TERRAZZO TILE AND MARBLE ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
L'ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE DE TERRAZZO, TUILE ET MARBRE

The 09300 Specification Guide for the Millennium and Beyond
by Dale Kempster

 The new millennium is quickly approaching and revision work has begun on the Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada (TTMAC) Specification Guide 09300 Tile Installation Manual for the year 2000.  It was agreed at the last Board of Directors meeting that the new manual would be completed and ready for distribution by January 1^st, 2000 .  To achieve this goal, it is important that all feedback or recommendations for clarifications, changes, or additions to this commemorative edition be submitted directly for consideration.

Throughout the latter part of 1998, and well into the first quarter of this year, Bill Sturrock and I carried out a series of technical seminars on behalf of TTMAC.  These programs were strictly generic in nature and reflected the information found in the 09300 manual.  In the ten cities in which these programs were held, the overall response was both remarkable and rewarding.  At the seminars, we received a great deal of input and requests for clarifications and additions to be included in the 2000 edition.

It became clear that there was a lack of understanding regarding the differences between performance capabilities of setting materials, specifically those grouped under ANSI A118.4 (Latex-Portland Cement Mortar).  It was proposed that the explanation or definition of these materials be made more concise and informative, so that the reader could make an educated and proper selection of the material suitable for his/her purposes.  I am pleased to say that nearly all of the major setting material manufacturers are members of TTMAC, and their respective technical representatives are currently working to formulate concise descriptions regarding the nature and performance of the different setting materials.

Another topic that created high interest was the lack of a standard for Crack Isolation Membranes.  In the United States , there is a technical committee under the direction of the Material Methods and Standards Association (MMSA) which is currently working to create a standard for these materials.  However, it is doubtful there will be a standard in the next few years.  In the meantime, verify from the manufacturers the exact capabilities of their products and, just as importantly, their warranty prerequisites.  Beware of warranties that replace proprietary materials only, as this is often a good indication of the limited abilities of a product. 

Exterior decks and roofs was another important topic brought up during our tour, and this is being examined and evaluated so that a new detail can be added to the 2000 manual.  Again, as I have mentioned in the past, please submit any information, recommendations, or concerns on this topic as soon as possible to the TTMAC office.  Simply fill in and fax to us the accompanying form.

The last area of the manual that will be revised is the Tile Specification Guide for Architects in the CSC 3-section master format, located at the back of the manual.  This section will be revised so that spec-writers and architects can merely delete areas irrelevant to their specifications.  A sub-committee of industry experts has been formed to tackle this complex task.

These are just a few of the changes and additions currently being examined for the revision of the 09300 manual.  This 2000 edition will place TTMAC at the leading edge as an authority on the most technically advanced methods, materials, and specifications for the tile and stone industry.

Along with the manual and other services TTMAC provides, is the value and pride one can gain from being a member of the TTMAC.  TTMAC, today, is a vibrant, focused, and extremely driven Association.  Contractor and supplier members have rallied together and contributed valuable time and effort to the many programs/services TTMAC offers.  To name a few, TTMAC has implemented the Verispec program for architectural specifications, the 1999 Maintenance manual, the Promotional Rebate Program, the TTMAC web-site, onsite job inspections, and, of course, the ongoing Trade School.  We are also considering:  in-house testing; medical and retirement programs; a CD ROM version of the 09300 Manual; contractor and supplier certification programs; upgrading the web-site; revision of the Terrazzo manual; and revision of the Marble, Slate, and Granite manual.

Lastly, a note to the architectural community:  It should be obvious, with the information stated above, the benefits of utilizing the services of  TTMAC.  In turn, it would make perfect sense to call out in your specifications that the sub-contractor must be a member-in-good-standing of  TTMAC.  This simple addition to your specifications will assure you that the contractor has the skill, knowledge, and integrity necessary to perform the installation as required.

With this being said, it is my firm belief that anyone who works in and is committed to the tile and stone industry should become a member of the TTMAC, if s/he has not already done so.  Becoming a member of TTMAC indicates commitment, sincerity, professionalism, and, most important, integrity.  To paraphrase a famous quotation, “Ask not what TTMAC can do for you, but rather what can you do for TTMAC”.

TTMAC is the National Association for the Terrazzo, Tile, and Marble industry in Canada , and it is with great pride that I can proclaim that I am a member.  Our association is growing in number each day, and we would like to extend an invitation to all of those who are not members to seriously evaluate the benefits and satisfaction of being a member of TTMAC.  Join today!!!! n

Dale Kempster is a Technical/Coordinator at Schluter Systems ( Canada ) Inc.  He has been with Schluter Systems for 14 years.  His is currently an active member of the MMSA (Materials, Methods and Standards Assoc., in the U.S. ) and the TTMAC (Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada ).  Dale is on the Board of Directors, he is the Chairman of the Specification & Technical Research Committee and Chairman of the Internet Web Site Committee.  His is also a graduate of the CTC (Certified Tile Consultants) program given by the Ceramic Tile Institute of America .  Dale has given numerous seminars across North America on a wide range of technical topics for many of the tile Industry Events such as Coverings, Stone Expo, and National Conventions such as the TCAA and the TTMAC.