MAPEI Realtà] · In that year, our staff also wrote about the Torre Arcobaleno (Rainbow Tower). In 1990 MAPEI products were used to turn the Italian Railway Company’s old water

AMERICAS

[ ]RealtàMAPEI

ISSUE 23

Global projects • Residential solutions • Thixo technology mortars • Big 4 biohazards

MAPEI is trusted in all categories of construction worldwide

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Our awards and project references ‘show and tell’

There are two exciting things that we “show and tell” about in this issue of Realtà

MAPEI Americas.

First, we have received several industry awards in appreciation for the hard work

done by our entire MAPEI team. In the last issue we reported on the six awards we

received for “Most Preferred Brand” as a result of the biennial survey conducted

on behalf of the National Tile Contractors Association. Through their survey

responses, tile contractors indicated that MAPEI products have the features and

benefits that they are seeking to make their work easier and more productive.

At Coverings ’16, as you will see in our special feature on trade shows (pages

12-15 of this issue), the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association presented MAPEI

with the Supplier of the Year Award. We received this honor in recognition of our

innovation, production, logistics, technical service and customer support. (Our

back cover of this issue of Realtà MAPEI Americas shows just how proud we are!)

Another important aspect of our business is our project references. On our global Website

(www.mapei.com), you will find 5,870 references describing just about every product that

MAPEI makes. The earliest project reference we recorded occurred in 1990 and involved the

Milan subway.

In that year, our staff also wrote about the Torre Arcobaleno (Rainbow Tower). In 1990 MAPEI

products were used to turn the Italian Railway Company’s old water tower, located in the Porta

Garibaldi railway station, into a rainbow of multi-colored ceramic tiles. Now, 25 years later, our

staff is writing about MAPEI’s involvement in giving the venerable landmark a facelift with new

MAPEI products.

We have thousands of stories to show about fascinating projects around the globe, and in this

issue’s Top Story, we’ll tell you how and why we collect these references.

Join us as we share some of the stories from our collection, and maybe you will want to tell us

one of yours.

Sincerely,

Luigi Di GesoPresident and CEO,MAPEI Americas

EDITORDiane Choate

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORSCris Bierschank, Jason Covington, Jeff Johnson, David Mowery, Brian Pistulka

PRODUCTION EDITORSBrian Hedberg, Corey Siggins

GRAPHIC DESIGNERStephen Gil

PRODUCTION MANAGER Jeremy Mitchell

OPERATIONAL MARKETING MANAGER Steven Day

PRESIDENT AND 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 AND CEOGiorgio Squinzi

DIRECTORAdriana Spazzoli

COORDINATIONMetella Iaconello

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

www.mapei.com

Copyright ©2016 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

SINGLE-SOURCE SYSTEMS28 Installation-system solutions for residential builders/remodelers

INSIDE SCOOP32 The “Big 4” biohazards

41 MAPEI TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

42 BUSINESS NEWS

TOP STORY2 A world of projects

SPECIAL FEATURES12 MAPEI supports all aspects of Coverings 2016 trade show37 Coming to America – Mapethene™ and Mapeproof ™

TECHNICAL FEATURES16 Mixing art and science into MAPEI’s grout colors 35 Ultracoat ® ReNewIt ™ system: refinishing without sanding

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS19 Ultracolor ® Plus FA40 Mapeproof ™ HW

SUSTAINABILITY20 Greater environmental transparency

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING22 Thixotropy – flowing and static

PROJECT REFERENCE25 Latham & Watkins LLP law office

RM Americas 23 / 2016 1

ON THE COVERMAPEI is trusted in all categories of construction worldwide

2

Keyword: MAPEI Americas

TOP STORY | MAPEI REFERENCE PROJECTS

2 RM Americas 23 / 2016

MAPEI has been on jobsites in many famous places: the Vatican, the Kremlin, Three Gorges Dam in China, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia, Cowboys Stadium in Texas, NATO Headquarters in Brussels, the Louvre in Paris. MAPEI products have been used in construction and restoration at these sites and on projects not as famous but just as important to their owners. These reference projects and many others make up the World of MAPEI.

Since 2001, MAPEI has been recording reference projects on MAPEI’s Website (www.mapei.com). In 1990 MAPEI staff wrote about the Torre Arcobaleno (Rainbow Tower). In that year MAPEI

products were used to turn the Italian Railway Company’s old water tower, located in Milan’s Porta Garibaldi railway station, into a rainbow of multi-colored ceramic tiles. Now, 25 years later, staff members are writing about MAPEI’s involvement in giving the venerable landmark a facelift with new MAPEI products.

MAPEI promotes its reference projects through advertising, trade show graphics, articles in industry publications and the company’s own corporate magazine, Realtà MAPEI. Because MAPEI products and systems can be used at different phases throughout a project, it is easiest to view the reference projects in terms of the different construction categories into which they fit.

A WORLD OF PROJECTSMAPEI systems can be seen around the globe

From single-family houses and new apartment blocks to buildings that have been thermally insulated, renovated or made able to meet the latest anti-seismic standards and legislation, there are a wide range of problems and requirements for those working in residential construction. These builders have a keen interest in eco-sustainable products, the durability of buildings and the possibility of reducing energy consumption. MAPEI products fit many needs in this category.

Residential buildings

Large shopping complexes, showrooms, auto dealerships, warehouses and banks are representative of this type of construction. Commercial projects require products able to create aesthetically pleasing surroundings that can withstand the rigors of time and that can bear the wear and tear of pedestrian traffic while providing a high level of comfort. MAPEI products have long served this sector.

Commercial facilities

Eight construction categories for reference projects


Around the world, MAPEI products have been used to construct bridges, viaducts, metropolitan rail networks and dams. MAPEI’s Technical Services representatives have been present on building sites to provide support for contractors and to recommend high-technology products such as soil-conditioning agents, superplasticizing admixtures for concrete, waterproofing products, sealants and systems for structural strengthening.

Infrastructure

The type of work carried out in this particular sector varies enormously and ranges from cement-producing plants to areas where strict standards regulate the storage of food and beverages. Maybe more so than in any other area, safety for the workers, a high level of hygiene, and resistance to loads and chemicals are fundamental. MAPEI has a wide range of products available to meet the diverse array of needs.

Production (manufacturing) facilities

From archaeological sites to artwork, MAPEI products have been used in some very unlikely places. Even here, the users appreciate the MAPEI guarantee of long-lasting performance, plus concern for safety and eco-sustainability.

Curiosities

The public sector covers a vast array of buildings that all must withstand particularly high volumes of visitors. MAPEI products meet the needs of these projects with products for masonry repair work, finishes for facades, installation of flooring, thermal insulation and soundproofing. At the same time, the products are produced with the safety of both workers and end users in mind.

Public buildings and urban design

MAPEI has a particularly strong bond with the world of sports and with the facilities and centers where sports are played. These projects include not just the large stadiums and complexes built for international sporting events – such as the Olympic Games or the FIFA World Cup – but also community playing fields and swimming pools used on a regular basis. MAPEI systems are manufactured with regard for reliability, safety and durability over the years.

Sports facilities

Hotels, which sometimes have their own wellness centers, as well as spas, waterparks, resorts and restaurants, often need to have eclectic, multi-functional spaces characterized by innovative interior design. Based on ergonomic principles and flexibility, design characteristics such as creativity, cutting-edge technology and high-quality materials are the norm. MAPEI products are frequently used on these projects.

Hospitality (tourism and wellness)

The common thread linking all the projects are the characteristics offered by MAPEI products across the board – durability, concern for safety, eco-sustainability, specialization and close ties to the Research & Development sector. Most importantly, though, is the products’ link to the company’s Technical Services Department. MAPEI Technical Services representatives are always available to offer advice and to work on site alongside clients, designers and contractors.

Take a trip into the world of MAPEI

On the following pages, we present a selection from each of the eight project categories where MAPEI products were used in this past year. The reference projects are representative of jobsites that made excellent use of MAPEI products and systems. They first appeared in Realtà MAPEI International, Issue #56.

The accompanying brief articles contain descriptions of how MAPEI products were used and applied in the construction of infrastructures, residential buildings, sports stadiums and more. (Products may vary by the country in which the project is located, and some products may not be available globally.) To view a much larger selection of projects, please see the Realtà MAPEI International edition, Issue #56, available on MAPEI’s Website at www.mapei.com. (Select your country, click on MAPEI world, Realtà MAPEI magazine and select Realtà MAPEI International, Issue #56.)

To find out about other MAPEI reference projects, utilize MAPEI’s searchable References online tool.

Enjoy your read!



TECHNICAL DATAPeriod of Construction: 1970s to 1990sPeriod of the MAPEI Intervention: June 2013 to July 2015Client: Housing & Development Board (HDB)Main Contractor: Utraco Pte LtdDesign: Housing & Development Board (HDB)Structural Strengthening Contractor: Utraco Pte LtdMAPEI Coordinator: Rodney Heng, Mapei Far East (Singapore)

MAPEI ProductsAdesilex PG2 SP*, MapeWrap 31 SP*, MapeWrap G UNI-AX SP** These products are manufactured and distributed on the Singaporean market by Mapei Far East

Residential Estates Singapore (Singapore)

Once every few years, the Housing & Development Board or HDB (a statutory board of the Singaporean Ministry of National Development responsible for public housing) provides for upgrading works in different locations of Singapore. HDB is Singapore’s largest developer of residential housing. Lately, housing estates Jurong East, Jurong West, Yishun, Marsiling, Ang Mo Kio, Bishan and Toa Payoh were selected for upgrading. The flats in these estates are aged, and the columns at the void decks of HDB blocks had to be reinforced to avoid deterioration. MAPEI was appointed as the approved supplier for HDB. The MapeWrap system was used to reinforce columns at the void decks of HDB blocks. MapeWrap 31 SP solvent-free epoxy resin-based adhesive (which is manufactured and distributed on the Singaporean market by MAPEI Far East) was applied on the column surfaces after removal of existing paints and plasters. The same adhesive was used for the impregnation of MapeWrap G UNI-AX SP uni-directional glass fiber fabrics (distributed on the Singaporean market by Mapei Far East). MapeWrap G UNI-AX SP was placed onto the freshly primed columns. To eliminate air bubbles, a trowel was used to press along the surface of columns, which were then left to dry. These operations were repeated two more times to complete a total of 3 layers of wrapping around the columns. Sand was broadcasted onto the surfaces while the last layer of MapeWrap G UNI-AX SP was still fresh to promote adhesion of the final plaster. Adesilex PG2 SP was used to repair concrete substrates with big voids before the reinforcement work was started.

Residential buildings


Central Children’s StoreMoscow (Russian Federation)The building hosting “Children’s World” store (“Detsky Mir” in Russian) was built in the Lubyanskaya Square of Moscow between 1953 and 1957 and became the symbol of the postwar revival of the country. It remained the main children’s store of the country until the collapse of the USSR. In the summer of 2008, it was closed for renovation and reopened in March 2015 after 6 years of work. Its new name is “Central Children’s Store on Lubyanka.” The exterior of the building was completely preserved. The historical location and size of the atrium were also preserved, while the building's height was raised up to seven floors. The shopping space of the building increased by a half. Interactive learning zones and a museum of Soviet toys were also added to the complex.

MAPEI contributed to the renovation work by supplying products to install stone and ceramic coverings. The Kerabond T+Isolastic adhesive system and Ultralite S2 highly-deformable, lightweight, rapid-setting and hydrating cementitious adhesive were used for bonding thin (3,000 x 1,000 cm) porcelain tiles on the walls. Granirapid two-component, deformable, quick-setting

and quick-drying cementitious adhesive was used for installing 1,000 x 1,000 cm granite slabs on the walls. Joints were grouted with Ultracolor Plus anti-efflorescence, quick-setting and quick-drying polymer-modified grout with water-repellent DropEffect™ and mould-resistant BioBlock® technology and Kerapoxy Design two-component, anti-acid, decorative, translucent epoxy grout.

TECHNICAL DATAPeriod of Construction: 1953 to 1957Design: Alexey DushkinPeriod of the MAPEI Intervention: 2010 to 2015Client: SistemaMain Contractor: “Renaissance Construction”MAPEI Distributor: KamlitMAPEI Coordinator: Alexey Savonin, ZAO Mapei (Russian Federation)

MAPEI ProductsKerabond T+Isolastic, Ultralite S2, Granirapid, Ultracolor Plus, Kerapoxy Design

Commercial facilities



Hospitality (tourism and wellness)

Ritz-Carlton Montreal HotelMontreal (Canada)

Starting in January 2013, the Ritz-Carlton Montreal hotel began an incredible transformation. The facade, lobby and some interiors have been restored to their original splendor. One half of the original building remains as a hotel, while the other half has been renovated and turned into 46 private residences. The renovations included overall updates to the rooms and common areas, as well as an expansion to create luxury residences. Repairs of the concrete

slabs at the hotel and the residences were carried out with Novoplan 1 underlayment pumped over a layer of Primer L. In an older section of the hotel, the structural engineers required the use of a “light” concrete. MAPEI supplied Ultraplan M20 Plus mixed with Mapelite. Before installation of stone coverings in the hotel and the residences, substrates were waterproofed with Mapelastic AquaDefense. Marble slabs were bonded with Ultraflex LFT on the walls and with Ultraflex 2 on the floors. Joints were grouted with Keracolor U. In the residences, marble slabs and mosaic tiles were installed in the kitchens, bathrooms and entrance areas with MAPEI Ultralite Mortar, after the substrates were repaired with Mapecem 100 and the surfaces were waterproofed with Mapelastic 315. Joints were grouted with Keracolor U. The Kerabond/Keralastic system was used to install marble in the lobbies before joints were grouted with Keracolor S and Keracolor U. The same products were used to install porcelain and mosaic tiles on the rooftop pool area. All the mentioned products are manufactured and distributed on the Canadian market by MAPEI Inc., while Mapelastic AquaDefense and Kerabond are also available on the international market.

TECHNICAL DATAYear of Construction: 1912 Original Design: Warren & WetmoreYear of the MAPEI Intervention: 2013Clients: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. (Hotel) and Golden Square Mile Holding Inc. (Residences)Main Contractor: PommerleauProject Manager: CRS – Sylvain Chantal (BTM)Design: Provencher Roy & Associates and SBSA Structural ConsultantsMosaic and Stone Installation Companies: CRS – BTM Construction, TSIS – Carrelage de Montreal (Residences), TSIS – Olympic Tile (Hotel)MAPEI Distributors: CRS – Reno-Direct Inc., TSIS – Prosol Quebec (Residences), TSIS – Ciot Quebec (Hotel)MAPEI Coordinators: Michel Lafortune and Pat Desanctis, MAPEI Inc.

MAPEI Products Primer L, Novoplan 1*, Ultraplan M20 Plus*, Mapelite*, Mapelastic AquaDefense, Ultraflex 2*, Ultraflex LFT, Keracolor S*, Keracolor U*, Mapecem 100*, Mapelastic 315*, MAPEI Ultralite Mortar*, Kerabond, Keralastic** These products are manufactured and distributed on the Canadian market by MAPEI Inc. (Canada)


Public buildings and urban design

TECHNICAL DATADesign: Nvironment Architecture LLCPeriod of Construction: 2014 to 2015Period of the MAPEI Intervention: 2014 to 2015Client: University of MiamiProject Manager: Brian Estes – Certified Floorcovering Services, Inc.General Contractors: JDL Warm Construction, LLC; Terstep Construction, Inc.Ceramic Tiles Installing Company: Certified Floorcovering Services, Inc.Substrate-Preparation Contractor: Professional Surface InstallationsMAPEI Distributor: Carpet Cushions & Supplies, Inc.MAPEI Coordinator: Tyler Barton, MAPEI Corporation (USA)

MAPEI PRODUCTSMapelastic AquaDefense, Mapelastic CI*, Novoplan 2 Plus*, Planiseal VS*, Primer T*, Planipatch, Planipatch Plus*, Ultrabond ECO 360*, Ultrabond Eco 570*, Ultrabond ECO 575, Ultrabond ECO 711*, Ultrabond ECO 810*, Ultrabond ECO 885*, Ultrabond ECO 985*, Ultrabond ECO 995*, Ultraflex 2*, Ultraflex LFT*, Adesilex P10, Type 1*, Kerapoxy CQ, Keracaulk*, Keracaulk U*, Keracolor S*, Keracolor U*, Ultracolor Plus*These products are manufactured and distributed on the U.S. market by MAPEI Corporation

University of Miami Dining FacilitiesMiami (Florida, USA)When students returned to the University of Miami campus in the autumn of 2014, they found a bounty of healthy new dining choices. The Hurricane Food Court in the Whitten University Center and the Hecht-Stanford Dining Hall had been totally renovated during the summer. The substrates were treated with Planiseal VS, Primer T, Novoplan 2 Plus, Planipatch and Planipatch Plus and waterproofed with Mapelastic CI and Mapelastic AquaDefense. In the Hecht-Stanford Dining Hall, rubber flooring was installed using Ultrabond ECO 570. For the main floor area of the athletic training table, carpet tile was installed with Ultrabond ECO 885. Vinyl tiles in the “pantry” breakfast nook were bonded with Ultrabond ECO 360. The bamboo in the center of the general dining

area was installed with Ultrabond ECO 985. Quarry tiles were bonded with gray Ultraflex 2, and joints were grouted with Kerapoxy CQ. All floor tiles in the dining hall were bonded with white Ultraflex LFT. The joints of the wall tiles, as well as those of the mosaics on the restroom walls, were grouted with Keracolor U. All LVT coverings were installed with Ultrabond ECO 711. In the food court, joints were grouted with Ultracolor Plus. The glass tiles used to form a backdrop for the “water bar” in the food court were bonded with Adesilex P10 adhesive, and the joints were grouted with Ultracolor Plus. All the mentioned products – except for Mapelastic AquaDefense, Planipatch, Kerapoxy CQ, Ultrabond ECO 575 and Ultracolor Plus (which are also available on the international market) – are manufactured and distributed on the U.S. market by MAPEI Corporation.



New Panama CanalPanamaThe expansion work on the Panama Canal is the most ambitious engineering project to be carried out in the past decade and includes the construction of two new sets of locks (one on the Atlantic side and one on the Pacific side) to increase the flow of commercial traffic along the canal. Through its subsidiary, MAPEI Construction Chemicals Panama SA, MAPEI supplied various products for this project. Work was completed in June 2016. Work on the third set of locks to increase flow along the Canal is also in the final stage: An environmentally and socially sustainable plan has been drawn up, called the Water Saving Basins project, to limit its impact on the surrounding area,

the people and the environment. This will lead to a 60% reduction in the amount of water required. Whereas normally each passage requires around 500 million liters of water, the new system will need only 200 million liters. MAPEI's involvement included the supply of Sibelon PVC-P* synthetic membranes to waterproof the basins used to partially recover and recycle the water from Gatun Lake.

Developed specifically for hydraulic works, Sibelon PVC-P* synthetic membranes, used together with a polypropylene non-woven fabric, were applied over a total surface area of more than 800,000 m2. Featuring high resistance to UV rays and aggressive atmospheric agents, the membranes guarantee long-lasting durability for an impressive project of engineering that has been achieved thanks also to the commitment of MAPEI products and engineers.

TECHNICAL DATAPeriod of Construction: 1910 to 1916Period of the MAPEI Intervention: 2010 to 2016Design: Mike Newberry (CICP, Panama), Bernardo González (Grupo Unido Panama Canal, Panama)Client: ACP (Autoridad del Canal de Panamá)Main Contractors: GUPC (Grupo Unido Panama Canal), including Sacyr Vallehermoso (Spain), Impregilo (Italy), Jan de Nul (Belgium) and Constuctora Urbana (Panama)Subcontractors: Cimolai (Italy) and Hyundai (South Korea) Works Direction: Engineer Bernardo Gonzales (GUPC)MAPEI Distributor: Mapei Construction Chemicals Panama S.A. MAPEI Coordinators: Maurizio Leotta, Roberto Saccone, Renato Soffi and Walter Nussbaumer, Mapei Spa (Italy); Thomas Lundgren, MAPEI Corporation (USA)

MAPEI ProductsPlanitop 15, Mapecure SRA, Dynamon XP2, Dynamon XP2 Evolution 1, Planigrout 300, Mapegrout 05/06, Idrostop PVC BI/BE, Idrostop Multi, Mapegel UTT, Idrosilex Pronto, Mapeproof Swell, Idrostop 10, Idrostop Mastic, Sibelon PVC-P, Sibelon C 3250*, Sibelon C 3900*, Sibelon CNT 3750*, Sibelon CNT 4400**Sibelon trademark is owned by CarpiTech Sibelon. The above-mentioned products were manufactured at Polyglass (MAPEI Group) plants.

Infrastructure


TECHNICAL DATAPeriod of the MAPEI Intervention: Summer 2015Client: Juventus F.C.Design and Works Direction: Studio Manzone e Gruppo Prisma Tre SrlContractor: Italgreen SpAInstallation Companies: Tipiesse; Peletta Luigi Srl, Gli specialisti del VerdeMAPEI Coordinators: Elisa Portigliatti, Angelo Nobili, and Marco Cattuzzo, Mapei SpA (Italy)

MAPEI ProductsMapesoil VD, Mapesoil 100, Ultrabond Turf PU 2K, Dynamon SR4, Mapetard, Ghiaietto 6-10 mm by VAGA, Risetta 1,5-3 mm by VAGA (MAPEI Group)

Juventus StadiumTurin (Italy)Summer 2015 in Italy was not just hot in terms of the exceptionally high thermometer readings. A careful look at the Italian football scene shows that 14 out of the 16 stadiums preparing to host the 2015/2016 Italian football league championship had “Work in Progress” signs at their entrances.

MAPEI technology for playing fields was used for five of the most important projects underway, including: Mapei Stadium (Reggio Emilia), Meazza Stadium (Milan), Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Genoa), Atleti Azzurri d’Italia (Bergamo) and of course, the prestigious Juventus Stadium (Turin). The pitch inside Juventus Stadium also underwent repair operations during the summer break; and, more specifically, the run-off area of the playing field, already made of synthetic grass, was completely re-newed.

As well as replacing this synthetic grass surface, the opportunity was also taken to upgrade the sub-base using Mapesoil VD technology to achieve an efficient, high-performance draining system. Mapesoil technology for creating sub-bases under playing surfaces for sports was also used to upgrade Vinovo’s training ground. Using Mapesoil 100 to build the horizontal draining system for the playing field meant that the old bitumen conglomerate under the old and worn-out playing surface could be completely reused, so that the club did not have to cover the costs of disposing of it.

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Sports facilities



Linth-Limmern Power StationCanton of Glarus (Switzerland)Water has been widely used in Switzerland for more than 100 years to generate electricity and currently satisfies around 56% of the country’s total energy needs. Construction work on the Linth-Limmern hydro-electric power station, which is located to the south of the city of Glarus-South in central Switzerland, started in 1957. It has been expanded over the years, and today comprises five water basins and three generating units for a current total output of 479.8 MW. Recently 2.1 billion Swiss Francs (around 1,9 billion Euros) were invested in the power station to increase its output to 1,480 MW (1,480,000 kW). To transport materials and workers to the building site, the two largest cable-car systems in Europe had to be built, each one with a load capacity of 40 metric tons.

The project is made up of various phases including the construction of the two cable-cars, a new concrete dam for the Muttsee basin (which will make it the largest concrete wall in Europe), an underground machinery and plant area, steel pipework for the unused water and a new pump and turbine system. Because all these sections required the production of massive amounts of concrete, Mapei Suisse offered its help by supplying technical assistance and innovative products to design the most suitable mix. Going into detail, the air-entraining agent Mapeair AE 2 was added to the mix to make it more resistant to freeze-thaw cycles. To increase its workability and reduce the water/cement ratio, on the other hand, Mapefluid N 100 superplasticizer was also used.

TECHNICAL DATAPeriod of Construction 2010 – ongoing Period of the MAPEI Intervention: 2010 to 2015 Design: AXPO AG, Planergemeinschaft IG Clients: Kanton Glarus and AXPO AG Contractor: ARGE Kraftwerk Limmern, Linthal MAPEI Coordinator: Urs Wirth, Mapei Suisse SA (Switzerland)

MAPEI ProductsMapeair AE 2, Dynamon SX 14, Viscofluid SCC 10, Mapetard D, Mapefluid N 100, Mapequick AF 1000, Stabilcem T, Mapecure E30, Mapegrout Thixotropic

Production (manufacturing) facilities


CuriositiesTorre ArcobalenoMilan (Italy)Torre Arcobaleno is the old water tower owned by RFI, the Italian Railway Company, located in the Porta Garibaldi railway station, one of the most important infrastructure hubs in the city of Milan.

The structure, 35 m high and 10 m in diameter at the base, originally had a rough cement finish over its 1000 m2 surface and was in very poor condition. In 1990 RFI decided to give the tower a complete facelift and transformed the tower into a rainbow of multi-colored ceramic tiles. Twenty-five years after that first facelift, MAPEI took part in the renovation work. For the concrete repair work, MAPEI proposed Mapefer 1K anti-corrosion cementitious mortar and Planitop Smooth & Repair fiber-reinforced, thixotropic grout. The uprights of the tower were then painted with Elastocolor Primer consolidating primer and Elastocolor Waterproof acrylic paint.

To bond the new ceramic tiles, MAPEI supplied Ultralite S1 Quick adhesive. The joints were then grouted with Ultracolor Plus anti-efflorescence grout. Mapesil LM silicone sealant was used to seal expansion joints.

To repair the waterproof layer on the round roof, after preparing and skimming the base concrete with Planitop Smooth & Repair, a coat of Idroprimer adhesion promoter by Polyglass (MAPEI Group) was applied. Polyglass also supplied Polyflex Light bitumen membrane, Polyflex Light Mineral membrane and Mineral Fix paint.

TECHNICAL DATAYear of the MAPEI Intervention: 2015Client: RFI Gruppo Ferrovie dello StatoDesign: Studio Original Designers 6R5 NetworkContractor: Bazzea – B Construction TechnologyMAPEI Coordinators: Mirko Demichele, Francesco Di Chiara, Gianluca Brichese, and Paolo Sala, Mapei SpA (Italy); Michele Dalla Pasqua, Polyglass SpA (Italy)

MAPEI Products Mapefer 1K, Elastocolor Primer, Elastocolor Waterproof, Ultralite S1 Quick, Ultracolor Plus, Mapesil LM, Planitop Smooth & Repair

Polyglass Products Idroprimer, Polyflex Light Mineral, Mineral Fix

SPECIAL FEATURE | COVERINGS 2016 TRADE SHOW

Designers, contractors and installers interacted with MAPEI in all the venues at Coverings ’16 – the global tile and stone experience held at McCormick Place in Chicago on April 18-21, 2016.

As visitors came in the north entrance of the exhibit hall, they passed the Chicago Mosaic School’s workshops and demonstrations, sponsored in part by MAPEI. Jim Whitfield, MAPEI’s U.S. Technical Services Manager, presented awards to the winners of the School of Art Institute of Chicago’s “SAIC Tiled Bench Exhibit.” The contest called on students to design and execute benches in ceramic and mosaic tiles. MAPEI sponsored several of the student-designed benches, which were on display during the show.

At Booth #7733, Coverings attendees got to see all the new and innovative products and technology that MAPEI was displaying at the show. One of the biggest hits was

the “grout color wall” showing samples of MAPEI’s new 40-color grout palette. People found the separation of the palette into five color collections to be a unique and interesting approach. Phil Kenyon, of Chameleon Power, was one of the color consultants that MAPEI worked with on developing the new color palette. “We helped MAPEI build and launch its new color palette utilizing our Chromalyzer engine and our color knowledge,” Kenyon said. “Chameleon’s color expertise and corresponding technology is utilized globally across many industries including paint, grout/mortar, textures, fabrics, cosmetics, design, and many more.” Kenyon spoke to audiences before each demonstration of new Ultracolor ® Plus FA grout, explaining the technology behind the color selections.

There was a lot of excitement about MAPEI’s introduction of Ultracolor Plus FA, which was used in the Color

Collection samples in the booth. During demonstrations, the product exhibited a very creamy and smooth application with the fine aggregate. Audience members said they couldn’t even hear it being floated. The hydrophobic surface of the grout, resulting from MAPEI’s DropEffect™ technology, created a positive stir, because grout joints do not have to be sealed. “One grout for floors and walls” had a lot of appeal among retailers and distributors. “This is the leading-edge product for professionals who use powder grouts and an excellent complement to our MAPEI Flexcolor™ CQ ready-to-use grout,” said David Mowery, Business Manager for Color Products in the MAPEI Tile & Stone Installation Systems division and for the UltraCare™ line. The MAPEI Demo Team was a prominent feature of the MAPEI booth, demonstrating the new Ultracolor Plus FA grout and new Mapesil ™ T silicone sealant. The team also wowed attendees with cleverly informative

MAPEI SUPPORTS ALL ASPECTS OF COVERINGS 2016

TRADE SHOW


sessions on “Thixo Technology” and MAPEI’s three thixotropic mortars designed for the installation of large and heavy tiles. In addition to demonstrations in the MAPEI booth, the team also demonstrated these products on the Coverings Installation Demonstration Stage.

MAPEI’s technical and marketing personnel were an integral part of the conference program. They presented on a number of topics for the tile and stone industry, including “Ready-to-Use Grouts,” “From Green Squared to EPDs and HPDs – A Snapshot in Sustainability for the Tile Industry,” Evolution of Membranes for Tile Installation,” “The Key to Successful Installations: Substrates” and “New Directions for Thin-Tile Panels.” The panel presentation on new directions for thin-tile panels was especially well received by attendees at that conference session.

MAPEI received another mark of industry recognition at Coverings. The Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) presented MAPEI with the “CTDA Supplier of the Year” award. Every year CTDA members vote for their preferred supplier of the year. Innovation, technical support, marketing, customer service and logistics comprise the characteristics of the best supplier. This was MAPEI’s first year to receive this honor. After CTDA Executive Director Rick Church announced the criteria that CTDA members used for selecting the winner, Tom Kotel of Mid America Tiles, president of CTDA in 2016, presented the award to MAPEI Americas CEO Luigi Di Geso. “Receiving this Supplier of the Year award at Coverings, following the six ‘Most Preferred Manufacturer’ awards we received at Surfaces, has made us aware of how highly the industry values our products and services,” Di Geso said.

MAPEI showed its hospitality at Coverings with a river cruise along the Chicago River. This year contractors who are active on the John Bridge Forum, in the MAPEI Contractor Council and on the Tile Geek Facebook forum were invited to join MAPEI on Chicago’s Classic Lady for an evening of entertainment and a nautical tour of Chicago’s renowned architecture. The event was hosted by Dan Marvin, MAPEI’s Director of Technical Services, who is a blog contributor to MAPEI’s Tech Talk as well as to several of the social media sites for contractors. Great casual conversations provided an excellent networking opportunity for all aboard.


SPECIAL FEATURE | COVERINGS 2016 TRADE SHOW


MAPEI, a founding supporter of the Installation Design Showcase (IDS), again supplied installation materials for two of the four fabulous vignettes that NTCA 5-Star contractors assembled during Coverings ’16. Over the first three days of the show, visitors could watch the crews from four well-known tile contractors install large and heavy tile, mosaic tile, glass tile, wood-look plank tile, metal tile and traditional ceramic tile on floors, walls and other horizontal and vertical surfaces. Watching the work in progress educated observers on how important the installation is to a successful retail/commercial setting.

MAPEI supplied Ultraflex™ LFT ™, Ultraflex LFT Rapid, MAPEI Ultralite™ S2, and Adesilex™ P10 mortars, which were used in both vignettes, as well as the new Ultracolor Plus FA grout.

Trostrud Mosaic & Tile, Inc., a third-generation family-owned tile contractor in the Chicago area, worked to create the vignette with Tarik and Susan El-Naggar from Healing Environments. Tarik and Susan’s award-winning architecture and interior design firm creates healthy

environments that promote healing and inner peace for mind, body, and spirit through sustainable and green design.

The vignette designed by Healing Environments embodied a spa lobby that appeals to the senses, from the heat of the Opti-myst fireplace to the sound of the peaceful waterfall and the smell of the eucalyptus trees. The design team worked with a variety of stone and tile materials from Crossville to convey the ambiance that the designers sought.

Though they were at first concerned about the time constraints of tiling all the niches in the spa lobby, the Trostrud team worked with the IDS planners and the designers to deliver the installation on time and within budget. “Of course, we used Adesilex P10 for all the glass tiles,” said project manager Brad Trostrud. “It does so much to show off the glass.” The crew felt the new MAPEI Ultralite S2 was great to work with for the installation of the large, thin tiles on the walls.

The installers used MAPEI Ultralite S2 mortar for the large, thin tile panels they installed

on the ceiling, too. The ceiling installation was a first in the history of the Installation Design Showcase. For other tiles, including the metal tiles on the wall surrounding the fireplace, the installers used Ultraflex LFT. Whenever there was a time constraint, they had Ultraflex LFT Rapid on hand for their use. The Trostrud crew used a selection of standard colors from the Ultracolor Plus FA palette to grout the joints of all the tiles. They found this product especially economical because the grout could be used on both walls and floors.

The boutique retail shop vignette was sponsored by Ceramics of Italy and used tiles from a variety of Italian manufacturers. A Coverings ’16 news brief reported:

Designer Alena Capra, principal of Alena Capra Designs and the 2016 Coverings Industry Ambassador, incorporated a number of trends in tile materials, including 3-D effects, shades of aqua, bold prints and fabric looks, to create a chic retail boutique environment. Incorporating surfacing from a roster of Ceramics of Italy manufacturers, including

Installation Design Showcase at Coverings ’16


Ceramica Sant’Agostino, Tagina Ceramiche d’Arte, Atlas Concorde and Sicis, Capra’s design featured one statement wall in a mosaic peacock print, while white 3-D tile, blue glass tiles and aqua and gray porcelain cover the remaining wall surfaces. The design navigates the challenges of incorporating display areas without visually distracting from the tile.

For the second time, after first participating in 2010, Capra has been partnered with an installation team from Artcraft Granite, Marble & Tile Co., represented by James Woelfel. “The Installation Design Showcase is an opportunity to illustrate the importance of proper methods and standards in tile installation and show how they play such a vital role in tile design,” said Woelfel. “When designers, architects, general contractors and owners see for themselves the difference a certified tile installer makes in a project, they have a greater appreciation for the technical knowledge and quality

craftsmanship it takes to make a job successful.”

The installers from Artcraft also used MAPEI’s mortars and grout for their installation, most notably Adesilex P10 mortar for the cobalt blue glass tiles on the two sides of the boutique and on the large table in the middle of the vignette. They also used Adesilex P10 to assemble the large peacock-feather-themed wall tile mural from Sicis. The designer requested MAPEI to provide nine different grout colors for the grout joints, including two customized colors – cobalt blue and an aqua green. The customized colors were incorporated into MAPEI’s new Ultracolor Plus FA. The cobalt blue grout was used on the tiles of the two side walls and the table, while the aqua green grout was used to grout the joints on the aqua porcelain tiles on the wall of the boutique.

MAPEI was very pleased to have the company’s products used in the Installation Design Showcase for the fifth year in a row. When Bart Bettiga, Executive Director of the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), approached MAPEI with the idea of

demonstrating how installation products are used by contractors to achieve the inspired creations of designers and architects, company leadership immediately grasped the opportunity to provide all the installation products the first year. As more suppliers joined the Installation Design Showcase program, visitors to Coverings have discovered the pivotal role played by trained installers using the best installation systems for demanding projects. The vignettes help designers visualize how their creations move off the drawing board and into people’s homes and lives.

Along with these important displays of the company's mortars and grouts at work on beautifully designed projects, MAPEI showed its commitment to the tile and stone industry at Coverings ’16 through support of education, workshops, product innovation and industry trends. The results of MAPEI’s efforts have been recognized by tile distributors and other industry professionals. As the IDC program moves forward, MAPEI will strive to earn their continued respect and be the supplier of choice in the industry.


TECHNICAL FEATURE | NEW GROUT COLOR PALETTE

At the Coverings Global Tile & Stone Experience in Chicago this year, MAPEI Americas unveiled a refreshed and refreshing new color palette that included 15 new colors. The whole palette now offers 40 colors grouped into five distinct color collections, a first for the industry.

Creativity and technology influenced MAPEI’s new grout color palette

All of the new colors are creative shades that were selected based on a number of different criteria. The shade selection process stemmed from a scientific as well as a creative foundation.

First, MAPEI employed 3-D modeling using Chromalyzer software from Chameleon

Power to visualize the existing MAPEI palette. Next, an overlay into the 3-D model was added for other grout colors in the marketplace. This visualization allowed MAPEI’s technical and marketing teams to locate gaps in color space.

The next step was to take the most popular porcelain wood plank designs and formulate complementary color matches. The creative marketing team, along with several professional consultants from the color industry, fine-tuned these colors for the final palette selection.

Thanks to color technology, bundled with artistic knowledge, the final palette blossomed into a cornucopia of color infused with personality. Not only did MAPEI capture the essence of wood plank design

trends, it was also able to increase its gamut of neutral-tone colors significantly. The new palette of 40 shades offers MAPEI customers a more saturated color theme while maintaining the traditional designs that remain timeless.

Once the color palette selection process was completed, MAPEI’s creative marketing team went to work to assemble the new color palette into “color collections.” The “collection” concept is commonplace in the architectural paint industry where large color palettes abound. With the smaller grout color palettes used in the tile industry, harnessing the personality of the MAPEI colors into collections was a challenge.

Over time, five categories of color collections emerged, each with a distinctive personality:

MIXING ART AND SCIENCE INTO MAPEI’S GROUT COLORS


Serene: Cool minimalist shades that convey the essence of purity and tranquility

Traditional: Classic vintage colors that evoke a timeless and time-honored era

Natural: Rustic earth tones that take their inspiration from nature itself

Romance: Passion and nostalgia join together on this adventure of color

Glamour: Richly saturated tints that express prestige and mystique

Each collection is composed of eight grout colors arranged by increasing value

(from light to dark) and increasing chroma (color saturation). The primary objective of MAPEI’s color collections is to facilitate the grout selection process through an appeal to the customer’s personality and feelings.

Selecting the proper grout color to either complement or contrast with the selection of tile can make or break the final look of a new flooring installation. Being able to locate a shade based on groups of eight organized colors in five separate collections makes the job easier and ensures a better end result for the customer. MAPEI recognized this need in the flooring industry and was the first to respond with a solution that improves the selection process and gives the customer greater satisfaction.

Much time and effort was invested in the

selection of the new grout color names, too. Just as color collections evoke a feeling of the personality that customers want to give to their surroundings, the color name sets the stage for customers and appeals to their sensibilities. In selecting the color names, the creative marketing team considered thousands of color names before deciding upon those that were finally chosen.

Incorporating creativity into production

Once the new colors were selected, they needed to be introduced into MAPEI’s grout production process. The entire palette of 40 colors is available in six different grout products: Ultracolor ® Plus FA (efflorescence-free with fine aggregates),

SE

RE

NE

Avalanche

Frost

Warm Gray

Alabaster

Mint

Rain

Cobblestone

Timberwolf

White

Biscuit

Straw

Ivory

Pewter

Silver

Iron

Pearl Gray

TR

AD

ITIO

NA

L

Harvest

Pale Umber

Navajo Brown

Bamboo

Walnut

Driftwood

Hickory

Mocha

NA

TU

RA

L


TECHNICAL FEATURE | NEW GROUT COLOR PALETTE

Keracolor® S (sanded), Keracolor U (unsanded), Kerapoxy® and Kerapoxy CQ (epoxy), and MAPEI Flexcolor™ CQ (ready-to-use). All of the 40 colors were also applied to the complementary tile-joint sealing products – Mapesil™ T (100%-silicone sealant), Keracaulk® S (sanded caulk) and Keracaulk U (unsanded caulk).

Learning more about MAPEI’s new color collections

To help customers understand and visualize the new color collections, MAPEI has developed several support tools, including a grout color card, color fan deck and a plastic color channel kit. A video was developed that details both the color selection and color collection process. The

video also provides additional information on MAPEI products that are offered in the new palette. The video can be viewed on MAPEI’s Website by clicking on the Customer Tools tab, then on Video Library and then on “Product Videos.”

Technical service associates are available to answer customers’ questions at 1-800-992-6273 in the United States and Puerto Rico; 1-800-361-9309 in Canada; or 0-1-800-696-2734 in Mexico. Plus, the MAPEI Website features a distributor locator that can help customers find their nearest local source for project needs.

Light Almond

Bone

Chamois

Acorn

Caramel

Pecan

Brick Red

Mahogany

RO

MA

NC

ESahara Beige

Bahama Beige

Gray

Charcoal

Cocoa

Chocolate

Truffle

Black

GL

AM

OU

R

David is the Business Manager for Color Products in the MAPEI Tile & Stone Installation Systems division and for the UltraCare™ line. He joined MAPEI in April 2002 as R&D Group Leader of the Color Development. As part of MAPEI’s strategic marketing team, David ensures that products being sold to both MAPEI’s commercial and retail sales channels meet the expectations of the company’s diverse customer base.

About the author: David Mowery


Rapid-Setting, “All-in-One” Grout Replacement for Sanded and Unsanded Grouts

Ultracolor Plus FA with DropEffect™ technology is an ultra premium grout for joint widths from 1/16" to 3/4" (1,5 to 19 mm). The fine aggregate used in this fast-setting, polymer-modified, non-shrinking grout allows it to be used as a replacement for sanded and unsanded grouts. Ultracolor Plus FA 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. DropEffect reduces surface absorption to help repel water, dirt and grime from penetrating grout joints. In addition, Ultracolor Plus FA is formulated with 10% recycled content and meets the ANSI A138.1 specification for GreenSquared certification.

Features and Benefits• Fine aggregate (FA) permits use in narrow and

wide tile joints• Improved cleanability • Stain-resistant• No efflorescence (free of Portland cement)• Easy to apply• No sealer required• Can be exposed to foot traffic in 3 to 4 hours• Available in MAPEI’s full 40-color palette• Two packaging sizes: 10 lbs. (4,54 kg) and 25

lbs. (11,3 kg)

Uses• Commercial and residential construction • Interior and exterior installations• Dimensional stone, slate, granite, stone

agglomerates and most types of ceramic, ceramic mosaic, quarry, brick paver, porcelain, glass and clay tiles

• Submerged conditions (swimming pools, spas, water features and fountains) – allow for 72 hours of curing time

• Jobsites where grout will be exposed to foot traffic within 3 to 4 hours

• Joint widths from 1/16" to 3/4" (1,5 to 19 mm)

NEW! Ultracolor ® Plus FA

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

ISO 13007 Classification

Classification Code Test Characteristics Classification Requirement

CG2 (cementitious grout, improved) Shrinkage ≤ 0.30% shrinkage in 28 days

W (reduced water absorption) Water absorption ≤ 5 g after 4 hours

A (high abrasion resistance) Abrasion resistance ≤ 1,000 mm3

F (rapid-setting) Compressive strength ≥ 2,175 psi (15 MPa) after 24 hours

ANSI Specification

Test Method Specification Standard Test Results

ANSI A118.7 – compression 3,000 psi (20,7 MPa) at 28 days 3,000 to 5,500 psi (20,7 to 37,9 MPa) at 28 days

ANSI A118.7 – shrinkage < 0.20% at 27 days < 0.20% at 27 days

ANSI A118.7 – tensile strength 500 psi (3,45 MPa) at 28 days 500 to 600 psi (3,45 to 4,14 MPa) at 28 days

ANSI A118.7 – water absorption < 5% (50% relative humidity to immersion)

< 5% (50% relative humidity to immersion)

ANSI A118.7 – flexural strength 1,000 psi (6,90 MPa) at 28 days 1,000 to 1,400 psi (6,90 to 9,66 MPa) at 28 days

Shelf Life and Product Characteristics (before mixing)Shelf life 1 year when stored in original, unopened packaging at 73°F (23°C) in a dry area

Physical state Powder

Application Properties at 73°F (23°C) and 50% relative humidity

Mixing ratio

Per 10 lbs. (4,54 kg) of grout powder: 1 to 1.1 U.S. qts. (0,95 to 1,04 L) of water

Per 25 lbs. (11,3 kg) of grout powder: 2.6 to 2.8 U.S. qts. (2,46 to 2,65 L) of water

VOCs (Rule #1168 of California’s SCAQMD) 0 g per L

Pot life* 30 minutes to 1 hour

Application temperature range 50°F and 100°F (10°C and 38°C)

Curing time* 72 hours

* Pot life and curing time vary based on jobsite conditions, including cold temperatures or high humidity.

Note: Approximate coverages can be found on the Technical Data Sheet that is available at www.mapei.com.

SUSTAINABILITY | ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPARENCY


GREATER ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPARENCY

Industry-average Environmental Product Declarations for mortars and grouts

LEED v4 is pioneering the use of verified life cycle assessment (LCA) data in North America in an attempt to provide a more holistic approach to assessing environmental impacts across the entire life cycle of a product.

The trend is moving away from reporting ‘recycled content’ and ‘regional manufacturing’ to the use of ‘product transparency’ credits. Health Product Declarations (HPDs) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are providing manufacturers with a uniform template to deliver this transparency information to customers.

EPDs for mortars and grouts are based on LCA data that addresses myriad aspects – sourcing and extraction of raw materials; manufacturing processes; health, safety and environmental aspects of production and installation; and production waste. Other aspects are product delivery considerations such as distances to typical markets; use and maintenance of the flooring; and end-of-product-life options such as reuse, repurposing and disposal.

In 2014, the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) published an industry-average EPD for ceramic tile that was the first of its kind for a finished flooring category. As a follow-up, MAPEI has worked with the TCNA to produce the Industry-Average EPD for Cement-Based Mortars and the Industry-Average EPD for Cement-Based Grouts. To ensure that products are compared on a level playing field, product category rules (PCR) are used as the guidelines for determining how evaluations must be made, what information must be reported, and how to organize this information in a user-friendly, reportable manner. The result is an industry-average EPD. The establishment of an industry-average EPD is an important accomplishment for MAPEI, the TCNA and the industry. When LEED v4 goes into full effect in October 2016, these EPDs will combine with the ceramic tile EPD to contribute 3 of the 20 products that will be required for an EPD credit within the LEED v4 rating system.

Terminology regarding LEED v4 Material & Resources credits

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A methodology (based on ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 Standards) to access the environmental impacts of a product or service from extraction of raw materials and processing, to distribution, use and end of life. LCA gives a tangible “environmental performance” of a product.

Product Category Rule (PCR): A guideline in the development of declarations for products that are comparable to others within a product category (such as cementitious mortars and grouts). PCRs are necessary for developing an EPD. Building product manufacturers work with a Program Operator to identify an existing PCR or to create a new PCR. The Program Operator will verify the LCA and EPD.

Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): A verifiable (ISO 14025 standard) method to communicate a product’s environmental impacts, such as the energy, water and transportation associated with manufacturing a product based on an LCA and prepared according to the PCR.

Health Product Declaration (HPD): An ingredient inventory that lists all of the ingredients (that is, formula transparency) of a finished product and the associated health hazards with both intentional and residual ingredients.

Examples of TCNA industry-average EPDs for mortars and grouts


One of MAPEI’s 7 pillars for growth is to “Lead in Environmental Health and Safety.” To deliver on this commitment requires certification of what we declare, empowering building owners, design professionals, contractors, installers and homeowners to make informed decisions about the products they select for their projects based on performance and transparency about product ingredients.

Because sustainability begins at home, MAPEI Americas is continuing ISO 14001 certification at all of our manufacturing plants and our corporate offices to measure and improve its environmental impact.

At MAPEI we recognize that, to be sustainable, we need to continually invest in R&D. We also must remain aware that all solutions helping produce better and less harmful products for people and the environment inevitably come from innovations in “green chemistry.”

Since the 1980s, MAPEI has successfully launched environmentally friendly products that ultimately evolved into the Ultrabond ECO® line of floor-covering adhesives. MAPEI currently offers a multitude of water-based adhesives that contain extremely low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This long-term commitment to the environment is at the core of the MAPEI R&D Department’s directive to formulate products with low-VOC emissions and no solvents.

When a product is in the developmental stage, all factors influencing its impact on the environment and human health are evaluated from a sustainable perspective. This evaluation includes reducing and replacing “chemicals of concern” and Living Building Challenge’s “Red-Listed” products

(such as formaldehyde, phthalates and isocyanates) with water-based chemicals that have a lower risk. Accomplishing this objective without compromising product performance or workability benefits both the installation professional who applies the products and the building occupants.

As with LEED v4, MAPEI’s commitment to product sustainability is focused on the importance of LCAs in measuring and communicating our environmental performance in the marketplace in a more transparent way. MAPEI continues to work with other industry groups to provide similar industry-average EPDs for additional products in the finished surfaces sector as well.

MAPEI finalizes its EPD Process Certification

In June 2016 MAPEI SpA (MAPEI’s global headquarters in Milan, Italy) became the latest company to achieve an EPD Process Certification. This means that the company’s internal processes to produce EPDs have been quality-assured by an external certification body. Dr. Roberto Leoni at MAPEI SpA commented, “Now, with the EPD process certification, we can verify and improve our environmental performances during the whole life cycle of our products. We think the EPD is an important tool for avoiding green-washing; it is a measured, verified and certified report for communication to all stakeholders.”

Cris is the Sustainability Manager for MAPEI Americas. As a LEED Green Associate and member of the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), he assists customers involved in sustainable projects, such as LEED and Living Building Challenge (LBC). As a member of MAPEI’s Technical Services Department, Cris helps in writing and developing the company’s training programs and technical documents, and contributes to MAPEI’s social media and technical blog. His 33 years of experience in field engineering and training include collaboration on numerous global installation projects; and during his past 13 years with MAPEI, Cris has applied his experience to the construction and flooring industry.

About the author: Cris Bierschank

Several of MAPEI’s cementitious mortars and grouts

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING | THIXO TECHNOLOGY MORTARS


Contractors, business owners and installers alike are in search of products offering simplicity and versatility. The installation of large-format tile presents a unique set of challenges. The large-and-heavy-tile mortars continue to gain momentum and grow in importance to the contractor community as these mortars fill a vital application role related to nonslump and nonsag performance – while providing better working properties aligned with performance and productivity needs.

Demands upon the setting mortar require a product that wets out the back of the porcelain tile or stone as well as the substrate. The mortar needs to produce superior bond strengths while delivering the deformability to accommodate a higher degree of expansion and contraction resulting from larger tile sizes. To support the requirements of the installer, these products need to be easy to trowel and offer extended working times for movement and placement of tile. In addition, the mortar needs to meet the coverage requirements for the associated installation.

Products that offer versatility can help to reduce error rates, make inventory management easier and ensure that the right products get to the jobsite the first time. And now, thanks to MAPEI’s Thixo Technology LHT mortars, contractors can upgrade their results while minimizing their concerns about installing large and heavy tiles.

MAPEI’s Thixo Technology LHT mortars exceed large-and-heavy-tile installation requirements with products that perform multiple functions. Thixotropic formulations allow MAPEI’s Ultraflor™ Plus, Ultraflex™

LFT ™ and Ultraflex LHT to be used as both standard thin-set mortars and large-and-heavy-tile mortars with nonslump performance. Ultraflex LFT and Ultraflex LHT mortars also meet ISO nonsag performance requirements for vertical applications.

All three LHT mortars hold ridges when larger-sized trowels are used, providing maximum support and coverage while making them excellent for plank tile installations. These application properties, designed to simplify the contractors’ installation challenges with large-format tile, are supported by polymer-enriched thixotropic formulas that deliver necessary bond-strength performance.

The science behind MAPEI’s Thixo Technology

Rheology is the branch of physical science that deals with the flow of matter. Polymers

THIXOTROPY – FLOWING AND STATIC

The science that gives MAPEI’s large-and-heavy-tile mortars an edge in the marketplace


and other rheological modifiers impact all stages of mortar use – from formulation development and stability to processing and product performance. There are four kinds of rheology profiles, but the rheology profile that is most important to cement mortars is thixotropy.

Thixotropy is the property of certain fluid materials that are thick or viscous under normal conditions but that flow or become less viscous over time when shaken, agitated or otherwise stressed. One of the classic examples of a thixotropic fluid is quicksand. As long as it remains undisturbed, the wet sand will be relatively thick, but putting stress on the quicksand makes it become more liquid. Thixotropic mortars have a gel-like consistency when they are stationary, but thin when they are subjected to shear stress such as troweling.

The thixotropic behavior of a cement mortar involves coalescence, dispersion and re-coalescence of the cement particles in combination with the breaking of certain chemically formed linkages between the particles. This process generates the overall performance of the cement mortar. MAPEI mortars for large/heavy tile are thixotropic materials, which become fluid when agitated but revert to their original structural form when at rest.

Developed to meet and surpass standards

Two standards-setting bodies – the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) – have established the requirements and procedures for large-and-heavy-tile mortars. Their standards were developed with differing criteria and do not correlate with each other, so they cannot be cross-referenced or used interchangeably. Despite having to answer to two governing bodies for standards, MAPEI’s thixotropic LHT mortars go the extra mile in compliance, actually exceeding all requirements of both standards.

In addition, MAPEI’s Thixo Technology mortars are formulated to align with the installation demands as specified by the Tile Council of North America. The following definition and characteristics for large-and-heavy-tile mortars appear in the Setting Materials Selection Guide of the TCNA Handbook:

Definition:Dry-Set Mortar for Large and Heavy Tile (LHT) Mortar (formerly Medium-Bed Mortar)

• An LHT mortar is a thin-set bonding mortar for ceramic and stone tile, formulated so as to minimize slump and facilitate a thicker bond coat as compared with a bonding mortar that is not categorized as a dry-set mortar for large and heavy tile.

• It is intended to be used as a bond coat 3/32" to 1/2" (2,5 to 12 mm) thick after the tile is embedded.

• LHT mortars must meet the requirements of existing ANSI mortar standards or ISO mortar standards.

Characteristics:• Useful for setting heavy tiles generally 5

lbs. per sq. ft. (2,27 kg per 0,09 m2) or heavier as well as tiles with ungauged thicknesses

• Commonly used for setting large-format tiles, with at least one side greater than 15" (38 cm) long

• Installed with larger trowels in order to apply enough mortar to achieve mortar coverage requirements for the large, heavy tiles

• Provide thicker bond coats to achieve mortar coverage requirements if there is warpage in the tile (refer to ANSI A137.1 regarding allowable warpage for ceramic tile)

• Provide adequate mortar to eliminate voids that may occur when curvature in large tiles creates a larger space between the tile and the substrate, typically in the center of the tile

• Achieve minimum coverage requirements of 80% for interior applications and 95% for exterior

• Meet the ANSI A118.4H standard specification regarding property requirements of dry-set mortars for large and heavy tile Pass the ASTM C627 Robinson Floor

Test with a 1/2" (12 mm) setting bed, achieving an Extra Heavy rating

Pass lippage test’s 28-day requirement of 1/16" (1,5 mm)

MAPEI’s Thixo Technology LHT mortars reduce time and costs of installation for contractors while providing all the benefits of the characteristics described by the TCNA Handbook. Contractors can now manage multiple challenges on the jobsite with selected key products.

For details about MAPEI’s three Thixo Technology LHT mortars, see the “Large-and-Heavy-Tile (LHT) Mortars” brochure in the “Related Documents” section of the Tile & Stone Installation Systems page on MAPEI’s U.S. Website (www.mapei.com/US-EN).

Brian is MAPEI’s Product Line Manager for Tile & Stone Installation Systems. He has also served as the New Business Development Manager for MAPEI’s Floor Covering and Tile & Stone Installation Systems lines. With more than 30 years’ experience in sales, marketing, business development and product management, Brian brings a wealth of knowledge to the flooring industry.

About the author: Brian Pistulka

Substrate prep for LHT installations

The TCNA guide provides some important reminders regarding substrate preparation in relation to LHT mortars:

• An LHT mortar is not intended for truing or leveling substrates that are the work of others.

• When a substrate variation exceeds allowances, the limitations of an LHT mortar do not permit it to be used as a remedy.

• An LHT mortar should be used to install tile per ANSI A108.5, which is the thin-bed installation method.

• The LHT mortar (formerly “medium-bed mortar”) is a product, not an installation method.

• Specifications that call for or refer to setting tile by a “medium-bed method” or “large and heavy method” do not conform to tile industry standards.

• Specifications that call for the use of a bonding mortar to level, flatten or fill substrates to create slopes or transitions between finish floor heights do not conform to tile industry norms.

• For tiles with at least one edge 15" (38 cm) in length, the maximum allowable variation is 1/8" in 10 feet (3 mm in 3,05 m) from the required plane, with no more than 1/16" (1,5 mm) variation in 24" (61 cm) when measured from the high points in the surface. And LHT mortars are not designed to correct such non-permitted variations.

• Lippage is minimized by installing over a very flat subfloor and by using the proper LHT mortar.

Talk about batting 1000! MAPEI’s thixo-technology mortars feature the best combination of application and performance properties that you’ll find in the industry. Ultraflex ™ LFT ™, Ultraflex LHT ™ and Ultraflor ™ Plus provide nonsag and/or nonslump installation for large and heavy tile, yet they feature a smooth and creamy formulation that is easy to trowel.Ultraflor Plus is available in U.S. only.


Contact your MAPEI distributor or go to www.mapei.com for more information.

Draft our all-stars for your teamThese thixotropic mortars bring it home for large and heavy tile

PROJECT REFERENCE | LATHAM & WATKINS LLP LAW OFFICE


Latham & Watkins LLP law office – Chicago, IL

MOSAIC MURALS HIGHLIGHT LAW OFFICE DECOR

Mosaic artisans use MAPEI system to install two giant murals


PROJECT REFERENCE | LATHAM & WATKINS LLP LAW OFFICE

Rising from the first floor to the second as part of an open-ceiling floor plan, the two separate wall murals were installed in the center of the office. The Bisazza tiles – 3/8" x 3/8" (10 x 10 mm) in size, totaling roughly 1,620,000 tiles and set 900 tiles to a sheet – were paper-faced and numbered.

Project manager Brad Trostrud was not satisfied with the setting material that came with the tiles. He elected instead to use MAPEI’s Adesilex P10 glass tile mortar mixed with Keraply professional latex additive.

According to Trostrud, “The numbered tile sheets were placed on a setting map to guide the installers on each tile’s location. The drywall substrate was initially washed down with a mixture of Keraply and water to solidify the paper and gypsum, and then skimcoated with an application of Keraply and Adesilex P10. The glass mosaic tiles were then installed using a mixture ofKeraply and Adesilex P10 and grouted with a neutral basis epoxy grout developed by MAPEI for Bisazza.”

In an interview with the Tile Contractors’ Association of America, Trostrud noted that, after all of the tiles were installed in a section of each mural, a clear epoxy grout was applied. The field of tile filled by the epoxy grout ranged from black through all colors to white, and Trostrud described the grout as a “quite unique” mixture of clear epoxy resin and clear glass beads. “The epoxy grout reflects the color of glass next to it; so, when surrounded by black tile, the joint looks black, the same with white and so on. It was truly amazing how this grout appeared to be the color of the adjacent tile as you looked across the mural,” Trostrud said.

Overview: Two 56-foot-long glass mosaic murals depicting the 1893 World’s Fair were installed at the Latham & Watkins LLP law office in Chicago using MAPEI’s Adesilex™ P10 glass tile mortar mixed with Keraply® professional latex additive. A special custom-made grout from MAPEI was used to fill the tile joints.

It opened in 1982 as the first national law firm to enter the Chicago market. Today, Latham & Watkins LLP’s Chicago office is the law office of choice for some of the largest multinational corporations, financial institutions and investment firms based or operating in the Midwest. The firm recently relocated its Chicago branch to larger offices at 330 North Wabash.

Latham & Watkins wanted an architectural feature that set it apart and reflected the firm’s Chicago roots. The final plan designed by Gensler fulfilled both goals with two custom glass tile murals recreating the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. A drawing by H.D. Nichols served as the basis for the murals.

Trostrud Mosaic & Tile Co. was selected by general contractor Clune Construction Company to perform the installation of the two murals. Each mural measured 56 feet (17,1 m) long by 16 feet (4,88 m) high.

MAPEI products on the jobsite

The highlight of the Latham Watkins project was a double wall mural created with Bisazza glass tiles that depicts the 1893 World’s Fair with Chicago in the background.

Painting of 1893 World’s Fair


TECHNICAL DATA

Latham & Watkins LLP law office murals, Chicago, IL (USA)

Architect: Gensler

Period of Construction: 2014

Year of MAPEI involvement: 2014

Where MAPEI products were used: Two giant glass mosaic murals, depicting the 1893 World’s Fair, were installed at the Latham & Watkins LLP law office in Chicago using MAPEI’s Adesilex P10 glass tile mortar mixed with Keraply professional latex additive. A special custom-made grout from MAPEI was used to fill the tile joints. In addition, Ultraflex LFT mortar and Ultracolor Plus grout were used to install large-format tile on walls throughout the building.

Client: Latham & Watkins LLP

Project manager: Brad Trostrud

General contractor: Clune Construction Company

Mosaic mural installer: Trostrud Mosaic & Tile Co.

Tile installer: Trostrud Mosaic & Tile Co.

Stone installer: Bourbon Tile & Marble

MAPEI distributor: Carpet Cushions & Supplies

MAPEI coordinator: Tyler Barton

MAPEI ProductsSubstrate preparation and skimcoating for murals: Keraply and Adesilex P10

Setting and grouting glass mosaic tiles in murals: Adesilex P10 mixed with Keraply, and neutral basis epoxy grout developed by MAPEI for Bisazza

Substrate preparation of tile on floors and walls: Primer L, Planipatch, Mapeguard 2, MAPEI SM Primer and Mapelastic AquaDefense

Setting and grouting of tile on floors and walls: Ultraflex LFT and Ultracolor Plus

Setting and grouting of stone: Ultracontact and Ultracolor Plus

While Trostrud Mosaic & Tile specializes in some of the most beautiful mosaic pieces seen in public and commercial locations around Chicago, the company also installs non-mosaic tile and stone in large and small projects. For the Latham Watkins project, they also installed large-format tile on floors and walls throughout the building.

For the installation of standard porcelain tiles on floors and walls throughout the law office, surface preparation consisted of a lightweight substrate, with Primer L™ and patching compound Planipatch® used to create a flat floor surface for the large-format tiles. From there, sound reduction was completed using Mapeguard ® 2 sheet membrane and MAPEI SM Primer ™. Mapelastic® AquaDefense was used for waterproofing in the restrooms. It took 48 hours to do the layout for the main floors.

The floor tile consisted of 11,800 sq. ft. (1 096 m2) of “Tides Sea Salt” tiles – 12" x 24" (30 x 61 cm) non-rectified porcelain tiles – from Florida Tile. The wall tiles that were used were a combination of 12" x 12" (30 x 30 cm) and 12" x 24" (30 x 61 cm) “Town White Matte” and “Niquel Matte” tiles from Porcelanosa. Both the floor and wall tiles were set with Ultraflex™ LFT ™ tile mortar. Ultracolor ® Plus sanded grout was used to grout the wall tiles.

Bourbon Tile & Marble, Inc. had a separate contract for approximately 200 ft. (61,0 m) of stone work. The company used Ultracontact™ tile mortar and Ultracolor Plus sanded grout to complete the project.

The skill and expertise that the Trostrud Mosaic & Tile installers brought to this project earned them the 2015 International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Craft Award for Best Tile/Mosaic Project. MAPEI is pleased that its products helped the company to achieve this success.

INSTALLATION-SYSTEM SOLUTIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL

BUILDERS/REMODELERS


SINGLE-SOURCE SYSTEMS | RESIDENTIAL SOLUTIONS

MAPEI products and systems for residential and commercial builders and remodelers are sold through local distributors so that contractors always have a source close to the jobsite. (To locate the nearest distributor, click on the “Where to Buy” button located on MAPEI’s Website, at www.mapei.com.)

Perhaps the most important benefit that contractors get from MAPEI’s single-source systems is the company’s technical expertise. An in-house Technical Services Call Center responds to customers’ telephone inquiries with answers to installation challenges in real time. In addition, Regional Technical Services Field Consultants provide field support, specializing in on-site employee training and jobsite product application oversight.

On the following pages, examples of floor- and wall-covering installation systems for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, home office, patio and workshop demonstrate how contractors can source all of their installation materials from MAPEI.

The World of MAPEI is filled with the products and systems that are needed for residential building and remodeling. Whether contractors are looking at new construction of single-family residences or are involved in residential renovations, their needs for decorative floor- and wall-covering installations remain the same:

• Surface-preparation products for smooth and level substrates

• The right setting and care materials for finished surfaces: o Ceramic and stone tile – mortars, grouts and

maintenance products for every type of tileo Wood – a full selection of wood adhesives and

finishing/maintenance productso Luxury vinyl tile – a choice of suitable LVT

adhesiveso Carpet and carpet tiles – adhesives that

provide a strong bond

When contractors utilize MAPEI as a single source for their installation products, they can get MAPEI’s Best-BackedSM warranties that provide a simpler response to claims and give homeowners even greater confidence in the installation work.


Kitchen

In the modern kitchen, blending a variety of tile and stone with different textures, types, sizes and substrates can make achieving your desired results cumbersome. MAPEI provides a broad base of products to overcome your challenges in creating and protecting your masterpiece – crack-isolation and sound-reduction membranes, standard and specialty mortars, stain-resistant grouts, sealers, finishes and maintenance solutions.

SAMPLE SYSTEM UltraCare™ Penetrating Plus SB Stone & Porcelain Tile Sealer

Kerapoxy® CQ premium epoxy grout with color-coated quartz

Natural travertine stone tile

Ultraflex™ LFT ™ premium, large-format tile mortar with polymer (gray)

Mapeguard ® 2 premium crack-isolation and sound-reduction sheet membrane

MAPEI SM Primer™ water-based primer for MAPEI peel-and-stick membranes

Concrete

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Bedroom

Nothing beats the beauty and glamour of a fine wood floor. MAPEI helps to keep it beautiful and protected from traffic as well as subfloor moisture with high-performance installation and finishing products.

SAMPLE SYSTEM Ultracoat® High Traffic two-component, water-based polyurethane wood-flooring finish

Ultracoat Toning Base two-component, deep-tone sanding sealer or Ultracoat Universal Base one-component sanding sealer

Ultracoat Aqua Plus sawdust admixture for crack filling of wood flooring

Engineered, unfinished walnut hardwood flooring

Ultrabond ECO® 995 premium moisture-control, sound-reduction and wood-flooring adhesive

Ultraplan® Extreme 2 weather-resistant, high-compressive-strength, self-leveling underlayment

ECO Prim Grip™ multipurpose, bond-promoting primer

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SINGLE-SOURCE SYSTEMS | RESIDENTIAL SOLUTIONS

The concept of the bathroom continues to evolve from sanctuary to a lush day-spa ambiance, while the desire for the open concept finds this space flowing into the adjoining master suite. MAPEI offers a variety of products to complement your tile and stone design concepts for this space with installation solutions to meet the array of functions selected. Product categories include surface preparation, pre-sloped shower pans, linear drains, waterproofing/installation products, grouts, and care/maintenance products to deliver single-source system responsibility.

SAMPLE SYSTEM MAPEI Flexcolor™ CQ ready-to-use grout with color-coated quartz

Porcelain tile

MAPEI Ultralite™ Mortar premium, lightweight tile mortar with polymer

Mapelastic® AquaDefense premium waterproofing and crack-isolation membrane and Reinforcing Fabric (at the seams)

ShowerPerfect™ Pre-Sloped Panels

Ultraflex™ RS premium, rapid-setting tile mortar with polymer

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MAPEI offers many solutions for preparing all sorts of substrates to accept virtually any floor type including systems that offer U.L. fire-rated properties necessary in multi-unit housing projects. Trust MAPEI installation products for all of your builder floor-covering installation needs.

SAMPLE SYSTEM Luxury vinyl plank

Ultrabond ECO® 360 premium, high-performance adhesive for solid vinyl sheet, tile and plank

Primer L™ advanced-technology, acrylic latex primer for concrete

Planitex™ SL 35 engineered, gypsum self-leveling underlayment

Primer T ™ all-purpose primer for self-leveling underlayments

Plywood

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Home Office


When the creature comforts of home are blended with the exterior environment of the outdoor patio living space, proper product selection is key for handling rigorous exposure to the elements. Premium products from MAPEI take the weather extremes in stride, delivering your project objective and providing the confidence of superior performance achieved with setting mortars, grouts, sealants and care/maintenance solutions from the same manufacturer.

SAMPLE SYSTEM UltraCare™ Enhancing Plus Stone Sealer

Ultracolor ® Plus FA rapid-setting, “all-in-one” grout replacement for sanded and unsanded grouts

Mapesil ™ T 100%-silicone sealant for heavy traffic and movement joints

Natural stone

Granirapid® premium, rapid-setting, flexible tile mortar

Concrete

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Patio

Upgrading areas around the home is easy with MAPEI installation products. Garage conversions are a common project, but their original construction requires special consideration regarding subfloor moisture issues. MAPEI offers total moisture-mitigation system solutions that will keep the new workspace firmly bonded and looking good for years to come.

SAMPLE SYSTEM VCT

Ultrabond ECO® 711 premium, clear, thin-spread VCT adhesive

Planiprep™ SC high-performance, fiber-reinforced skimcoating compound

Primer T ™ all-purpose primer for self-leveling underlayments

Planiseal® EMB premium epoxy moisture barrier for concrete substrates

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Workshop

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INSIDE SCOOP | THE BIG 4 BIOHAZARDS IN CONSTRUCTION


It’s a chemical world

No matter how you look at it, we live in a chemical world. From salt to super glue, we use all types of chemicals in our everyday lives. For contractors and installers in the finished surfaces sector of the construction industry, this is especially true. The challenge MAPEI and other manufacturers face is to provide the required product performance attributes needed for specific applications while using chemical compounds that are safe for the trades who use our products and those who live in and around them.

The most common way to be safe around chemicals used in our industry is to simply avoid them. From the time that man first learned how to make fire, we have had to learn how to handle exposures to chemicals in one form or another. A chimney was probably the first pollution control device ever invented by man. The chimney was designed to move noxious smoke, odors and fumes away from living spaces and human contact. The downside was that all those toxins were diverted into the atmosphere and back into the biosphere.

Today we have more technical means to protect ourselves from exposure to noxious chemicals at work, ranging from simple nitrile gloves to full-body containment suits. However, we can’t completely avoid the use of chemicals in our industry. That is why it is extremely important to read carefully and utilize all the safety information provided on a product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Where needed, MAPEI posts an SDS for its products on its Website (www.mapei.com).

When it comes to SDS guidelines, MAPEI is committed to observing the rules and regulations documented in the Globalized Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). GHS has changed the rules on communication about hazardous substances in the following way:

• Hazard classification: GHS provides specific criteria for classification of health and physical hazards, as well as classification of mixtures.

• Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram and hazard statement for each

THE ‘BIG 4’ BIOHAZARDS

Addressing chemical issues of concern to the construction industry

by Jeff JohnsonBusiness Marketing Manager, Floor Covering Installation Systems


hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.

• Safety Data Sheets: Information in the document now appears in a specified 16-section format.

• Information and training: Employers were required to train workers by December 1, 2013, on the new label elements and Safety Data Sheets format to facilitate recognition and understanding.

MAPEI’s original Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) have been formatted to meet the new SDS requirements. If you have not already updated your files with the new documentation, you can do so by going to www.mapei.com, selecting each product you are using and clicking on the SDS that appears there.

Chemicals that affect the industry’s finished surfaces sector

Whenever we talk about chemicals and safety in our industry sector, we must always consider the four big biohazards. Asbestos, lead, silica and formaldehyde are chemicals that require special attention.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a chemical compound that is mined from the earth and used in myriad applications. Its main feature is its fibrous nature, which makes it great for structural reinforcement, viscosity modification and fire retardance. The bad news about asbestos is that it has been determined to be the causative agent of a form of respiratory cancer now known as asbestosis.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) became involved in the issue of using asbestos in construction and essentially banned the use of asbestos in all products as of July 12, 1989. However, the rule did not make it through the legal process entirely due to the severe limitations placed on the compound.

The new rule did remove asbestos from something that we are very familiar with, though – resilient flooring. It had been common practice to use asbestos in the paper backings of vinyl flooring, in the main body of vinyl tile and in the adhesives used to bond these structures to the substrate. The problem with asbestos arises when installers prepare to remove old flooring during a renovation.

The Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) is an industry organization composed of resilient floor-covering manufacturers.

Their mission has been to educate the general public and trade about the hazards associated with asbestos and the appropriate methods to remove it. The RFCI has produced a brochure/document called “Recommended Work Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings,” (applying to the U.S. only at this time). It is easily downloadable from the RFCI Website (www.rfci.com). It is extremely important for the floor-covering installation trade to validate that existing floors on a project are asbestos-free prior to removing the floor coverings. The fines can be very high for failure to validate and removing old floor coverings without the proper methods or documentation.

Please note that none of MAPEI’s products in any division or product category contain asbestos.

Lead

Lead is another naturally occurring chemical that has been used for a variety of applications. This chemical was found to be toxic over time if ingested. The health impact of lead is severe. It focuses on the central nervous system, resulting in loss of mental faculties and the development of dementia.

Until recently, lead was used extensively as a pigment for paints, including white as well as yellow, orange and red. Lead paint is a major source of environmental exposure for children, who can ingest flaking paint, paint chips and weathered powdered paint (particularly from deteriorating housing units in congested urban areas). Lead paint can also contribute to soil/dust lead, which can be inadvertently ingested via the hand-to-mouth activity of young children.

Asbestos

INSIDE SCOOP | THE BIG 4 BIOHAZARDS IN CONSTRUCTION


Since April 22, 2010, U.S. federal law has required certification and lead-contamination-prevention work practices for contractors who perform “renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb more than six square feet of paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978.” More information about this regulation can be found in 40 CFR Part 745, “Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention in Certain Residential Structures.”

Knowledge of this biohazard is very important for the commercial flooring contractor who may have to remove baseboards painted with lead paint in old homes in order to replace or repair flooring. If the baseboard to be removed totals more than 6 square feet (0,56 m2), the removal must be performed by a certified professional.

Silica

Crystalline silica is yet another natural material that has come under recent scrutiny as a potential cause of respiratory cancer. Crystalline silica (or quartz) is a common material used in a wide variety of products as filler or for structural reinforcement. When crystalline silica is in a paste or wet form, it does not present a health hazard; but in its dry form, aerosolized into the air we breathe, it becomes a significant issue.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently made changes to the maximum allowable exposure limits on crystalline silica, reducing the level from 200 ug to 50 ug per 8-hour workday. In addition to the reduction in exposure limits, the key provisions of the updated OSHA rule on silica exposure include:

• Requirement for employers to use engineering controls (such as water or ventilation) to limit worker exposure at or below the permissible limit, provide respirators when engineering controls cannot adequately limit exposure, limit worker access to high-exposure areas, develop a written exposure control plan, offer medical exams to highly exposed workers, and train workers on silica risks and how to limit exposures.

• Provision for medical exams to monitor highly exposed workers and give them information about their lung health.

• Provision for flexibility to help employers – especially small businesses – in protecting workers from silica exposure.

For details on silica and its safety requirements, visit www.osha.gov in the U.S. and www.ccohs.ca in Canada. Remember, when crystalline silica is in paste form or wet (not aerosolized), it is not a problem. That is why OSHA recommends proper personal protection equipment (PPE) and wet processes for grinding, cutting and mixing to limit the amount of silica that does get in the air and subsequently the lungs of the user. More information regarding this updated rule can be found at www.osha.gov. Recommendations for PPE in relation to silica in Canada can be found at www.ccohs.ca.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is yet another naturally produced organic compound and can even be found in the stinging result of a fire ant’s bite. This chemical has recently been in the public spotlight due to claims associating it with some imported wood or bamboo flooring installed in personal residences.

The issue with formaldehyde is that it can become aerosolized, and we can inhale it. Short-term exposure to formaldehyde can result in respiratory eye, nose and throat irritation. Formaldehyde exposure can result from breathing contaminated air or even secondhand tobacco smoke. Long-term exposure to this chemical may cause increased incidence of nasal cancer.

The EPA considers formaldehyde to be a probable human carcinogen and, therefore, regulates the exposure of this compound. Formaldehyde in the construction industry is mainly found as a precursor in the resins used to make particleboard and in some wood and bamboo flooring.

Again, as long as the formaldehyde-based resin is undisturbed, it should not become a hazard. When it is disturbed by cutting, for example, it can be released into the atmosphere and become a hazard. According to the EPA, the highest levels of airborne formaldehyde have been detected in indoor air, where it is released from various consumer products such as building materials and home furnishings.

There are ways to protect ourselves from the potential hazards of living in a chemical world. The first and most powerful way is to become educated on the products you use and come in contact with. MAPEI takes great pride in its strict compliance with the latest regulations and in ensuring that all its customers have the most up-to-date, most accurate and most complete data. MAPEI’s main directive for product development is to provide the ultimate in performance with the least possible hazard to our living world.

Lead

Silica

Formaldehyde

TECHNICAL FEATURE | ULTRACOAT RENEWIT SYSTEM

MAPEI makes it quick and easy to refinish hardwood/bamboo flooring

Hardwood flooring of any type or finish will need to be recoated at some point in its lifetime. Whether a wood or bamboo floor is site-finished or prefinished from the factory, years of foot traffic, pet scratches, sunlight, routine maintenance and other influences will reduce the floor’s overall gloss and appearance.

Traditional refinishing methods require these floors to be sanded down to bare wood. This time-consuming, costly process is a dusty undertaking that is often subject to the skill level of the refinisher.

Some hardwood floors cannot be sanded, such as engineered wood floors that lack the surface veneer to accommodate the sanding process. Hand-scraped wood floors, as well, would lose their hard-earned texturing if the floor were to be sanded completely flat. Even a site-finished floor might not be able to take another sanding, if it has been refinished so many times that another pass would expose the fasteners.

For these situations and more, MAPEI’s Ultracoat ReNewIt system of products allows a floor to be recoated simply and without sanding. This system will not correct deep scratches or gouges, nor will it allow for a change in the floor color. However, it will provide a new, well-bonded finish that recreates a new-floor look quickly and easily, without the risks and difficulties of a full sanding and recoating.

How the Ultracoat ReNewIt system works – a three-step process

Step 1 – Remove contaminants, polishes, dirt and debris with Ultracoat ReNewIt Remover.

Ultracoat ReNewIt Remover is a high-performance cleaning solution and polish remover. It works quickly to remove polishes, stubborn dirt, oil and debris. The product has a fresh scent, comes in a light green color and is easy to use, with no dilution required.


ULTRACOAT ® RENEWIT ™ SYSTEM: REFINISHING

WITHOUT SANDING

TECHNICAL FEATURE | ULTRACOAT RENEWIT SYSTEM


Jeff is the Business Manager for MAPEI’s Floor Covering Installation Systems line. Jeff brings to the industry 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

Step 2 – Rinse the floor with Ultracoat ReNewIt Cleaner, leaving a pristine surface.

Ultracoat ReNewIt Cleaner is a high-performance, spot-free cleaning and rinsing solution. It is designed to remove any remaining dirt or contaminants on the wood surface, leaving no residue. The cleaner also comes ready to use and requires no dilution.

Step 3 – Prime the surface with Ultracoat ReNewIt Primer bonding agent.

Ultracoat ReNewIt Primer is a proprietary, high-performance, two-component, water-based primer and bonding agent. It enhances the bond of recoat finishing systems for wood or bamboo flooring. The primer dries quickly and does not change the color of the floor.

Complete the job with the right finish

Once the floor has been freed of contaminants, cleaned and primed, the wood is ready for refinishing. MAPEI’s Ultracoat High Traffic is a two-component, water-based wood-flooring finish that brings back the luster and gloss of the floor. It is available in three gloss levels – matte, satin and semi-gloss. Suitable for use in interior residential and heavy commercial applications where extreme traffic is expected, Ultracoat High Traffic

is an aliphatic polyurethane resin system with excellent abrasion resistance for solid wood floors. Ultracoat High Traffic adds a warm color to the wood and is non-yellowing.

Keeping wood floors presentable shouldn’t be a hassle. The next time refinishing is needed, examine the floor to make sure there are no deep scratches or gouges; then, don’t sand it – refinish it with the Ultracoat ReNewIt system!

SPECIAL FEATURE | BELOW-GRADE WATERPROOFING INTRODUCTION

MAPEI’s business is built on solutions for the construction industry. As of the end of 2015, MAPEI had annual sales in excess of $3 billion, thanks to more than 60,000 customers worldwide. One of the many construction segments that MAPEI has been engaged with elsewhere around the world is below-grade waterproofing. MAPEI announced its entry into the North American market for below-grade waterproofing at the 2016 World of Concrete event.

What is below-grade waterproofing?

The easiest way to define “below-grade waterproofing” is to break it down into its two base components:

• The term “below-grade” refers to any structure, or part of a structure, that is below the surface of the ground that surrounds it. In laymen’s terms, this area is sometimes referred to as a basement.

• The term “waterproofing” is a bit trickier and oftentimes is, incorrectly, believed to be the same as “dampproofing.” The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) defines waterproofing as “the treatment of a surface or structure to prevent the passage of water under hydrostatic pressure (e.g., the pressure exerted by water at a given depth)” (emphasis added). By contrast, dampproofing is defined as “the resistance of water in the absence of hydrostatic pressure” (emphasis added).

As such, below-grade waterproofing is interpreted to mean the treatment of a structure or portion of a structure that is below the surface of the surrounding ground, such that said treatment prevents the passage of water under hydrostatic pressure.

An additional critical point that can be inferred from this is that waterproofing must involve a system, not a product. If the project was merely to waterproof a wall, a system may not be called for. However, when waterproofing a structure, important details become apparent, such as:

• How should the transition area between the below-grade foundation wall and the footer be treated?

• How should penetrations through below-grade walls and flooring slabs be addressed?

• How will the primary waterproofing membrane be affixed to the substrate?

It is for these critical areas, and many more, that waterproofing accessories are used, thus creating the waterproofing system.


COMING TO AMERICA – MAPETHENE ™

AND MAPEPROOF ™ MAPEI introduces Below-Grade

Waterproofing product line to U.S. market

SPECIAL FEATURE | BELOW-GRADE WATERPROOFING INTRODUCTION


What types of construction are MAPEI’s below-grade waterproofing systems designed for?

The below-grade waterproofing product line that MAPEI is introducing to the U.S. construction market at this time is for commercial, institutional and multi-family residential construction. While the systems would certainly work in single-family residential construction, they would typically be viewed as over-engineered for these types of structures given their relatively shallow depth and the risk-reward value proposition. MAPEI offers complete system solutions for below-grade foundation vertical walls as well as horizontal flooring slabs. The offering includes waterproofing systems for traditional positive-side and blindside construction methods.

What types of below-grade waterproofing systems does MAPEI offer?

The initial below-grade waterproofing product groups that MAPEI has selected to introduce to the U.S. construction market include the Mapethene and Mapeproof waterproofing systems.

Mapethene self-adhered, rubberized-asphalt sheet membranes

Mapethene waterproofing membranes are constructed of a 4-mil-thick, impact-resistant, cross-laminated, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) film laminated onto one of two proprietary 56-mil-thick rubberized-asphalt compounds. Opposite the film side of each Mapethene membrane is a silicone-coated tear-resistant release paper which, when removed, exposes the aggressively tacky, rubberized asphalt compound. Two versions of Mapethene are produced. Mapethene HT is the “high-temperature” version, ideally suited for jobsites where the ambient and substrate temperatures during installation are 40ºF (4ºC) above. Mapethene LT is the “low-temperature” version,

ideally suited for jobsites where the ambient and substrate temperatures during installation are between 25ºF and 60ºF (-4ºC and 16ºC). Both versions of Mapethene come in individually boxed rolls, at 25 rolls per pallet. Each roll measures 3' x 66'8" (0,91 x 20,3 m) and covers 200 sq. ft. (18,6 m2).

Mapeproof sodium bentonite geotextile clay liners

Mapeproof waterproofing membranes are constructed by encapsulating sodium bentonite between two layers of polypropylene geotextile fabric – one woven and the other nonwoven. The nonwoven fabric is needle-punched through to the woven fabric, with thousands of fibers mechanically locking the sodium bentonite clay in place. After the placement of backfill, or concrete in blindside applications, the membrane is confined under pressure. When the membrane is subsequently hydrated (i.e., exposed to moisture), the bentonite swells and forms a gel, which is impermeable to water. The swelling characteristics of the sodium bentonite clay in Mapeproof membranes can seal small concrete cracks caused by ground settlement, concrete shrinkage or seismic action. Mapeproof membranes also form a strong mechanical bond to concrete when the concrete is poured onto the nonwoven geotextile fibers.

Two versions of Mapeproof membranes are produced. Mapeproof HW is the standard version, suitable for most jobsite conditions. Mapeproof SW is also a sodium bentonite clay based waterproofing membrane; however, it also contains a proprietary polymer, ensuring that the bentonite will swell appropriately in areas where salt/contaminated groundwater is present. In order to ensure proper product selection, 0.53 U.S. gal. (2 L) of groundwater must be analyzed by MAPEI’s Technical Services Department on all projects where groundwater is present.

Both versions of Mapeproof come in individually shrink-wrapped rolls, at 20 rolls per pallet. Each roll measures 3'7" x 16'5" (1,09 x 5,0 m) and covers 59.2 sq. ft. (5,50 m2).


Below-grade waterproofing accessories

Remember, below-grade waterproofing requires a system, not a product. As such, MAPEI offers a complete line of waterproofing accessories to provide a single-source waterproofing system that is sure to be compatible with the appropriate membranes. These accessories include:

Mapedrain™ prefabricated, three-dimensional, drainage composites

Two critical considerations of virtually all waterproofing systems are the abilities to protect the waterproofing membrane and to channel water away from the structure. The proper drainage composite can protect the waterproofing membrane from accidental punctures that may occur while the membrane is exposed to other trades and, especially, during backfilling. It also relieves hydrostatic pressure over the life of the waterproofing system by filtering groundwater and providing a channel for it to flow down and away from the structure. The Mapedrain product group includes eight different drainage composites and four fittings, thus enabling users to select the drainage composite with the flow rate and compression strength appropriate for each individual project. Mapebond ™ contact adhesives

To ensure a tenacious bond between the Mapethene membranes and various substrates, MAPEI offers the industry’s four best contact adhesives for waterproofing systems. The product line includes a solvent-based option for extremely fast drying times (Mapebond 700); a low-VOC solvent-based option for very fast drying times in areas where VOC content must be less than 250 g per L (Mapebond 710); a quick-drying water-based option (Mapebond 720); and an extremely fast-drying, aerosol spray adhesive (Mapebond 740 Contact Adhesive).

MAPEI detailing accessories

To ensure a waterproof seal at critical areas such as T-joints, penetrations, terminations and transitions, MAPEI provides the following:

• Mapethene Mastic rubberized-asphalt waterproofing detailing mastic

• Mapeflex™ P1 one-component, nonsag, elastomeric polyurethane sealant

• Mapeproof Granules sodium bentonite granules• Mapeproof Sealant detailing sealant for Mapeproof HW

and Mapeproof SW membranes• Idrostop™ hydrophilic, expandable, pre-formed, flexible

rubber strip for watertight construction.• Mapeband™ TPE flexible waterproofing tape for moving

joints

MAPEI surface-preparation products

For any waterproofing system to function properly, it must be attached to a substrate that is structurally sound and crack-free, with a surface profile appropriate for the waterproofing system being employed. While basic surface preparation (such as the removal of laitance and mortar joints being struck flush) remains essential, MAPEI is the only waterproofing company that offers products for occasions when additional surface preparation is required:

• Planiseal ® 88 one-component, polymer-modified, cementitious coating

• Planitop® X one-component, fast-setting, fiber-reinforced vertical and overhead repair mortar

• Planitop XS one-component, fast-setting, fiber-reinforced, extended-working-time vertical and overhead repair mortar

Why MAPEI’s below-grade waterproofing?

Once again, waterproofing demands a system rather than a product. As such, it is important that a designer specifies and an applicator installs a complete system from a single-source manufacturer to ensure that all components work effectively together.

As the only ISO 9001-2000 certified waterproofing manufacturer, MAPEI has the most robust quality assurance program in the industry. Equally important are MAPEI's experienced and knowledgeable technical service team and a nearly 80-year commitment to customer service. Customers can rest assured that MAPEI will help them select the best waterproofing system for each individual project and will stand behind it for many years to come.

For more information on MAPEI’s Below-Grade Waterproofing product line, visit www.mapei.us.

Jason comes to MAPEI with 19 years of experience in product line management and business development. His knowledge and expertise in sales and profit growth, market positioning, business process improvement and strategic planning are instrumental in MAPEI’s strategy to develop market share in the below-grade waterproofing sector.

About the author: Jason Covington


Bentonite Geotextile Sheet Waterproofing Membrane

Mapeproof HW waterproofing membrane is composed of sodium bentonite encapsulated between two polypropylene geotextile fabrics – a nonwoven and a woven fabric – at a rate of 1.13 lbs. per sq. ft. (5,5 kg per m2). The nonwoven fabric is needle-punched through to the woven fabric, with thousands of fibers mechanically locking the sodium bentonite clay in place. After backfill is placed, confining the membrane under pressure, Mapeproof HW will form a monolithic waterproofing membrane when exposed to moisture. Mapeproof HW contains zero VOCs and can be installed in most weather conditions as well as to green concrete.

The swelling characteristics of the sodium bentonite clay in Mapeproof HW can seal small concrete cracks caused by ground settlement, concrete shrinkage or seismic action. Mapeproof HW also forms a strong mechanical bond to concrete when the concrete is poured onto the nonwoven geotextile fibers.

Features and Benefits• Ideal waterproofing for new and rehabilitation

projects• Can be installed over damp or green concrete

substrates• Self-healing if punctured• Mapeproof HW is not affected if the level of the

water table rises and falls.• The needle-punch pattern in the geotextile

fabrics guarantees that the sodium bentonite is held firmly in place, even when Mapeproof HW is applied vertically.

Uses• Below-grade vertical and horizontal

foundations • Cast-in-place concrete applications, including

backfilled concrete walls• Underground tunnels with earth-covered roofs• Below concrete slabs and elevator pits• Blindside applications including soldier piles,

lagging, steel sheet piling, secant piles, shotcrete and stabilized soil-retention walls

For more information on Mapeproof HW and to learn about accessories that accompany this product, visit www.mapei.com to view the Technical Data Sheet.

Mapeproof ™ HW

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Product Performance PropertiesLaboratory Tests ResultsThickness – ASTM D5199 1/4" (6 mm)

Mass per unit area, nonwoven polypropylene cap – ASTM D5261 5.9 U.S. oz. per sq. yd. (200 g per m2)

Mass per unit area, woven polypropylene carrier – ASTM D5261 3.2 U.S. oz. per sq. yd. (110 g per m2)

Mass per unit area, bentonite at 12% moisture – ASTM D5993 1.13 lbs. per sq. ft. (5,5 kg per m²)

Mass per unit area, bentonite at 0% moisture – ASTM D5993 1 lb. per sq. ft. (4,9 kg per m²)

Hydraulic conductivity – ASTM D5887 2 x 10-9 cm/sec.

Swell index – ASTM D5890 > 27 mL per 2 g

Index flux – ASTM D5887 4 x 10-9 m³/m²/s max

Tensile strength (MD/CMD) – ASTM D6768 63/63 lbf/ft. (11,0/11,0 kN/m)

Grab tensile strength – ASTM D4632 135 lbf (600 N)

Static puncture strength – ASTM D6241 450 lbf (2 kN)

Peel strength (MD2) – ASTM D6496 3.6 lbf/in. (625 N/m)

Peel adhesion to concrete – ASTM D903 17.7 lbf/in. (3,1 kN/m)

Hydrostatic pressure resistance – ASTM D5385 231 ft. (70,4 m)

Shelf Life

Shelf life

5 years when protected from moisture and stored on a skid/pallet covered with polyethylene or tarp. Do not double-stack pallets. Prevent hydration of bentonite until the sheet is installed and under recommended compaction.

Color Nonwoven fabric: White Woven fabric: Black

Protect containers from freezing in transit and storage. Keep product dry before and during installation.

CSI Division ClassificationBentonite Waterproofing 07 17 00

Packaging and CoverageRoll: 3'7" x 16'5" (1,1 x 5,0 m), covering 59.2 sq. ft. (5,50 m2); packaged 20 rolls per pallet


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.

Dan Marvin, MAPEI’s Director of Technical Services, invites viewers on location at his home for Episode #6 of MTI-TV. Dan shows how easy it is to install new wood-plank-look tile over existing tile. MAPEI’s ECO Prim Grip™ eliminates the need to chip out and remove the old tile, making the job much easier and saving a lot of time. Visit MAPEI’s Website at www.mapei.com and click on the MTI-TV button to see how it’s done.

While we might take the trowel and adhesive for granted, they really can make the difference between success and failure on floor-covering projects. MAPEI’s Sustainability Manager for Technical Services, Cris Bierschank, blogs about why it is so important to get them right. Visit the Tech Talk blog at MAPEI’s Website at www.mapei.com to learn about this and other topics. While on the blog page, subscribe to receive notifications whenever a new blog is posted.

MTI-TV #6: Tile-over-tile installation in a residential setting

Tech Talk: Is trowel & adhesive selection important when applying a

floor covering?

BUSINESS NEWS

MAPEI volunteers help out at Project AEC Cares Philadelphia

MAPEI has been supporting the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Project AEC Cares program since its inception in 2011. The program’s vision has been to give something of value to the host city where AIA holds its architects’ convention each year. The day before the convention begins, volunteers from the AIA and other supporters such as MAPEI, along with local volunteers, work on repairing, renovating and even landscaping a chosen building project.

This year’s project in Philadelphia, the site of the 2016 AIA convention, involved renovating the interior of the Philadelphia Athletic Recreation Center. The center is used by hundreds of children in the Sharswood neighborhood of Philadelphia for after-school and sports programs.

MAPEI volunteers Mike Granatowski, Curtis Yocum, Todd DeKorte, Tony Ziola and Steven Day helped install vinyl flooring in the art room, main lobby and kitchen. MAPEI donated Planiprep™ SC, Ultrabond® G21, Ultrabond ECO® 810, Ultrabond ECO 711 and Ultrabond ECO 575 for this work. In the kitchen and art room, they used Ultraflex™ RS mortar to set tile backsplashes.

With the help of Curtis Yocum and Todd DeKorte, Tony Ziola sanded and recoated the 310-square-foot (28,8-m2) stage and stairs where students produce plays, musicals and other presentations. Tony worked with Ultracoat® wood-floor finishing products – Ultracoat Universal Base and Ultracoat High Traffic Matte. Tony actually started work on the site before the project began and worked for five days to

produce a finish that made the stage look brand-new.

In 2011, the first effort of Project AEC Cares was to help rebuild five houses in New Orleans that had been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The program’s 2012 project was the restoration of an abandoned building in Washington, D.C., for the Sasha Bruce Youthwork – a home for underprivileged young people working hard to stay in school. In 2014, volunteers renovated a 30-year-old former school, now used to care for and educate some of Denver’s underprivileged children in the Englewood area. Covenant House Georgia was the recipient of Project AEC Care’s efforts in Atlanta in 2015, when volunteers renovated a crisis shelter where homeless and at-risk youth turn for help.


BEFORE BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER AFTER

AFTER

MAPEI hosts hospitality event at NeoCon

NeoCon is one of North America’s most important commercial trade shows for the Architectural & Design Community. It has been held at the Mart (Chicago Merchandise Mart) every year since 1969, and MAPEI has participated in the event for a number of years. For three days architects and designers can find a wide range of building products, floor coverings, furniture, lighting, textiles, tile, stone and other surfaces, plus much more. The event producers focus on “being at the forefront of changing commercial design and business trends.”

In the past, MAPEI has showcased new products and demonstrated the company’s cutting-edge technology. Architects and designers have seen the progression from Keracolor ® to Ultracolor ® Plus grouts and the introduction of industry-leading Kerapoxy ® CQ and MAPEI Flexcolor™ CQ grouts.

In an effort to make a special impact for NeoCon 2016, MAPEI planned an exceptional hospitality event with the theme of “End NeoCon with a Bang” for its architectural clients. MAPEI National Architectural Manager Mike Granatowski,

with the assistance of local architectural representative Kathleen McGinley, sent out invitations to architects and designers in the Chicago area to attend the hospitality event on the final night of NeoCon.

With its location on the Chicago River and commanding views of Chicago and Lake Michigan, Trump Tower Chicago is an ideal spot to view the fireworks display that is produced every Wednesday and Saturday night during the summer. MAPEI selected the outside plaza deck on the 16th floor for the entertainment of its guests. The evening was a perfect Chicago summer night, with a warm breeze coming down the Chicago River as everyone enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while they mingled and socialized.

MAPEI has a history with the Trump Tower in Chicago, as a number of the company’s products were used in 2008 during the construction of the 1,170-foot (360-m), 98-story structure. Ultrabond ECO 350 and Ultrabond 980 were used to install carpet and wood over more than 750,000 square feet (69 677 m2) of the tower. MAPEI Ultralite™ Mortar was used for wall tile

installations, while Ultracontact™ and the Kerabond/Keralastic™ mortar system were used to set floor tiles. Both Keracolor S and Keracolor U were used to grout the tile. Mapelastic® HPG was used for waterproofing, and Mapeguard SM and MAPEI SM Primer™ were used for crack isolation. One of the highlights of the evening was a visit by Donald Trump Jr., who was visiting the Trump property. He graciously spent a few moments talking and posing for photos with MAPEI National Sales Manager Carol Hould and her husband, Scott; North Region Sales Director Steven Cameron and his wife, Renata; and Mike Granatowski and his guest Mary Jean.

As the night ended with a spectacular showing of fireworks on Lake Michigan, guests were presented with MAPEI glasses that gave the fireworks an interesting 3-D look. As a parting gift, everyone received a gift bag that included a fan deck displaying MAPEI’s new 40-color grout palette in its five color collections.


AFTER

AFTER

Attendees at the event included (from left) Scott and Carol Hould, Steve and Renata Cameron, Donald Trump Jr., Mary Jean, and Mike Granatowski.

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Tile industry recognizes MAPEI’s value

Adding value to construction projects builds our brand and adds to the reputation of the contractors who use our reliable products and systems. MAPEI would like to thank all those in the industry who have recognized us through these awards for Supplier of the Year (CTDA) and Most Preferred Brand in a number of categories (NTCA via the CLEAReport). Be assured we will not rest on our laurels; we will work even harder to earn your continued support as we all move forward.

Luigi Di Geso, President and CEO, MAPEI Americas