Multi-Housing News - April 2009 - (Page 24)

kitchen & bath Have You Considered Tile Lately? Soundproofing, waterproofing, and green attributes are benefits—but proper installation is critical By Erika Schnitzer, Associate Editor Floors, backsplashes, countertops: tile has a multitude of uses in the kitchen and bathroom. In many apartment communities, tile may be seen as an upgrade to vinyl surfaces because of its initial upfront cost. However, its durability and low maintenance provide significant benefits, notes Mike Archer, national facilities director of Houstonbased Camden Property Trust. And when it comes to getting the best return on investment, it may prove to be the better option. “Over the long-run, it’s probably cheaper because it lasts three to four times longer,” he acknowledges. However, to truly enjoy the benefits of tile-clad surfaces, proper installation is absolutely critical. In multifamily applications, the most significant challenges that tile installation must overcome are sound control and waterproofing—both of which can result in anything from minor inconveniences to possible disasters to units below. “The industry has tried to create sound control products used in conjunction with ceramic tile, stone and other hard surface flooring to minimize and deaden the impact of noises that are transmitted from spaces above,” says Arthur Mintie, director of technical services for Laticrete, a manufacturer of tile and stone installation systems. One solution is a single-step product that acts as both a sound control barrier and adhesive to ensure units meet—or even exceed— minimum sound control requirements. Waterproofing, particularly in multifamily, is perhaps even more important because without it, communities can potentially face serious problems, particularly if the area around the shower and/or tub is not properly sealed. The conventional waterproofing process—including application, flood testing, tiling and setting—can take approximately 10 days to complete in a 10x10 bathroom, which can result in a loss of revenue. However, “newer generation waterproofing membranes are designed to be used without typical reinforcing fabrics,” Mintie notes, which shortens construction schedules and returns units back to service faster. In the 10x10 example, the process would take three days. Communities that already have tile installed may be looking for an inexpensive way to spruce up their kitchens and bathrooms. The most costeffective upgrade, according to Mintie, is to simply re-grout the area. Re-grouting an installation that is in good shape can provide the application an entirely fresh look—without the cost. Furthermore, new-generation epoxy grouts have very low absorption rates that don’t require sealing, he says. Compare that to the typical cement-based grouts, which need to be sealed every six to 12 months to remain high performing—and sanitary—and you get significant savings in maintenance costs. If the current tile cannot be easily cleaned and restored with a simple re-grout job, Mintie recommends a tile-on-tile application, which is less messy and noisy (and more economical) than an entirely new application. The only downside to this method, he asserts, comes from height limitations, as the thickness of the new tile over the old tile can add up to an eighth of an inch to surfaces. In addition to cost savings that can result in significant returns on investment, proper tile installation can prove to be beneficial to the environment. Camden’s Archer notes that tile can help with energy costs, particularly in warmer climates, by keeping units cooler. He says that the company is more inclined to install tile in units in the South. Furthermore, the use of tile can contribute to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) credits. First, the use of tile is green in and of itself, because it doesn’t have to be replaced as often as other materials— such as carpet or vinyl. Additionally, many tiles, as well as installation materials, are now being manufactured with recycled content, and more companies, cognizant of the green movement, offer low-VOC materials. MHN Laticrete’s 125 Sound and Crack Adhesive provides sound transmission protection and reduces labor and time costs. Middle image: Hydro Ban is a waterproofing anti-fracture membrane that can be flood-tested in 24 hours. Fourth from top: The Sound and Crack Isolation Mat is comprised of 89 percent recycled content. Photos courtesy of Laticrete. To comment, e-mail erika.schnitzer@nielsen.com. MHN ONLINE See the latest international tile trends at www.multi-housingnews.com/Cersaie 24 April 2009 | Multi-Housing News | Official Publication of Multi-Housing World http://www.multi-housingnews.com/Cersaie

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Multi-Housing News - April 2009

Multi-Housing News - April 2009
Contents
From the Editor
Executive Insight: Sue Ansel
Finance: Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac
Quote of the Month
Market Forecast: Texas
Profile: Affordable Developers
Operations: Green Laundry Rooms
Technology: BIM
Kitchen & Bath: Tile Installation
Perspective: Doug Bibby, NMHC

Multi-Housing News - April 2009