Substrates for Tile Assemblies

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 | 12-1 p.m. Eastern Time
1 LU/HSW

The ANSI standard for tile installation tells us that “the quality and cost of ceramic tile installations are influenced by the stability, permanence, and precision of installation of the backing material.” Join us as we take an in-depth look at substrate requirements for tile walls and floors. We’ll also review unique substrate requirements for large format tile. Examine substrate preparation in terms of flatness, levelness, and trade responsibility. Learn the distinctions between Division 3 requirements for concrete and Division 9 requirements for finishes. Finally learn about the unique properties of different tile backer boards and how to select the right one for your tile installation.
 
SUBSTRATES
 

 Learning Objectives:

  • Gain an understanding of the requirements set forth in ANSI A108.01 General Requirements for Subsurfaces and Preparation by Other Trades.
  • Understand substrate flatness and levelness criteria for conventional ceramic, porcelain, and large format tile.
  • Identify deflection criteria for wall and floor substrates, resulting in sufficient stiffness to provide durable tile installations and user comfort.
  • Review different backer boards and their unique properties to help you select a suitable option that resists moisture to create a healthy interior environment.

About the Speakers

scott conwell, FAIA, FCSI, CDT, Leed AP
director of industry development and technical services, IMI

Scott Conwell-2For the past 3 decades, Scott has dedicated his career to educating design professionals on best design and construction practices in masonry, stone, tile, and terrazzo. He has presented over 1000 AIA-registered seminars in the U.S. and abroad. Scott has written dozens of technical articles for trade journals like Construction Specifier, Licensed Architect, BAC Journal, and 093000 Contractor, where he has a quarterly column. In recognition of his educational contributions to the national design community, Scott was made a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) in 2015, and a Fellow of the Construction Specifications Institute (FCSI) in 2018.

Scott leads IMI’s tile, marble, and terrazzo industry development program. He sits on the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Handbook committee, the ANSI committee for tile standards, and is a founding member and advisor to the Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) committee. He has organized IMI’s national series of multi-city tile, marble, and terrazzo educational conferences and workshops with the participation of top material suppliers and other tile industry organizations, helping designers navigate the changing world of tile standards and installation practices. In recognition of his work, in 2021, Scott was bestowed the Carl V. Cesery Award for Service to the Ceramic Tile Industry by the Tile Contractors’ Association of America (TCAA).

Tony Fuller

Director-Technical & New Product Development, PermaBASE Building Products

Tony FTony has 18 years of experience in the building material industry with National Gypsum Company. He currently holds the Director-Technical & New Product Development position for the cement board business. Tony is a member of the Board of Directors of the Tile Council of North America and serves as chairman of the backer board committee. Additionally, he serves as committee chair and technical committee member for these industry associations: Tile Council of North America, National Tile Contractors Association, Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association for masonry stone veneer. He is active in building material industry associations such as EIMA and Brick Industry Association and Stucco Manufacturers Association. He is a member of numerous ASTM standards committees on building materials and building science.

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