Pool+Spa Features LATICRETE!

Have you seen the Nov/Dec issue of the Pool+Spa Mag? Wow - What an Issue!

LATICRETE is featured in a number of places in the last issue of Pool+Spa for the year:  

• "Making Waves" - A press release on"LATICRETE expands architectural team" on Page 16.
• "Thousands of Pools around the world depend of LATICRETE" Page 21.
• LATASIL™ gets featured on Page 43. 
• "Project Complete - Where The Mountains Meet The Sea" Page 35.

"In this affluent district of LA Jimmy Reed and his skilled & experienced team at Rock Solid Tile added to the picture-perfect landscape with the completion of a gorgeous new mosaic glass tile pool on the property of Angus Mitchell, son of the late Paul Mitchell - one of two founding members of the Paul Mitchell brand of hair products.

Designed by Joanna McHugh, the infinity-edge pool is a 148m2 tiled pool design masterpiece surfaced with glass tiles from the Bisazza collection Damasco Opale. Rock Solid Tile installed the blue and black repeating pattern of Bisazza mosaics with LATICRETE installation materials for a long term, durable tile installation". Click here to continue reading. 

Are you getting ready to start or thinking about a pool project? 
Contact us to discuss your next project, or arrange free samples. Call 1800 331 012 or email us here.

Our Holiday Schedule is now available to be viewed here.

LATICRETE Australia - Important Dates for Dec

Have you Noted these NB Dates?

The LATICRETE Holiday Schedule as above has important dates with regards to Last Shipping, Last Business Day for 2015 and Re-open date for 2016. 

Should you have any questions regarding the LATICRETE Australia 2015 Holiday Schedule, please do not hesitate to contact us - Call 1800 331 012, email: sales@laticrete.com.au or chat to your LATICRETE Technical Sales Rep.

Flooring Systems That Transform!

Out With The Old - In With The New

Flooring Masters have done it again - They have transformed this worn down space and turned it into a great looking patio! To achieve this look the team from Flooring Master have used the SPARTACOTE® Blended Chip System, a product brand of LATICRETE®.

Blended Chip is a multi-coat chip (flake) broadcast coating system. It is designed to provide a capable, terrazzo-like seamless flooring finish suitable for numerous types of commercial and residential flooring applications. Blended Chip is available in a wide assortment of blends and finishes, requires minimal maintenance and installation time is 1-day, with next-day return to service. Click here for more information on the SPARTACOTE Blended Chip Coating System.

Contact us to discuss your next flooring project or to arrange a mockup by calling 1800 331 012 or email us here.

Our Holiday Schedule is now available to be viewed here.

What a Project

Great Looking Project from Mark McKenna

This impressive project was completed by Mark McKenna using the below LATICRETE products:

335 Premium Flexible Adhesive is a thin-bed adhesive for installing a wide range of tiles and stone including low absorption ceramic tile, porcelain tile, natural and manufactured stone using thin-set method of installation. Excellent for exterior and underwater applications. 

PERMACOLOR® Select is an advanced high performance cement grout that offers the industry’s first dispersible dry pigment solution. PERMACOLOR Select is designed for virtually all types of residential and commercial installations and offers optimum performance on the most demanding exterior or interior applications.  

Can we interest you in FREE samples?

For information on LATICRETE products, arrange a demo, trade event, technical support or to discuss your next project call 1800 331 012 or contact us here.

Our Holiday Schedule is now available to be viewed here.

Protect, Clean & Transform

Tile, Stone and Masonry Care

LATICRETE has successfully provided the technology for innovative, permanent installations of tile and stone applications, concrete restoration and floor coatings, including the Protect, Clean and Transform range from our STONETECH® range of products.

STONETECH stone, tile and masonry care products are innovative, easy-to-use solutions to protect and preserve stone against the damaging effects of everyday living. With a complete line of products to protect, clean and transform stone surfaces, STONETECH help ensure the beauty of natural stone and tile counter tops, floors, walls and other installations for generations to come.

Click here to view/download the STONETECH Surface Care Product Selection Guide.

Click here to view/download the STONETECH Stone & Tile Care Guide.

For more information call 1800 331 012 or contact us here.

Tiling in hot weather

Handy Tips for Tiling in Hot Weather

With the temperature dramatically rising in Australia, causing the current heat wave, Summer is well and truly knocking on our door. To ensure your tiling projects look great for years to come we have provided some helpful tips and hints.

Conventional Portland cement tile-setting beds, thin-set mortars, cement plasters and stuccos are often permanently damaged when subject to hot, dry temperatures or desert climates immediately after installation. High temperatures remove the water content of the mortar required for Portland cement hydration, curing and strength development. In addition, rapid drying often causes mortar to crack, crumble or lose bond. 

 General tips for working in hot temperatures:

1. For best results, always ship and store installation materials at 5ºC – 32ºC to extend the shelf life and working time. Do not store products in direct sunlight. If installation materials are too warm, they should be cooled to the specified temperature range for that specific product. 
2. Dampen or wet down substrate surfaces to not only clean the area, but to lower the temperature and lower the absorption rate of the substrate. Sweep off excess water just before mortar is applied. This step will extend the working time of the installation materials. 
3. Stir latex additives thoroughly before mixing with thin-sets, grouts, plasters, stuccos and other Portland cement mortars. 
4. Due to the rapid rate of moisture loss and Portland cement dehydration at temperatures >32ºC, cover installations with polyethylene sheeting for 1-2 days to allow curing at a more normal rate. 
5. Low humidity also accelerates the curing process. 
6. Tent off or provide shade when working in direct sunlight.
7. Work during cooler periods of the day (e.g. early morning). 

Click here to read more.

Contact us to discuss your next project, for technical support or to arrange a demo, call 1800 331 012 or contact us here

Our Holiday Schedule is now available to be viewed here.

SPARTACOTE® vs. General Epoxy Coatings

Jeff Bonkiewicz, LATICRETE Int., Specialty Products Division Channel Manager, provides a comparison on how SPARTACOTE® matches up to more general epoxy coatings, what the differences are and how long to wait between coatings. 

"The coatings comparison table lists the differences between SPARTACOTE and epoxy concrete coatings.

These include: abrasion resistance, falling sand abrasion, adhesion pull-off, tensile strength, impact, and flexibility. Additionally, the coatings comparison table lists Color-Gloss Retention from the SSPC Paint Specification as well as how long a coatings contractor must wait between coats and walk-on foot traffic". Click here to continue reading.

Contact us to discuss your next flooring project or to arrange a mockup by calling Neil Warden, LATICRETE Australia National Sales Manager, on 1800 331 012 or email us here.

Our Holiday Schedule is now available to be viewed here.

Masonry Veneer Installation System FAQ's

Check out this week's FAQ's on MVIS™ - Masonry Veneer Installation System.

1. Is MVIS more expensive than traditional systems?

No. While MVIS individual components typically cost more per SKU than traditional counterparts, the systems are not comparable in terms of total installation cost. In most cases, the installed cost is actually less with the MVIS.

■ Installation of cement backer board is faster and less expensive than a lath with scratch and brown coat method, saving both labor and material costs

■ Traditional systems often use much more product due to waste and inconsistent job site mixing.

■ MVIS mortars offer faster installation of adhered veneer stones and thin bricks

■The cost associated with non-warranted traditional products is often not calculated; LATICRETE offers a fully warranted system including the cost of materials and labour.

2. Can anyone install the MVIS?

Yes. MVIS can be installed by any trade. This includes, but is not limited to:

■ Brick and stone masons.

■ Tile installers.

Any of these installers can offer the appropriate LATICRETE Warranty.

Keep an eye out for more FAQ's next week on MVIS! Alternatively, if you would like to chat with Technical Support or to arrange FREE Samples or a Demo, call 1800 331 012 or contact us here.

Our Holiday Schedule is now available to be viewed here.

Water Feature at the Baha Mar

This stunning tiled waterfall is one of many at the Baha Mar Resort and Casino in the Bahamas. This incredible water feature was installed using the complete LATICRETE System, including:

315 Super Floor & Wall Adhesive (Previously 290 Super Floor & Wall Thin-Set Adhesive) - a high performance thin-set adhesive to install tile and stone using the thin-bed method of installation. Mix with water or fortify with LATICRETE latex admixture.

HYDRO BAN® - a thin, load bearing waterproofing/crack isolation membrane that DOES NOT require the use of fabric in the field, coves or corners. HYDRO BAN is a single component, self curing liquid rubber polymer that forms a flexible, seamless waterproofing membrane. HYDRO BAN bonds directly to a wide variety of substrates. Click here for more info and view an installation video.

Can we interest you in FREE samples?

Contact us to discuss your next project, for technical support or to arrange a demo, call 1800 331 012 or contact us here.

FREE - Seminar in VIC

Book YOUR Seat! 

Do you want to: 

• Gain a better understanding of the ceramic tile and stone industry?  
• Learn how to select and recommend the most suitable installation materials? 
• Have comprehensive knowledge of LATICRETE products and installations? 
• Learn trade definition, performance requirements and industry standards? 
• How to solve and avoid job problems?

Then this is the seminar you want to attend!

The upcoming Profit Through Knowledge Seminar in VIC is a classroom and hands-on training program. This is a great opportunity to chat with your LATICRETE VIC Technical Sales Rep, Alex Kralefski. Fred Gray LATICRETE Australia Technical Service Manager and your LATICRETE Technical Rep will discuss and provide the solutions in helping save you time and money! Morning tea and lunch will also be provided for those who attend.

Seminar Details:

When: Wednesday, 2nd December   AND 

            Thursday, 3rd December 

Hurry spots are limited! 

RSVP by Friday 30/11/15: Confirm your seat by contacting Technical Services on 1800 331 012 and chat to Cade Atkinson or email here. 

The Big 5 Expo in Dubai

Come See Us at The Big 5 Expo

LATICRETE provides industry leading, innovative installation materials, methods and technologies for building installation systems. Join LATICRETE for demonstrations on SUPERCAP®, Concrete Restoration and Care System, SPARTACOTE®, Resinous Decorative concrete coating systems and much more!

Expo Details:

When: 23rd-26th November 2015

Where: Hall #8, Middle East Concrete/ PMV Area, Dubai.

Stand: 8E 361 

For more information, to discuss your next project, for technical support or to arrange FREE samples or a demo, call 1800 331 012 or contact us here.

Winners Announced - Mosaic Art Competition

Winning Entry From Catherine Conaty

Winning Entry From Don Macdonald

Winning Entry from Sandy Robertson

And the Winners Are...

We recently ran a Mosaic Art Competition, and we are excited to announce our winners!

In no particular order the winners are: Catherine Conaty, Sandy Robertson from OzMosaics, and Don Macdonald from Symmetry Mosaics. 

Well done - your entries were amazing and we hope to see photos of your new murals/projects using your SPECTRALOCK® prize which consists of:

1x SPECTRALOCK® DAZZLE™

1x SPECTRALOCK Mini Unit Liquid

1x SPECTRALOCK Powder 

Congratulations once again!

We will be sharing more info on these projects soon, so keep an eye out.

Tag us in your project photos where LATICRETE products have been used on our Facebook and Instagram pages and we will send you a t-shirt.

Our Holiday Schedule is now available to be viewed here

STONETECH® is Featured!

The Divercity Apartment Building in Waterloo

Read what Sareen Stone, your local STONETECH® stockist had to say about STONETECH BulletProof® Sealer in their October monthly blog posting:

"The Divercity Apartment Building in Waterloo, developed by Becton, is comprised of more than 300 apartments. The modern apartments with quality inclusions such as natural stone flooring in the kitchen and the bathrooms plus a diverse range of facilities for all residents, proved so popular that the entire project has sold.

STONETECH Professional BulletProof Sealer was specified and then applied to the stone surfaces throughout the entire development. STONETECH BulletProof Sealer offers maximum protection for oil and water-based stains. It is a water-based solution that has low VOCs, emits minimal odour, is environmentally friendly and makes cleaning up easy.

Each apartment at Divercity was provided with a STONETECH Daily Granite and Marble Benchtop Cleaner + Protector (473ml) to assist them in protecting their new stone benchtops". Click here to continue reading.

Click here for more information on the STONETECH range or contact us for more information on 1800 331 012.

*Our Holiday Schedule is now available to be viewed here*

Masonry Veneer Installation System FAQ's

Check out the below FAQ's on MVIS™ - Masonry Veneer Installation System

1. What is MVIS?

MVIS (Masonry Veneer Installation System) was designed to create a better way to install thin adhered masonry veneer. LATICRETE offers an installation system that provides a permanent solution to adhering natural, manufactured stone, thin brick and other products to vertical and horizontal substrates. MVIS when used in accordance with written instructions, provides the owner with a warranted solution for the installation of thin brick, manufactured stone, natural stone, and other thin veneer products.

2. What’s wrong with the methods traditionally used to install thin adhered veneers?

While there have been many examples of success using the traditional masonry method of installation, the materials used – felt paper, metal lath and scratch coats made of Type S/N masonry mortars are not engineered as part of a complete wall system. Some limitations of this method include:

■ Absence of third party testing to substantiate performance levels

■ Low bond strength adhesion values of traditional mortars result in delamination

■ Lack of freeze/thaw durability

■ Substrate is seldom properly wet cured as stipulated prescriptively in the model building codes, resulting in shrinking and cracking

3. What advantages does MVIS offer?

■ Labour and materials warranty over exterior steel or wood framed construction

■ Labour and materials warranty over exterior masonry and concrete, and interior wood and steel framed construction

■ Superior adhesive mortars with six to ten times the bond strength of traditional mortars

■ Fully monolithic and load-bearing waterproof membrane

■Faster and more economical system using factory blended and bagged, ready to use products

■ Mortars provide non-sag – easily adjustable qualities producing easier installation

Keep an eye out for more FAQ's next week on MVIS! Alternatively, if you would like to chat with Technical Support or to arrange FREE Samples or a Demo, call 1800 331 012 or contact us here.

Concrete Coating Systems for Car Dealerships and Service Bay Areas

Finished SPARTACOTE® light gray Concrete Coating for car dealerships

Finished SPARTACOTE light gray Concrete Coating for car dealerships and service bay areas

Jeff Bonkiewicz, LATICRETE International, Specialty Products Division Channel Manager, provides an informative discussion on the challenges of repairing the surfaces of large spaces in car dealerships and service bay areas, and how LATICRETE SPARTACOTE® can mitigate these concerns. 

"Car dealership and auto service bay flooring have specific challenges when it comes to repair. Car dealerships and large retail spaces cannot afford to have much facility downtime. While most important to the car dealer is keeping the service bay doors open for auto service, a safe, high traction floor with custom colours are also high on the priority list. 

SPARTACOTE coating systems for prepared concrete surfaces offer solutions to these demanding facility environments, like those found in car dealerships. These coating systems have several advantages, including rapid return to service, high traction flooring, various colours and textures, and excellent protection against abrasion, impact and chemicals". Continue reading the full article here.

Contact us to discuss your next flooring project or to arrange a mock-up by calling Neil Warden, LATICRETE Australia National Sales Manager, on 1800 331 012 or email us here.

*Our Holiday Schedule is now available to be viewed here*

Exciting Career Opportunity at LATICRETE Australia!

We Are On the Hunt!!!

Do you have the Passion, Skills, Drive and Commitment?? Then we want to hear from you!

We are on the search for a LATICRETE Australia, VIC Technical Sales Rep. This is a great opportunity to be a part of a Global Company that has led the industry with pioneering advancements.

If you have the skills or know of someone who would be the perfect fit, head to our website to view the Job Description or go to Seek and hit apply!

*Our Holiday schedule is now available to be viewed here.

LATICRETE Australia Holiday Schedule

Before we know it, December will be here! 

To ensure you don't miss out on orders, LATICRETE Australia will be closing over the Festive Season.

Refer to the above LATICRETE Holiday Schedule for important dates with regards to Last Shipping, Last Business Day for 2015 and Re-open date for 2016. Should you have any questions regarding the LATICRETE Australia 2015 Holiday Schedule, please do not hesitate to contact us - call 1800 331 012, email: sales@laticrete.com.au or chat to your LATICRETE Technical Sales Rep.