The introduction of thin panel porcelain tile or thin tile porcelain panels – or which for now seems to be the most popular name, thin porcelain tile (TPT) – is quickly revolutionizing the tile market.
The method of applying thin-bed and medium-bed mortars has changed over the years. Today many installers use (or should be using) the straight line troweling method as describe in the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) Trowel and Error video.
Installers work hard to produce a finished tile installation that is both pleasing to the eye and functional. To accomplish this task, the installer must have the hand skills necessary to complete the work correctly the first time using the best quality materials available.
Although ventilated wall systems have been used for years in Europe and Asia, the U.S. is just realizing that they can offer a solution for a multitude of problems that face the architectural community — from energy usage to tedious installations.
All floor tile installation methods in the 2011 TCNA Handbook will include a new category of information: Typical Weight of Tile Installation. Under this subhead, the Handbook user will find the estimated weight of the tile installation.
Until recently, floor tiles have been 8 to 12mm thick and tiles less than 7.5mm were not intended for floors. However, tiles engineered to be thinner have now entered the marketplace. Made of porcelain, they are being marketed as “thin tiles.” Are they the same as their thicker brethren, except thinner? Being thinner they take fewer resources to manufacture and ship, but where and when can they be used?
