Products of Choice
Laticrete International
Laticrete international is responsible for the development and introduction to the industry of thin set mortars for bonding ceramic tile and stone.
The company was founded in 1956 by Mr. Henry M. Rothberg who is a chemical engineer. He was interested in bringing the improvements of chemistry to the normal Portland cement based installation systems for tile and stone. The pioneering work in this area done by Mr. Rothberg is the basis for all modern adhesives used today for the installation of tile and stone by the Adhesive Mortar Method. It was during the late 1940’s that the use of Portland cement based adhesive mortar technology sparked the interest of a young chemical engineer in the United States. He was managing a family tile and terrazzo company when the problems inherent to installing these materials with the traditional “full mortar bed” became more and more evident to him.
The search brought him to the chemical division U.S. Rubber Co. (Uniroyal) in Connecticut. Rothberg became a consultant to develop the use of latex in the construction industry, primarily in the area of ceramic tile installations. After more than 300 synthetic rubber polymers had been prepared, tested and evaluated, he developed a unique compound that had all the properties of natural rubber – elasticity, water resistance and durability plus resistant to frost and heat damage. The ability to mix with Portland cement and remain plastic for adequate working time and the ability to be stored in full or partial containers for extended periods of time without deterioration or spoilage. The new latex was introduced to the market as Laticrete.
Laticrete revolutionized installation techniques. The new material piloted the opening of the ceramic tile market towards new horizons. When industry standards for the installation of ceramic tile and stone were established in many countries, they were far below the capabilities of the Laticrete System Materials. The Laticrete standards remain the highest in the construction industry today, actually 200 to 400% above the national standards of most countries.
The types of thin sets and additives used vary for each individual application. We are very confident with the products offered by Laticrete and prefer to work with products from company’s that have the same standards and integrity we have.
Ultra baths Inc., the trailblazing leader in airjet baths since 1977, has developed and perfected therapeutic bathing making it the ideal combination of art and science. Through more than 23 years of continued research into hydro-thermo massage and the complimentary therapies that optimize the beneficial effects of the Ultra Thermo-masseur, Ultra Baths has become our choice for bathroom renovations that require a jetted bath tub.
Initially used in clinical applications by Canadian orthotherapist Roger Carrier, who created the Thermo-masseur concept following many years of research in the 1970’s, the Ultra Bath was designed to provide an enveloping and adjustable massage. The bath combines the curative powers of hydrotherapy, thermotherapy, massage therapy and phytotherapy the added benefits of various natural therapeutic products such as sea salts, muds and essential oils. This new and unique hydro-massage concept was patented and became the first of it’s kind in North America, revolutionizing the art of massage. Still in regular use in the medical industry, it has also now become an essential part of the daily routine of many North Americans as the ultimate home self-help tool.
Constantly striving to offer the best therapeutic bathing experience, Ultra uses only the highest quality materials combined with expert workmanship and state of the art technology. In addition Ultra provides a 20 year warranty on it’s products.
There is no water circulation as the system uses only air to move the water in the tub. The multitude of air jets ranging from 34 – 70 depending on the model, strategically located all around the tub wall provide an even, all encompassing turbulence that brings forth all the therapeutic advantages of both air and water.
For your convenience, Advance Plumbing in Walled Lake (Our major supplier of plumbing fixtures) has several working models on display.
GRUNDFOS Comfort Series Instant Hot Water System
GRUNDFOS is the world’s largest manufacturer of circulating, submersible and centrifugal pumps, covering approximately 50 percent of the world market.
The product we choose to use in many of our bathroom renovations is this instant hot water circulator pump. This product is very reliable and has a 24 hour timer so the pump only operates when you need it.
Why wait for hot water?
You’re standing in the shower, you turn on the tap, and out comes cold water. Often it takes several minutes before the hot water finally starts flowing. The waiting time is not only a nuisance, but results in a terrible waste of water.
A study has shown that in Germany alone around 70 – 80 million cubic meters of drinking water is wasted in this manner at an annual cost of over $2 million U.S. dollars.
This hot water circulating system saves water, reduces costs and makes your showering experience considerably more comforting. The ecological and economic features of the pump combined with a user-friendly energy saving thermostat ensures 10% reduction of water amount and 30% energy reduction.
The GRUNDFOS Comfort circulator attached to your hot water tank and keeps the hot water constantly circulating to ensure that it is instantly available in your bathroom. Also, there is no risk of bacteria contamination caused by the water stagnating and cooling the pipes.
In 2000, the GRUNDFOS Comfort Series Instant Hot Water System won the German and Danish IF Industry awards for design excellence.
The GRUNDFOS comfort won together with 14 other products in the category of building technology, for which 84 applied.
A total of 1,650 products from more than 900 manufacturers competed in 30 countries.
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