mapei realtà] · jeff johnson, david mowery production editors brian hedberg, corey siggins ... to...

AMERICAS

[ ]RealtàMAPEI

ISSUE 20

2014 trade shows • Ultracoat™ wood-floor products • ShowerPerfect™ tub-to-shower conversions • A world of projects

MAPEI’s unique ready-to-use grout with color-coated quartz

The rock-solid way to grout

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Responding to our customers’ needs Addressing customers’ needs presents the best opportunity for creative

innovation. One recent example of responsive creativity is our development

of new MAPEI Flexcolor CQ ready-to-use grout. Tile installers have long

had two consistent problems with existing grouts: color inconsistency

with Portland cement grouts and difficulties with epoxy grout cleanup

after application. By going in a different direction, our R&D labs were

able to formulate MAPEI Flexcolor CQ with the latest innovation in quartz

aggregate, which ensures color consistency, ease of cleanability and

improved workability. When we introduced MAPEI Flexcolor CQ to the

market, our customers responded with enthusiastic testimonials and with

purchases that exceeded our expectations.

Another area where we have responded to customers’ needs in a new way is through

our technical support for contractors and installers. As the world increasingly turns to the

Internet for knowledge and as streaming video has become more accessible, customers

are turning to videos to learn more about products and methods. Through our MAPEI

Technical Institute’s MTI-TV video series, we are strengthening our communications on

how and why to use MAPEI products.

We’re also responding to customers’ needs through improved quality in our operations.

More and more of our plants are gaining ISO 14001 certification in Environmental

Management Systems, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability. Our production

lines are adding more Arodo equipment for environmentally friendly plastic packaging,

which results in cleaner logistics throughout the supply chain.

John Russell, a former vice president of Harley-Davidson, has been quoted as saying:

“The more you engage with customers, the clearer things become and the easier it is

to determine what you should be doing.” I agree. Learning about our customers’ needs

comes from frequent and careful listening.

Let’s get together soon and talk.

Sincerely,

Luigi Di Geso,President and CEO,MAPEI Americas

EDITORDiane Choate

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORSCris Bierschank. Mike Granatowski, Jeff Johnson, David Mowery

PRODUCTION EDITORSBrian Hedberg, Corey Siggins

GRAPHIC DESIGNERSStephen Gil, Suzy Bonofiglio

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Stephen Gil

OPERATIONAL MARKETING MANAGER Steven Day

PRESIDENT & CEOLuigi Di Geso

PUBLISHERMAPEI Corporation,Headquarters of the Americas1144 E. Newport Center DriveDeerfield Beach, FL 33442

MAPEI GLOBAL CORPORATE HEADQUARTERSMapei SpAVia Cafiero, 22 – 20158 Milan (Italy)

PRESIDENT & CEOGiorgio Squinzi

DIRECTORAdriana Spazzoli

COORDINATIONMetella Iaconello

1-800-42-MAPEI (1-800-426-2734)

www.mapei.com

Copyright ©2015 by MAPEI Corporation (“MAPEI”) and all rights are reserved. MAPEI does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of this publication. Nor does MAPEI assume any responsibility arising from the reader’s reliance on the information in this publication. MAPEI denies all liability for damages of any kind arising from any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in this publication, or resulting from any reader’s reliance on this publication. Therefore, MAPEI disclaims all express and implied warranties, including, but not limited to the implied warranties of MERCHANTABILITY and FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. All intellectual property rights and other information contained in this publication are the exclusive property of MAPEI (or its parent or related companies), unless otherwise noted. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the prior written consent of MAPEI.

NOTE: The electronic version of this publication is found on MAPEI’s website at www.mapei.com and shall be exclusively governed by that website’s terms and conditions of use.

CONTENTS

37 BUSINESS NEWS

39 A WORLD OF PROJECTS40 O’Hare International Airport Terminal 541 El Alear Condominiums42 Aquapark Tatralandia43 The Avenue at San Marcos44 St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton West 5th Campus45 The Castle Cultural Centre46 JEA Northside Generating Station47 The Pepper Tree48 Sori Viaduct

TOP STORY 2 MAPEI Flexcolor™ CQ grout

SINGLE-SOURCE SYSTEM 7 Easy tub-to-shower conversions

TECHNICAL DO’S & DON’TS 8 Matching the right grout to the right application

SPECIAL FEATURES 10 2014 Trade Shows: Coverings, NeoCon, NWFA Expo and AIA 21 Ultracoat ™ wood-flooring products

INSIDE SCOOP13 Stone tile installations and MAPEI's role

PROJECT REFERENCES 16 The University of New England 28 Markham Stouffville Hospital 32 Champlain Bridge

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS 20 ShowerPerfect ™ LM Installation Kit 31 Planiseal ™ VS Fast

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING 26 Sound-control solutions for resilient flooring

36 MAPEI TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

RM Americas 20/2015 1

ON THE COVERMAPEI Flexcolor CQ Color-coated quartz technology makes this grout revolutionary.

2

Keyword: MAPEI Americas

2 RM Americas 20/2015

TOP STORY MAPEI FLEXCOLOR CQ GROUT

INTRODUCING

MAPEI’s unique ready-to-use grout is what customers want In early 2014, MAPEI Corporation ushered in a new era in the evolution of tile setting when MAPEI unveiled its newest grout technology – MAPEI Flexcolor CQ. The company's customers, especially professional contractors and installers, have embraced this ready-to-use grout with gusto. MAPEI Flexcolor CQ has also been positioned in MAPEI's retail sales channel.

Packaging complements the product

With the two packaging sizes of 1 and 2 U.S. gals. (3,79 and 7,57 L), MAPEI Flexcolor CQ is positioned to cater to the “do-it-yourselfer” as well as the professional installer. The pail design incorporates a flip-top lid that can be resealed after use, so the grout can be used again for touch-up work and additional grouting for up to one year after being opened. In addition, the lid flips back, forming a large opening for a grout float to fit into the pail for product removal. Hence, there is no need to use a margin trowel to remove the product.


The pail’s patented EZ Stor® design is rectangular in shape with rounded edges inside the pail so that the entire contents can be easily removed. Each 1-U.S.-gal. (3,79-L) pail also comes with a professional grout sponge inside the container. The easily stackable pails nest perfectly for distributor and retail shelf-stocking. As an added advantage of the pail design, installers find that the containers do not roll around in their trucks during transport to a jobsite.



Color consistency is the real winner

MAPEI Flexcolor CQ is packaged and available in all 36 MAPEI standard colors. The “CQ,” which stands for “coated quartz,” is what colorizes MAPEI Flexcolor CQ. The unique chemistry found in the MAPEI Flexcolor CQ grout formula offers a number of important benefits not available in traditional grouts or other ready-to-use grouts.

Traditional Portland-cement grouts are colorized with free pigments. As water is added during the mixing of cement grouts, the pigments tend to “bleed out” or separate from the sand/cement components. This separation can negatively impact color consistency. Typically, the color is “washed out” during the cleaning process after application, and the grout color consequently becomes lighter than desired. In addition, as a result of the pigment bleed with traditional Portland-cement grouts, the tile can become discolored. This haze residue is not easy to remove from the tile surface during the grout-washing process because the pigment bleed is constantly being re-deposited onto the tile surface from the wash water. This can easily be seen when comparing the wash waters from a traditional Portland-cement grout and MAPEI Flexcolor CQ.

Thanks to the technology of MAPEI Flexcolor CQ, pigment bleeding does not occur because no free pigment exists. Instead, the pigment is “fused” or “bonded” to the sand aggregate in the formulation. A good analogy for this technology would be the colorized pebbles seen in an aquarium, where the aquarium’s water color remains clear when poured over the tank’s colored

pebbles. When the pure colored aggregate of MAPEI Flexcolor CQ is blended with water, the same phenomenon occurs.

Once the remaining ingredients are added to complete the MAPEI Flexcolor CQ formulation, the color seen when the pail is opened is exactly the same color that the grout will display once cured. There is no color variation from over-hydration and/or pigment bleed. However, when Portland-cement grout is first seen in its powdered form, it is not possible to confirm the actual grout color until water has been added to the mix and the product is fully cured. This is because cement grout undergoes a “hydraulic” cure, and the color formation from the reaction is ongoing until the grout is dry. With MAPEI Flexcolor CQ, the curing process is a “dehydration” cure with little water in the installation, thus not affecting the color.

Another characteristic, and also a labor-saving advantage, of CQ technology is a result of the bonding process used to produce colored-quartz aggregate. When pigment is fused to the surface of the quartz particles, the end result is a more rounded, spherical particle shape. MAPEI has studied this effect microscopically and verified that the particles can be shifted from angular to a more rounded shape.

How does this rounded particle shape benefit the installer of MAPEI Flexcolor CQ? It provides the ultimate in spreadability, with very little residue left on the tile surface during grouting. Plus, the float “cuts off” with exact precision. Finally, with a single wash, any grout residue is completely removed.

Coverage is cost-effective

MAPEI Flexcolor CQ’s grout coverage is superior to traditional Portland-cement grout. MAPEI Flexcolor CQ prevents waste when grouting and creates full and flush grout joints with no shrinkage. Using tiles measuring 12" x 12" x 3/8" (300 x 300 x 10 mm) with a joint width of 1/4" (6 mm), installers can grout 100 sq. ft. (9,29 m2) with a 1-U.S.-gal. (3,79-L) pail of MAPEI Flexcolor CQ.

Coverage comparisons highlight the overall cost advantages of MAPEI Flexcolor CQ versus traditional Portland-cement grout. Recently, MAPEI Corporation installed Portland-cement grout side by side with MAPEI Flexcolor CQ to compare installation times for both grouting methods.

In MAPEI’s Technical Services testing facility, two identical porcelain tile floors measuring 120 sq. ft. (11,1 m2) were installed by a professional installer using 24" x 12" x 3/8" (610 x 300 x 10 mm) tile with a joint width of 1/4" (6 mm). To ensure that different grouting techniques did not impact the results, the same installer grouted both floors. Portland-cement sanded grout was used to grout one floor, while MAPEI Flexcolor CQ was used to grout the other.

The installation instructions on each product’s technical data sheet were closely followed. And the results were dramatic: The grouting process from start to finish using sanded cement grout took 122 minutes, while the grouting process with MAPEI Flexcolor CQ took only 39 minutes.

The time savings was approximately 70% when using MAPEI Flexcolor CQ. Once this time savings was applied to a cost analysis (including labor costs for a professional installer), the cost advantage of MAPEI Flexcolor CQ was 38%. For the sanded cement grout, an admixture was added instead of water so that the cement grout would not require sealing after curing. This put the two products on an even playing field, because MAPEI Flexcolor CQ does not require a sealer.

Traditional Portland-cement grout

Washwater comparison between MAPEI Flexcolor CQ and traditional Portland-cement grout


Installers are seriously impressed The testimonials for MAPEI Flexcolor CQ are growing daily. Installations are being successfully completed at malls, convention centers, hotels, and other commercial jobsites. At the same time, retail sales are indicating strong acceptance by consumers. Common residential installations include showers, bath enclosures, backsplashes in kitchens, and tiled floors and walls.

From tile discussion Websites such as the John Bridge Tile Forum comes feedback like the example below from an inn owner in Estes Park, Colorado (USA).

“A few weeks back I posted about my issues with a couple grouts that ended up scratching the tiles on our new bathroom installs. (Disclaimer: one of the grouts stated it may scratch surfaces, and it sure did...) We’re using a 3" x 6" [7,5 x 15 cm] Florida Tile in high glaze with a few different styles of 1" [2,5 cm] accent squares in glass. Shower looks great, until you look close...

“We were pretty disappointed. Then we tried another grout on a test board and got similar results. I got in touch with MAPEI and ended up trying out their new Flexcolor CQ... it turns out they’ve got a product that performs like sanded, but is safe for ‘soft’ materials because of their quartz coated technology.

“I was seriously blown away by this product. We own a small inn, 17 rooms, and I don’t really have time to be resealing grout, replacing grout, or dealing with water issues. Every day that I’m working on a room is a day we can’t rent it... it costs money!

“The Flexcolor CQ comes with a sponge in a poly bag, and a poly (plastic) barrier between the two. We used it on a test board first... just a few of the tiles, no accent line (they’re glass) - because if it doesn't scratch the tile, it won't scratch the glass. Applied it per instructions - EASY.

“Product went on super easy... it’s light, almost airy, spreads without much effort. Instructions say to dampen the tiles before application, I agree with this 100%, but don't go crazy. You don't want excess moisture in the seams, as it will run out after the first wipe down. It applies like most, first application, 45% float pass, 90% float pass. Wait 5-10 mins, wipe with a damp (no excess moisture, wring it out GOOD) sponge. If you've got too much water, it runs out of your seams (may not be an issue, but we’ve gone staggered subway, so it would run onto the tile below in streaks). I had the right moisture/sponge application figured out after the first 1/3 of the bath job.

“After the successful completion of the test bed, we used it in a shower/bath. Flexcolor CQ performed absolutely beautifully. Best of all, no scratches!”



Another recent success story was the displacement of epoxy grout for MAPEI Flexcolor CQ. Below are details of a MAPEI Flexcolor CQ installation that is ongoing and due for completion later this year. (See an artist rendering of the completed project above.)

“The Fort Benning Army Lodge is an 860-room hotel/lodge on base, designed to house extended stay visitors and family members of our troops stationed at Ft. Benning, Georgia. The lodge is a total of 450,000 square feet [41 806 m2] in size, with approximately 110,000 square feet [10 219 m2] of tiled area that is being installed with Mapeguard 2 crack isolation membrane, Mapelastic AquaDefense liquid waterproofing membrane, Ultraflex 1 mortar, and Flexcolor CQ grout.

“The tile chosen for the installation was 12" x 12" [30 x 30 cm] cleft-faced textured porcelain that was causing extreme difficulties when

installers tried to clean off the epoxy grout that was specified (bid documents required an ANSI A118.3 grout). The tile installers were having trouble with low grout joints and residual haze.

“The MAPEI sales representative performed an extensive stain resistance test at the contractor’s office to build the confidence of everyone involved that Flexcolor CQ would meet performance requirements for the project. Flexcolor CQ performed perfectly on the stain test, and the contractor immediately submitted a request for change, which the architect approved.”

Sales representatives, architects, installers and customers alike refer to the new MAPEI Flexcolor CQ as a “home run.” To further the appeal of this unique grout, its residential and commercial system warranties have recently been increased to 25 years. Supported by the videotaped installation comparison and the resulting cost-savings analysis, MAPEI

Flexcolor CQ becomes a clear choice for both residential and commercial grouting installations. Time is money, and MAPEI Flexcolor CQ saves both while providing the most trouble-free grouting solution in the industry.

David is MAPEI Americas’ tile and stone installation systems business manager for color products and the UltraCare line. Joining MAPEI Corporation in 2002 as the R&D group leader for color development, David has more than 30 years of industrial experience in technical research, marketing and product sales. He is focused on taking new technology from research to retail by launching innovative products.

About the author: David Mowery

SINGLE-SOURCE SYSTEM

Easy tub-to-shower conversions


Challenge:As hotels, condominiums, apartment buildings, university dorms and other multi-residence buildings begin to age, one of the major renovations that owners undertake is to update the bathroom in each dwelling. Remodeling can involve one tub-to-shower conversion by a homeowner, or it can encompass 300 conversions in a hotel or dormitory. The challenge is to install a shower system that updates the room and offers the consumer a comfortable, well-designed alternative to a bathtub.

MAPEI’s ShowerPerfect™ LM Installation Kit with linear drain system allows architects to design with large-format tile on the floors as well as the walls, opening up more opportunities for modern design elements in shower compartments. Installers are able to complete their shower pan and tile installation work more quickly – an important factor in commercial renovations.

Solution:ShowerPerfect can be used with a variety of MAPEI waterproofing, tile-setting and grouting products to form a single-source specification for a complete job.

Step 1: First, remove the tub, and prepare the floor and wall substrates for the installation. The substrate must be structurally sound, level and capable of supporting the entire tile assembly. The substrate is to be fully cured and free of soap scum, dust, dirt, oil, wax, sealers, paint, coatings, and any other substances that could reduce or inhibit proper adhesion and system performance.

Step 2: Fasten cement backer board to the walls of the shower.

Step 3: Bond the shower panels and drain support frame to the subfloor using Ultraflex™ RS rapid-setting, polymer-modified, thin-set mortar.

Step 4: Install the linear drain assembly (purchased separately from MAPEI). The ShowerPerfect LM Installation Kit provides a complete set of clear and simple instructions for a successful installation. Drain extenders allow the linear drain to be custom-fit from wall to wall, up to 32" (81 cm), accommodating a variety of shower sizes.

Step 5: Apply Mapelastic AquaDefense to the entire system, including the shower pan, walls and linear drain body. For compliance with IAPMO, use MAPEI’s Reinforcing Fabric at all shower pan seams and shower transitions; from floor to wall; and on inside corners, outside corners and the U-shaped curb cover. The application of Mapelastic AquaDefense provides a continuous homogenous layer of waterproofing to the installation.

Step 6: Once the ShowerPerfect system is completely installed and waterproofed, the tile in the shower can be set using Ultraflex™LFT™,

a premium nonsag medium-bed and thin-set mortar developed for large-format tile and stone installations. This mortar has a high content of unique dry polymer, resulting in excellent adhesion to the substrate and tile.

Step 7: The tile can be grouted with MAPEI Flexcolor™ CQ. This ready-to-use grout is formulated with the latest innovation in quartz aggregate, which ensures color consistency, ease of cleanability and improved workability. In addition, this grout can be used on sensitive tile surfaces once it has been tested, and it requires no sealer and cures naturally from evaporation/dehydration.

Step 8: Mapesil™ 100%-silicone sealant can be used as a flexible barrier/filler between horizontal and vertical surfaces in the shower. Mapesil contains BioBlock® technology for mold and mildew resistance, and it is available in colors that match MAPEI grouts.

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TECHNICAL DO’S & DON’TS GROUT SELECTION

MATCHING THE RIGHT GROUT TO THE RIGHT APPLICATION

No other piece of real estate has been at the center of more heated discussions than the grout joint. Color variations, grout aesthetic and joint width size (1/16" to 1" [1,5 mm to 2,5 cm]) all play a role in grout selection. When grout does its job – locking tiles tight, aesthetically filling the joints, and giving floors and walls a finished look – nobody pays much attention to it. It is only when the grout begins to fail that the phone begins to ring off of the wall with complaints that the grout is exhibiting color shading or variations, staining, cracking, powdering, or succumbing to chemical attack that can result in disintegration of the grout joint.

All grouts do the same job, but they can have individual characteristics. Some grouts are more economical, while others are designed to save time and provide ease of application. There are even some grouts that are formulated to perform in the harshest of environments and chemical exposure. How does one match the right grout to the right application? Let’s take a look at some Do’s and Don’ts when selecting grouts.

TCNA environmental classifications (refer to the most current TCNA Handbook for a detailed explanation of these classifications)

Res 1 (Residential Dry) – not exposed to moisture or liquid, except when cleaning; e.g., living rooms

Res 2 (Residential Limited Water Exposure) – subject to moisture or liquid, but not soaked; i.e., bathroom floors

Res 3 (Residential Wet Areas) – subject to moisture or liquid, often soaked; e.g., shower walls and floors

Res 4 (Residential High Humidity, Heavy Moisture Exposure) – subject to continuous high humidity plus heat and moisture, with intermittent use; e.g., combination steam shower

Res 5 (Residential High Temperature Air/Water >125ºF [52ºC]) – subject to water and/or vapor of 125ºF (52ºC); e.g., furnace areas

Res 6 (Residential Exterior) – subject to exterior conditions; e.g., balconies

Com 1* (Commercial Dry) – not exposed to moisture or liquid, except when cleaning; e.g., interior rooms

Com 2* (Commercial Limited Water Exposure) – subject to moisture or liquid, but not soaked; e.g., bathroom floors

Com 3* (Commercial Wet Areas) – subject to moisture or liquid, often soaked; e.g., shower walls and floors, not gang showers

Com 4* (Commercial High Humidity, Heavy Moisture Exposure) – subject to continuous high humidity plus heat and moisture, with continuous use; e.g., public steam showers, including gang showers

Com 5* (Commercial High-Temperature Air/Water >125ºF) – subject to water and/or vapor of 125ºF (52ºC); e.g., saunas

Com 6* (Commercial Exterior) – subject to exterior conditions; e.g., commercial facades

*Note: Commercial designations, Com 1-6, will always have a greater exposure to water, moisture and heat – both in increased levels and duration time. This increased exposure also includes more rigorous cleaning regimens in a commercial or industrial environment that are performed on a continuous basis.

When selecting a grout, qualify the “service environment” using the TCNA Environmental Classifications RES 1-6 or COM 1-6.


Standard cement-based grouts (ISO 13007 CG1WA/F and ANSI A118.6) and High-performance cement-based grouts (ISO 13007 CG2WA/F and ANSI A118.7)

Cement-based grouts can be an economical and aesthetically pleasing solution to many tile, stone and glass installations.

use a grout additive or grout sealer to improve stain resistance if this grout will be exposed to daily staining and cleaning regimens in kitchens and bathrooms. Because both standard and high-performance cement-based grouts (A118.6 and A118.7) are porous (typically 5% to 18% water absorption), add MAPEI’s Grout Maximizer in place of water to increase resistance to water, dirt and common household stains. If additional protection from staining is desired for the grout joint as well as for the tile or stone, use one of MAPEI’s UltraCare™ sealers once the grout (Ultracolor® Plus, Keracolor™ S or Keracolor U) is applied and ready for a sealer.

use too much water either in mixing or in the cleanup process. To minimize the potential for efflorescence* in Portland-cement-based grouts (Keracolor S or Keracolor U), only use the amount of water indicated on the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) or packaging. This guideline also applies during the post-installation cleanup process. Wring out the cellulose cleanup sponge so that it remains wet but is not dripping; this will prevent it from saturating the grout joints with excess water, which could lead to efflorescence. If a cement-based grout is desired and there is concern of efflorescence occurring, use MAPEI’s high-performance grout Ultracolor Plus, which uses calcium aluminate technology in place of Portland-cement-based cement for a cementitious appearance but does not contribute to efflorescence.

* Efflorescence occurs when soluble salts rise to the surface and powder out on the grout joint surface.

dont install grout under extreme environmental conditions. Temperature, humidity and wind can affect the way a grout cures. Cement-based grout cures best when installed and maintained between 70°F and 80°F (21°C and 26°C) with 50% relative humidity. Ideally, it is best to store MAPEI grout and the mixing water at this temperature for 24 hours before the installation. Pulling the grout from the back

of a truck or van that has been baking in the sun, without acclimating it, could cause problems not only with the installation but with the grout results as well.

Epoxy or reaction resin grouts (ISO 13007 RG and ANSI A118.3)

Epoxy grouts will always outperform even a high-performance cement-based grout (ISO 13007 CG2WA/F and ANSI A118.7) due to the low porosity (0.4%), resistance to chemicals/stains and rigorous cleaning regimens.

DO use an industrial-grade epoxy grout when harsh conditions are specified – such as industrial, commercial and institutional wall and floor installations. MAPEI’s Kerapoxy® IEG CQ provides high chemical and heat resistance, while being able to withstand even the most rigorous cleaning regimens. This type of industrial epoxy grout is perfect in commercial kitchens exposed to oleic fatty acids, heat and enzymatic cleaners. What about the dining area that will not be exposed to the same harsh environment? Kerapoxy CQ is a great fit, providing excellent stain and chemical resistance from restaurant patrons’ daily spills and foot traffic.

DON’T expect all epoxies to perform the same. Each epoxy is formulated to handle specific chemicals, cleaners and service duty. For applications ranging from residential to heavy industrial, it is critical to match the right epoxy to the right application. Always consult the manufacturer’s technical data sheet to determine suitability for the specified installation and chemical exposure.

Premixed grouts or mastics (no standards exist)

DO use these grouts in drier conditions with very limited water (RES 1 or COM 1), such as backsplashes and tub surrounds. Shower floors may be acceptable by some manufacturers for residential applications.

DON’T use in wet areas unless otherwise directed by the premixed grout manufacturer. Mastic will break down in the joint and emulsify.

Ready-to-use or acrylic/urethane grouts (no standards exist)

Installers want the ease of premixed without sacrificing performance. The answer is the next generation in ready-to-use grouts. What makes these grouts so different is

the technology, which produces versatility and performance in both commercial and residential installations.

DO use MAPEI Flexcolor™ CQ grout for interior and exterior tile and stone installations. This grout can be used straight from the re-sealable bucket with no cracking in the installation. It can be used on walls (grout joints 1/16" to 1/4" [1,5 to 6 mm]) and floors (grout joints 1/16" to 1/2" [1,5 to 12 mm]). MAPEI employs the latest in coated-quartz (CQ) aggregate technology to ensure color consistency with no color bleed in rinse water and no re-transfer of color to the tile surface. These aspects greatly improve the application time and cleanup process, which typically requires only one rinse to remove any residue. This new CQ technology has given ready-to-use grouts many of the advantages of cement-based grouts (Shore A hardness of 60 or greater) without the possibility of efflorescence.

DON’T use ready-to-use grouts in submerged applications, such as pools and fountains, unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer. Although they are stain- and chemical-resistant without the need for further treatments such as sealing, these grouts – unlike epoxies – cannot endure harsh exposure to chemicals.

DON’T

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Cris is MAPEI Americas’ Senior Technical Resource and Project Coordinator. He writes and develops the company’s training programs and technical documents, and contributes to MAPEI’s social media. As a LEED Green Associate, Cris assists customers involved in sustainable projects. His 32 years of experience in field engineering and training include collaboration on numerous global installation projects. During the past 11 years with MAPEI, Cris has applied his experience to the construction and flooring industry, and has collaborated on various committees, including the 2011 TCNA Handbook committee and Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS); he currently sits on the NWFA Marketing & Public Relations Committee.

About the author: Cris Bierschank


SPECIAL FEATURE 2014 TRADE SHOWS

More than 22,500 industry professionals came to Las Vegas for the 25th anniversary of Coverings – an increase of 3% from 2013 and 22% from 2011, the last year that Coverings was located in Las Vegas. “Our attendance and exhibitor numbers truly indicate an improvement to the health and vitality of the tile and stone industry in North America,” said Karin Fendrich, Coverings show director.

“The 2014 Coverings Expo was a very positive venue for MAPEI,” said Steven Day, operational marketing manager for MAPEI Americas. “We made new relationships and renewed old relationships. In the MAPEI booth, we featured our core products – mortars, grouts, waterproofing and surface preparation – as well as our new ShowerPerfect™ shower/bath retrofit system and our UltraCare™ finishing and care products for stone, tile and grout.”

MAPEI featured an industry first at this year’s show: A secondary booth focused on live demonstrations of the company’s

latest product offerings – ECO Prim Grip™, Mapelastic™ AquaDefense, UltraCare, ShowerPerfect and MAPEI Flexcolor™ CQ. All of these products received positive responses in this setting. Sam Biondo, MAPEI’s national presenter, established a visitor-friendly approach in which he and the MAPEI demo team performed custom demonstrations tailored to groups who stopped by with questions about specific products and how they worked. “The MAPEI Live! booth was one of the biggest hits on the exhibitor floor,” Biondo said. “The attendees loved our flexible timing on showing them what they wanted to see when they wanted to see it.”

In addition, MAPEI participated each day in the National Tile Contractors Association / Tile Council of North America (NTCA/TCNA) installation stage demonstrations, supporting the two industry associations. During these demonstrations, the MAPEI demo team featured MAPEI Ultralite™ Mortar Pro, ShowerPerfect and MAPEI Flexcolor CQ.

Brian Pistulka, the business manager of Tile and Stone Installation Systems for MAPEI Americas, spoke about MAPEI Ultralite Mortar Pro, ShowerPerfect and MAPEI Flexcolor CQ to four groups of contractors who toured the booths at Coverings. He also spoke about these new MAPEI products to the Coverings press tour sponsored by the TCNA.

APRIL 29 - MAY 2

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Las Vegas Convention Center

Las Vegas, Nevada

2014 TRADE SHOWSAttendees excited about new MAPEI products


Dedicated to innovative products and resources related to commercial interior design, NeoCon is held each year at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. In 2014, more than 40,000 architecture and design professionals came to view the latest offerings.

NeoCon educational programming featured nearly 100 accredited seminars, association forums and keynote presentations that showcased leading industry and business experts.

MAPEI representatives highlighted MAPEI Flexcolor CQ and Ultraplan® Extreme at the exhibits.

Installation Design Showcase at Coverings

MAPEI was an important part of the Installation Design Showcase (IDS) again this year. Don Miller, MAPEI’s senior technical representative who specializes in working with architects, was present at the IDS booths throughout the program, explaining how MAPEI’s products were used in two of the four design creations from Las Vegas architects that were installed by NTCA Five-Star Contractors. The installers met many challenges while installing almost every kind of tile.

The Indoor Courtyard, an interior residential project designed by Jonathan Anderson and using large-format tile from Crossville, was constructed by Heritage Marble & Tile Inc. of Mill Valley, California. The Heritage crew used MAPEI’s Ultraflex™ LFT ™ mortar to install tiles on the floors, walls and a fireplace in this vignette. Keracolor™ S sanded grout was used to fill the joints for most of the tiles. However, according to the design plans to give an outdoor look to the indoor courtyard, the joints for the large white horizontal tiles were filled with fake moss.

Daniel Huard designed the Sustainable Accessible Bath to be “green” and to meet the needs of those with disabilities. Sponsored by Ceramics of Italy, this project used sustainable tiles from Sicis, Lea North America, ImolaCeramica, Ceramiche Caesar and Fioranese Ceramica. Artcraft Granite, Marble & Tile Co. installed the wide variety of tiles using Ultraflex LFT and Keracolor S. The project consisted of a vanity area, dressing area, toilet and walk-in shower. There was great interest in this installation, and there were as many as nine rows of Coverings attendees watching when the large-format, thin-tile panels were installed on portions of the walls. A vanity sink of wood-framed cast concrete, covered with glass and mosaic tiles from Sicis, was one of the beautiful features of the installation.

“Overall, MAPEI had a very successful exhibition at the Coverings Expo in 2014,” Steven Day concluded. “Our MAPEI Live! demo booth was one of our biggest successes at the show, and we will use it again next year.”

JUNE 9 - 11

2 0 1 4

The Merchandise Mart

Chicago, Illinois


SPECIAL FEATURE 2014 TRADE SHOWS

More than 20,000 members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) met in Chicago this June to hear keynote speaker Mayor Rahm Emanuel talk about why the Windy City is still at the forefront of American architecture. The following days were filled with seminars, tours of the exhibits and awards presentations for the best of the best.

AEC Cares’ projectChicago – the AIA’s one-day pre-convention event – centered on renovating a former public school annex building for Metropolitan Family Services’ Learning and Wellness Center, a local daycare and early learning center for children six weeks to five years of age. MAPEI was once again a part of this worthwhile “giving back” project that AIA members and AEC Cares supporters participate in the day before the opening of the convention through its volunteer efforts.

At the MAPEI booth, local representatives showed customers the benefits of the company’s new MAPEI Flexcolor CQ ready-to-use grout.

JUNE 26 - 28

2 0 1 4

McCormick Place

Chicago, Illinois

Attendance at the NWFA Expo has continued to grow, boasting a 30% increase over the previous year. According to Michael Martin, NWFA president and CEO, “This was our highest attendance in more than 5 years.” This year’s show, held in Nashville, Tennessee, presented a wider range of educational opportunities, with seminars increased to an hour and the addition of a three-hour “Wood Flooring University.” Exhibit hours were also expanded.

During the exhibit portion of the program, MAPEI showcased its Ultracoat™ wood-floor finishing system and wood-floor maintenance products – including water-based polyurethane finishes along with polishes and cleaners. Jeff Johnson, MAPEI’s business manager for Floor Covering Installation Systems, commented, “Ultracoat represents a growing market for our company, complementing our Ultrabond ECO® wood adhesives. We’re excited to be a part of the wood-finishing business. There are billions of square feet out there, and it’s a good market to be in.”

APRIL 16 - 19

2 0 1 4

Music City Center

Nashville, Tennesssee


SET IN STONE

INSIDE SCOOP STONE TILE

MAPEI’s products and resources are rock-solid for installing stone inside and out

by Diane Choate, Realtà MAPEI Americas Editor, and Mike Granatowski, National Architectural and Commercial Projects Manager

MAPEI is heavily involved in stone tile installations for floors and walls, on both the inside and the outside of buildings. The strongest, most flexible setting materials have come from MAPEI’s R&D laboratories for ensuring a durable installation for the relatively heavy tiles. In addition, MAPEI has developed grouts that minimize efflorescence, unsanded grouts that cater to delicate stone types, and even ready-to-use grouts with coated-quartz technology to prevent loss of color. For care and maintenance of stone, MAPEI supplies a full line of products.

MAPEI’s connection to the world of stone is a long one, but not nearly as long as the timeline for the use of stone in building and decoration.

A long history of stone and tile

Natural stone – including marble, granite, slate, limestone and sandstone – has been used for interior design and decoration for several millennia. Ancient Egyptians produced stone mosaic tiles to decorate the furniture and floors of the palaces and tombs of their pharaohs. Mesopotamian craftsmen cut stone to form the earliest mosaics.

The Greeks and Romans used marble tiles in their buildings too. Then, the art of making tiles spread to Persia and across North Africa. The rest of Europe began using tile as Belgium and the Netherlands acquired tile technology from Persia, and the Moors brought African tiles with them when they invaded Spain.

Native Americans in both South and North America used stone tiles to build and decorate. Spanish explorers brought mosaics to the Americas to decorate the churches they built. And, the English colonists imported their first tiles from England and the Netherlands.

From the earth to your home: The production of stone

Stone tiles are formed by an entirely different process from ceramic and porcelain tiles. Over the centuries, molten deposits of volcanic rock have cooled and formed into igneous stone such as granite. Metamorphic rocks, subjected to high heat and pressure as well as chemical changes, formed the stones slate and marble. Sedimentary rocks – little pieces of broken-up rock that have piled up and been “lithified” by compaction and cementation – have created limestone and sandstone. Today, giant blocks of stone are cut from the quarries in these rock deposits by using diamond-studded, high-speed wire saws.

Once the blocks are moved from the quarry to processing plants, they are cut into slabs. World Floor Covering Association web site information tells us, “High-speed gang saws fitted with several blades, typically about 12 to 15 feet [3,66 to 4,57 m] long, make simultaneous parallel cuts. It takes about two days to completely cut a 20-ton [18 144-kg] block of stone.” The WFCA goes on to say:

“In order to present consumers with the widest variety of stone flooring, slabs must be polished. The polishing machine uses spindles that rotate polishing pads at high speeds over the top of the stone. Most machines can produce an assortment of finishes, from a rough, rustic texture to a mirror-like surface. During polishing, the slab is also calibrated. Calibration is a process of machine honing the back of the piece to either a smooth or ribbed finish. Calibration ensures the same thickness for the whole slab."

Fabricators take the large slabs and customize them for specific installations. Edges are shaped and polished with a series of small, diamond-studded and water-cooled saws or router bits. If the slab is destined to become tiles, it is cut down into smaller squares in a range of sizes: 12" x 12", 16" x 16", 18" x 18" [30 x 30 cm, 41 x 41 cm, 46 x 46 cm], etc. Then, each tile is sent through a final polisher. Natural stone tiles are packaged, shipped and stored in a very special way: vertically. The packages are never stacked on top of each other. After it is quarried, as much as 50 percent of natural stone is waste. Modern industries invented techniques for making agglomerated stone from this waste. Manufacturers add epoxies or adhesives to stone chips to make blocks or slabs of reconstituted stone. Processors and fabricators cut the blocks or slabs to the desired tile shapes in the same way that they cut natural stone.

INSIDE SCOOP STONE TILE


Stone in construction and design today

Using U.S. Department of Commerce statistics, Stone World magazine reported that 1.48 million tons (1 342 633 415 kg) of stone was imported to the United States from January through June 2014, up from 975,000 tons (884 505 121 kg) imported during that same period in 2013. The demand for stone is certainly on the rise as an accompaniment to the rebounding economy.

The total life-cycle cost of installing natural stone tiles is comparable to the cost of installing ceramic tiles or hardwood flooring. And as a flooring choice, natural stone tiles have a decided advantage over sheet vinyl and vinyl composition tile (VCT) due to their durability. (See the sidebar “A comparison of life-cycle costs” on Page 15 for details.)

Several MAPEI mortars ensure exceptional performance

MAPEI has a wide variety of mortars that can be used for the installation of most types of marble, granite and natural stone. However, considering the investment that the owner makes when designing with natural stone, it is only prudent to install stone tiles with high-performance mortars such as MAPEI’s Kerabond/Keralastic™ two-part mortar system. With an ISO 13007 classification of C2ES2P2, this premium system has exceptional bond strength, flexural strength, elongation and freeze/thaw durability. Kerabond/Keralastic can be used for most interior/exterior residential and commercial installations on floors, walls and ceilings. Kerabond/Keralastic is also available as

a white mortar for installing light-colored stones and translucent marble.

Examples of Kerabond/Keralastic in use include the intricately patterned laser-cut granite installed in the lobby of the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Toronto, and the marble floors in the lobby and spa of the Sparkling Hills Resort in British Columbia. At the Roc-Henge Event Center at the Coors Baseball Stadium in Denver, water-jet cut granite and marble tiles in various shapes were installed with this system to form a mural measuring 120 ft. (36,6 m) long, depicting nine peaks more than 14,000 ft. (4 267 m) high from the Rocky Mountain range.

More than 75% of stones are cut at a depth of 3 cm or greater (95% at 2 cm or greater). When installing these relatively heavy stone tiles in a large-format size, it is best to use a large-and-heavy-tile mortar (formerly called a medium-bed mortar). MAPEI’s Ultraflex™ LFT ™ mortar and the Kerabond™ T / Keralastic™ mortar system both answer the challenge. The Kerabond T / Keralastic system has the same properties as the regular Kerabond/Keralastic system with the added benefit of being nonsag, which makes this an excellent mortar for installing stone tiles on walls.

Ultraflex LFT can be used as a medium-bed mortar up to 3/4" (19 mm) thick. It is polymer-enriched for high performance and deformability. In addition to its nonsag properties for wall installations, Ultraflex LFT has nonslump properties that work well for floor installations of heavy, large-format stone.

The premium mortar for rapid-setting installations

Occasionally, a designer specifies a stone that needs a rapid-drying setting material to prevent curling at the edges of the stone. That’s when installers bring Granirapid® into the project. Granirapid is the leader in the field of high-performance, flexible mortar systems. As the industry’s first and only fast-curing system geared for rapid-setting requirements, it develops high, early mechanical strength and cures considerably faster than even Kerabond/Keralastic because of its superior drying-out characteristics, which produce low residual moisture behind the tile after 24 hours. In addition, it does not contribute to efflorescence.

Specialty mortars for moisture-sensitive stones

Many varieties of marble, natural stone and their agglomerates (with or without a resin or cement matrix), are highly sensitive to

moisture, which can lead to excessive curling so that the stone separates completely from the mortar or the substrate. In most cases, the delamination occurs when these stones are installed with conventional Portland-cement thick-bed, dry-set or latex-modified dry-set mortars.

MAPEI recommends that special attention be given to certain types of marble such as Rosso Levanto, Verde Mare, Verde Issorie, Verde Alpi, Verde Floresta, Negro Marquina and any kind of Verde Green or Hualien Green marble, whether the stone is naturally quarried or an agglomerate made from these materials. MAPEI conducts moisture sensitivity tests on stone in its R&D facilities in Deerfield Beach, Florida; Montreal, Quebec; and Milan, Italy.

Although MAPEI has no control over the mineral composition of natural stone or over the ingredients used in agglomerates, its Kerapoxy® 100%-epoxy solids mortar and Planicrete® W 100%-polyurethane mortar have a long track record of successful installations for these aesthetically appealing products.

The role of grout in a successful installation

The selection of the proper grout to seal the joints when setting stone tiles is crucial. MAPEI’s Ultracolor ® Plus is an ultra premium, fast-setting, polymer-modified, color-consistent, nonshrinking, efflorescence-free grout. It can be used for joint widths as narrow as 1/16" (1,5 mm), a significant factor where rectified stone is being used or the stone tiles are set very close together. The DropEffect™ technology present in Ultracolor Plus reduces surface absorption to help repel water, dirt and grime from penetrating grout joints. Ultracolor Plus is specially formulated with MAPEI’s High-Hydrated Cement Technology (HCT™) to eliminate the common problems related to Portland-cement grout, such as color consistency and efflorescence.

New MAPEI Flexcolor™ CQ ready-to-use coated-quartz grout can also be used on all types of stone with grout joints from 1/16" to 1/2" (1,5 to 12 mm). (For more details on MAPEI Flexcolor CQ, see the Top Story in this issue, pages 2-6.)

For stone tiles that are soft and fairly sensitive to sand, MAPEI offers the Keracolor™ U line of unsanded grouts in 36 decorator colors.

How much energy does it take to produce stone tiles?

Stone type Megajoules of energy for producing 1 ton (907 kg) of quarried, processed stone*

Granite 5,908 MJ

Limestone 852 MJ

Sandstone 229 MJ

Slate 91 to 907 MJ

* For comparison, ceramic tile manufacturing requires 10,884 MJ of energy per ton (907 kg) of tile. To relate this to household energy consumption, it takes 3.6 MJ of energy to produce 1 kilowatt-hour of electricity.

Data source: Reports on Life Cycle Inventories prepared for the Natural Stone Council by the University of Tennessee Center for Clean Products.


A comparison of life-cycle costs

Because of its enduring useful life and minimal need for maintenance, natural stone is economically advantageous. A life-cycle cost (LCC) study commissioned by the Tile Council of North America calculated that high-quality stone, namely marble and Turkish travertine, carries installation costs of $21 per sq. ft. (0,09 m2) and $12.50 per sq. ft. (0,09 m2), respectively (as opposed to a cost of less than $10 per sq. ft. [0,09 m2] for many other flooring products). And yet, the annual expenses of stone flooring products are less than those for some competing materials. In fact, expenses for sheet vinyl and VCT are more than double those for travertine or marble. See the results of the TCNA investigation in the following table:

Results of TCNA’s life-cycle cost study of various flooring materials *

Flooring material (with expected life)

Life-cycle cost per sq. ft. (0,09 m2) per year

Ceramic tile (50 years) $0.33

Hardwood (50 years) $0.42

Travertine (50 years) $0.44

Marble (50 years) $0.61

Portland-cement terrazzo (30 years)

$0.81

Resin terrazzo (15 years) $1.10

Sheet vinyl (10 years) $1.39

VCT (10 years) $1.83

* Because this study utilized data from 1995, the results are likely outdated. As such, conclusions regarding the life-cycle cost of flooring materials evaluated in this investigation should be relative in nature; the figures should not be considered absolute or used quantitatively.

Data source: Natural Stone Council, Case Study: Durability of Stone Flooring in High Traffic Areas.

MAPEI works with stone organizations

MAPEI collaborates with the Marble Institute of America (MIA) to look at trends, such as the use of stone veneers and different applications for stone, in recommending setting materials and other products for proper installations. This work has led to MAPEI’s partnership with the MIA on the association’s “Stones of North America” app for Apple devices. (Version 3 was recently released and is growing in popularity.)

The MIA app features marble, granite and other stones from more than 70 quarries in North America, providing an easy way for architects, builders, designers, homeowners and others to view and select stone. In addition to supporting the development of this app, MAPEI supplied the information for the app’s Installation Guide tab.

MAPEI also has partnered with Marmomacc, the world’s largest stone fair and the leading promoter of the marble industry in the world market. The Marmomacc trade show is held annually at the fairgrounds in Verona, Italy. MAPEI exhibits at the fair and also works with Marmomacc to make the event an increasingly reputable cultural workshop for worldwide trends in stone construction and design.

MAPEI’s architectural representatives have given presentations at Marmomacc each year. On several occasions, they have hosted visiting architects at MAPEI’s world headquarters in Milan, Italy, for continuing education seminars and workshops. Both MAPEI and Marmomacc entertain architects from around the world to study stone – from the quarry and fabrication to installation and maintenance.

MAPEI’s extended work with Marmomacc has included participation at StonExpo, held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada, in conjunction with The International Surfaces Event. MAPEI has accompanied architects on trips to visit quarries in the United States and Europe to enhance the architects’ knowledge about the design possibilities of natural stone. Plus, MAPEI has conducted events for architects that included tours of projects whose design involved natural stone.

MAPEI recognizes the beauty, durability and versatility of stone as a design element and works to bring it to projects that will benefit from its installation. When it comes to education, promotion and installation of this natural element, MAPEI is set in stone.

Caring for stone installations

With its complete line of UltraCare™ products, MAPEI supports the owner in the care and maintenance of stone tiles after the installation. From sealers to cleaners and grout haze removers, MAPEI provides every tool for keeping stone durable and beautiful throughout the life of the installation. UltraCare finishes and sealers even help the stone to achieve a soft patina, making it look as if it has been in place for many years and polished through natural wear. (See Realtà MAPEI Americas’ Issue #18 for an in-depth look at the entire UltraCare line.)


PROJECT REFERENCE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND

The University of New England (UNE) has a new $14.5-million Oral Health Center on its Portland, Maine, campus. It is the clinical home of UNE’s College of Dental Medicine teaching clinic and oral health center facility, which opened in Fall 2013 to coincide with the admission of the inaugural class of dental students.

The center was designed by Port City Architecture and Kahler Slater, and built by AlliedCook Construction. At 36,000 square feet (3 345 m2), the new state-of-the-art facility houses the only dental college in northern New England. The dental school addresses the shortage of dentists in rural Maine, and the Oral Health Center offers patients access to affordable dental care while allowing students to gain clinical experience.

THIN TILE FOR A NEW BUILDING FACADEUniversity of New England Oral Health Center – Portland, Maine


To add some drama to the traditional brick face of the building on the historic campus, the architects chose large, thin-tile panels as the right design element. According to their plans, large-format porcelain tile resembling gray slate would frame the brick masonry on all sides and along the roof line, allowing the slate-and-masonry look to be viewed from any direction.

Thin-body porcelain tile is a lightweight product that is produced using lesser material and less energy. Typically, thin-body porcelain tiles range in thickness from 1/8" to 1/4" (3 to 6 mm), while standard-body porcelain tiles are greater than 9/32" (7 mm) thick. The combination of reduced material and energy makes thin-body porcelain tiles a perfect choice for many “sustainable” installation projects specifying exterior tile facades.

Installation of thin-body porcelain tile is different from standard-body porcelain tile, requiring special installation techniques to prevent breakage during and after installation. Special equipment may also be required when placing and adjusting these large tiles. (The manufacturer of the thin-body porcelain tile should be consulted before selection and installation to determine the tile’s suitability for the specified project.)

On the UNE project, AlliedCook Construction selected Paul G. White Interior Solutions of Portland to install the 39" x 118" (99 x 300 cm) Daltile SlimLite™ panels. Paul G. White has been in operation for 44 years in New England, and three generations of the White family work in the tile business. Paul G. White himself oversaw this project, with his son Jonathan White acting as project manager.

“At first, I thought my dad was being too much of a perfectionist,” Jonathan said, “but, as usual, he saw the critical factor in the installation immediately. We had to pre-plan extensively before we began the actual placement of the tile panels.”

Because this would be the installation team’s first experience with using the huge, ultra-thin SlimLite panels, White Interior Solutions arranged with tile supplier Daltile and installation systems manufacturer MAPEI to conduct a seminar for everyone who would be involved. “Education is the foundation on which our company’s strength is built,” Jonathan said. White has developed an entire floor of its headquarters for ongoing education and training for installers.

PROJECT REFERENCE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND


With knowledge of the best practices in hand, Paul instructed the crews to “measure carefully.” The architects provided a layout that matched the panels with window lines and soffits to gain the proper effect. While some panels could be placed in their entirety, others had to be cut to accommodate the layout. Some panels had to be cut only 3" to 4" (7,5 to 10 cm) wide by the full 118" (300-cm) length to do wraps at windows and bump-outs on the face of the building.

Because the warehouse was nearby, White crews pre-cut the panels before transporting them about 4 to 5 miles (6,44 to 8,05 km) to the jobsite. “The panels are very fragile when they are in thin strips,” Jonathan said. “We had built a backboard where the installers could lay the panel against the side of the scissors lift we were using to raise the panels into position.” The teams applied MAPEI’s Kerabond/Keralastic™ mortar to both the building surface and the tile panels. Crews used suction-cup handles to hang the tiles and used horseshoe spacers to bring them together.

One important step that the crew learned in training was to go over the panels with a vibrating sander to set the mortar in place. Once the mortar was set, the panels were grouted with Ultracolor ® Plus grout in black. The use of Ultracolor Plus significantly reduces the possibility of efflorescence on the finished facade.

University of New England Oral Health Center, Portland, MaineArchitects: Port City Architecture and Kahler SlaterPeriod of construction: 2012-2013Period of MAPEI intervention: 2013Where MAPEI products were used: MAPEI’s Kerabond/Keralastic mortar system and Ultracolor Plus grout were used to install an exterior facade of thin-body porcelain tile resembling dark gray slate on the University of New England’s new Oral Health Center.Client: University of New EnglandProject managers: Paul G. and Jonathan WhiteGeneral contractor: AlliedCook ConstructionTile installer: Paul G. White Interior SolutionsMAPEI distributor: Daltile – Portland, MaineMAPEI coordinator: Ronald Gosselin

TECHNICAL DATA

MAPEI ProductsSetting and grouting exterior ultra-thin, large-format tiles: Kerabond/Keralastic System and Ultracolor Plus


“We were able to complete roughly one side of the building per week,” Jonathan said. “We followed the masonry installers, so we followed their timetable.” White Interior Solution teams set about 1,500 sq. ft. (139 m2) of the SlimLite panels on the front of the building and the same amount on the back, plus 750 sq. ft. (69,7 m2) on each side. Some panels were also installed to cover buildouts on the roof. Paul’s admonition that they do the pre-cuts carefully made the installation easy, fast and successful.

“This was a new venture for our company, considering we have hung the traditional marble and granite slabs on buildings before,” Jonathan said. “It felt very different to be able to pick up these large slabs with just one or two people. We’re looking forward to doing more with these slim panels because of the relative ease of use. That really counts when you’re working in the middle of the summer, like we were on this job.”

White does anywhere from one to five exterior building facades annually, in addition to installing hundreds of thousands of square feet of interior flooring each year. The company sees the new slim tile panels as a means of doing the job more easily, and hopes that it may increase the number of exterior jobs.

“Using the MAPEI installation products ensures that we will have a successful job,” Jonathan said. “The best thing is, when we run into a problem, MAPEI technical people are always there to help us out. Together with Daltile and MAPEI, we make a pretty good team.”


MAPEI’s ShowerPerfect LM Installation Kit provides a pre-sloped linear drain system designed to be used with MAPEI’s Mapelastic AquaDefense waterproofing membrane for tile, stone or glass tile shower installations. The ShowerPerfect LM linear drain system is designed to be installed in standard showers from 26" x 32" to 36" x 61" (66 x 81 cm to 91 x 155 cm) interior dimensions. The drain and slope can be oriented anywhere within the shower receptor, and the drain can be extended for an interior dimension width of up to 32" (81 cm).

Features and Benefits• Factory-supplied, single-plane, pre-sloped

pan to drain; eliminates the need for the field-adjusted slope to drain

• Designed to accommodate large-format ceramic (standard or thin-body), glass or stone tile

• Multiple shower strainer designs, including field-matched tile-in strainer

• Patented drain assembly made of durable PVC

• Mapelastic AquaDefense waterproofing membrane is sandwiched between the PVC body and the stainless-steel frame.

• ShowerPerfect pre-sloped pans, drain support frame and curb contain 28% post-consumer recycled content and are made of 100%-recyclable, patent-pending structural foam.

UsesPerfect for tub-to-shower conversions in various projects: • Commercial (e.g., hotels, hospitality

facilities, institutions and dormitories)• Light commercial and residential (e.g.,

office buildings, condominium residences and single-family homes)

Tub-to-shower conversion installation kit designed for Mapelastic™ AquaDefense waterproofing liquid membrane

NEW! ShowerPerfect™ LM Installation Kit

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Components included in the ShowerPerfect LM Installation Kit

ShowerPerfect Pre-Sloped Panels

16" x 52" (41 x 132 cm)

ShowerPerfect Drain Support Frame

32" x 12" (81 x 30 cm)

ShowerPerfect Curb

ShowerPerfect Shower Curb Lag Screws

ShowerPerfect LM Inside Corners

ShowerPerfect LM U-Shaped Curb Cover

Reinforcing Fabric

Additional ShowerPerfect components to order/purchase separately

ShowerPerfect Drain Strainer

• Brushed stainless steel

• Polished stainless steel

• Oil-rubbed bronze

• Tile-in drain

ShowerPerfect Linear Drain Assembly Kit

Ultraflex RS pan mortar

Mapelastic AquaDefense,

required waterproofing for kit

Required items not sold by MAPEI

Product description

Drain assembly

8" x 2" (20 x 5 cm) wood screws for plywood substrate

Drain assembly

3/16" x 2-1/4" (4,5 mm x 5,7 cm) Tapcon flat Phillips head fastener for concrete substrate

No-hub coupling

Hub-to-hub coupling


ULTRACOAT ™ – GOOD FOR WOOD MAPEI’s new product family excels at wood-floor finishing, sealing and maintenance

SPECIAL FEATURE ULTRACOAT WOOD-FLOORING PRODUCTS

The market size for the wood-floor-finishes industry (oil- and water-based) appears to be close to $750 million in annual sales at the contractor/consumer level. The primary source of distribution is the wood-flooring retail market, which maintains a strong relationship with a unique segment of the installation trade that is equipped to perform this type of work. This strong relationship creates a significant revenue stream for the retailer in the finishing of new floors and refinishing of existing wood flooring.

The other channels for wood-floor finishes are the Home Center and standard floor-covering distribution outlets. The product assortment available in each of these channels appears to vary considerably. For example, the Home Center product offering is geared to the DIY customer who is capable of refinishing a wood floor without the need of major sand and refinish equipment. As such, the products offered are typically one-component, easy-to-use products.



Products sold through wood-flooring retailers and wholesale flooring distribution include a wider range of products designed primarily for the professional wood-flooring installer, who is equipped with the proper professional equipment and skill sets. That range of products typically includes two-component, high-performance, water-based systems as well as their oil-based polyurethane counterparts.

Research indicates that, on average, 750 million square feet (69 677 280 m2) of wood flooring (all types) is installed annually. About 20% of this wood is considered “site-finished” and must be coated as part of the installation process. Adding the amount

of wood flooring that is already in place, the total square footage of wood flooring available to be refinished is staggering.

Based on industry reports and forecasts, about 12 billion square feet (1 114 836 480 m2) of jobsite-finished wood flooring will be installed from 2005 through 2015. All of this wood will require maintenance, whether it is routine cleaning or complete refinishing. Typically, wood flooring needs to be refinished every 5 years due to traffic and use conditions, whether it is solid or engineered wood. Traditional solid-wood flooring, which is the most conducive to refinishing, can usually be refinished 2 to 3 times after installation depending on the thickness of the wood itself.

These facts create a wood-floor-finishes industry that can easily generate $750 million in annual sales. To support this market, MAPEI is adding another branch to its growing family tree of wood-flooring products. The Ultracoat line was designed in Europe, where it has a proven track record of performance. MAPEI Americas is now bringing the Ultracoat surface-preparation, finishing and wood-maintenance products to the United States to round out its Ultrabond ECO® product line for wood-flooring installation. Each Ultracoat product in the line supports a specific area of the wood-finishing and maintenance process.


MAPEI’s new Ultracoat line

Preparation helps to ensure installation success

The secret to a beautiful wood floor lies in the preparation and the proper selection of finishing materials. Although each wood floor is unique, most jobsite wood floors must be sanded using a professional floor-sanding machine and edger with a progression of sanding belts from coarse to fine.

Once the final rough sanding is complete, an application of Ultracoat Aqua Plus – a single-component binder – can be mixed with sawdust fines (at a 3:1 ratio by volume) to serve as an excellent aid for filling in any remaining gaps and seam openings. Ultracoat Aqua Plus has extremely high

wetting properties, is low in viscosity and forms a high-solids putty with excellent adhesion and workability.

After application, the mixture dries quickly and sands easily in preparation for the addition of a water-based wood-floor-finishing system.

Note that there are as many ways, equipment and techniques for preparing a wood floor to receive finishes as there are wood types. Therefore, refer to National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) guidelines for the installation and preparation of wood floors, as these are the industry standards for North America.

Basecoats seal the open hardwood flooring

Selecting the right basecoat to preserve a wood floor is an important decision that is driven by a number of factors:

• The type of wood species that is installed • The number of finish coats to be applied • The appearance that is desired• The type of traffic that is expected for

the floor

Ultracoat basecoats are compatible with most oil-based stains if they are used. In all cases, oil-based stains must be completely dry and all excess residues removed before application of the basecoat. Stains should be allowed to dry for at least 16 to 24 hours before application of an Ultracoat basecoat. Ultracoat Premium Base and Ultracoat Toning Base products are ideal for use over stains due to their outstanding adhesion and isolating properties. Installers should test the bond of Ultracoat basecoats in an inconspicuous area before committing to sealing the entire floor.

Ultracoat Universal Base is a one-component, rapid-drying, water-based sanding sealer for solid, engineered and exotic wood flooring; it is specifically designed to work with Ultracoat water-based finishes. Easy to apply, the product provides a clear tone to the floor.

Ultracoat Universal Base seals freshly sanded wood flooring and creates a base layer with isolating properties that prevent finish coats from penetrating into the open wood base. Use of this basecoat also improves the flow and build of finish coats.

Ultracoat Premium Base is a two-component, high-performance, water-based sanding sealer for all types of wood flooring – including exotic species – and is specifically designed to work with Ultracoat water-based finishes in high traffic. Ultracoat Premium Base seals freshly sanded wood flooring and creates a base layer that isolates the finish coat from penetrating into the open wood surface. Use of this basecoat also improves the flow and build of finish coats.

All of the Ultracoat basecoats are low in VOCs and are non-yellowing, making them the perfect base for finish coats.



Ultracoat Toning Base is a two-component, water-based sanding sealer for all types of wood flooring, including exotic species. It has been designed to enhance the natural color of wood without causing it to darken or redden. Ultracoat Toning Base provides a deep look similar to that obtained using solvent-based sealers and is specifically designed to work with Ultracoat water-based finishes. Ultracoat Toning Base seals freshly sanded wood flooring and creates a base layer that isolates the finish coat to prevent it from penetrating into the open wood surface. Use of this basecoat also improves the flow and build of finish coats.

Finishes produce the final wear layer

Finishes bring out the beauty of the wood floor. It is important which Ultracoat finish and application technique that an installer chooses. This step must take into account

the traffic conditions that are expected for the floor, as well as the desired visual appearance for the floor. Ultracoat wood-floor finishes provide both economic and performance-driven choices, and are offered in three different gloss levels (matte, satin and semi-gloss).

Ultracoat Easy Plus is a one-component, water-based wood-floor finish suitable for use in interior residential and light commercial applications. Ultracoat Easy Plus is a self-crosslinking, aliphatic polyurethane resin system with excellent abrasion resistance for wood floors. This finish is easy to apply and fast-drying; plus, it adds a warm color to the wood and is non-yellowing.

Ultracoat High Traffic is a two-component, water-based wood-floor finish suitable for use in interior residential and commercial applications where extreme traffic is expected. Ultracoat High Traffic

is an aliphatic polyurethane resin system with excellent abrasion resistance for wood floors. It is UV-resistant, adds a warm color to the wood and is non-yellowing. Ultracoat High Traffic provides high build with excellent flow properties.

These two finishes in the Ultracoat line have received the NWFA’s Accepted Product Seal and Accepted Eco Product Seal. The NWFA’s Accepted Product Seal program identifies wood-flooring products that meet or exceed established industry standards, while the Accepted Eco Product Seal identifies specific products that meet or exceed certain eco-friendly standards. To gain the NWFA approval, MAPEI had its product line tested to ensure conformance to established third-party testing specifically for finishes, stains and sealers. The product line is re-tested and re-documented annually to ensure that the standards are continually met.

Jeff is the Business Manager for MAPEI’s Floor Covering Installation Systems line. Jeff brings to the industry more than 25 years’ experience in the development and marketing of floor-covering installation products. Practical experience in the construction industry and as a bench chemist gives Jeff an insightful perspective on surface preparation, moisture mitigation and floor-covering installation.

About the author: Jeff Johnson


Maintenance is the key to continued beauty

Wood floors coated with Ultracoat wood-floor finishes should also be maintained using Ultracoat wood-floor-maintenance products. These products have been specifically designed to clean and protect the flooring installation and keep it looking great for years to come. Remember that water and wood do not mix; so, when using Ultracoat wood-floor-maintenance products, the floor should not be flooded with excess water. In addition, when using these materials in their diluted form, they should not be allowed to puddle or remain on the floor for extended periods of time.

Ultracoat Universal Cleaner is a concentrated detergent specifically formulated for cleaning wood floors coated with either water-based or oil-based finishes. It has a fresh lemon scent and is excellent for routine maintenance or deep cleaning.

Ultracoat Clean Polish is a concentrated product that may be diluted with clean water for regular maintenance or used at full strength for greater protection and better appearance. It has been specially developed for the maintenance of interior residential and commercial wooden floors treated with Ultracoat wood-floor finishes. It gives the surface of floors a bright, shiny appearance and also increases protection against wear by forming a water-repellent film. No subsequent buffing is required.

Ultracoat Clean WPM is also a concentrated product that may be diluted with clean water for regular maintenance or used at full strength for greater protection and better appearance. It, too, has been specially developed for the maintenance of interior residential and commercial wooden floors treated with Ultracoat wood-floor finishes. It gives the surface of floors a matte, low-gloss appearance that does not require subsequent buffing and also increases the protection against wear by forming a water-repellent film.

Ultracoat Polish Remover is a concentrated, easy-to-use solution specifically formulated for the removal of wax- or polymer-based polish build-up on wood floors. It safely removes films of Ultracoat Clean Polish and Ultracoat Clean WPM.

With the availability of Ultracoat’s extensive product line, MAPEI is ready to effectively serve the wood-finishing and wood-floor-maintenance market.


TECHNICALLY SPEAKING SOUND-CONTROL SOLUTIONS FOR RESILIENT FLOORING

Reducing sound transmissions through resilient flooring

When sound is a problem in the residential, multi-unit housing industry, it is generally due to noise being transmitted from the floor above one’s living quarters. Unwanted sounds can be unpleasant at their best and debilitating at their worst.

To help regulate this noise or sound, local building codes state specific structural requirements that attempt to control the amount of sound being transmitted from an upper unit to a lower one. These building codes use standards of measurement: ASTM E90 and ASTM E492, which measure STC and IIC respectively.

• STC measurements refer to surface sound transmission. For example, this would describe the level of sound from your upstairs neighbor’s TV or stereo system that is transmitted through to your living quarters.

• IIC measurements refer to sound that is transferred via impact. Examples of IIC include the sound made on an upstairs neighbor’s floor by high heels and dropped objects.

Sound-reduction requirements most often apply to tile and stone installations for multi-unit housing projects. But, the same sound-control codes also apply to resilient flooring. With the incredible advances being seen in luxury vinyl tile and plank, along with their relative ease of installation, a sound-control solution that is proven and documented for resilient flooring will be in great demand.

MAPEI’s solution to sound reduction for resilient flooring

MAPEI has combined the use of Mapesonic™ 2 sound-reduction membrane and Ultrabond ECO® 360 premium high-performance adhesive into a system for installing luxury vinyl tile and plank. Mapesonic 2 provides IIC and STC test values of 50/52 respectively when applied directly over a 6" (15 cm) concrete slab without a suspended ceiling. Mapesonic 2 also provides a Delta IIC of 20. When a suspended ceiling is installed, the values are even higher: 70/67 (IIC/STC). Complete testing data is available by contacting MAPEI’s Technical Services Department. Summary findings are shown on the next page:

SOUND-CONTROL SOLUTIONS FOR RESILIENT FLOORING

Jeff is the Business Manager for MAPEI’s Floor Covering Installation Systems line. Jeff brings to his position more than 25 years’ experience in floor-covering installation product development and marketing. Practical experience in the construction industry and as a bench chemist gives Jeff a unique and exciting perspective on surface preparation, moisture mitigation and floor-covering installation.

About the author: Jeff Johnson

Sound-Reduction Ratings – Luxury Vinyl Plank installed with Ultrabond ECO 360 on Mapesonic 2 over 6" (15 cm) Concrete Slab*

ASTM test method No suspended ceiling** Suspended ceiling***

E492-09/E989-09 (IIC) impact sound 50 (NGC Test No.: NGC7013214)70 (NGC Test No.: NGC7013213)

E2179-03 (Delta IIC) impact sound 20 (NGC Test No.: NGC7013215) N/A

E90-04/E413-10 (STC) airborne sound 52 (NGC Test No.: NGC5013141)67 (NGC Test No.: NGC5013140)

* 1 layer of 6" x 48" (15 x 122 cm) luxury vinyl plank at 0.12" (3 mm) thickness, applied using 1/16" x 1/32" x 1/32" (1,5 x 1 x 1 mm) square-notch trowel ** 1 layer of Mapesonic 2 installed over MAPEI SM Primer *** 6" (15 cm) thick reinforced concrete slab; weight 70 psf (366.1 kg/m 2)

Luxury Vinyl Tile or Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

SCALE: N. T. S.

6" (15 cm) Reinforced Concrete Slab

Adhesive for Luxury Vinyl Tile or Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring:MAPEI, Ultrabond ECO 360

Sound-Control-and-Crack-Isolation Membrane:MAPEI, Mapesonic 2

Primer for Sound-Control-and-Crack-Isolation Membrane:MAPEI SM Primer™

Mapesonic 2

Ultrabond ECO 360

Mapesonic 2 is a peel-and-stick membrane that can be easily applied to a primed surface. As soon as Mapesonic 2 has been placed, Ultrabond ECO 360 can be used to install luxury vinyl tile or the very popular luxury vinyl plank. This process saves time for the installer when compared to the use of a cork underlayment. Cork must be installed with a double-glue-down technique. The cork has to be applied with adhesive, which must then be allowed to dry before the resilient flooring can be installed on top of it.

Cork underlayments are generally 1/4" (6 mm) in thickness, while Mapesonic 2 has a thickness of only 76 mils. The reduced thickness of Mapesonic 2 minimizes the build of the entire floor-covering installation.

MAPEI’s R&D laboratories have tested the point load resistance of Mapesonic 2 and have found it to be significantly higher than cork underlayment. In addition to its excellent sound-reduction properties, Mapesonic 2 also provides a stronger base for the resilient installation.

Ultrabond ECO 360 is a proprietary, high-performance, wet-lay and pressure-sensitive adhesive designed specifically for installing homogeneous and heterogeneous solid vinyl flooring. With its strong, durable, moisture-resistant and alkali-resistant bond, it is ideal for resilient floor-covering applications in residential, commercial and even institutional settings.

Ultrabond ECO 360 has an excellent open time, develops strength quickly, resists shrinkage, performs well under rolling loads and resists indentation. Its low volatile organic content makes it ideal for use in occupied buildings. Its easy trowelability promotes rapid installation.

Working together, Mapesonic 2 and Ultrabond ECO 360 make resilient floor-covering installation easier for installers, specification- and code-compliant for contractors, with much quieter results for the homeowner. These two great products are part of MAPEI’s systems for success.



PROJECT REFERENCE MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE HOSPITAL

Markham Stouffville Hospital is an acute-care (215 beds) and general hospital serving the southeast York Region of Ontario. It is also referred to as a “base hospital,” as it is a resource center for paramedics regionwide.

Opened in 1990, Markham Stouffville was created to relieve stress on York Central Hospital in Richmond Hill and hospitals in the northern part of Toronto. It was one of a few Greater Toronto Area hospitals dealing with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patients during the SARS outbreak in 2003. In 2010, Markham Stouffville became an affiliated and community teaching hospital linked with the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine.

Built to provide care to a community of 110,000, Markham Stouffville Hospital

currently serves a population of 300,000. In order to handle the needs of a growing area, the hospital expanded the size of its original building; the expansion was first revealed to the public in March 2013. Markham Stouffville continues to undergo extensive renovations to the original building, with an expected completion in 2014.

Cutting-edge features at the LEED Silver certified hospital include the 100%-recyclable Mondo Harmoni rubber flooring technology. This flooring has the necessary acoustic value and noise-reduction qualities, has anti-fatigue properties that increase comfort for nurses and surgeons, is slip-resistant in wet or dry conditions, and is free of PVC, chlorine, plasticizers and heavy metals.

MAPEI PRODUCTS AID IN HOSPITAL EXPANSION

Markham Stouffville Hospital – Markham, Ontario


MAPEI products at work on the jobsite

The renovation and expansion of Markham Stouffville Hospital included the emergency room, operating rooms and 100 new patient beds. North Wood Carpet & Tile – a division of Bolton, Ontario-based Maple Terrazzo Marble & Tile, Inc. – installed 800,000 sq. ft. (74 322 m2) of the Mondo Harmoni rubber flooring using Ultrabond ECO® 560 adhesive. To prepare the substrate for the installation of the rubber flooring, the entire 800,000 sq. ft. (74 322 m2) of concrete substrate was covered with Planiprep™ FF as a skimcoat to create a strong, durable, high-compression-strength surface ready for the floor-covering application.

Planiprep FF was used over the 800,000-sq.-ft. (74 322-m2) concrete substrate on the Markham Stouffville project because it is a highly engineered, feathered-finish, cement-based skimcoating and patching compound that has been polymer-modified and fiber-reinforced.

Planiprep FF offers a compatible bonding surface for floor-covering adhesives. It is easy to mix to a smooth consistency and trowels smoothly to produce a defect-free finish. Planiprep FF can cover surfaces from featheredge to 1" (2,5 cm) in a single pass. The skimcoat is rapid-setting, producing a surface that is ready for floor-covering installation in about 30 to 90 minutes.

Planiprep FF can be used for skimcoating unfinished, rough-textured concrete and approvedwood underlayments, as well as for filling minor voids, holes and cracks in these surfaces.

Projects where Planiprep FF works best include residential and commercial interiors such as rental apartments, condominiums, homes, office buildings, hotel rooms and hallways, restaurants and cafeterias. It also works well for heavy commercial project interiors in addition to institutional interiors, including hospitals like Markham Stouffville.

Spotlight on Planiprep FF

PROJECT REFERENCE MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE HOSPITAL


Tile work in the new area included the main lobby, public restrooms and administration offices. About 20,000 sq. ft. (1 858 m2) of walls and 50,000 sq. ft. (4 645 m2) of floor space were tiled, using Ultraflex™ LFT™ mortar for the limestone tiles on the walls and Ultraflex 2 mortar for the large-format tiles on the floors. Tile on both walls and floors was grouted with Ultracolor® Plus.

Mapelastic™ AquaDefense membrane was used to waterproof bathrooms and showers in the new area (10,000 sq. ft. [929 m2]) before floor and wall tiles were set, and Mapecem® Premix screed mortar was used to patch the substrate where needed.

Moisture mitigation was required in some areas. This challenge was met with the application of 40,000 sq. ft. (3 716 m2) of Planiseal™ VS moisture-reduction barrier in places where high moisture readings were recorded and there was no time to wait for an extended period for the concrete substrates to cure completely. Planiseal VS brought the moisture content into acceptable levels as required for the floor finish and allowed the flooring installers to keep up with the time schedules.

Markham Stouffville Hospital, Markham, Ontario (Canada)Architects: Bregman + Hamann and Perkins + WillOriginal designer: Zeidler Partnership ArchitectsPeriod of original construction: 1991Period of new construction: 2012-2014Period of MAPEI intervention: 2013-2014Where MAPEI products were used: Preparing substrate and skimcoat in preparation for installation of 800,000 sq. ft. (74 322 m2) of rubber flooring. In second phase of work, installing 20,000 sq. ft. (1 858 m2) of wall tiles and 50,000 sq. ft. (4 645 m2) of floor tiles with MAPEI adhesives.Client: Markham Stouffville HospitalProject manager: Paul Pigott (PCL Construction)General contractor: PCL Construction of CanadaFloor-covering installer: North Wood Carpet & TileTile installer: Maple Terrazzo Marble & Tile, Inc.MAPEI distributor: DuroxMAPEI coordinators: Jeff McCoppen and Gaspare Clemenzi

TECHNICAL DATA

MAPEI ProductsSurface preparation: Mapecem Premix, Planiprep FFMoisture mitigation: Planiseal VSWaterproofing: Mapelastic AquaDefenseRubber flooring installation: Ultrabond ECO 560Tile installation: Ultraflex 2, Ultraflex LFT, Ultracolor Plus

Planiseal VS Fast is a fast-curing, alkali-resistant, two-component, 100%-solids epoxy coating that effectively stops moisture-related problems with floor coverings. In all cases, moisture vapor emission rates (MVERs) of up to 25 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. (11,3 kg per 92,9 m2) per 24 hours are reduced to below the limit of 3 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. (1,36 kg per 92,9 m2) required for many types of finished flooring, when the designated film thickness is applied.

Features and Benefits• Treats substrates with an MVER of up to

25 lbs. (11,3 kg) per ASTM F1869 and/or relative humidity (RH) of up to 100% per ASTM F2170

• Fast curing time allows installation of primers for self-leveling underlayments as early as 4 hours after placement

• Single-coat application for faster turnaround and lower installation costs

• Offers excellent resistance to alkalinity• Low-odor and VOC-compliant for use in

interior, occupied environments

Uses• Use on properly prepared sound and stable

concrete substrates (at least 7 days old for conventional and at least 5 days old for pre-cast concrete) with an MVER of up to 25 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. (11,3 kg per 92,9 m2) per 24 hours, and/or RH of up to 100%.

Fast-track, alkali-resistant, epoxy moisture-reduction barrier

Planiseal™ VS Fast

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT


Product Performance PropertiesLaboratory Tests ResultsChemistry 2-part 100%-solids epoxy

Percent solids 100%

VOCs 3 g per L

Density Part A, 9.17 lbs. per U.S. gal. (1,10 g per mL) Part B, 8.50 lbs. per U.S. gal. (1,02 g per mL)

Consistency Pourable liquid

Color Part A – transparent yellow Part B – transparent amber

Permeability< 0.1 perm at ≥ 10 mils in dry film thickness (DFT) per ASTM E96-05; meets or exceeds requirements expressed in ASTM F3010-13

Reduction of moisture vapor > 96% per ASTM E96-05 (10 mils in DFT)

Required Application Thickness and Associated Coverage

Treating areas with up to 25 lbs. (11,3 kg) MVER per ASTM F1869, and 100% relative humidity per ASTM F2170:

> 10 mils in DFT (~14 mils in wet film thickness [WFT]) = 100 to 150 sq. ft. per 1 U.S. gal. (2,45 to 3,67 m2 per L)*

* This is the typical number realized in field conditions. Coverage varies depending on the desired build as well as the profile and porosity of the substrate.

Packaging

Size

Kit: 3 U.S. gals. (11,3 L)

Part A, Pail: 2.1 U.S. gals. (7,95 L) Part B, Jug: 0.9 U.S. gal. (3,41 L)


PROJECT REFERENCE CHAMPLAIN BRIDGE

With nearly 160,000 daily crossings, the Champlain Bridge is the busiest bridge in Canada. It crosses the Saint Lawrence River and the Saint Lawrence Seaway, connecting the Montreal boroughs of Verdun and Le Sud-Ouest to Brossard on the South Shore.

The bridge has six lanes and measures 24,318 ft. (7 412 m) in length, including approaches. It is a steel truss cantilever bridge with approach viaducts constructed of pre-stressed concrete beams supporting a pre-stressed concrete deck paved with asphalt.

Originally opened in 1962, the bridge has deteriorated over time to the point where engineering studies determined that it should be demolished and replaced by 2024. Corrosion by de-icing salts caused most of the deterioration.

The work to make emergency repairs on the edge girders of the bridge took place during intensive “weekend blitzes” from September 2013 until the end of the year.

STRUCTURAL STRENGTHENING OF BRIDGE GIRDERSChamplain Bridge – Montreal, Quebec


Diagram of girder section with description of work to be performed

MAPEI’s carbon-fiber-reinforced-polymer (CFRP) products were used to structurally strengthen the girders. CFRP is a composite made up of epoxies (the matrix) combined with carbon fiber. CFRP is advantageous because it is lightweight, will not corrode, provides a cost-effective installation and has a small environmental footprint.

The work was done from September to November while temperatures were above 50°F (10°C) (although some tarping was needed for cooler temperatures). The traffic lanes immediately above the girders were closed during the repairs.

The concrete of the girders was sandblasted to a concrete surface profile (CSP) of #3 to #4. The concrete had a minimum tensile bond strength of more than 200 psi (1,38 MPa) and a minimum compressive strength of 2,500 psi (17,2 MPa). Access to the edge girders and the work site in general was somewhat of a challenge. Currents on the river can attain up to 6 knots, and the rocky-bottomed river is quite shallow.

Boats were used to transport workers and materials to barges where materials

and construction trailers were housed. Stairwells were built from the barges, leading the men to suspended scaffolding.

The installers (Construction Interlag, Inc.) undertook shear reinforcement of the edge girders with CFRP, applying both vertical bands and horizontal anchoring bands. Two layers of MapeWrap C Uni-Ax 600 uniaxial carbon fiber fabric measuring 18 U.S. oz. per sq. yd. (600 g per m2) were used to meet the project’s requirements.

IN THE SPOTLIGHTMapeWrap C Uni-Ax 600

MapeWrap C Uni-Ax 600 is a high-strength, uni-directional carbon fiber fabric that, when used with the MapeWrap family of two-component epoxy adhesives, forms an externally bonded fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) reinforcement system. MapeWrap C Uni-Ax 600 is part of an engineering solution that allows for an increase in the strength of structural elements without increasing the dead load supported by the structure.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS• Can be used for confinement, shear or

flexural strengthening• High tensile modulus and strength• Lightweight fabric for use in areas of

limited access• Non-corrosive• Low aesthetic impact (easily

concealed, with minimal change to profile)

• Excellent resistance to a wide range of environmental conditions

• Alkali-resistant• Flexible; will conform to the shape of

complex surfaces• Installs quickly with no special

machinery or equipment

PROJECT REFERENCE CHAMPLAIN BRIDGE


Champlain Bridge, Montreal, Quebec (Canada)Year of construction: 1962Year of renovation: 2013Where MAPEI products were used: Planitop ® 15 was used for form-and-pour repairs on the bridge, and Planitop 23 was used for hand-applied repairs. MapeWrap Primer 1, MapeWrap 1, MapeWrap 31 and MapeWrap C Uni-Ax 600 were used to strengthen the girders. When repairs were complete, Mapelastic Silver was used for waterproofing.Client: The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges IncorporatedEngineer: DelcanCFRP installer: Construction Interlag, Inc.MAPEI coordinator: Giovanni Natale

TECHNICAL DATA

MAPEI ProductsBridge repairs: Planitop 15 and Planitop 23Structural strengthening: MapeWrap Primer 1, MapeWrap 1, MapeWrap 31 and MapeWrap C Uni-Ax 600Waterproofing: Mapelastic Silver

MapeWrap™ 31 epoxy adhesive was installed by roller over MapeWrap 11 putty. As soon as MapeWrap 31 was installed, the uniaxial carbon fiber fabric was placed over it. This dry layup system was used because it is cleaner and simpler to work with. (In a wet layup system, the carbon fiber is pre-impregnated in a bath of epoxy, using a pre-impregnating machine for automatic saturation.)

Clean, dry sand was broadcast into the fabric embedded in wet MapeWrap 31 in order to provide a better grip for the cementitious protective coating. In the final step, a protective coating of Mapelastic™ cementitious membrane was applied in order to provide UV stability, carbonation and salt resistance. More repair work will be done to the bridge to maintain it until its replacement in 2024.

Contact your local Concrete Restoration Systems sales representative for more information or visit www.mapei.com.

Concrete solutions that protect and preserve

MAPEI’s Mapecrete™ family of environmentally friendly concrete densifiers incorporates silicate solutions designed to densify, harden and dustproof hard-troweled or polished, horizontal concrete surfaces.

Mapecrete Hard SI

Mapecrete Hard LI Mapecrete Hard FS

Mapecrete Hard SB

Lithium silicate solutionfor interior/exterior use. Especially effective on old, worn and dusting floors.

Sodium silicate solution for interior use. Resists penetration of oil, water and chemicals.

Magnesium fluorosilicate solution for interior use.

Densifies and dustproofs to greater depths.

Silicate-blend solution for interior use. Creates greater density, durability and

abrasion resistance.


> For registration information on U.S. seminars, please contact Sophia D’Amico-Campbell at (954) 246-8555.

> For registration information on Canadian seminars, please contact Raffaelina Aceto at (450) 662-1212.

The MAPEI Technical Institute (MTI) provides the highest-quality, basic product knowledge with demonstrations and hands-on training to architects, contractors, installers and distributors in 9 locations: Deerfield Beach (FL), San Bernardino (CA), Garland (TX), Dalton (GA), West Chicago (IL) and Swedesboro (NJ), all in the USA; and Laval (Quebec), Brampton (Ontario) and Delta (British Columbia), all in Canada.

MTI-TV – Technical Services Videos on the Web

The services and support of the MAPEI Technical Institute have expanded with the introduction of MTI-TV.

Through a series of online videos, Technical Services Director Dan Marvin and National Technical Presenter Sam Biondo discuss issues of interest to contractors and installers. During the discussion, demonstrations are shown of MAPEI products that can meet challenges such as preparing substrates for self-leveling, applying self-levelers, and installing tile and stone with the proper mortars and grouts that best meet the requirements of a specific project.

Installments of the MTI-TV videos can be seen on the MAPEI Americas Websites at www.mapei.com. The videos are available in English, French and Spanish.

MAPEI Americas has entered the concrete admixture market in the United States through the acquisition of General Resource Technology, Inc. (GRT). The company has two production sites – located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and St. Louis, Missouri. GRT is operating under its current structure, with GRT Vice President Travis Collins acting as general manager of the subsidiary and reporting directly to MAPEI Americas President and CEO Luigi Di Geso.

Family-owned since it was founded in 1993, GRT markets concrete admixtures and auxiliary products for the concrete industry in the central United States. The company’s products are routinely used to produce high-performance concrete mixes that are called upon to perform in all weather conditions. GRT continually incorporates the latest available product technology in its efforts to meet customer needs and is focused on continuing the development of next-generation chemical admixture products.

“We are very excited about bringing GRT into the MAPEI family,” Di Geso said. “MAPEI Group has been in the admixture business for a long time globally, and GRT will certainly help us move forward in that market in the Americas.”

By developing synergies with its own product lines, MAPEI expects to expand the GRT footprint east and west in the United States and eventually north into Canada and south into Mexico.

“With the addition to our portfolio of an admixture manufacturer based in the Americas, the growth rate of our Concrete Systems category will increase even more quickly,” Di Geso added. “As our global Underground Tunneling Technology division expands, GRT will provide an important source of highly specialized products for this market as well.”

Collins emphasized the close fit between the two companies. “The success of GRT is dependent on our employees and the high level of reliable service they provide to our customers. When we first began talks, we felt very comfortable with the MAPEI philosophy. We feel that MAPEI will help us reach new heights as we all work together to grow the admixtures business into the future.”

Di Geso concluded, “With the acquisition of GRT, we achieve another milestone in our commitment to the Americas that MAPEI will be an important player in the concrete admixture market.”

GRT joins MAPEI family

BUSINESS NEWS


Tony Ziola – MAPEI’s new Ultracoat™ systems representativeTony Ziola has joined the MAPEI Strategic Marketing Group as the Ultracoat systems representative. With 20 years’ experience in the wood-flooring industry, Tony has hands-on experience in residential and commercial hardwood flooring installation, sanding, refinishing and recoating. National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA)-certified, he has worked for over 11 years instructing and training contractors on how to use water-based wood finishes. He also possesses expertise in gymnasium finish troubleshooting, recoating and training of end users.

Relying on his background, Tony will be working with MAPEI representatives to help them understand the jobsite wood-finishing market, which differs significantly from the adhesives market for wood flooring. He will also help provide introductions to distributors and contractors in this market that will provide avenues for MAPEI to promote the Ultracoat line of finishing systems and maintenance products for wood floors.


BUSINESS NEWS

TC 189 Meeting at ClemsonOn July 9-11, MAPEI personnel traveled to Clemson, South Carolina, for a meeting of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee 189. The group of industry experts who comprise TC 189 works to develop standards for the whole world. Fifteen countries were represented at the meeting in Clemson, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, England, Italy, Australia, Turkey, Israel, China and Japan.

MAPEI has a rich heritage with ISO and contributes time, resources and testing from both its American and Italian groups. Dan Marvin, director of Technical Services for MAPEI Corporation, was joined by Aiping Lu from MAPEI’s R&D laboratories in the U.S., as well as Stefano Carra and Paolo Murelli from Mapei S.p.A. in Italy. During the meeting, Marvin was confirmed as the convener (group chairman) for ISO Working Group 3 (WG 3), the group that works on standards for tile-setting materials.

The members of WG 3 spent several long days talking about test methods, thin tile, sustainability, antimicrobial technology and, of course, installation products. The group primarily discussed standards for liquid-applied and membrane waterproofing. The liquid-applied standard that the WG 3 members have developed is currently up for vote by the entire TC 189 group, while more work is being done on the membrane standard.


A WORLD OF projects

The world of MAPEI is a world of projects. These projects can be found everywhere and include commercial areas, infrastructure, production facilities, public buildings and areas, residential buildings, transportation hubs, sports facilities and hospitals.

MAPEI products and systems have been used on high-profile projects like the Vatican and the Statue of Liberty, which are recognized by everyone around the world. Products developed by MAPEI’s R&D laboratories have provided solutions to tasks as small as waterproofing a residential balcony, and construction challenges as large as strengthening the concrete used to build the Three Gorges Dam in China.

On the following pages, MAPEI presents a sampling of projects from around the world that have benefited from using MAPEI products. To find out more about other MAPEI projects, visit the company website at www.mapei.com/us and click on “References” under the “mapei world” tab.


A WORLD OF PROJECTS

O’Hare International Airport Terminal 5Chicago, Illinois, United StatesPROJECT OVERVIEW• Originally built in 1993, the International Terminal 5 (T5)

at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport has recently undergone a $26-million transformation that includes a re-engineered layout, new sophisticated dining and luxury retail shopping venues, and innovative design changes.

• The original installation of flooring in Terminal 5, in which MAPEI products were used, was completed over 25 years ago. The system was still performing well, but a facelift was needed to update the floors and contribute to the updated look.

MAPEI SOLUTIONMAPEI supplied surface-preparation products as well as tile-setting and grouting systems to help transform the common areas plus several restaurants, shops and fast-food venues. ECO Prim Grip played a special role in reducing time and labor for installing new tile over old.

MAPEI PRODUCTSECO Prim Grip, Kerabond T / Keralastic, Mapecem Quickpatch, Mapelastic AquaDefense, Mapelastic CI, Mapesil, Novoplan 2, Opticolor, Planiprep SC, Ultracolor Plus, Ultraflex LFT

These products were developed by MAPEI’s R&D labs and have been certified by internationally recognized institutions.

Year of construction: 1993Year of renovation: 2012Original designer: GlobetrottersArchitect: EpsteinClient: Chicago Department of Aviation, and Westfield Group (developer)Contractor: McHugh/Ornelas JV, Epstein and ThirstInstallation companies: Kingston Tile & Carpet; Trostrud Mosaic & Tile Co.; Johnson Floor Company, Inc.MAPEI distributor: Mid-America TileMAPEI coordinator: Tyler Barton (United States)

For more information, visit www.mapei.us.


El Alear CondominiumsMonterrey, MexicoPROJECT OVERVIEW• San Pedro Garza Garcia is one of the wealthiest

neighborhoods in the metro area of Monterrey, the third largest city in Mexico. El Alear, a new condominium complex located in this area, is composed of four connected buildings that house a total of 46 exclusive luxury condominiums, with a separate lobby for each of the buildings.

• Tiling the 400,000 square feet (37 161 m2) of the facade limestone was a challenge. The primary installation process used mortar and grout, which was supplemented with mechanical anchoring of each stone as an increased safety precaution for the nearly 40-lb. (18,1-kg) tiles. The installation of the large-format tiles required a superior adhesive with excellent bond strength.

MAPEI SOLUTIONThe engineering department at the local university performed bond-strength tests on different mortars; because of its superior results, Ultraflex LFT mortar was selected for the installation. Ultracolor Plus grout was used because it significantly reduces common problems related to typical grouts such as mottling, color inconsistency and efflorescence. Other MAPEI products were also used in the interior of the condominium complex.

MAPEI PRODUCTSMapeguard 2, Mapelastic AquaDefense, Ultracolor Plus, Ultraflex 2, Ultraflex LFT

These products were developed by MAPEI’s R&D labs.

Year of construction: 2014Structural designer: Dr. Esteban AstudilloArchitect: Arq. Agustin Landa Ruiloba Client: El AlearContractor: Postensados y Diseños de Estructuras, S.A. de C.V. Installation company: El Alear (installers work for owner)MAPEI distributor: Comercial de Materiales Aux de Construcción MAPEI coordinator: Juan Isaac Gutierrez (Mexico)

For more information, visit www.mapei.mx.


A WORLD OF PROJECTS

Aquapark TatralandiaLiptovský Mikuláš, Slovak RepublicPROJECT OVERVIEW• Aquapark Tatralandia is an aquatic theme park located in

an area of outstanding natural beauty and cultural interest. It attracts a large number of visitors from the Slovak Republic, the Czech Republic and Poland.

• In the Tropical Paradise area, new freshwater and seawater swimming pools have been built. Various renovations were required, such as waterproofing, concrete repair and the installation of ceramic tiles.

MAPEI SOLUTIONThe pools in the Tropical Paradise area were waterproofed with Mapelastic and Mapelastic Smart. To install the tiles, MAPEI supplied adhesives, grouts and sealants such as Keraflex Maxi S1, Adesilex P10, Keralastic T, Mapetex Sel, Mapetex Vlies, Kerapoxy, Keraquick and Mapesil AC.

MAPEI PRODUCTSAdesilex PG1, Adesilex P10, Isolastic, Latex Plus, Keraflex Maxi S1, Keralastic T, Kerapoxy, Kerapoxy Design, Keraquick, Mapeband, Mapeband Butyl*, Mapecoat I 24, Mapeflex PU45, Mapefoam, Mapegrout SV, Mapegum WPS, Mapelastic, Mapelastic Smart, Mapetex Sel, Mapetex Vlies**, Mapetex System, Mapesil AC, Topcem, Topcem Pronto, Triblock P, Ultracolor Plus

These products are certified according to the most stringent standards. They are eco-friendly solutions.* This product is distributed on the Slovak market by Mapei SK, s.r.o. ** This product is manufactured by Mapei GmbH (Germany).

Year of intervention: 2012Designers: ATELIÉR GAM, s.r.o. – Ing. arch. Marián Goc, Ing. arch. Anna Gocová Client: Tatry Mountain Resorts, a.s.Contractor: Riastav s.r.o.Installation company: Riastav s.r.o.MAPEI distributor: Ing. L'udevít Kurpas K.R.T.MAPEI coordinator: Igor Kaštan, Mapei SK s.r.o. (Slovakia)

For more information, visit www.mapei.sk.


The Avenue at San MarcosSan Marcos, Texas, USAPROJECT OVERVIEW• The Avenue at San Marcos comprises a student housing

community of brand-new, upscale, off-campus apartments located close to Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. The community features studio, one-, two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom apartments, and a clubhouse filled with amenities suited to a collegiate lifestyle.

• The floor covering specified for the apartments was Swiff-Train Company’s EarthWerks vinyl plank. A smooth, solidly bonded installation was needed to stand up to the rigors of daily wear and tear.

MAPEI SOLUTIONThe installer used Planiprep SC as a skimcoating and patching compound on all of the floors. Primer T was used on the upper floors to give added bond to Ultrabond ECO 360, the adhesive used to install the 500,000 square feet (46 451 m2) of vinyl plank.

MAPEI PRODUCTSPrimer T, Planiprep SC, Ultrabond ECO 360

These eco-sustainable products were developed by MAPEI’s R&D labs.

Year of construction: 2013Client: Park7 GroupDesigner: Park7 GroupContractor: Park7 GroupInstallation company: Sherwin-WilliamsMAPEI distributor: Swiff-Train CompanyMAPEI coordinator: Jesus Toscano (USA)



A WORLD OF PROJECTS

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton West 5th CampusHamilton, Ontario, CanadaPROJECT OVERVIEW• St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton’s West 5th Campus is

a hospital in Hamilton, Ontario that provides an integrated approach to education, research and clinical care for those suffering from severe mental illness or addiction. The facility houses 305 inpatient beds, mental health and medical outpatient clinics, clinical support, administrative and facility support functions, and education and research space.

• The project involved the construction of a new 850,000-square-foot (78 968-m2) hospital, targeting LEED Silver Certification. Throughout many of the floors, there were challenges with the leveling of the substrate before the installation of floor coverings.

MAPEI SOLUTIONThe contactor used a dry-pack mix of sand and cement mixed with Planicrete AC to pre-level the substrate where needed. Then, Planipatch / Planipatch Plus was used to skim the floors before the floor coverings were installed.

Ultrabond ECO 360 provided the best bond for the 675,000 square feet (62 710 m2) of finished sheet goods. Ultraflex RS mortar and Keracolor S grout were used to install 20,000 square feet (1 858 m2) of tile.

MAPEI PRODUCTSPlanicrete AC, Planipatch / Planipatch Plus, Ultrabond ECO 360, Ultraflex RS, Keracolor S

Year of intervention: 2014Designer: CannonDesignClient: Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care/St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton Contractor: PCL Construction CanadaInstallation company: The Belluz Group Ltd.MAPEI distributor: Durox Flooring Accessories PS Inc.MAPEI coordinator: Ryan Parks

For more information, visit www.mapei.ca.


The Castle Cultural CentrePoznaǹ, PolandPROJECT OVERVIEW• The Poznaǹ Castle was constructed in Neo-Roman style

in 1910. It has been a cultural center since the 1960s.• The castle’s former official interiors were completely

renovated in 2012. Mapei Polska’s Technical Services Department was contacted to supply an eco-sustainable solution to treat the 12,917 square feet (1 200 m2) of the Jatoba wood-flooring surface.

MAPEI SOLUTIONThe wooden floor was initially treated with Ultracoat Binder mixed with Jatoba wood flour (similar to sawdust). The surface was then prepared with Ultracoat Premium Base two-component undercoat. A long-haired Ultracoat Roller Plus was used to prevent defects from forming in the finish. After three hours, a first coat of Ultracoat High Traffic finish was applied using an Ultracoat Roller Finish. The surfaces were sanded with an Ultracoat SR abrasive mesh disk to make them perfectly flat. The final treatment was carried out by applying a second coat of Ultracoat High Traffic.

MAPEI PRODUCTSUltracoat Binder, Ultracoat Premium Base, Ultracoat High Traffic, Ultracoat SR, Ultracoat Roller Plus, Ultracoat Roller Finish

These eco-sustainable products were developed by MAPEI’s R&D labs. They have been certified according to the most stringent official standards.

Period of construction: 1905-1910Year of renovation: 2012Client: Centrum Kultury ZAMEK w PoznaniuDesigners: Dariusz Kozera and Michal BortnowskiContractor: Skanska S.A.Installation company: Kompania Drzewna Dariusz KozeraMAPEI distributor: Wege MB S.C.MAPEI coordinator: Danizel Szarubka, Mapei Polska Sp.z o.o. (Poland)

For more information, visit www.mapei.pl.


A WORLD OF PROJECTS

JEA Northside Generating StationJacksonville, Florida, USAPROJECT OVERVIEW• JEA, northeast Florida’s not-for-profit, community-owned

utility company, serves an estimated 427,000 electric customers. The Northside Generating Station, one of five plants owned by JEA, is located on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville. This plant produces enough electricity to power more than 250,000 homes.

• Water is delivered by an elevated intake flume from the back channel of the St. Johns River to cool the station's condensers, after which the water is returned to the back channel. Due to time and wear, the beams in the flume road bridge had torqued and repairs were needed. More than 1,500 cubic feet (42,5 m3) of structural repairs were needed for the 63 bridge beams (2' x 2' x 15' [0,61 x 0,61 x 4,57 m] long) and 64 pile caps (3' x 3' x 2' [0,91 x 0,91 x 0,61 m] thick).

MAPEI SOLUTIONMAPEI, working with the contractor and engineer, was asked to come up with a repair solution that used FRP composite materials to strengthen the bridge beams and pile caps. The project was challenging due to the location, difficult access to the repair area, an aggressive environment, and the degree of deterioration in the concrete structure. After Planibond 3C, Planibond EBA, Planitop XS, Planitop 15 and Planitop X were used to make the concrete repairs, Carboplate E 170 and MapeWrap C Uni-Ax 300 were installed on the full length of the beams. MapeWrap C Uni-Ax 600 was used on all pile caps.

The entire repair area was coated with Mapelastic for additional concrete protection.

MAPEI PRODUCTSCarboplate E 170, Planibond 3C, Planibond AE, Planibond CR 50, Planibond EBA, Planitop 15, Planitop X, Planitop XS, Mapelastic, MapeWrap 12, MapeWrap 31, MapeWrap C Uni-Ax 300, MapeWrap C Uni-Ax 600, MapeWrap Primer 1


Year of construction: 1966Year of renovation: 2014Design engineer: B2 Engineering, LLCClient: JEAContractor: Premier Corrosion Protection Services Inc.Concrete renovation company: Premier Corrosion Protection Services Inc.MAPEI distributor: Premier Corrosion Protection Services Inc.MAPEI coordinator: Carlos Hernandez (USA)



The Pepper TreeNew Westminster, British Columbia, CanadaPROJECT OVERVIEW• The Pepper Tree condominium was built in 1975 and has

aged gracefully in New Westminster, a historic Canadian city located 12 miles southeast of Vancouver. The parkade (parking garage), however, ran into some problems over the years.

• By 2013, the parking garage had water leaking from the top deck down through to the two floors below. The contractor brought in the MAPEI representative to evaluate the structure and provide options for repair/restoration using MAPEI products.

MAPEI SOLUTIONMAPEI supplied a variety of concrete restoration materials to renovate the parking garage. Planitop X and Planitop XS were used overhead to fill narrow channels. Planigrout 712 with Mapecure SRA was used overhead in large “form-and-pour” areas. Planitop 18 and Planitop 18 ES were used for horizontal slab repairs.

MapeWrap carbon-fiber-reinforced-polymer (CFRP) products were also used to strengthen the structure.

MAPEI PRODUCTSMapelastic Silver, Mapefer 1K, Planitop X, Planitop XS, Planitop 18, Planitop 18 ES, Planigrout 712, Mapecure SRA, MapeWrap 11, MapeWrap 21, MapeWrap C Uni-Ax 300, MapeWrap Primer 1, MapeWrap C Uni-Ax 600, Carboplate E 170, MapeWrap C Fiocco*

* This product was supplied by Mapei SpA (Italy).


Year of construction: 1975Year of renovation: 2013Designers: ATELIÉR GAM, s.r.o. – Ing. arch. Marián Goč, Ing. arch. Anna Gočová Client: The Pepper Tree Strata Plan NW340Contractor: Roaron ConstructionConcrete renovation company: Roaron ConstructionMAPEI distributor: Roaron ConstructionMAPEI coordinator: Dave Randall (Canada)

For more information, visit www.mapei.ca.


A WORLD OF PROJECTS

Sori ViaductGenova, ItalyPROJECT OVERVIEW• Built between 1964 and 1965, the Sori Viaduct is on the

Genova-Sestri Levante stretch of the A12 motorway. For the work to repair the deteriorated surfaces, the client specified the application of fiber-reinforced mortar.

MAPEI SOLUTIONMapegrout Easy Flow, a one-component, fiber-reinforced thixotropic mortar, was used to repair the concrete structures. MapeWrap C Uni-Ax high-strength carbon-fiber fabric with high modulus of elasticity was chosen to repair the concrete elements damaged over the years by physical/mechanical action.

MAPEI PRODUCTSElastocolor Rasante, Malech, Mapefer 1K, Mapegrout Easy Flow, Mapegrout LM2K, Mapegrout SV Fiber, Mapesil AC, MapeWrap C Uni-Ax


Period of construction: 1964-1965Period of renovation: 2012-2013Designer: Spea Ingegneria Europea SpA Client: Autostrade per l’Italia (Italian Motorways Authority)Project director: G. MelandriContractors: Tollot Srl and Antonini SrlMAPEI coordinator: Bruno Zamorani, Mapei SpA (Italy)

For more information, visit www.mapei.it.

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