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CERAMIC TILE IMPORTS 2018

THE SEARCH FOR AUSTRALIA’S BEST TILER

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101co

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8 Amber Tiles in Gregory Hills (NSW) is a new store at less than 12 months old. Franchisees Wayne and Nikki Marshall bring a lot of industry experience to the retail business.

STATISTICS10 Peter Halliday looks at ceramic tile imports for the 2018

calendar year. He also provides a brief update on the March 2019 quarter imports data.

COMPETITION16 Davco is launching a competition to find the best

professional tiling talent around Australia.

SPECIAL FEATURE: WATERPROOFING18 Waterproofing Standard (3740-2010) is reviewed by

Roeland Trietsch from Melbourne Polytechnic. RLA Group's new national technical manager is also profiled.

MADE IN INDIA28 Bryan Vardas visits a number of tile making factories in

India.

TOOLS32 iQ Power Tools’ global plans include Australia.

INSTALLATION38 Barry Schafer from the Australian Institute of

Waterproofing writes about issues that can help maintain outdoor decks.

SHOW REPORT40 Tile Today visited The International Surface Event in

Las Vegas for the second year in a row. The organisers are launching a similar event for the Chinese market in December 2019.

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CERAMIC TILE IMPORTS 2018

THE SEARCH FOR AUSTRALIA’S BEST TILER

WATERPROOFINGSTANDARDS

Data is very important to most industries and in this issue, we have the 2018 ceramic tile imports from Peter Halliday. He wades through the source data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and provides a selection of key graphs and trend analysis.

This edition includes the launch of a competition seeking Australia’s best tiler, an initiative from Davco. The company has organised a number of regional events leading up to national final in Sydney. The winner will be flown business-class to China to compete in the national final.

Waterproofing is the special feature in this issue, highlighting some of the issues and products in this category. Davide Caprotti who recently stepped into his role as national technical manager at RLA Group is also profiled. Bob Schafer returns as a contributor and discusses some of the building considerations that help to prevent water-damaged decks.

Bryan Vadas writes about his latest trip to visit India’s major tile making factories and iQ Tools is active in the Australian market because of its newly-formed partnership with TilersOnline in Sydney.

Tile Today visited The International Surface Event in Las Vegas, Nevada (USA) for the second year in a row. Read about what happened on page 40.

Until next time,

Betty TanddoEditor

(l&r) Sandie Velkovska and Betty Tanddo travelled to Las Vegas to visit The International Surface show

FRONT COVER IMAGE

The Habitat collection from Spanish supplier Equipe Cerámicas is a white body wall tile that measures of 20x20cm with a glossy finish, and comes in 10 different colours. As part of this range, it has created the Cala decoration, which recalls the brushstrokes of water colours, providing a subtle texture to the spaces.‎In addition, as a complementary decoration of patchwork, Equipe offers the Mitjana decoration, a tile inspired by traditional Mediterranean hand-painted designs.

4 | TILE TODAY #101 | www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au

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Amber Tiles has it coveredNew to the scene, Amber Gregory Hills in NSW is owned and managed by long-time industry professionals who understand the needs of their local market

Franchisees Wayne and Nikki Marshall joined Amber just over nine months ago, but had been undergoing

discussions with the group for over two years. Wayne explains, “My wife and I have been involved in the industry for some time and we admired Amber from afar, before more closely researching the group and ultimately joining the team. We decided to get involved a while ago but took our time and discovered what we think is the perfect area and site [for the store] that will allow our family to thrive into the future”.

The brandAmber has traditionally been a retail company, with its main customers being “mum and dad” homeowners. “Our stores are set up to make customers comfortable, and our research shows us to be a trusted and reliable brand that gives

personalised and friendly advice”, explains Wayne.

In addition, trade customers are consistently supported by Amber at each step of their purchasing process including specification and installation. “Our relationships with trades are vital and strong, and we work closely with them on a daily basis. Our store sales are still more heavily skewed toward our retail customers, while our trade business continues to grow,” he said.

Amber has always established its stores as being two businesses under one roof. It primarily sells tiles and accessories for interior spaces in a home, as well as pavers, stone and retaining walls for the outdoors. According to Wayne, this indoor-outdoor factor helps to differentiate his store’s offering and contributes to establishing trust with its customers.

“Once they buy tiles or pavers, they often come back when they want

to purchase for another part of the home,” he said.

The company has ownership with an overseas tile supplier that provides Amber with leverage, when required, on specific product ranges.

As a highly engaged store owner and operator, Wayne is proud of the team’s merchandising efforts in presenting the store’s products. The hard work has begun to pay off. “We certainly aimed to have the best-looking store in the area, and we are confident we have done so, with our customers regularly giving positive feedback in this regard”, said Wayne.

Sell-throughAmber Gregory Hills is still a brand-new business at less than a year old, and Wayne admits to facing a number of challenges in getting started. However, Wayne and Nikki are happy with its progress and confident it is heading in the right direction.


RETAIL FOCUS

“I don’t think it is news to anyone in the industry that the market has tightened, and sales are getting tougher at the moment. The last few years have been good for many, but the combination of pressure on house prices, elections and other external factors has led to price pressure and declining sales for some…,” said Wayne.

The store is located in Sydney's South West corridor, a high growth area that is expected to gain approximately 300,000 new residents by 2031, based on the NSW state government’s Sydney Growth Centres Strategic Assessment Report (2010), and quoted by the Smart Property Investment website earlier this year. Craig Barnes from Australian home builder Sekisui House told the website: “Investment activity is evident and growth within the

Left:Franchisees Nikki and Wayne from Amber Gregory Hills

Above:Amber Gregory Hills is located at 7/72 Lasso Road, Gregory Hills (NSW)

8

www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au | TILE TODAY #101 | 7

region is progressing at a rapid pace. Aside from Western Sydney Airport … localised infrastructure projects and amenity development are well underway, including major road and rail network upgrades, new schools, hospitals and shopping centres”.

The expanding area in Gregory Hills has attracted direct competitors to the store but the couple remain unfazed as they work hard with their growing knowledge base, skill set and back up from Amber’s support office.

In managing the store, Wayne and Nikiki have discovered that some of the “small things” they have done in terms of marketing have had a major impact and delivered excellent results. “We had a grand opening launch which was really … well received and exposed the store to many local trades, customers and suppliers,” said Wayne. Since then, simple things such as giving out handouts and sausage sizzles for tradies have been very effective for the store. “They still love them,” he said.

Other initiatives include product sample boxes, distributing Amber’s broadsheet “The Answer” that has lifestyle content and ideas for tile projects, and geo targeted digital campaigns.

The showroom itself has also been

productive in terms of marketing. “We have good directional signage and display mechanisms to help our customers on their journey to find the right product for their home,” added Wayne.

They are aware that trends in the market have shifted towards an increasingly large format tiles and have seen the rising popularity of engineered stone products. “It makes for an exciting time ahead,” he said.

For now, Amber Tiles is all about helping to inspire customers and driving them into the store. This is their primary focus because the Amber website is not currently set up for e-commerce.

The brand’s strength and reputation has helped encourage customers to visit the store which is crucial for a retailer that is yet to celebrate its first anniversary. “We have learned it is then up to us to give the customer a great experience and appropriate advice. Customer satisfaction and a sale are key goals,” he explains.

Training and knowledgeThe couple continue to learn about the retail side of the business and have been pleased with the guidance they have received from Amber. “It began with a placement in another

store prior to starting in my own store, plus ongoing and multiple visits from support team staff.

“There has been training in products, systems and sales. It has been great, but I can see it will still take me some time to learn it all, even coming from a tiling background,” explains Wayne.

Prior to entering the world of retail, Wayne worked as a tiler and stone mason for many years with a large number of commercial and residential projects under his belt. “My body took a hit and the advice given to me was that it was time for me to get off the tools. At the same time, my wife Nikki has been in the bathroomware industry for many years, so it seemed like a natural fit for both of us to look at Amber. I manage the store most days, and Nikki does it when I get a day off occasionally!”, explains Wayne, while laughing.

Wayne and Nikki utilise their different specialities in tiles and bathroomware in their Gregory Hills store. They have employed staff to help with outdoor products, while they continue to learn about this category. “It is important to have a balance within the store, with some specialists while having broad knowledge across all the products we sell,” said Wayne. n


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Peter Halliday looks at ceramic tile imports data for the 2018 calendar year. Most imported tiles still originate from China, and there has been a large percentage increase of tiles from India.

Ceramic tile imports 2018

Data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that Australia imported

45,577,062 square metres of ceramic tiles in 2018. The total value for Australian customs purposes was declared as AUD479,611,522.

This represents a decline of just -0.53 per cent on the 2017 calendar year import volume but an increase of 3.2 per cent in value. The 2018 volume is 2.6 per cent below the market peak total recorded in March 2017. Fig.1 illustrates the previous 5 years of import volumes by quarter.

Whilst the latest decline in the annual figures seems insignificant when compared with 2017, December quarter imports were 23 per cent or 1,145,141 square metres below the September quarter figure. The September quarter has traditionally seen much higher import volumes than the June and December quarters, but the December quarter 2018 fall was larger than normal.

The breakdown of imports by country and state is shown in Fig.3.

China was still the largest source for ceramic tiles sold in Australia, making up 69.8 per cent of the total import volume. Imports from China rose by 2 per cent in 2018.

While the volume was high, the value of Chinese imports also rose by 5 per cent but represented only 56 per cent of the total Australian customs value. The average import value was AUD8.38 per square metre in 2018, a modest increase from AUD7.85 five years ago when the Australian dollar was much stronger against the US dollar.

Fig.2 shows the Reserve Bank of Australia monthly exchange rate average over the previous five years for the two major currencies used to purchase tiles, the US Dollar and the Euro. Fig.4 and Fig.5 show the top 10 source countries by volume and value respectively.

Italy supplied 9.3 per cent of all ceramic tiles imported in 2018 which was down on the 10.3 per cent total in 2017. The value however was higher overall than 2017 at 21.4 per cent of the total Australian customs import

value, reflecting Italy’s continued concentration on producing higher end ceramic tiles including large format porcelain panels or gauged porcelain slabs. The average value of Italian imports was AUD21.15 per square metre or 2.9 times greater than the average value of Chinese tile imports.

Imports from Malaysia dropped -3.8 per cent in 2018 but Malaysia was still the third largest exporter of tiles to Australia, supplying 8.7 per cent of total. The Australian customs value fell by -6.6 per cent, the value representing only 5.9 per cent of the total, with an average price of AUD7.18 per square metre, AUD1.20 lower than China.

Spain was the fourth largest exporter to Australia in 2018 in volume terms and the third largest in terms of value. Imports from Spain in 2018 increased both the quantity and value, reaching 4 per cent of the total annual volume and 7.8 per cent of the total annual customs value, the

12

FIG.1 CERAMIC TILE IMPORTS - MOVING 12 MONTH TOTAL

Data source: ABS


STATISTICS

IMPORT DESTINATION STATE

Total Square MetresTotal Customs Value

AUDCOUNTRY OF ORIGIN New South

WalesNorthern Territory

Queensland South Australia

Tasmania Victoria Western Australia

Australia (Re-imports) 4,072 2,487 1,352 7,910 79,725

Belgium 57 119 15 191 24,857

Bosnia and Herzegovina 227 227 5,863

Brazil 145,415 3,674 41,215 5,806 39,820 15,836 251,766 3,502,876

Bulgaria 622 3,186 3,808 41,751

China (excluding SARs and Taiwan)

13,587,771 223,938 6,245,165 1,580,922 159,804 7,634,661 2,427,405 31,859,666 266,932,080

Czech Republic 81,985 5,075 2,406 4,777 94,242 176,429

Ecuador 1,401 1,401 37,758

Egypt 128 30 1,311 1,469 31,465

France 13,126 6 3,175 10,278 3,253 4,009 33,847 1,104,631

Germany 72,619 2,952 7,338 1,267 57,327 10,245 151,748 3,697,612

Greece 157 19 176 6,638

Hong Kong (SAR of China) 25 50 1,279 7,279 8,633 86,254

India 363,343 8,613 36,622 79,392 65,204 553,174 4,730,241

Indonesia 154,648 14,584 152,002 21,153 13,838 69,884 29,528 455,639 5,154,365

Iran 623 250 9,694 10,567 73,553

Italy 1,787,741 9,596 646,945 153,075 27,059 1,038,588 579,075 4,242,079 102,469,732

Japan 18,949 71,520 31,676 4,733 126,878 2,501,744

Jordan 1 5 6 5,226

Korea, Republic of 152,608 21,220 7,158 180,987 1,762,148

Lebanon 4 2 7 6,215

Malaysia 797,181 29,286 1,071,316 259,461 5,452 1,636,090 156,562 3,955,348 28,385,822

Mexico 18,526 723 91 19,340 67,879

Morocco 8,285 3,578 2,040 13,902 573,266

Netherlands 7,254 737 23,453 18 31,463 330,819

New Zealand 1,518 135 1,338 2,991 60,305

Poland 22 22 38,935

Portugal 42,389 7,083 3,216 46,853 16,063 115,605 2,301,393

Puerto Rico 1,947 1,947 42,578

Russian Federation 105 105 1,466

Saudi Arabia 798 1,073 1,871 28,556

Serbia 40 40 1,796

Singapore 290 104 394 31,185

South Africa 98 177 275 4,395

Spain 982,852 8 240,177 15,213 22,345 366,985 161,893 1,789,472 37,911,824

Sri Lanka 101,466 116,700 3,187 10,675 226,003 458,031 3,890,109

Taiwan 2,053 256 1,089 2 3,400 117,410

Thailand 287,525 1,043 71,126 4,454 1,347 89,546 61,299 516,338 4,483,366

Tunisia 339 339 11,404

Turkey 65,261 233 62,632 17,506 55,349 11,105 212,086 3,699,523

United Arab Emirates 206,547 2,396 4,123 3,882 90,536 307,483 3,604,019

United Kingdom 2,432 12 29 1,158 226 3,856 183,787

United States of America 6,667 449 50 2,658 9,825 280,490

Viet Nam 89,277 47,099 4,364 554 7,210 148,505 1,130,030

Grand Total 19,007,104 287,716 8,826,335 2,131,842 233,748 11,298,180 3,792,137 45,577,062 479,611,522

State Quantity Share 41.7% 0.6% 19.4% 4.7% 0.5% 24.8% 8.3% 100.0%

FIG.3 CERAMIC TILE IMPORTS - MOVING 12 MONTH TOTAL


highest levels ever. Spanish imports were 16.7 per cent higher than the volume of imports in 2017 and 16.7 per cent higher in value in 2018.

India overtook Thailand to become the fifth largest supplier to Australia, albeit with much smaller volumes than Italy, Malaysia or Spain. Indian tile exports to Australia rose 86 per cent in 2018 reaching 541,637 square metres, or 1.2 per cent of the import total. Imports from Thailand fell by a further 30 per cent in 2018 to 516,338 square metres. Ceramic tiles imported from Thailand once made up almost 10 per cent of Australia’s total imports but large declines between September 2013 and June 2016 and a further steady decline since September 2017 has resulted in imports from Thailand now making up only 1.1 per cent of the total volume.

While some imported tiles will be sold and transferred to other states, the ABS records only the destination state declared on import documentation. Fig.6 illustrates import volume over the last five years by state. New South Wales was the largest declared destination state for ceramic tile imports to Australia again, increasing by 3 per cent and accounting for 41.8 per cent of all tile imports. This was up from 40.3 per cent in 2017. When looking at where New South Wales sourced tiles, Malaysia was under-represented at only 4.2 per cent of the state total (Malaysia made up 8.7 per cent of the national total). New South Wales imported 56 per cent of all tiles from Spain and 56 per cent of all tiles from Thailand, both above the national average.

While New South Wales represented the biggest importing state, when compared to the previous quarter, New South Wales imports showed a 26 per cent downturn in the December quarter, the biggest of any state. This may be the reflection of a slowing of building and construction activity before other states following a drop in building approvals and a tightening in lending restrictions with housing finance to owner occupiers falling to five year low in September 2018.

FIG.2 MONTHLY EXCHANGE RATE

FIG.4 CERAMIC TILE IMPORTS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

FIG.5 TOP 10 SOURCES BY IMPORT VALUE

Data source:RBA

Data source: ABS

Data source: ABS


Calendar Year New South Wales*

Northern Territory

Queensland South Australia

Tasmania Victoria Western Australia

Total SQM Total Customs Value AUD

2014 14,409,415.00 663,505.80 8,056,464.98 1,993,567.67 188,544.18 9,290,549.01 5,033,204.05 39,635,250.03 375,779,938.93

2015 16,080,652.84 639,072.00 8,865,157.59 2,260,546.58 207,666.52 10,138,372.65 5,089,541.27 43,281,009.45 464,476,306.23

2016 18,709,543.56 424,308.55 10,018,659.98 2,140,593.11 214,828.49 10,240,295.05 4,364,963.88 46,113,192.62 483,168,120.13

2017 18,499,241.30 377,443.87 9,913,040.17 1,985,877.20 194,037.64 10,987,176.38 3,906,818.71 45,863,635.28 464,522,945.44

2018 19,007,104.36 287,715.51 8,826,335.08 2,131,841.74 233,747.81 11,298,179.85 3,792,137.17 45,577,061.52 479,611,521.63

14

FIG.6 TOTAL CERAMIC TILE IMPORTS BY STATE

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2018 also saw a marked decline of 67 per cent in foreign investment in Australian residential real estate as restrictions in Australia and in China took effect. The volume of imports and quarterly volatility by state can be seen in Fig.7.

Victoria was the next biggest destination state in 2018 with a 24.8 per cent share of imports. Victorian imports rose 2.8 per cent in 2018. Queensland was the next biggest state,

FIG.7 CERAMIC TILE IMPORTS BY STATE

Data source: ABS

Data source: ABS

First quarter updateThe Australian Bureau of Statistics updated its commodity import statistic data for the March quarter 2019 as the magazine went to press. It shows ceramic tile imports declined by 4 per cent or 2,010,798 square metres to 43,695,138 square metres in the 12 months to the end of March 2019 when compared to the 12-month period to the end of March 2018. While the quantity declined by 4 per cent, the value was only 2.1 per cent lower.

Peter Halliday is managing director of Decor8 Tiles

FIG.8 CERAMIC TILE 2018 IMPORT CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION

Harmonised Tariff Code

Description Import Square Metres

Percentage of Total SQM

Customs Value (AUD)

Percentage of Total AUD

Average Cost Per Square Metre

6907211001 Tiles, cubes and similar articles, water absorption coefficient by weight not exc 0.5% (excl. 690730 and 690740), whether or not rectangular, largest surface area of which is capable of being enclosed in a square the side of which is less than <7 cm

294,536 0.6% $5,283,617 1.1% $17.94

6907219002 Tiles, cubes and similar articles, water absorption coefficient by weight not exc 0.5% (excl. 690730 and 690740), whether or not rectangular, largest surface area of which is capable of being enclosed in a square the side of which is greater than >=7 cm

25,771,808 56.5% $317,645,063 66.2% $12.33

6907221003 Tiles, cubes & similar articles, water absorption coefficient by weight exc 0.5% but not exc 10% (excl. 690730 & 690740) whether or not rectangular, largest surface area of which is capable of being enclosed in a square the side of which is <7cm

19,261 0.0% $278,179 0.1% $14.44

6907229004 Tiles, cubes & similar articles, water absorption coefficient by weight exc 0.5% but not exc 10% (excl. 690730 & 690740) whether or not rectangular largest surface area of which is capable of being enclosed in a square the side of which is >=7cm

9,154,317 20.1% $69,405,246 14.5% $7.58

6907231005 Tiles, cubes and similar articles, water absorption coefficient by weight exceeding 10% (excl. 690730 and 690740), whether or not rectangular, largest surface area of which is capable of being enclosed in a square the side of which is <7 cm

28,523 0.06% $343,231 0.1% $12.03

6907239006 Tiles, cubes and similar articles, water absorption coefficient by weight exceeding 10% (excl. 690730 and 690740), whether or not rectangular, largest surface area of which is capable of being enclosed in a square the side of which is >=7 cm

7,831,283 17.2% $56,378,679 11.8% $7.20

6907301007 Mosaic ceramic tiles, cubes and similar articles (excluding those of 690740), whether or not rectangular, the largest surface area of which is capable of being enclosed in a square the side of which is less than 7 cm

253,286 0.6% $5,815,446 1.2% $22.96

6907309008 Mosaic ceramic tiles, cubes and similar articles (excluding those of 690740), whether or not rectangular, the largest surface area of which is capable of being enclosed in a square the side of which is greater or equal to 7 cm

177,057 0.4% $3,670,538 0.8% $20.73

6907401009 Finishing ceramic tiles, cubes and similar articles, whether or not rectangular, the largest surface area of which is capable of being enclosed in a square the side of which is less than 7 cm

27,822 0.1% $693,977 0.1% $24.94

6907409010 Finishing ceramic tiles, cubes and similar articles, whether or not rectangular, the largest surface area of which is capable of being enclosed in a square the side of which is greater or equal to 7 cm

2,020,583 4.4% $20,126,205 4.2% $9.96

Grand Total 45,578,477 100.0% $479,640,181 100.0% $10.52

Data source: ABS

importing 19.3 per cent of the total however Queensland import volumes declined by 11 per cent in 2018. Western Australia was responsible for 8.3 per cent of Australian tile imports, a decline of 2.95 per cent, while South Australia increased by 7.8 per cent, Tasmania increased by 20.5 per cent

and Northern Territory declined by 23.8 per cent.

The summary table in Fig.8 details the breakdown of all imports by Harmonised Tariff Code. It shows porcelain tiles made up 57.2 per cent of all imports. Tiles with a moisture absorption above 10 per cent,

typically wall tiles, made up 17.8 per cent of the import total, although many of the other categories would also be used on the wall.


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For the first time, a nationwide search is set to uncover the best tiler in Australia who will go on to represent the country in China later this year.

As a market leader in the development and manufacture of tile installation products,

Davco is well-positioned to initiate a competition that will acknowledge the best professional tiling talent that Australia has to offer.

The company prides itself on providing excellence in tiling systems and now it is looking for a tiler to match that standard. There is more than $10,000 in cash and prizes to be won.

How to enterDavco is asking: Think you’ve got what it takes to become Australia’s best tiler? Registrations are now open on www.australiasbesttiler.com.au. Simply sign up to compete at one of seven regional events where participants will be required to

complete multiple rounds including a written and practical test.

The regional events will take place between June and August in Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Western Sydney, Canberra, Perth and Melbourne. They will be held primarily at TAFEs in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia, the Canberra Institute of Technology and Queensland’s Construction Training Centre.

The top tiler in each of the regional competitions will be awarded $500 and the winner will be flown to Sydney for the national final in September 2019. The best seven tilers from around the country will battle it out over two days where they will be challenged on all aspects of the trade.

The overall winner will receive the prestigious title of “Australia’s Best Tiler”, a cash prize of $5,000 and an

The competition allows Davco to give back to tilers around Australia and recognise the effort and skill of their work.

Davco is seeking Australia's Best Tiler

Davco brand ambassador, Mark Geyer is asking, “Think you’ve got what it takes to become Australia’s best tiler?”

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all-expenses paid, business class trip to China to compete in the final.

Participating tilers will get a boost to their profile through Davco’s extensive marketing and social media channels including direct mail, e-newsletters and press releases. The company will also use its connections with tile resellers to promote the competition’s events on a regional level. Each tiler will be asked to nominate their local store.

Spotlight on tilersDecorated sports star and brand ambassador, Mark Geyer, knows what it’s like to work hard and have hard work recognised. “I’m thrilled to be part of the inagural competition to help find and recognise Australia’s best tiler. Our tradies are known for being hard working and trustworthy and I’m pleased to be involved in

acknowledging their efforts on a regional, national and global scale,” he said.

“Australia’s tilers are amongst the best in the world and Davco is excited to be supporting them in their tiling career,” explained Andrew Nunn, managing director at ParexGroup, Davco’s parent company. “Davco wants to be able to give back to our tilers and this competition allows us to recognise the effort and skill of tilers all around the country.”

Davco has an extensive range includes primers, waterproofing membranes, adhesives, grouts and sealants for both new build and renovation projects. Established in 1972, Davco is one of the industry’s most well-known and highly regarded brands with solutions for tiling professionals, architects and DIY homeowners.

For details on how to become “Australia’s Best Tiler”, visit www.australiasbesttiler.com.auTile Today magazine is the proud media partner of "Australia's Best Tiler".

Roeland Trietsch from Melbourne Polytechnic advocates for waterproofing standards in domestic wet areas to be updated.

Originally created in 1989, the Waterproofing Standard of domestic wet areas (3740-2010) is focussed on internal waterproofing applications. The latest version of this standard was released in 2010 and I believe is well overdue for revision.

The design of internal wet areas has changed significantly in recent years along with the use of different construction materials within internal wet areas. For these reasons, I believe this standard be reviewed.

According to this standard, the following areas are considered domestic wet areas: bathrooms, showers, laundries and sanitary compartments.

Clearly mentioned in the introduction, it sets out the minimum requirements for materials, design and installation of waterproofing for the areas mentioned above. My approach to any waterproofing application is to go above and beyond, to eliminate potential failures in the future. This standard should also ensure a

WATERPROOFINGt

high standard of application, and I have some suggestions that may be beneficial to the overall outcome of a waterproofing application.

Firstly, the definition of a wet area should be amended. A kitchen has the same risks associated with a water leak as a laundry. A dishwasher and a washing machine both have a water connection and should be treated the same way. Both types of appliances have plastic elbow water connectors that are quite fragile and could snap off or crack due to over tightening. A mandatory waterproofing system including a floor with fall and a floor waste (to collect and divert the water towards drainage) should be installed in both scenarios.

The standard allows professionals to install a membrane system below a screed in a shower. In my experience, I would always sandwich the screed between two membrane systems; one below and one above the screed. This should protect the screed from being saturated with moisture and avoid a common issue within any wet area; efflorescence. Even though I always recommend using washed sand for a screed,

20

The special feature on waterproofing puts a spotlight on Australian Standards regarding waterproofing, as well as a profile on RLA’s newly recruited national technical manager, Davide Caprotti. It also showcases the latest products from ACT Australia, Laticrete, Mapei and Wedi. Sika and Davco are also included.

STANDARDS IN WATERPROOFINGt


From Waterproofing Standard AS3740, page 31


1800

WR

Edge ofshower screen

40

Height as perTable C1

Waterproof

Shower rose

WATERPROOFINGt

there is a risk for salt and mineral deposits appearing in a wet area. Especially when using dark coloured cementitious grout.

Another concern is the waterproofing requirement for the walls within a shower. Currently the minimum height of a waterproofing membrane is 150mm above a finished floor level and the internal wall junction to be waterproofed up to 1800mm high and 40mm wide on either wall side. The rest of the wall surface is required to be water resistant.

I have seen shower walls leak due to moisture travelling through the grout and slowly saturating the substrate below and escaping the wet area. Best practice should be the bench mark, not the minimum requirement. As a result, I would always recommend the entire wall surface to be waterproofed to ensure a quality install of a waterproofing system.

New design trends are implemented within wet areas without clarification by the current standards. An example of this would be the common use of large rain heads that are often part of high-end shower designs. Is the 1800mm high membrane going to be sufficient is this situation? Or do we have to extend the membrane to the ceiling height?

Many of my students are looking for clear information within this standard but sometimes it generates confusion. The “grey” areas should be eliminated and provide waterproofing applicators with clear instructions.

My final suggested amendment to the standard relates to the unrealistic scenario of waterproofing a floor to 1500mm from the shower connection on the wall and terminating the membrane with a curved waterstop in the floor. This is the rule for concrete and compressed fibre-cement sheet flooring.

Installing a curved waterstop in a tiled floor scenario would make a tiler’s job difficult and time consuming. The finished result would also be very unsightly. In my opinion, end-users are better off waterproofing the entire floor surface to protect the substrate below and have an aesthetically appealing result. A bathroom floor with fall incorporated would be even better!


WR 150

Waterproof junct ion

Waterproofbath/wal l junct ion

Waterproofbath l ip/t i le joint

Shower panel sea ledat al l junct ions

Waterproof corner to 1800from f in ished f loor level,width of 40 ei ther side ofthe junct ion

WRWR

1500

40

Shower screen

WR

WP

1500 measured f rom the shower connect ion at

the wal l

Waterproof to 1500 f romshower connect ion at wal l andgrade to a f loor waste andterminate with a waterstop.

Required f loor waste

Water-resistantwal ls to 1800 f romfin ished f loor level

( i i ) Isometr ic v iew

( i ) Plan view

Sea l tap or mixer,shower rose and bath spout penetrat ions

Waterproof junct ion width of 40 e i ther side of the junct ion

Waterproof junct ion to 1500from the shower connect ion atthe wal l and 25 above f in ishedf loor leve l

200 min.

WP

Despite a few recommendations and improvements, the standard still provides a great deal of information for waterproofing applications within internal wet areas.

About the authorRoeland Trietsch has been working in the waterproofing industry for many years, running his own business. Three years ago, he has transitioned to teaching Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing at Melbourne Polytechnic.


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RLA Group has received a big boost to its technical team with the appointment of Davide Caprotti to the role of national technical manager.

“…I specialise in all cementitious products. I have formulated ceramic tile adhesives (CTAs), self-levelling cements (SLCs), repair mortars,

WATERPROOFINGt

RLA INVESTS IN TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

t

plasters, skim coats, screeds, as well as cementitious waterproof membranes.

“I find the latter the most interesting. Waterproofing is the first protective layer in any wet area installation. It must also guarantee exceptional performance even in an aggressive environment. A great challenge for any technical team!”, he said.

Davide explains to Tile Today magazine that RLA has a specific goal over the next three years to focus on the development of new products that can deliver a major competitive advantage. The technical team under his leadership is key in developing new and innovative products for the Australian market.

“RLA will launch a new mono-component waterproofing membrane that has been successful in Europe for many years, along with a range of self-levelling products designed specifically for the flooring market,” he said.

Troy Hogan, RLA Group managing director, also told Tile Today that the company has been hard at work listening to both the applicators and the market over the past 18 months. “With a view to consolidating and launching our latest waterproofing offer to market, this has not only been just been a cosmetic change, but also

Inside the RLA Technical Centre

24

RLA has invested in its technical assets

to develop new and innovative products

for the Australian market

The RLA Technical Centre


drawing from our technical resources both local and internationally to make sure we have the most up-to-date and technically advanced and cost effective systems on offer to our customers.

“Obviously Davide has also played a major part in bringing the technical centre and entire range up to global standards which will see RLA lead the way with our latest one-part cementitious membrane,” he said.

In addition, the manufacturing plant in Kilsyth, Victoria has been upgraded to “allow for the most labour efficient manufacture of all RLA membranes”. The superior volume purchasing of raw materials and packaging is expected to contribute to RLA’s significance in the marketplace, according to Troy.

Davide believes It will be important for companies to create products that are environmentally-friendly and sustainable. “Waterproofing membranes find a host of applications including roofs, wet areas, water and sewage treatment plants, building foundation, retaining walls, balconies and tunnels. Growing consumer awareness regarding their advantages coupled with the introduction of materials such as geomembranes, is expected to further propel the demand over the next seven years,” he said.

“For this reason, RLA Polymers is developing its mono-component waterproofing membrane using as much of the secondary raw materials as possible. These materials are recycled or derived from other industrial processes. RLA Polymers’ primary objective is to contribute to the preservation of our planet.”

After moving to Australia less than six months ago, Davide is keen to learn about local customers and expects to be on a huge learning curve to

understand the Australian business culture. “My first thoughts are that it is a young, evolving market where innovative ideas influence growth,” he said.

“The Australian building industry is slightly different from the classic European market. The differences are evident with the large variety of substrates and building practices. However, in reality, the challenges that accompany the installation, repair or renovation of a structure often turn out to be similar, especially when it comes to waterproofing.”

Since starting his role, Davide discovered a high level of technical knowledge and skills at the company. He believes this is the result of the long-standing connection with the polymer side of the business which has helped RLA to become one of the leading manufacturers of waterproofing membranes in Australia. “I am looking forward to applying my European knowledge and skills, especially in the use of project management systems, to help make RLA even more competitive and efficient,” he said.

Italy-born and educated, Davide has worked in research and development (R&D) throughout his entire working career. He started with Mapei in its Global Technical Centre in Milan for 10 years before spending the next 18 years with Kerrakol in the company’s Bologna-based head office. “Both organisations lead the world in cutting edge technology, and market-leading products and construction systems. My experience has enabled me to have a very strong understanding of formulations and the criteria needed for high performance products”, he said.

Davide said it is the “infinite desire to keep learning” that maintains his passion and interest for the industry.

Davide Caprotti is the

newly-recruited national

technical manager at

RLA Group

RLA INVESTS IN TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGEt 22

WATERPROOFINGt


WATERPROOFINGt

MAKING WATERPROOFING EASIER

wedi® Fundo Shower Systems are made to be a premium choice for all floor level or hob equipped shower installations and projects. They include point, linear and wall drain options, and they are designed for modular, safe and fast installations of custom tiled showers in residential, commercial, renovation or new construction projects.

The wedi system includes shower floor options as well as wedi wall building panels, hobs, ramps, recess soap niches, shower benches and seats, a proprietary joint sealant, fastening systems, and many more modular components. Using it to cover all substrate preparation needs from floor to ceiling offers the protection of the wedi warranty.

The modular systems reduce the risk of installation mistakes or product incompatibilities. They offer cost-efficient solutions for constructing naturally-waterproof and mould-proof showers, installed in a fraction of the time required by other conventional methods or product assemblies.

STEPS TO INSTALLING SHOWERS

CUTTING DOWN ON MOISTURELATAPOXY® Moisture Shield is a two component, roller applied, breathable epoxy coating specifically designed to reduce moisture vapour emissions in concrete and other substrates. Use over damp concrete; concrete with high moisture vapour emission rates; and other masonry substrates to reduce moisture vapour emissions to facilitate successful installations of membranes, tiles, vinyl, timber, adhesives or other floor coverings that require protection from moisture.

It is easy to use and rolls on like paint and cures in as little as 24 hours. LATAPOXY Moisture Shield can be applied over green concrete (minimum seven days old). Each full unit will yield approximately 30 square metres per unit with a thickness suitable for blocking higher levels of moisture vapour transmission.

IN THE PINKWP-1 “The Pink One” is a Class III waterborne flexible SBR under tile membrane. In most cases priming is not required as WP-1 has Infused Primer Technology (IPT). A 20-litre of WP-1 will cover 20 square metres of finished waterproofing. WP-1 is a two -coat system for both floor and wall applications with the second coat being applied after only two hours.

This product is ready to tile over or apply screed over after just 24 hours of application of the second coat. WP-1 is extremely durable with strong adhesion and will not be easily damaged even if other trades are working on top of the finished floor surface before it’s tiled over. Both Neutral Cure silicone or PU sealant are the recommended bond breaking systems for WP-1 applications.

The Mapeband Easy product is simple to apply and join using any of Mapei’s Mapelastic, Aquaflex or Mapegum WPS flexible

waterproofing membranes, meaning there is no need for any special joining adhesives. It is available in 10-metre and 30-metre rolls, pre-formed internal and external corner pieces and 200mm and 400mm square templates which is easily installed and joined using your choice of Mapei flexible waterproofing membrane.

Mapei have made the process of detailing penetrations and junctions “easy”, more effective, economical and fast for the waterproofing applicator to incorporate into the waterproofing membrane system on the job site, thanks to Mapeband Easy.

Mapeband Easy is a rubber tape sandwiched between two layers of non-woven fabric to form waterproof elastic joints, penetration seals and to reinforce junctions. So what makes it so “easy”?


W hat are your first thoughts when you think of tiles from India?

Are they about quality? Are they about reliability? Or do your thoughts immediately go to consistency?

At the moment, tiles originating from India have a bit of a public relations problem. There seems to be a plethora of representatives from Indian factories making approaches to buyers in Australia and New Zealand, either through Messenger, WhatsApp and Linkedin inboxes or in person and unannounced. They all want to show the “very best, the very latest, and the very cheapest” that India has to offer, in terms of designs hot off the production lines.

Many of us are sceptical. We have heard the stories of poor quality, issues around supply, and problems communicating and with making claims. Often, we are reluctant to try Indian product. Not unlike that which was the situation with China twenty years ago. We want someone else to try it, to get it right, and to give us the confidence before we jump on the bandwagon.

On a recent trip to India in late March 2019, this brand perception was the topic of broader discussions.

It was refreshing to hear the views of some of the better factories in India, and get their understanding of why the “Made in India” brand has come to have the image it struggles with.

Sell, sell, sellIt all seems to start with the approach of the factory sales representatives who are making their way to our shores, either electronically or in person. They see sales as a short game – get in and sell our product, get results, and do it quickly. Little time is taken to really understand the market, and the emphasis is pushing the products that do well in India. This is where the issues begin, and only a few of them get over this first hurdle, having already created a resistance from the local market towards their products.

There are just over 1,000 tile manufacturers actively producing tiles in India. Fifteen per cent of these factories are three years young or newer, and many of them have investors or partners from some of the leading European tile brands.

Italy’s Emil Ceramica has invested heavily with the Indian Simpolo group and formed a new brand called Nexion. Many more have

done the same. They have the latest technology and IP, and taken the time to understand the game and do their market reconnaissance. These companies realise the importance of “getting it right” and are fixed on playing the long game.

But 70% of the manufacturers still push ahead with their plan to “peddle product” whilst leaving a trail of destruction along the way. When one considers the massive production capability of Indian tile manufacturers, and the urgency of this 70% to get to market quickly at any cost, it makes for a huge wave of product, disappointment, and damage to the “Made in India” brand. It acts as a double-edged sword to the remaining 30% of Indian companies who aim to get it right – but they can really shine against their competitors once they are given a chance to prove what they can do.

Coal usageRecently there has been a correction in the Indian manufacturing base that will see a positive development in the way it approaches external markets including Australia.

Until February 2019, 70% of tile factories in India were using coal to

Bryan Vardas discusses his experiences with Indian tile makers whose products are gaining traction in the Australian market, based on the latest tile imports data.

In India, RAK Ceramics has one of the largest tile plants in Samalkot in Andhra Pradesh with a manufacturing capacity of 30,000sqm of vitrified tiles. It has also had a joint venture plant in Morbi since 2017 and a greenfield plant in North India operating since early 2018. Its products are available through a network of 12 company-owned showrooms and over 800 dealers across the country.

Made in India, an exercise in branding


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But 1 month later, they started to get leaching so they had their tiles professionally cleaned.

The efflorescence returned so they cleaned it again.

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fire their kilns. Of these, only 50% of these factories were licenced to produce using coal fired kilns – the other 50% were operating unlicensed and illegally. In February, the Indian government (as part of its efforts to become more environmentally compliant to global norms) placed an immediate ban on on-site coal gas generation.

Those who were using natural gas to fire their kilns to that point had more expensive products. It was lower end manufacturers who generally used coal until the bans were imposed, so the government directives will probably lead to higher prices of lower end products. However, the move to natural gas will give producers greater controls over the end product and a boost in quality as they raise their prices.

There is also a flow on effect as the same applies to suppliers of raw material. Many of these companies used coal in their processes which now must change.

30

Below: India's largest tile manufacturing and export zone is located in Morbi, Gujarat.

So it seems that cheaper products which carried the greater risk of defects, will improve. Traditionally in India there has been the cheap and the good. Price can always be compromised, and the first question that many ask of India is, “How much?” Cheaper prices always come at a cost. It appears now that the very low end may be disappearing as quality improves, similar to when Chinese tiles first emerged on the global scene.

Factory visitsThe transition is proving to be a quick one. A number of factories have already made the switch, and some of these are over the teething problems which are par for the course in implementing new production methods. At the time of our visit to India earlier this year, approximately 40% of the factories in the region were shut down to enable the transition to natural gas.

Once the transition is complete, there will be a huge volume of product made using “the best techniques, the best machinery, and the best raw material”. However, the best ingredients do not necessarily make for the best product. The biggest issue is ensuring that there are enough quality “cooks” to use the best ingredients to deliver a quality product.

As we drove through the region, it is evident that a number of leading European manufacturers are staking their claim in India and getting in on the ground floor. Some of them supply the IP and technology to

manufacture product. There are also some major European brands whose logos and names are prominent on the cartons being produced and then being shipped back to Europe. We could see that Indian manufacturers are rapidly being taught by the world’s “best cooks” and are lifting their game at an astonishing rate.

As a result, the need for intermediaries is greater than ever. The market needs a filter to provide some protection from poor quality product.

Agents provide factories with local market knowledge of potential customers, and can act as a constant conduit for information flow. Knowledge about sizes, textures, colours and designs are carried by the agents who, through the correct networks and channels, ensure that the factory understands and responds. Trading companies, in collaboration with agents, collate, compile and manage the orders.

One major factor in securing and maintaining the interest of the factories is providing them with volume. It is more likely companies and agents with a broad portfolio can deliver this to factories compared to a single customer with specific needs.

The specialty of Indian producers is large format sizes which represents a relatively small sector of the Australian market, so the collation of orders for smaller format (600 x 600mm and smaller) is important.

Visiting tile production facilities in India is almost like having déjà vu. It wasn’t that long ago when we first considered China as a source

of tiles. There were a lot of factories making cheap product that didn’t meet Australian market requirements in terms of design or quality.

A handful of factories could meet Australian requirements and expectation, but they did not come at the expected cheap prices. Over time, the very low prices seemed less prevalent as factories employed more environmentally sustainable production techniques, and more money was invested in technology and glazes. The process slowed to accommodate QC (quality control) processes which were not in place until these transformations took place.

They have taken time to better understand the market, and now offer credit terms, sampling, and back up stocks. It has been a long and steep learning curve, but one that provides a template for the Indian manufacturers to follow should they wish to fast track their progress that can lead to commercial success.

It seems we are back to the beginning of the process with India as the new protagonist, but we have over 20 years’ experience from having evolved with China. The Indian manufacturers are learning fast as internal pressures force them to become better from an environmental and technical standpoint.

Foreign investment has seen an influx of best practice and global thinking which is quickly being adopted. This, along with many countries introducing trade tariffs on Chinese products, is providing somewhat of a perfect storm for Indian manufacturers who are aligning themselves to the thinking and requirements of their overseas customers.

The push is great, the understanding is improving, and the door is no longer ajar. It is now up to the manufacturers in India to take the “Made in India” brand from where it currently sits, to be a well-regarded and sought-after commodity.

Story by Bryan Vadas, Tile Agencies Group

Left: Italy’s Emil Ceramica has invested heavily with the Indian Simpolo group and formed the Nexion brand


As part of its global expansion, Californian company iQ Power Tools has partnered with local,

family-owned business TilersOnline to distribute its products in Australia.

With fully-stocked showrooms and a 24/7 website, TilersOnline said it offers fast delivery of all its products to Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. It describes itself as a leading supplier of tile, landscape, and related construction supplies.

Troy Lubben, managing director, TilersOnline explains, “We met with the folks at iQ Power Tools in the

iQ Power Tools expands into AustraliaA US-based maker of power tools with integrated dust collection systems has entered into a partnership with Sydney’s TilersOnline, writes Joe Simpson

latter half of 2018. We liked what we saw. Their tools were exactly what we were looking for... and, couldn’t have come at a better time. Keeping jobsites safe is a priority for all construction companies. Conversations on dust hazards are coming to the forefront. iQ’s dustless systems address these issues.”

During an educational tour in Australia with TilersOnline, Jim Mackall, iQ’s vice president - sales, said: “Educating workers on the proper use of our tools is important; even more so is the importance of safety at the jobsite. The response has been phenomenal. Our live demos are heavily attended, and our social media platforms are exploding with customer posts, reviews, videos and questions. Everyone wants to know more.”

“We have quite a challenge ahead,” continued Lubben. “Many contractors are set in their ways. Change takes time, but with good exposure, proper education, and great products, we can bring dust-free solutions to our country.”

Paul Guth, president of iQ, added, “There is an international demand for safe, dustless, construction tools … and, iQ has addressed that issue head-on. We are taking our dust containment solutions globally. Our personal pledge is to make available, safe products for our overseas partners … and educate them on how best to use them.”

iQ Power Tools manufactures its products for the concrete, masonry, hardscape, and tile sectors. The company was founded by third-generation masons Joel and Paul Guth, who each have over 30 years’ experience in the masonry industry. Decades of experience taught them about dust problems and their fledgling business started out creating tools to solve their own problems only to realise these same issues affected all contractors… mess, money, and a threat to the health and safety of the industry.

It envisions a future where their innovation helps create a 100% dust free environment: jobsites are safer,

Left: Jim Mackall, iQ’s vice-president – sales and Troy Lubben, managing director, TilersOnline

iQ Power Tools makes tools with dust collection systems

34

Silica dust can be toxic from the first cut. Don’t risk it.

Cutting, grinding or polishing?

Learn more at worksafe.vic.gov.au

Protect the lives of your employees and yourself.

Everyone | Every workplace

work practices are healthier and, the construction industry becomes more sustainable.

iQ’s plans for a global expansion began with its strategic partnership with TilersOnline, and now includes Pritec Vaculyft AB in Sweden and Nozar Diamond Tools from Germany. “Our global expansion is a direct result of increasing universal demand for health and safety in the construction workplace, when it comes to dust containment. For years, contractors overseas have been insisting on our products,” said Paul Guth.

“We have listened, understood and, responded! We took the steps to design the tools and then had them tested and certified for the international market. We are thrilled to be introducing our dust containment solutions to a global audience. It’s our personal goal to bring our message, our educational resources and our state-of-the-art products to more professional people than ever before,” he said.

The global plans will be driven by recent recruits Herman van Breemen, vice president, Europe and Lucy Melin, an iQ employee for over six years, who has been promoted to international sales. She will be responsible for implementing iQ’s strategy which includes spreading the message on the importance of health and safety on the jobsite and supporting the company’s new international distribution partners.

“I am eager to bring our innovative power tools that offer optimal efficiency and safety to the global market,” said Melin. “My career at iQ began when it was a start-up tools company. Now, to be a key part of its growth and expansion across the globe has been amazing and, incredibly rewarding.”

“Entering new markets, we will partner with local professionals who

understand how to best communicate with regulations’ specialists,” said Mackall. “Concurrently, we will deliver our technology and industry know-how, which, via using our products, ultimately transforms the jobsite into a safer and healthier place. We are excited to be taking this next step with iQ Power Tools and look forward to expanding our international business.”

Dry-cut tile sawIn 2018, iQ introduced a range of versatile accessories for what is billed as the first dry-cut tile saw: the iQTS244. This 10-inch dry-cut tile saw was specifically created for professional tile setters and contractors. With fully integrated dust control technology, this tool allows for tile to be cut inside or outside with no water and no dust.

iQ has added three other key accessories. The iQTS244 Miter Attachment accommodates 22.5° and 45° mitre bevels cuts for both ceramic and stone tile up to 24in long and ¾-inch thick. The iQ quick clamps allow for quick setup and versatility

for making mitre cuts on various tile sizes and thicknesses.

The iQTS244 Extension Table adds versatility to the iQTS244 dry cut tile saw. The Extension Table features a smooth, extra-large table surface and cutting fence that allows cutting of large-format, ceramic tile of 48-inch, or more. The synchronized measurement scale on each end of the table, and the quick clamp cutting fence, enable long cuts that are accurate, simple to set up, and easy to cut. The iQTS244 cutting fence is designed to clamp on the side for easy transport and storage, and makes the iQTS244 dry cut tile saw more versatile.

The iQTS244 Vacuum Port Hose converts the iQTS244 into a convenient vacuum that can be used to clean up the surrounding work area, grout joints and other areas where a quick touch up is required. Featuring a 10in hose, and both narrow and wide nozzle attachments, the Vacuum Port Hose Kit quickly connects to the dust collection slot of the iQTS244. It comes with a convenient carrying bag to keep everything organised.

The vacuum and filter system

The iQTS244 dry-cut tile saw in action

iQ’s dry-cut tile saw, the iQTS244


Silica dust can be toxic from the first cut.

Use tools with water

suppression

Wear a fit for purpose

respirator

Ensure annual health

checks

Use on tool

extraction

Carry out air

monitoring

Everyone | Every workplace

Protect the lives of your employees and yourself.

Learn more at worksafe.vic.gov.au

Virtual reality (VR) and 3D visualisation technology can enhance colour selection processes for tiling

businesses. Imagine clients attending appointments to select tile décor, and promising to put them in the actual room before it’s even built. VR, 3D visualisation and MeasureSquare estimation software can provide them with a seamless experience, potentially revolutionising the home building and renovation process.

According to Nigel, MeasureSquare is a global brand of estimation software specifically created for residential and commercial flooring companies, installers and contractors. It is capable of estimating floor and wall products, as well as services. The computer-aided software and application is designed to run on Windows IOS and Android operating systems, giving the user the ability to measure, plan, and estimate any flooring product and line item or service associated with a flooring project.

Software for installation managementNigel Welsh believes the estimation software he helped to develop can make life easier for tiling professionals and provide their clients with an efficient service

CommercialMeasureSquare Estimation PC-based software editions can make short work of large commercial estimations. Users simply import an architectural plan in a PDF, image or CAD file format, scale it within seconds, and start their work, explains Nigel. It is capable of estimating any flooring or wall-based product and service.

The commercial version of the software makes estimating tiling projects quick and easy. Profiling is one unique tool designed specifically for tiling. Users create a design on one wall and apply it to all other walls if required. They can create profile standards for shower recesses, splash backs, calculate in square metre or lineal metre, install complex tile patterns or even create their own custom tile patterns.

MobileFor those who want to measure onsite, the MeasureSquare iPad app has been developed to allow a user to quickly measure, plan and estimate all

types of flooring and wall products. Measuring is made almost effortless with the use of an integrated laser that measures functionality. Users can just connect a Leica Disto with Bluetooth to MeasureSquare, point and shoot then watch the plan being drawn on the app.

ServiceXThis is a messenger-style app designed for flooring businesses, allowing users to connect across desktop and mobile devices, and uses familiar features such as groups, image sharing and chat. It can offer fast, straightforward and effective collaboration and communications between users.

ServiceX connects the entire MeasureSquare suite. It can also link many useful tools – that are free – related to flooring businesses, such as purpose-built window blind measuring tools and M2 AR augmented reality. Customers can be shown what the product will look like in their homes with their own furniture and fittings in a matter of minutes.

Instant access to industry organisations and tools can give users and their customers the answers immediately. MeasureSquare web-based tools are a free set of website calculators that can embedded in websites used by tile contractors and installers. This can give their customer an uncomplicated way to supply diagrams for flooring, measurements for blinds, and estimations based on their own input.

Nigel Welsh is managing director of Measure Square


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For many years, housing construction in Australia involved a cavity in either cavity brick or brick veneer

construction. With the use of a cavity, water that penetrates the exterior leaf of brickwork is drained within the cavity space. This keeps the interior leaf of brickwork, or in the case of brick veneer construction, the framework and internal linings, free from the penetrating water. To drain the water above a lower level window in multiple storey cavity construction, a flashing is used with weep holes through the brickwork to drain the flashing back to the exterior face of the brickwork.

The use of single leaf exterior walls is now becoming common practice, especially for the second storey of a two-storey construction over a cavity constructed lower floor. This is especially the case with a second storey extension constructed over a single storey cavity wall. The light weight of single leaf walls for the extension means that expensive strengthening of the building’s foundation can often be avoided.

Single leaf exterior walls rely on a second barrier to prevent water penetration which is usually achieved by the use of a sarking fixed to the framing. Any water finding its way onto the sarking needs to be drained back to the outside of the building envelope. With single leaf upper storey termination onto a deck, this requires the sarking to be flashed to the external face of the wall as shown in Diagram 1.

If this is not done then a line of dripping is most likely to occur on the ceiling of the construction below. A typical example of such damage is shown in Photo 1.

To detail this flashing, the wall sheeting needs to be cut so the flashing can be brought out over the skirting tile, and a separate backing

Preventing water damage from single-leaf walls above decksBarry Schafer discusses some of the issues relating to handling run-off from waterproofing

INSTALLATION

Diagram 1: Detail of a flashing system required to drain water flowing down sarking

Diagram 2: Damage to soffit lining form leaking back under tiles


is required to support the up-turn of the waterproofing membrane and the skirt tiling. The required up-turn height depends on the exposure the deck has to wind driven rain. AS4654.2 – 2012 “Waterproofing membranes for external above-ground use” has a table in Appendix A that provides the height required for different exposure conditions, ranging from as little as 40mm to 180mm, depending on the wind exposure. In some very sheltered locations, there are decks that have not leaked with up-stands of as low as 25mm. It should always be remembered that the exposure level can change with construction on adjoining allotments and/or vegetation planting or removal. It is always risky to go below what is shown in the table.

If having the flashing over the top of the skirt tile is of concern aesthetically, there is an alternative solution. It is possible to have a recessed backing board installed behind the sarking, and the membrane upturned behind the sarking supported by the backing board. If this is done, weep holes should be made through the backing and skirt tile in front of the sarking to enable it to drain. The main issue is to ensure that there is a method of draining the water from the face of the sarking.

The other termination that causes problems is where the surface of the deck is left to drain over the edge of the tile termination of the tiles, as shown in Photo 2. In this particular installation, due to temperature movements in the tiling where there were no movement joints installed, the tile edge had lifted and pulled the membrane up allowing water to flow back under the membrane. This resulted in damage to the soffit lining under the deck, as shown in Diagram 2.

Unless the termination is made

with a vertical leg to enable drips to form at the base of this leg, water will always flow around the edge of the tile and back along the underside, due to surface tension. This phenomenon is why, when pouring from a glass, water flows back down the outside edge of the glass and why jugs always have pouring lips that result in a vertical edge when tipped for pouring.

There are many issues of the

Written by Barry Schafer, member of the Australian Institute of Waterproofing and chairman of the Standards Australia Committee of Internal and External Above Ground Waterproofing

Phoro 1: Ceiling damage where a flashing of the sarking was not installed for a termination onto a deck

Photo 2: Incorrect edge termination with water left to flow over the edge of the tiles

Photo 3: Correct edge drainage with a drip former

detailing of the waterproofing of decks that can cause leaking and this article only covers issues to do with edge terminations.


The annual gathering of surface industry professionals happened once again in Las Vegas at The International

Surface Event (TISE) or known as Surfaces, a trade show co-located with StonExpo/Marmomac and TileExpo.

It’s an event conducted on a scale unlike most trade shows in Australia. According to organisers, Informa Exhibitions: “Attendees came from 77 countries and from every corner of North America to buy, source, network, and discover what is new, needed, and up-and-coming for their businesses”.

A major benefit of attending live markets is being able to catchup and network with business acquaintances, old and new. As with most major trade events, it presents an opportunity to

Surfaces event encourages engagementTile, stone and flooring professionals make the trek to The International Surface Event 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada (USA)

conduct face-to-face meetings with key and potential customers and see the latest products first hand.

Education and demosSurfaces has its own education program that begins a day before the trade exhibits are open. This year, it launched CONVERGE which “offers the industry a new way to gain training, knowledge, and information”. The program was reconfigured into three targeted persona-based interest groups: Creatives, Suits and Hammer + Nails.

With its flexible scheduling to give participants time to see exhibits and attend other events, the CONVERGE program came about after feedback and is designed for “immersive, targeted discussions”. Participants

also had the flexibility to pass freely between sessions to gain the type of knowledge needed.

Technical topics included “Moisture Mitigation Roundtable” and “The Ways of Water: Critical Considerations for Shower Construction”. Design-centric, forecasting sessions had topics such as “Colour Vibes: A Journey Through Colour and Trends” and “The Power of 5: The 5 Hottest Trends in Flooring & The 5 Types of People Buying Them”.

Mandalay Bay Convention Center is a 93,000sqm facility that hosts the Surfaces event. Over 800 companies – 135 were new to the show – presented their products.

Surfaces 2019 also had the Product Demo Stage at The Design

Attendees came from 77 countries and from every corner of North America, according event organiser Informa


+ Installation Showcase Hub (DISH), located on the show floor. Mapei USA and building materials company USG offered daily demonstrations each hour, covering topics from shower and floor prep to installing floors in a flash. Participating companies at The DISH were Custom Building Products, DriTac Flooring Products, Johns Manville, Merkrete/Parex and DryTile North America.

WediBastian Lohmann, director and vice-president - sales & marketing from wedi Group welcomed the Tile Today team to the stand for the second year in a row. According to Bastian, the show was very effective for the company as a tile products supplier. He believes it is the only tradeshow that genuinely offers access to information about the North American market, especially the west coast. “It has a strong focus on flooring finishes and installation products. This is interesting in that we usually attend mainly tile exhibitions. However, at Surfaces, there are a wider range of trades who attend including general flooring and renovation contractors,” he said.

The event works particularly well to increase general brand

awareness for wedi’s product in this region of the US amongst specific tradespeople. “Leads have been strong,” said Basitian. ”But it isn’t the type of show where you meet many new distributors or project owners. These contacts really happen more at specialised expos and out in the field.”

Wedi first exhibited at Surfaces in 2010 when it was still held at Sands Expo Convention Center. At the time, the company was not very happy with the results. “However the move to Mandalay Bay has improved traffic and quality of exhibitors which draws greater traffic. We re-engaged in 2017 and have done three shows in a row now with great success,” explains Bastian.

The wedi Joint Sealant was displayed at the stand, a product that allows end-users to glue and apply sealant at the same time. It is a low VOC (<1%) variety component, Modified Silane MS polymer that chemically reacts with moisture to deliver strong, flexible and tenacious bonds to variety of surfaces. The product forms watertight seals on joints, seams, installations and protrusions that can create possible escape opportunities for water or water vapour. Its flexibility allows

for dissipation of stress caused by shock, vibration, or thermal movement. This joint sealant is specially formulated to connect and seal wedi product assemblies in their typically challenging application environments.

LaticreteThe STONETECH® range along with SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Translucent Grout, MUTLIMAX™ LITE mortar, HYDRO BAN® Cementitious Waterproofing Membrane and VAPOR BAN™ Primer ER were specially featured at the Laticrete stand this year.

Laticrete’s Permacolor Select was also showcased. It is a crack-resistant cement grout designed to withstand extreme environments, suitable for residential and commercial installations. It has enhanced stain resistance and equipped with STONETECH sealer technology so no sealing is required. According to the company, it has vibrant consistent colour and resists efflorescence. The grout simply needs to be mixed with water and can be placed in three hours.

Left: Bastian Lohmann demonstrates the benefits of wedi’s shower installation product

Below: Stephan Wedi, wedi Group president, Fabian Rechlin, wedi Group CEO & Bastian Lohman, vice-president - sales & marketing, North America and Oceania

Managing director, Shaun Cozens at the DTA Australia stand in Las Vegas

42


It claims to be the industry’s first dispersible dry pigment solution and separates the coloured pigment from the base. Each colour kit contains two colour “packets”. Customers are able to select the size and colour while eliminating excess inventory cost and space for retailers. Store owners only need to carry the inventory they need. The Permacolor colour kits also allows retailers to stock all 40 Laticrete colours as well as other popular competitor colours.

Ron Nash, vice-president – sales, North America poses for Tile Today’s camera

The Laticrete team held live demonstrations from the stand

The Emser Tile stand was a big presence

From left: Mapei marketing manager Yoanna Pergantis and Princess Pitts (corporate communications)

The product demonstration stage at the Design + Installation Showcase Hub (DISH)

44

MapeiMapei North America maintained its strong presence at the 2019 Surfaces event. This year, marketing manager Yoanna Pergantis and Princess Pitts from corporate communications gave the Discovering Stone team a guided tour of the stand. “The International Surfaces Event is an effective networking ground for us. In addition to welcoming many of our customers to our space, TISE also serves as a meeting ground to exchange face-to-face with a number of international colleagues,” said Yoanna.

“The Mapei brand is well known in the industry and our products are distributed widely throughout North America, as well as the rest of the world. We are not necessarily looking for sale leads per se at this event, but rather, we use our time and space to share our latest product developments and technologies. In order to achieve this, we give a number of product demonstrations each day and have a full team of people on-site available to answer questions. In addition, we also typically participate in technical training seminars for professionals seeking credits towards their continuing education requirements.”

SikaMany products from the Sika family of bonding products were present at the Surfaces event. Brady Gunn, sales representative – interior finishing and Andre Eisenmann, marketing co-ordinator – interior finishing showed the Discovering Stone team around the stand.

When asked whether the event has been effective for the company, Andre said: “If I had to rank the show

Brady Gunn, sales representative – interior finishing at the Sika stand

The International Surface Event (TISE) will launch Surfaces and Design Event China (Surfaces China), a tradeshow that will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from December 11 to 13, 2019.

According to event organiser, Informa, China is currently the largest importer of natural stone blocks, and the world's largest producer, consumer and exporter of ceramic tiles.

With favourable government policies, rapid urbanisation, an expanding population and government investment in infrastructure, China's construction industry is expected to experience

more growth. Chinese consumers are also paying more attention to customisation, new materials, eco-friendly products and unique designs.

"China accounts for a significant share of the global construction industry ... It is our goal to provide the most professional and effective events possible to help our customers develop new business opportunities. We are excited to be working with our experienced trade show team in China to produce this event for the stone, tile, and floor covering industries," says Amie Gilmore, CEM, TISE, Informa Markets.

"TISE is a very influential exhibition of floor covering, stone and tiles. China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (CCCMC) is the country's leading association for metals, minerals, construction materials, chemicals, hardware and rubber products with over 6,000 members. CCCMC will work with Informa China to introduce Surfaces China, and help to connect the industries together. This exhibition will

become a key platform where overseas companies can enter into the Chinese market and Chinese companies can explore overseas markets as well. Surfaces China will play a vital role in fostering exchanges between local and overseas companies and promoting the development of foreign trade in the industry," explains Jiang Hui, vice president, CCCMC.

"With the launch of Surfaces China, Informa’s construction and building portfolio will cover a wider range of products and services for the industry. Surfaces China will not only be an exhibition, but will feature seminars to highlight innovations and trends in floor and wall covering products. The fair aims to maximise the potential collaborations between industry professionals and promote the of development of the construction industry in China," adds Athena Gong, managing director, Informa GE China.

Surfaces China will be co-located with the World of Concrete Asia, with a total exhibition area of 52,000sqm. For more information, visit www.surfaceschina.com.

Left to right clockwise: Athena Gong, managing director, Informa GE China; Jack Wei, general manager, Informa GE BJ; Jiang Hui, vice president, CCCMC; Xianjin He, director, Monalisa Group

SURFACES EXPANDS TO CHINA IN 2019

SAVE THE DATE

The International Surface Event will be held 28-30 January 2020 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center,

Las Vegas (USA)

out of ten, I would say effectiveness was around a six out of ten. This show was great for sales leads and public relations. More importantly it was a good opportunity to meet with other companies … and plan future meetings with current and potential customers that you may not find gathered on one place like TISE platform provides.” Sika has been exhibiting at Surfaces from 2015, according to Andre.


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indexACT Australia 42-43

B.A.T. Trims 47

CDK Stone 17

Clear Software 13

Efflock 29

Europe Imports 5

Gerni 37

Laser Measure 45

Laticrete 25

Mapei 27

National Ceramic Industries (NCIA) 9

Parex Davco 2, 15

RLA Polymers 19, 31

Sika 23

Worksafe Victoria 33, 35

Starstile (Fenice International) Back Cover

Wedi 21

There were 189,130 visitors to the 33rd CeramBath event in Foshan, China, held between April 18-21, 2019. According to its organisers, this represents an increase of 1.5% compared to the previous event in October 2018.

International visitors totalled 19,858, a rise of 12% from the last event. They represent 10.5% of CeramBath’s attendees, travelling from 172 countries around the world. The top 20 countries of origin from which most international visitors came from include India, South Korea, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Australia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Philippines, Russia, Nigeria, the United States, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil, Canada, Sri Lanka and North Korea.

The theme of the 33rd CeramBath was “Create Difference” and featured four modules: Trend Products, Precise Channels, Hot Events, Considerate Services. Over 800 companies involved in ceramic, sanitaryware,

software, machinery and auxiliary materials participated as exhibitors. More than 20,000 products were displayed in the fair.

Rustic-style tiles, mosaic and large-format slabs featured prominently at CeramBath 33. In addition, products such as “functional tiles, ceramic auxiliary products, whole-set decoration and customisation” have become more popular.

The majority of attendees come from the domestic Chinese market with most of the 169,272 trade fair visitors pre-registering for an e-ticket using CeramBath’s online platform.

Asian buyers remain the largest number (71.90%) of visitors to the trade show while 8.19% buyers came from Europe, 7.50% from Africa and 6.67% from South America. Buyers from North American and Oceania closely followed. Organisers said the influence of CeramBath continues to grow in the emerging markets of Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe.

Global traders gather at CeramBath

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