Coming soon...

LATICRETE Mosaic Art competition 

Stay tuned, details will be revealed soon as will the prize packs!

WOW - Tiffany's!

LATICRETE was pleased to be associated with the re-fit of the Tiffany department at London's world famous Harrods department store. The specification came from the Tiffany store in New York.

Using an Italian light marble, the contractors ROCK REVELATIONS (based in Kettering, UK) used LATICRETE SPECTRALOCK Pro Premium Grout. The colour "Silver Shadow" was chosen in the epoxy grout to match the floor colour and was supplied by LATICRETE Nordic AS. 

Having been the first time the contractor on this project had worked on this scale with an epoxy grout and were pleasantly surprised at the ease of the job. They stated they would definitely work with LATICRETE products again in the future.

Click here to read about SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout - The STAINPROOF Grout.

LATICRETE Play Day

By Sevan Khodaverdi - Swimming Pool Blogger 

There are many words that come to mind as I think back on the events that transpired during Play Day with LATICRETE Products. I'll mention but three that will truly put things into perspective for those of you who missed out on this gathering of the greats : enlightening, inspiring and ground-breaking.

Never before have I witnessed a hands-on workshop in such a grand setting, or filled with such skilled and knowledgeable experts who were so sincere in their passion to pass on their formula to a successful pool project. This orchestrated seminar was well-executed, led by pool design visionary Doug Johnston of Stonecrest Pools as well as master of mosaic glass tile Jimmy Reed of Rock Solid Tile, Inc. Never a dull moment, the atmosphere was that of a classroom found inside a prestigious university, where those who were there to teach and those who were there to learn were all driven individuals with a true love for their craft, swimming pools. Though many aspects and elements of swimming pool building was discussed, the focal point was glass tile installation using LATICRETE International products. While there, I soon learned why it was a play-day with LATICRETE and not just any company, and that's because the various LATICRETE products used on this magnificent project were unbelievably impressive to see in action.

It was also a pleasure to have Mark Brooks, who is the LATICRETE technical services manager in attendance, who was also present to discuss and advise participants of information pertaining to the different, which showed me that LATICRETE stands by their products and value those who use their materials. The duo was truly dynamic, both Jimmy Reed and Doug Johnston had so much vital info and key techniques they shared, discussing in detail each crucial step necessary in a successful glass tile installation. I won't divulge too much too soon, enjoy the video for now and stay tuned because the full video tutorial is coming soon!

• For more information on LATICRETE Products, click here.
• For more information on Stonecrest Pools click here.
• For more formation on Jimmy Reed of Rock Solid Tile Inc, click here.
• Fore more information on WaterTV, click here.

Project Spotlight: The Shard, London

We were very happy to have LATICRETE HYDRO BAN used on the Renzo Piano masterpiece in London's newest skyscraper - 'The Shard'.

The 95 storey skyscraper is the tallest building in Western Europe and stands out on the London skyline, situated south of the river Thames at London Bridge. Started at the start of the European recession in 2008, the building design resembles a shard of glass and on the few sunny days in London shines brightly in the sun.

The building is a mixture of commercial and residential units with the 200 bed five star Shangri-La Hotel sandwiched between. HYDRO BAN was specified to be used within the commercial and residential area bathrooms by Adamson Associates who had been contracted by Broadway Malyan on this part of the structure.

The product was supplied by Norstone UK and SAIMAXX Ltd. The main contractor MACE employed waterproofing specialist contractor MACLENNAN-LSE of Gloucestershire to apply the HYDRO BAN in the area specified. This initially proved difficult as the contractor had to wait for the concrete slabs to completely dry out following months and months of continuous London rain, even though the glass had been installed.

The job was finally completed in late November and the fit-out completed in January 2013. Dave Williams of Maclennan-LSE stated "The product was very easy to use and work with and the technical information given brilliant. We look forward to using the product again in the future".

The building officially opened in February 2013 with the viewing gallery on the 72nd floor costing £25 to view - surely the best view in London. At 308 metres tall, The Shard is clearly visible from most places in London, also most places in London can be seen from some of the bathrooms (picture shown above)!

Self-Leveling Underlayment Installation ­Large & Fast

19,000 m2 at depths up to 100 mm to smooth and flatten and provide an ideal smooth, flat, plumb and true floor to receive the installation of large format ceramic tile.

Some fantastic photos of the East Coast Pump Truck pouring LATICRETE SUPERCAP at the Springfield Mall renovation, Springfield, VA.

Architect: JPRA Architects

GC: Whiting-Turner Contracting Co.

The LATICRETE SUPERCAP System is a time-saving, cost-effective method in finishing new concrete or capping existing slabs. This proven lean tool provides benefits right from the start of concrete placement in division 3 and flows through to division 9. It's what gives LATICRETE SUPERCAP the confidence to say, "We Own The Floor℠.

For more information on LATICRETE SUPERCAP, click here.

The NEW LATICRETE App

We have updated the LATICRETE Tile and Stone Installation Materials App to include new powerful and useful features based on user feedback. These updates include full information regarding the LATICRETE product line as well as adhesive coverage calculations. 

Our product line ranges from underlayments to membranes to adhesives to grouts. From "StainProof" grouts to waterproofing membranes that can be flood tested in as little as 2 hours to innovative sound and crack isolation adhesive to an uncoupling membrane, STRAT_MAT™.

The LATICRETE Product Information App is an industry-first, full-service reference tool. Whether you are a professional contractor, tileshop, distributor, dealer or a do-it-yourselfer, you will find the application to be a welcome addition to your tool kit! Available for iPhone®, iPod Touch®, iPad™, Android™ and Windows phones.

FEATURES 

• Product Catalogue: Network-updateable product listing with descriptions, packaging details and direct-links to additional documentation on LATICRETE products.
• Coverage Calculator: Get quick coverage estimates for LATICRETE grouts and adhesives by simply selecting your desired grout and adhesive, tile size and grout joint width in English or Metric units!
• Contact Us: The ability to email our Technical Services Department at your finger tips.

For more information, click here.

Large Format Tile CEU Seminar - Chicago

Large Format Tile CEU Seminar | Monday, June 9, 2014

(Shuttle info on invite)

Please join Century Tile Distributors, Iris USA & LATICRETE International for an exclusive event introducing our new Thin Tile Products!

W.R. Weis Stone Systems - 2100 Wabash Ave. Chicago. IL 

CEU Seminars, Wine, Beer, Hors D 'Oeurves

• CEU Seminar at 3:00 pm Large Format Tile & Stone Installation AIA-13 .1 CEU (AIA).
• Vendors & New Product Demo: 4:00 – 6:00 pm.
• LATICRETE Demo on large panel tile using the thin-set method: 4:00-5:00 pm.

Learn how large tile and stone should be specified, how well it will perform, and the importance of understanding surface preparation, substrate deflection, installation procedures, and grouting issues.

RSVP by May 30, 2014 to Duane@ctdistributing.net

Space is limited so please RSVP by May, 30th as we are very excited about this event!!

You can also visit Century Tile Distributors at NeoCon Chicago, June 9-11.

7th Floor - Booth 8086

Project Spotlight: Infinity Tower, Dubai

LATICRETE lends expertise for swimming pools in Dubai’s breathtaking Infinity Tower 

The first thought is, WOW. That’s the impression you get when you see the Infinity Tower in Dubai, which many are calling the new face of 21st Century architecture. The first structure in the Dubai Marina development, the tower – designed and built under the motto, “Nothing is impossible” – is a marvel of modern design. 

With 80 stories seemingly rising endless into the sky, the development’s groundbreaking architectural design is an ideal complement to a region that features some of the world’s most state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities. Dubai, with its unique blend of ultra-modern malls and skyscrapers, has become a leading tourist attraction and major international business hub at the crossroads between the East and West cultures. 

At first glance, the 80-story residential apartment development (there are 73 floors) arcs upward in a 90-degree spiral, creating the shape of a helix that helps shield the building’s interior from the desert sun. Designed by noted architectural firm Skidmore Owings & Merrill, it is the world’s tallest tower to feature a 90-degree twist. 

There isn’t a single structural pillar anywhere inside the building. Instead, it is supported by a complex concrete column structure that holds it up from the outside (a central service core remains). The exterior façade is defined by pre-finish metal panels with repetitive staggered screen panels that filter direct sunlight to the residential units. 

“I would rate this project as one of the best we’ve ever worked on because it is such a unique design,” says Jose Gembell, senior sales manager for LATICRETE RAK CO. LLC., who worked closely with the subcontractor, ASCON LEISURE & GRC, Dubai. ASCON was subcontracted to install the swimming pools. 

For more than three years, Gembell worked closely with Richard Yap of ASCON, providing drawing plan details and training the ASCON installation team on proper application methods. Together, Gembrell and the ASCON team helped fortify the tower’s swimming pools, located on podium floors 4, 67, 68, 69, 70 and 72. 

At the core of the pools’ design can be found LATICRETE® products, which were used to waterproof each of the pools’ surfaces, from the walls, to the floor, and the grouting on the joints of the mosaic tiles. The slate of products included 3701 FORTIFIED MORTAR BED (for screeding and patching); 9235 WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE (waterproofing); 4237 LATEX ADDITIVE and 211 FILLER POWDER (tile adhesion); SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout^ (tile grout) and LATAPOXY® 310 ADHESIVE (pipe penetration). 

“It was about defining, and then incorporating the right LATICRETE systems for the swimming pool applications,” Gembell says. 

Click here to continue reading.

Tile and stone should last forever…The specification process should NOT!

• A revolutionary resource tool designed to be your one stop source for all tile and stone project specification requirements.
• Complete customisable specifications and details for a successful tile and stone installation system in seconds.
• You can also download our generic editable CSI Format Master Specification.
• Click here to access the site.

Looking instead for LEED project certification information? We've got you covered! Please see our LATICRETE® LEED Project Certification Assistant tool.

LATICRETE International, Inc., the world leader in tile and stone installation systems, provides a revolutionary resource tool that is sure to change the way design and specification professionals specify tile and stone installation systems.

The web-based LATICRETE Architectural Guidebook empowers design and specification professionals to create custom specifications based on industry standards for over 100 types of installations with just a few clicks of a mouse.

The result is a complete installation specification along with an applicable detail drawing. Both are fully editable to fit the user’s exact project requirements. Specifications are also printable or exportable in a variety of electronic and hardcopy formats.

The LATICRETE Architectural Guidebook site also includes an industry reference section that allows users to reference appropriate codes and national standards for virtually all tile and stone applications.

Design and industry professionals can rely on LATICRETE proven performance and know how for all of their tile and stone specification needs.

An Impressive Pool

An impressive pool in Noosa Heads, Queensland, Australia.

Another "Wow" pool project from Jack Boyd Pools.

LATICRETE has successfully provided the technology for innovative, permanent installations of tile and stone finishes. Architecturally specified and preferred by professional installers, LATICRETE provides solutions for virtually every application.

• LATICRETE products are industry accepted, code approved and backed by 100% labour and materials system warranties, thereby assuring a successful installation each and every time.
• LATICRETE membranes, adhesives, grouts, and sealants are weather resistant and freeze/thaw stable.

Contact us on +44 (0)871 284 5959 for more information, technical assistance, FREE samples or to arrange a demo.

Stainproof Grout - Blocks OUT Stains

LOCKS IN COLOUR - BLOCKS OUT STAINS

- Available in 40 beautiful colours PLUS Dazzle -

SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout is a patented, high performance epoxy grout which offers excellent colour uniformity, durability, stain protection, and beautiful, full grout joints in an easy-to-use, non-sag formula.

SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout is designed for use on ceramic tile, glass tile and stone applications, both residential and commercial. It can be used both interior and exterior on floors and walls. Ideal for re-grouting applications, SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout is perfect for swimming pools, fountains and other wet area applications.

For more information on SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout, click here.

† Stainproof (residential installations only) to common household cleaners, liquids and other goods. Clean all spills immediately.

* United States Invention Patent No.: 6881768 (and other Patents)

The NeXT Evolution of Substrate Preparation

Recent advert in an industry journal

LATICRETE has recently announced the launch of several innovative new substrate preparation products with advanced European technology.

The product line includes a comprehensive surface preparation system:

• NXT Level
• A cement-based underlayment for use in leveling interior substrates.
• NXT Level Plus
• High quality, cement-based, free-flowing underlayment for use in leveling interior substrates.
• NXT Patch
• A premium quality, fast-drying underlayment patch designed for use over most substrates.
• NXT Skim
• A premium quality, fast-drying, cement-based underlayment designed for skim-coating, smoothing and leveling prior to the application of floor coverings.
• NXT Embossing Admix
• Specially formulated latex admix designed for use as an admixture with NXT SKIM for embossing applications over non-cushion back vinyl and VCT flooring.
• NXT Primer
• A concentrated premium quality, water-based primer designed to be applied prior to the installation of NXT Underlayments.

For more information on the NXT Products, click here.

The BEST Warranties in the Industry

A recent magazine advert showcasing the
many benefits of a LATICRETE Warranty

With a LATICRETE System Warranty you can enjoy peace of mind with high-quality, world renowned LATICRETE products. When selecting the installation system for your project, consider the value and peace of mind that a LATICRETE warranty can bring. 

LATICRETE provides comprehensive warranties covering commercial, residential, and industrial projects around the world. However, our best guarantee is over 50 years of experience with industrial, commercial and residential installations in every imaginable climate. 

Warranties 

• LATICRETE offers a comprehensive 100% labour and materials warranty for tile and stone installations, underwritten by an AAA rated Global Insurance Company. Combined with over 50 years of worldwide experience, LATICRETE is the recognised leader in product quality and installation expertise. 
• LATICRETE warranties cover any suitable tile or stone manufacturer’s product, allowing you to select the appropriate product and finish you desire for your project with confidence. 
• Customisable warranties are available to suit your specific project requirements. 
• The most comprehensive assortment of tile and stone installation materials available for virtually any tile or stone application around the world. 
• Our highly trained and experienced Technical Support personnel stand ready to assist you with project specifications, details, LEED compliance information, and to address any installation questions for your project. 

Would you like to find out more? Click here.

A Blogger's Thoughts on HYDRO BAN

Photo taken from Westside Tile and Stone, 
Jimmy Reed - HYDRO BAN Spa Installation

Great Blog Post with Great Photo's...

If you have not used HYDRO BAN on any of your installations and have your doubts, read a blog post from Westside Tile and Stone and you will be sold! 

Click here to read their HYDRO BAN blog post.

Call us on +44 (0)871 284 5959 or talk to your local LATICRETE Technical Sales Rep for technical support or advice on your next project.

View the video below for the benefits and unique features of HYDRO BAN Waterproofing Membrane.

Spot Bonding for Vertical Applications!

LATAPOXY® 310 Stone Adhesive and the LATAPOXY Cordless Mixer provide unmatched speed for permanent interior or exterior vertical tile or stone installations. You can install over 100 m2 per day with ease and accuracy; no cutting kerfs, drilling or mechanical clipping needed.

Take on that next vertical cladding job without the headaches associated with complicated traditional labour intensive methods like mortar, plaster and wire, or mechanical anchors. You can triple your productivity, reduce labour costs and work easier with LATAPOXY 310 Stone Adhesive. It is building code approved for cladding applications by the ICC, IBC and backed by a LATICRETE System Warranty*.

• Quickly and easily adjust stones; LATAPOXY® 310 Stone Adhesive will not shrink or move - set it and forget it!
• Exclusive cordless mixer applies the desired amount of LATAPOXY 310 Stone Adhesive without any hand mixing - just squeeze the trigger!
• Strong permanent durable bond will not deteriorate over time and is shock resistant.

Interested in this amazing product?

• Click here for more information and view a YouTube installation video.
• View/download the Facade System Brochure by clicking here.
• Click here to view/download the Vertical Applications for Tile and Stone Brochure.