Thin Set Adhesive Mortars
There are a variety of thin sets available for tile and stone installation. Our main source for products is Laticrete International. They are responsible for the introduction to the construction industry of thin set adhesive mortars for bonding ceramic tile and stone in 1956. The use of latex came into force. Working with the chemical division of The U.S. Rubber Co. (Uniroyal) more than 300 synthetic rubber polymers were prepared, tested and evaluated. They developed a unique compound that had all the properties of natural rubber elasticity, water resistance, durability and resistance to frost and heat damage. The new latex was called Laticrete.
When industry set standards for the installation of ceramic tile and stone they were far below the capabilities of Laticrete systems materials. The Laticrete standards are the highest in the construction industry today, actually 200 to 400% above the national standards of most countries which explains why we choose to use their products.
Grouts And Siliconized Acrylic Caulks
Our sole provider for our grout and caulk products is the TEC Specialty Products Inc. founded in 1957. They offer 32 sanded or unsanded Accucolor grouts. The grouts are specially formulated to ensure uniform color and strong smooth joints. The color selections include Bright White, Standard White, Ivory, Pearl, Kahlua Cream, Birch, Antique White, Parchment, Almond, Sandstone Beige, Light Smoke, Light Buff, Light Chocolate, Summer Wheat, Coffee, Mocha, Warm Taupe, DeLorean Gray, Sage, Standard Gray, Dove Gray, Silverado, Light Pewter, Charcoal Gray, Raven, Cornsilk, Sand, Clay, Starry Night, Fern, Vinca and Mist
The caulks are textured and color matched to the grouts. They contain a special silicone additive and form a tough, flexible, weather and water resistant seal.
Sealants
Our natural stone and grout installations are properly sealed with the best products on the market. Our product of choice for many applications is 511 Poris Plus offered by the Miracle Sealant Company. This penetrating sealant protects most porous surfaces. 511 Poris Plus forms an invisible barrier that is resistant to moisture and stains while allowing vapor to escape. It is not a surface coating and will not alter the natural look.
Floor Heating System
The NUHEAT radiant floor heating system is designed for installation under tile and stone floors. It consists of a custom fabricated mat underlayment installed over a cement bed prior to the bond coat for ceramic tile or stone. Prior to radiant heat, hydronic (hot water) was the normal means of heating a floor. This method is still available but requires framing, a thick concrete mass and is quite expensive. The NUHEAT floor heating system is 1/8” thick and functions like an electric blanket. They were the first to introduce the electric mat warming system in 1991. Using only 12 watts per square foot at full power, NUHEAT produces a maximum temperature of 80 to 90 degrees F.
The energy efficient control system keeps the monthly costs to operate at a minimum, often the same costs as the lights in the same room. Our choice of control with this radiant floor heating system is the Programmable floor-sensing thermostat. This control allows the homeowner to set the floor temperature to their own comfort level and program the days and times that they want the system turned on or off. Energy savings and comfort are fully optimized with this control.
Every wire in the floor heating mat is enclosed in (2) layers of insulation, the standard plastic insulation that all wires are required to have and an additional stainless steel braid. The braid works as a protector. There is Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter installed which will terminate the electrical power to the radiant heat system immediately in the event of damage or a severe flood. The system is quite safe and allows you to actually feel the tile or stone under your bare feet
Instant Hot Water Systems
We also offer a solution to eliminate cold water waste at the faucet. Often times bathrooms are located far from the hot water tank and the wait for hot water to reach the valve can be annoying and actually wasteful. In most cases, we can install an instant hot water system that is quite efficient and affordable. There is no return water line required. A quiet operating pump is installed at the hot water tank and a valve is installed at the lav faucet in the bathroom. The pump will turn on when the water temperature falls below approx. 100 degrees F. The timer control on the pump is designed to turn the circulator on and off at pre set times, allowing the user to select operation of the circulator during high use periods of the day.
