Sunshine Coast Residential Pool Surround

What a beautiful pool area! The stone paving of this Sunshine Coast patio area has been installed by the talented team at Skorpil Tiling. 

LATICRETE QLD Technical Sales Representative Corey Downes was on-site with the Skorpil team while they used a wet bed installation to lay this gorgeous crazy pave surrounding the pool. 

The Skorpil team used a range of LATICRETE products for this project:

• 335 Adhesive is a premium, flexible, high performance 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.
• 3701 Mortar Admix is a specially designed latex admixture for use with thin-set mortars, cement grouts, cement mortar beds, and other cement mixes.
• PERMACOLOR® Grout is a high performance grout that provides a grout joint that is dense, hard and will resist cracking.

For more information on LATICRETE installation materials, product demos, or technical support, phone LATICRETE - 1800 331 012 or email: sales@laticrete.com.au. 

Celebrating 65 Years

Dr. Henry M. Rothberg

With the 65th anniversary of LATICRETE this year, we found an image from the 1950s at our founder, Dr. Henry M. Rothberg, at General Arts in South Carolina, US, doing what he did best!

LATICRETE continues to set exciting goals for the future. We are ready to take the business to the next level. Thank you to our customers and colleagues for your continued support and for being part of our journey - we wouldn't be where we are today without you! 

Oatlands Residence Pool

  

Remember the Oatlands Private Residence project that we shared a few weeks ago? We're back with a fresh new update! This time we're taking a look at the pool, which has been built by Rockform Developments and tiled by CT Tiling.

LATICRETE NSW Technical Sales Representative Craig Hunter was on-site with the teams. CT Tiling are adhering an approximate 180m² of Ezzari tiles to the pool, and using a full suite of LATICRETE products for the installation, earning a 15-year residential swimming pool warranty.

Products used: 

• HYDRO BAN® is 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® SLURRY is a cement based, one component, polymer fortified material that mixes with water and easily applies with brush, roller or trowel.
• 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed is a polymer fortified blend of carefully selected polymers, portland cement, and graded aggregates.
• 226 Thick Bed Mortar is a factory prepared blend of carefully selected raw materials, portland cement and graded aggregates for use with 3701 Mortar Admix
• 254 is the ultimate one-step, polymer fortified, thin-set adhesive. For interior and exterior installation of ceramic and stone tile, reduced thickness porcelain, quarry tile, pavers, and thin brick. 254 provides long open time with unsurpassed adhesion and workability. 
• LATAPOXY® SP-100 is a stainless, pigment free, colourfast epoxy grout for grouting floor installations of ceramic tile, brick, and stone. Cleans with water while fresh. Can be used for interior and exterior applications

View/download our Pool, Spa and Fountain Tiling Systems brochure which includes a 10, 15 and 25 Year Residential Swimming Pool System Warranty.

For more information on LATICRETE tile and stone installation systems and warranties, contact your LATICRETE Technical Sales Rep, call 1800 331 012, or contact us here.

LATICRETE 65th Anniversary Video

LATICRETE Customer Relationship, Our Most Valuable Formula

Our customers are everything to us. And we are stronger than ever, together. Enjoy this video as we celebrate our 65th anniversary. 

For all our innovation and growth as a worldwide construction building products manufacturer, there is one principle that has been a hallmark of success – our customer relationships. LATICRETE leaders and representatives consider our customers an extension of our family. Our passion is doing what’s right the first time and every time, always working side-by-side, solving problems, providing value, support and innovation. 

Hear what our Chairman and new global leadership have to say about building upon on the legacy of the first two generations and meet the 3rd generation of emerging family leaders.

For more information on LATICRETE click here!

Award Winning Residential Home Renovation

Photography Credits: Real Images

Photography Credits: Real Images

Photography Credits: Real Images

Photography Credits: Real Images

Wahroonga Project - Finalist in 2019 HIA CSR Housing Award

A residential home in Wahroonga, NSW Australia, required a renovation of 2764.5m2. The renovation touched every part of this site from the front gate through to the rear fence. It included the addition of a brand new section housing a five-room guest house, as well as extension and refurbishment of the existing deck, the pool area, and extensive additions of new retaining walls and landscaping. 

Brindabella Renovations, with over 25 years of experience within the industry and a multi-award winning company, was the perfect fit for the client’s project. John Spiteri and the team from Brindabella Renovations worked closely with the Interior Designer, Robyn Cote from Inspired Interiors, and LATICRETE to meet the client’s needs as per their detailed specifications for the interior and exterior tiling, for the new build, the extension, colours and finishes.

This amazing space was a finalist in the 2019 HIA CSR Housing Award in two categories - Renovation/Addition and Bathroom Design of the Year.

"We worked closely with Joe Tabone our LATICRETE Representative, to make sure we specified the correct solution for this job. Given the scale of the job, it was really important we made sure the site was properly prepared and the correct additives, adhesives, and grouts were used to ensure the quality result we required. LATICRETE provided all that we needed from one company, ensuring a complete proven system and ordering process. Delivery was co-ordinated for when needed, Joe visited the site on numerous occasions and was always available on the phone to provide assistance or answer questions." ~ John Spiteri, Brindabella Renovations.

There are always challenges, and then there is always a LATICRETE solution!

Click here to read how LATICRETE worked with Brindabella Renovations and the teams involved, in providing the solutions!

Preston Residential Renovation

Photo Credit - @glennhester

Photo Credit - @glennhester

Photo Credit - @glennhester

Photo Credit - @glennhester

We are in love with this gorgeous renovated residential bathroom! Interior stylist Lauren Egan and her husband Glenn Hester, a commercial photographer, spent the last nine years thoughtfully renovating what was once a dilapidated 1920s home into this jaw-dropping modern masterpiece!

One of the last projects before selling their home, Lauren and Glenn embarked on a journey to expand the floor plan, with an extra bedroom, living space, and bathroom. The bathroom project required expert tilers. Lauren looked to Kobra Tiling Services to ensure the job was done right.

The Kobra Tiling Services team knew that in a job like this, they required reliable and trusted installation materials, which is why they chose LATICRETE! On this project, the team used: HYDRO BAN® for the waterproofing,  LATICRETE 335 adhesive to adhere the wall tiles, 335 RAPID for  the floor tiles, and SPECTRALOCK ® PRO Premium Grout in the colour, Sauterne.

Products used: 

• HYDRO BAN® is 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.
• 335 is a premium, flexible, high-performance 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.
• 335 RAPID is a premium, flexible, high performance, rapid setting thin-bed adhesive for installing a wide range of tiles and stone. Excellent for cold weather applications
• SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout* is a high-performance epoxy grout that offers colour uniformity, durability, and stain resistance with extraordinary ease of use.

Need assistance in selecting the appropriate adhesives, mortars, and grouts for your residential project? LATICRETE has a Residential Tile & Stone Installation Systems brochure which provides information on products that are engineered for residential tile and stone installations, including a System Warranty. Click on the link to view/download the LATICRETE Residential Tile & Stone Brochure.

Contact us to discuss your next project or arrange a demo. Call 1800 331 012 or email us here.

Celebrating 65 Years

 

In continuing the 65th anniversary of LATICRETE we've got another retro shot to share with you! 

In the mid 1970s, Henry B. Rothberg spent over a year driving across the USA. He spent this time forging connections with prominent figures in the tile industry, and helped grow the LATICRETE brand with distributors across the country. The spirit of Henry's year-long road trip is still reflected in our business today - our Technical Sales Representatives continue to call on distributors and job sites across Australia to forge the connections and manage the relationships that make this company what it is today.

To continue reading more about the history of LATICRETE in Australia, click here. 

NSW Hotel Renovation

 

This NSW hotel is undergoing a beautiful renovation, and tiler Mitch Morgan of MM Tiling has been hard at work on this gorgeous stone facade. Mitch is installing 120m² of Eco Outdoor random cladding to cover most of the exterior walls, giving the hotel such a beautiful, bright look!

For this impressive stone facade MVIS™ Veneer Mortar was Mitch's preferred choice. MVIS Veneer Mortar is a patented, versatile polymer fortified mortar designed specifically for the installation of adhered masonry veneer, stone and thin brick. A high performance mix provides maximum non-sag performance for vertical installations and also obtains maximum bond strength to the substrate and selected veneers. Masonry Veneer Mortar offers exceptional workability. Meets and exceeds the requirements of AS ISO13007.1&2 as a C2TS1. 

Mitch also completed the internal tiling work - keep posted for updates on this project.

For more information on LATICRETE installation materials, product demos, or technical support, phone LATICRETE - 1800 331 012 or email: sales@laticrete.com.au. 

LATICRETE® SUPERCAP®

 

AllPrep Flooring Specialists Pty Ltd spotted driving the LATICRETE® SUPERCAP® mobile blending unit (pump truck). The SUPERCAP® System combines LEED contributing, GREENGUARD certified, low alkali, self-levelling cement-based technology with a computer-controlled pump truck.

This revolutionary System benefits the entire project from design to completion by providing predictable results that can shave weeks off a project schedule while delivering a perfectly flat floor for following trades to build out on.

We call it Perfectly Flat Floors. Delivered.

Consider using the LATICRETE SUPERCAP Pump Truck on your next project? 

Contact AllPrep Flooring Specialists Pty Ltd

Call: 1300 ALLPREP 

Email: david@allprepflooring.com.au

Website: www.allprepflooring.com.au

Kangaroo Point Private Residence

 

Look at the size of these tiles! You know it's going to be a big job when each tile requires two tradies and a trolley just to get it onto the site! These large format porcelain panels are being installed by Murray Heazlewood and his skilled team at Heazlewood Tiling and Cladding, at a Kangaroo Point residential renovation project. The walls are covered in 2400x1200x6mm panels, while the floors are tiled with 1200mm² tiles of the same stone.

LATICRETE QLD Technical Sales Representative Shane Anderson was on-site with Murray, who explained his team relies on LATICRETE products as they know that no matter how big or small a job may be, LATICRETE have the solutions to get the job done right!

LATICRETE installation materials used on this project: 

• HYDRO BAN® is 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. 
• 254 is the ultimate one-step, polymer fortified, thin-set adhesive. For interior and exterior installation of ceramic and stone tile, reduced thickness porcelain, quarry tile, pavers, and thin brick. 254 provides long open time with unsurpassed adhesion and workability. 

Contact us to discuss your next project or arrange a demo. Call 1800 331 012 or email us here.

Richmond Private Residence Project Spotlight

Photographer - Armelle Habib  |  www.armellehabib.com

Photographer - Armelle Habib  |  www.armellehabib.com

Photographer - Armelle Habib  |  www.armellehabib.com

Photographer - Armelle Habib  |  www.armellehabib.com

A family home with an extremely busy bath-time routine had outgrown their small bathroom which consisted of a shower and bath. The client, working in the cosmetics industry had an abundance of samples and required additional suitable storage. The owner looked to the designer, Angela Harry, for ideas to maximise the bathroom which were to include a double shower head, a steam room, and additional storage space. "The brief was to create a functional ensuite, that was flexible and spacious enough for use by multiple family members, including two young children, and felt sophisticated and joyful to be in" ~ Angela Harry. The bathroom was on the third floor and had no balcony access, therefore it required multiple trips going up and down flights of stairs. The tiling contractor, Idyllic Tiling, had to set up on the rooftop terrace to cut tiles and mix the adhesives. Plates for lights, the steam room shelf, and bench were cut and polished by hand, which would span across the length of the room. The new design layout had the shower on the opposite end of the room, and was to include a double shower head, in addition to a steam room. Click here to continue reading the project spotlight. Contact LATICRETE to discuss your next project - call 1800 331 012 or email sales@laticrete.com.au.

Celebrating 65 Years

We continue to celebrate 65 years of LATICRETE with another blast from the past! This cool lookin' dude here is none other than Henry B. Rothberg, overseeing construction of the very first LATICRETE factory in Bethany.

In the early 1970s, Henry B. Rothberg served as main builder and project supervisor for the construction of this factory. LATICRETE has taken a hands-on approach right from the beginning, our founders were never afraid to get their hands dirty on the job site!

To continue reading more about the history of LATICRETE, click here. 

Add 3701 to Your Render Mix!

 

LATICRETE Technical Sales Rep, Glenn Mannix, caught Gee from Mix Mud Rendering just before getting ready to use 3701 Mortar Admix to render an upcoming pool!

3701 Mortar Admix is designed for use with 226 Thick Bed Mortar or Portland cement and sand mixes. 3701 Mortar Admix is a multiuse latex that will fortify any cement based adhesive or cement based tile grout. 

3701 Mortar Admix can be mixed with 211 Powder or neat cement for use as a slurry bond coat. Use 3701 Mortar Admix in place of water for screeds and renders. 3701 Mortar Admix increases the physical performance of Portland cement adhesives. Used in place of water, 3701 Mortar Admix improves the working and physical properties of any cement mix and provides an economical and easy way to make permanent, trouble-free installations of ceramic tile, brick and natural stone. Click here for more product information.

Are you getting ready to start a project? Contact us to discuss your next project or arrange a demo. Call 1800 331 012 or email us here.

The Importance of Sealed Stone

 

Determining if a stone is sealed is an important question that must be answered prior to considering the application of a new sealer treatment. Realizing if an unsealed stone surface will be able to accept a sealer is also important in determining how to move forward. 

There is a very simple and inexpensive test to determine if the stone, Saltillo tile or cement-based grout is currently sealed, or if it even requires a sealer.

Water Test: 
A quick and easy test is performed with water and can provide valuable information about the current state of the stone or grout surface. 

1. Apply water in a few different areas of the stone and/or grout 
2. Make each application of water approximately 25mm wide 
3. Roughly measure the size of the circle of water without making contact with the water. Make a notation as to the size of each application of water 
4. Place a drinking glass over each application of water to protect from evaporation 
5. Let sit undisturbed for 20 min 
6. After 20 minutes remove the glass(es) and observe the results: 

No change - If the water appears the same as when it was applied and the water measures the same diameter, then a sealer is already present or the stone is very dense and does not need a sealer. 

Slight change - If the water is still present in a bead but appears to be absorbing into the surface then a sealer may already be present but requires resealing, or, the stone is not sealed and is dense enough to allow for the slow absorption of water 

Complete change - If the water is completely absorbed into the surface and the spot appears to have grown in size then the stone is not sealed and the use of a high-quality sealer (e.g. STONETECH® BulletProof® Sealer, STONETECH Heavy Duty Sealer, STONETECH Impregnator Pro® Sealer, etc) is strongly recommended. Continue reading Technical Data Sheet TDS-1261.

View/download:

STONETECH Surface Care Product Selection Guide

STONETECH Stone & Tile Care Guide

If you have any questions regarding the use, installation or maintenance of STONETECH or sealed stone, please contact LATICRETE Technical Services on 1800 331 012.

Matching Coloured Adhesives

Extensive Adhesive Colours - Available to Match Grouts

Fred Gray, LATICRETE Australia Technical Services Manager, provides an informative article on matching coloured adhesives and grouts within the LATICRETE product range. 

For over 60 years, LATICRETE has promoted the use of coloured adhesives with thin glass, ceramic and stone tile installation where, amongst other things, the expression of regular adhesive to the tile face is problematic.

Over the decades, contractors have been using 4237 Latex Additive with our cementitious grouts to make a coloured tile adhesive, which is the same colour as the grout used to make the adhesive.

This innovation increased productivity and the quality of installation particularly with thin and transparent tile. Tiles could be adequately bedded without the fear of an unwanted coloured tile adhesive in the joints, which would otherwise require removal prior to setting, to make room for the coloured grout. No more raking or brushing the adhesive out of the joints. Once the adhesive dried the grouting operation began, with a grout of the same colour of the tile adhesive, ensuring a consistent appearance.

The concept of the coloured epoxy adhesive and grout soon became popular with LATAPOXY® SP100 epoxy grout. Again, no requirement to remove the adhesive from the joint, because it was the same as the grout to be applied once the adhesive set. Given the nature of the epoxy adhesive, this was particularly well accepted by the contractors.

The new platform for coloured cementitious adhesives and grouts is PERMACOLOR® Select. With this system, colouring the 254 Adhesive or PERMACOLOR Select powder is achieved with the use of the PERMACOLOR Select Color Kit (pigment). Pigments in a dissolvable pack is mixed in with the gauging water to achieve the colour you want in the adhesive and grout. Not just our standard colour palette but with some advanced notice, any colour you want.

Contact LATICRETE for product details and procedures - call 18 00 331 012 or contact us here.

"Extra Heavy Duty" Streetscape Installations Brochure

Do you require an installation system for streetscapes?  LATICRETE, "Extra Heavy Duty" Streetscape Installations brochure provides information about products that are recommended for the installation of ceramic tile, concrete pavers and natural stone where an “Extra Heavy Duty” installation that is required normally associated with transit ways, roads, footpaths and streetscapes. These systems are particularly suited to roads and areas required to handle heavy vehicular traffic. View/download the LATICRETE "Extra Heavy Duty" Streetscape Installation System brochure. Tile and stone installation systems that are available from LATICRETE are from proven LATICRETE tile installation projects which have been successfully installed around the world for over 60 years. LATICRETE provides single source responsibility for these demanding, high performance applications. LATICRETE systems offer the latest technology in construction materials, methods and delivers superior performance. Projects utilising LATICRETE materials and methods qualify for a comprehensive LATICRETE Warranty.

Contact your local LATICRETE Technical Sales Rep about your next project by calling 1800 331 012 or contact us here.