Commercial Construction & Renovation

SEP-OCT 2012

Commercial Construction & Renovation helps our subscribers design, build and maintain better commercial facilities by delivering content to meet the information needs of today's high-level executives.

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(TCNA), the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) and the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA). It absolutely is imperative to stay up-to-date on industry standards and testing requirements, which ensure products will meet the durability requirements for almost any installa- tion. And, of course the "green" aspect of tile production always is a consideration. Just because larger format porcelains are produced tomorrow's via space-age technology doesn't mean there cannot be a strong sense of responsibility to the environment throughout the manu- facturing process of them. Through our research, we've learned that the larger format tiles, such as the new 18-inch x 36-inch, most often are specified for larger commercial applications. One of the newest trends in porcelain produc- tion is to emulate the look of natural wood. This can be accomplished with porcelain tile by applying space- age inkjet techniques on the face of each tile. We're introducing "Urban Wood," which can be installed in a modular format using formats that resemble actual wood plank flooring in sizes 4-inch x 24-inch, 6-inch x 24-inch and 6-inch x 36-inch. Urban Wood is a rectified product, which means smaller grout joints can be achieved for a flawless look. CCR: Why is porcelain tile consid- ered an "investment material" by savvy building owners/developers? Rabaioli: According to a compre- hensive report published by the National Association of Home Builders in 2007, ceramic tile (a broad category of which porcelain tile is considered part of) actually is expected to outlast the lifespan of the building's owner. So, although the initial investment may be more than the cost of carpet or vinyl, the long- term value is far superior. In fact, porcelain tile has one of the lowest Research proves over and over again that consumers love the natural splendor of a large tiled expanse, and owners appreciate the easier maintenance (and, lesser expense) resulting from fewer grouted joints. life cycle costs of all floor finishes. And whereas this may sound immodest, porcelain tile clearly is safer, cleaner and more fashionable than other floor coverings. It is fire- resistant and doesn't emit toxic fumes. It is water-resistant. It has a design versatility unmatched by other floor coverings, in that it may be used as a background "field" tile or with today's vast offering of col- ors, sizes, textures and unique designs, as a focal element. Of course, it is fade-resistant; it is natural, environmental, and although it is an ideal product to be specified for hospitality projects, it is clearly inhospitable to dust mites, germs and bacteria. CCR: Do you think North Americans will ever consume as much porcelain tile per-capita as Europeans do? Rabaioli: No, but they will continue to gain in percentage. America has vast forest resources that are the source of wood flooring. It also is the carpet epicenter of the world. But in certain commercial construction applications, large format tile is going to continue to be specified and mar- ket shares will grow. In Europe, buildings have been clad with porce- lain products for years. This process, which has been refined to include ventilated façade energy-saving sys- tems, is just another problem-solving solution that will spur on greater commercial consumption of large- scale porcelain material. CCR September/October 2012 ccr-mag.com 87

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