(ALEXANDRIA, VA–April 2012) Architects, designers, builders and installers are finding that new tile and stone products and setting materials require new standards and methods for installation. The 2012 Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Handbook, to be released at Coverings 2012 April 17-20, 2012 in Orlando, FL, will include the most up-to-date information on technical issues and installation methods in the industry. Professionals who don’t keep up with these changes risk increased failures or worse yet, becoming obsolete.
Chairman of the National Tile Contractors Association’s (NTCA) Technical Committee, James Woelfel, who helped lead the creation of new stone tile standards will present the approved and important language relating to methods and standards for installing natural stone tile. ‘Setting stone tile is more technically difficult than setting ceramic, porcelain or quarry products,’ said Woelfel. ‘As a natural product, stone requires more specialized and detailed installation methods.’
The 2012 TCNA Handbook, which defines the nation’s standards for tile, glass and now stone installation, will also address a key component to installation success; who is doing the work. For the first time the handbook will include specification language that, according to TCNA Executive Director Eric Astrachan, will help architects and design professionals recommend a level of installation quality. ‘The Tile Council of North America strongly recommends using installers who have demonstrated a commitment to their craft and taken the time to stay current with the latest materials and methods. There are excellent programs to help find those installers: the NTCA Five Star program and the CTEF Certified Tile Installer program are two– for a tile installation with permanence and artistry, find installers who are passionate about their craft. For a permanent finish, the issue should never be who is cheapest, but rather who is best,’ Astrachan said.
Woelfel will be joined by the NTCA’s Michael Whistler on Environmental Conditions, TCNA’s Stephanie Samulski on Above Grade Methods, TCNA’s Bill Griese on Glass Tile Selection Guide, HB Fuller’s Tom Plaskota on the Setting Materials Selection Guide and Nyle Wadford, President of the NTCA on contractor language for the new standards seminar. Woelfel and Wadford will also lead a separate session on ‘How to pick a quality contractor.’
Woelfel is vice president of Artcraft Granite, Marble & Tile Company in Mesa, Arizona. He also serves as second vice president of the NTCA Executive Committee. Wadford is President of Neuse Tile Service in Raleigh, North Carolina. They are the only two contractors in the nation to sit on the TCNA Handbook Committee for Ceramic Tile Installation and the ANSI ASC 108 Committee for Ceramic Tile Installation. Artcraft Granite, Marble & Tile Company is the only NTCA Five-Star Contractor in Arizona. Neuse Tile is one of just two Five Star Contractors in North Carolina. Both Artcraft and Neuse employ CTEF Certified Installers.
A comprehensive list of seminars and workshops is available at www.coverings.com.
About Coverings
Coverings is the premier international trade fair and expo dedicated exclusively to showcasing the newest in ceramic tile and natural stone. It has grown to be the largest and most important show of its kind in the U.S., featuring exhibitors from 50+ countries and attracting thousands of distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors and specifiers, architectural and design professionals, builders and real estate developers, plus the press and journalists who cover this vital and dynamic industry. Coverings is the stage for introducing some of the most innovative tile and stone products in the world. The exposition also serves as a valuable resource for continuing education for all categories of attendees, with informative, accredited seminars and live demonstration sessions conducted throughout the four days and all free of charge. Coverings 2012 is set for April 17-20, at Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL.
For more information visit www.coverings.com or contact National Trade Productions, Coverings Show Management, 703-683-8500.
