelain tile panels that the design professional should consider when specifying these products.