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Tile and Stone Applications on Equivalent Gauge (EQ) Steel Framing

If so desired, the Tile Contractor can also perform several simple checks to further verify that the backer system will perform as required: • Industry non-composite limiting heights tables can be consulted for allowable wall heights using conventional and EQ studs in designs based on the L/360 deflection limit. Note that products made by various manufacturers will have wall height tables for their products that will differ from product to product. • The manufacturer must certify or provide evidence that the specified EQ studs pass all the fastener requirements (spinout and pullout strength) of the applicable wall stud standard. • The Gypsum Board Manufacturer may also provide verification that it is acceptable to use their product(s) with EQ studs, along with any conditions for acceptance. • All tile and stone installations, whether installed over conventional thickness framing or EQ framing, must be properly braced by cladding or mechanical bridging in order to meet strength requirements. • Damaged framing members, whether standard or EQ products, should never be used. Two additional courses of action are also available to the Tile Contractor: • Request letter from framer that the requirements of ANSI 108.11 and/or performance standard of the TCNA Handbook method referenced has been used to meet the performance criteria; or • Create letter from contractor stating that if improper framing was installed, tile contractor is not responsible for failures.

Tile Over Steel Stud Assembly – Letter

Date

SAMPLE LETTER FOR TILE CONTRACTOR

General Contractor Address City, State Zip

RE: Project

Contact:

We are installing tile on this project over a steel stud assembly that has been erect ed by others. Under ANSI A108.02-4.1 General requirements: “Prior to commencing ceramic tile work, the tile contractor shall assess substrates prepared by other trades that will receive tile and accessories and shall notify the design professional, general contractor, and other designated authority in writing of any visually obvious defects or conditions that will prevent a satisfactory tile installation. Installation work shall not proceed until satisfactory conditions are provided.” It is not within the knowledge or scope of work of the tile contractor to verify that the steel framing assembly is adequate to accept the specified tile and installation materials, the wall system is expected to meet the criteria: • The wall framing meets a deflection limit of L/360 based on the properties of the stud alone • The wall studs are adequately braced by lateral bridging to resist the applied loads and meet the applicable code(s) • The framing members have a G60 or equivalent coating • The framing members pass all the fastener requirements (spinout and pullout strength) of the applicable wall stud standard • The appropriate procedures have been used for fasteners and placement

Name and Title Company

This document is compiled by the NTCA Technical Committee and published by National Tile Contractors Association, Inc. • P. O. Box 13629 • Jackson, MS 39236 U.S.A. The disclaimer on page 1 and the introductory comments contained in the complete Reference Manual are applicable to copied or excerpted parts.

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Chapter 2 | Substrates