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A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The National Tile Contractors Association is proud of the leading role it has played in the growth of the tile industry. One of the most important accomplishments in our history has been the publication of the NTCA Reference Manual . Thanks to the leadership of Robert Roberson of the David Allen Company in the 1980s, the NTCA Technical Committee was re-established and contractors and industry leaders began meeting regularly to address issues related to installation of ceramic tile and natural stone. Joe Tarver, the NTCA Executive Director and his staff at the time, began compiling documents into a binder to share with NTCA Members. The NTCA Reference

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 13629 Jackson, MS 39236 U.S.A.

Shipping Address: 626 Lakeland East Drive

Jackson, MS 39232 Tel: 601-939-2071 Fax: 601-932-6117

Bart A. Bettiga

Website: www.tile-assn.com

Manual was soon published, and a valuable member benefit was created. The NTCA Reference Manual is now one of the most highly-valued tile industry documents. In 2016, the NTCA Board of Directors voted to make the manual available to the entire industry. We believe every tile professional involved in specifying, designing, selling and installing ceramic tile should have a current copy of the NTCA Reference Manual and it should be kept nearby, along with ANSI standards and the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation . The NTCA Technical Committee is comprised of some of the leading experts in the industry. These members are carefully selected for their expertise in all segments of our trade. On behalf of the NTCA, I would like to personally thank each of those individuals who have generously donated their time and knowledge to make the NTCA Reference Manual the valuable document that it is today. The purpose of the NTCA Reference Manual is to identify recurring challenges to successful installations of tile and stone, recognize potential problems, and to gain consensus from industry experts on offering solutions. Our manual is quite different from invaluable resources available in our industry like the TCNA Handbook and the ANSI standards for tile, stone and glass tile manufacturing and installation. In fact, we believe the NTCA Reference Manual complements these standards and belongs next to them on every industry professional’s computer or office desk. That is why we offer it to everyone at an affordable price. We realize that developing these documents and assuring their accuracy is a never-ending process. There are significant revisions made in this year’s version, as well as new documents that have been added. Examples include an introduction to installation of tile and stone with pedestal systems, modular construction introduction, challenges and considerations when installing Zellige Tiles, and much more. In addition to our traditional problem, prevention and cure format, we also offer numerous letter templates that can be used or modified to address common issues in documentation and negotiation on the jobsite. Many of our members over the years have saved thousands of dollars using these templates and we encourage you to do the same. We now also offer general position statements on many issues as well. Finally, you will notice selected advertising in the NTCA Reference Manual . This is NTCA’s way of thanking our associate supporters who have played such an integral role in the development of these documents. All the companies who have placed advertising in this manual have supported NTCA with membership, sponsorship, technical guidance and assistance in the development of our documents. We urge our contractor and distributor readers to support our associate members whenever possible. On behalf of our staff, officers and committee and board members, we hope you enjoy the 2024/2025 NTCA Reference Manual , and we urge you to tell others of its value.

NTCA would not be possible without the dedicated service of our board and committee members, and regional and ambassador directors. Meet these dedicated volunteers by visiting www. tile-assn.com and clicking on “About Us”. You can also find information and a continually-updated list of NTCA Five-Star Con tractors at www.tile-assn.com – click on Find a Tile Contractor or Consultant. The National Tile Contractors Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity association and seeks to include qualified individuals and businesses in all phases of its activities. The National Tile Contractors Association, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability. The National Tile Contractors Association, Inc. seeks opportunities to include these groups in its programs and activities.

ON THE COVER: NTCA Five-Star Contractor Project of the Year Large Commercial Achievement of Excellence Award Winner –––––––––––––––––––––––––

Lippert Flooring and Tile Milwaukee, Wisconsin –––––––––––––––––––––––––

Lippert Flooring and Tile was awarded the NTCA Five-Star Large Commercial Achievement of

Excellence for their outstanding work on the The Trade Hotel project. The Trade Hotel, an Autograph

Collection Hotel by Marriott, is a signature hotel

adjacent to Fiserv Forum, home of the Milwaukee Bucks. Soaring spaces, wood-plank and porcelain tile, Cream City brick, warm colors, and tremendous

views artfully integrate the hotel with its location. The result is beautiful, functional, and unique to Milwaukee. More images of this award winning project can be seen throughout this edition of the NTCA Reference Manual. Congratulations Lippert Flooring and Tile!

Sincerely,

Bart Bettiga NTCA Executive Director