Zellige Tile - Hero or Villain?

Ever been to Morocco? This is where the story of Zellige Tile begins.

Nestled in the heart of Morocco's rich cultural tapestry lies Zellige, a form of Islamic art that embodies the nation's artistic and historical heritage. This traditional tile work, known for its intricate designs and vibrant colors, has adorned Moroccan architecture for centuries.

The essence of Zellige lies in its meticulous craftsmanship. Artisans, known as 'Maâlems', carefully shape each tile by hand from natural clay, which is then kiln-fired, glazed, and cut into precise geometric shapes. The process is labor-intensive and demands a high level of skill, making each piece unique.

Today, Zellige continues to inspire. I often see modern designers and architects incorporate this tile into contemporary spaces, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. This fusion highlights the timeless appeal of Zellige.

THE BIG PROBLEMO

Feeling Irregular?

True Zelllige Tile is unique and handmade, making each piece different. This makes the installation process more difficult than normal tile, trying to keep a centerline on grout joints (ANSI A108).

A true Zellige tile means each piece is unique. This makes installation difficult, and designers often want the tightest grout joint possible. Many installers dislike the installation experience. But designers and owners love the look of it! The craze of Zellige tile has taken over our bathrooms and kitchens.

After Installation

Owners and designers can be left disappointed in the installation after completion, due to the different thicknesses and sizes. There are also often no coordinating trim pieces or mosaics for shower applications, so things can get slippery if you make a few bad choices.

By The Way, About Those Trim Pieces

Shout out to BCR Flooring out of Austin, for the creativity, & making “baby miters” as a trim for returns. See the example below on a Zellige Backsplash.

A HERO HAS ARRIVED

We’d like to give another shout out to Marrazzi Tile. I was on a job site this week, and Sonny Cantu, a Certified Tile Installer, really seemed to be breezing through a green Zellige installation. Sonny’s is a great installer, but Zellige tile is tough to install! Color variation and blending, with tile spread out EVERYWHERE is a part of the installation, as well as sweating with irregular pieces and tons of tiny spacers and wedges around every tile.

Not on this installation.

Certified Tile Installer, Sonny Cantu

After a closer inspection of the tile and boxes from the manufacturer, I found this was in fact a manufactured ceramic product, with “lugs” (A.K.A. built in spacers) on the sides of the square 4”x4” tile.

“Lugs” shown on Marrazzi’s Zellige Neo Tile. Built in spacers and square edges help with installation.

Natural V3-V4 Color Variation, built in spacers, 10 different colors to choose, and still getting that irregular face and famous Zellige look. All while making the installers life better and ensuring a more polished looking finished product.

A nod to Marrazzi’s Zellige Neo, a great tile solution for all!

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ABOUT J&R TILE

Winner of the 2022 National Tile Contractors Association Craftsperson of the year award — J&R Tile is a tile, stone, and paver specialist in San Antonio, Texas. The J&R team is a leader in historical tile restoration and is credentialed in ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, pedestal pavers, and glass tile installations for residential and commercial properties. Proudly serving San Antonio since 1984, contact us to schedule your free consultation and estimate.

The Most Popular Tile in San Antonio

J&R Tile has been installing tile and stone in San Antonio since 1984. In that time, we have seen every style, design, and material you can imagine. San Antonio, Texas, is a city rich in culture and history. The San Antonio tile scene is no different. From rustic saltillo tile to sleek modern porcelain tile, there is a tile option for every taste and style. Here are the most popular tile choices in San Antonio, Texas.

Installation by Artisan Tile, California

Saltillo Tile:
The most popular tile in San Antonio, Texas, is Saltillo tile. Saltillo tile is a type of clay tile that originates from Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. It has been used in homes and buildings for centuries, and its popularity has spread throughout the United States. Saltillo tile is a handmade, unglazed tile made from clay. It can be used on floors, walls, and even countertops. It is also an excellent choice for outdoor spaces like patios and porches because it can withstand extreme temperatures. It has a rustic, earthy look and is perfect for adding warmth and character to a home or business.

Saltillo tile is ideal for use in homes with a Spanish or Southwestern style. It is available in various shapes and sizes, including square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, lantern-shaped, ect. The most common size of saltillo tile is 12x12 inches, but it can be customized to fit any space. When properly sealed, saltillo tile is easy to maintain and clean. However, it is essential to seal it regularly to prevent stains and damage. If you are considering adding saltillo tile to your home, choose a reputable installer and invest in proper maintenance to ensure its longevity. J&R specializes in installing, patching, and repairing Saltillo tile interior and exterior floors and walls.

Exterior Talavera Stair Risers with Saltillo Tile and trim

Talavera Tile:
Talavera tile is a type of Mexican pottery that features intricate designs and bright colors. These tiles are perfect for creating a vibrant and colorful space and are often used in kitchens and bathrooms. Its name comes from the Spanish town of Talavera de la Reina, where the techniques originated. Talavera tiles are made by hand, using a combination of clay and water, and then baked at high temperatures. The tiles are then painted with lead-free glazes and fired once again to create the vibrant colors and designs that are characteristic of Talavera tile. The tiles are often decorated with floral patterns, geometric shapes, and animal figures, and the colors used are bold and vibrant.

Talavera tile is also known for its high-quality craftsmanship and durability, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. Maintaining Talavera tile is relatively easy but requires some care to ensure its longevity. It is important to clean the tile regularly with a damp cloth and mild soap, avoiding abrasive cleaners that could damage the glaze. Talavera tile should also be sealed regularly to protect it from stains and moisture.

“Cuerda Seca” Ceramic Tile made by Carly Quinn Designs

Ceramic Tile:
Ceramic tile is a versatile and relatively durable tile that can be used in various settings, including bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. It is available in many colors, patterns, and textures. Ceramic tile will likely be the best solution if you're on a tight budget. The price will be kinder on your bank account, and cheaper tiles don’t have to mean compromising on style. Ceramic tiles are available in various patterns and styles to suit any look. Ceramic tile is best used on walls and floors, home interiors, commercial interior walls, low-foot traffic areas, and indoors. Ceramic tile can be prone to cracking in cold weather - usually not a problem in San Antonio, but it is one of the reasons it is not recommended for external use by the manufacturers. We have, however, seen the glaze come off due to the years of extreme downtown heat with full sun exposure.

Porcelain Tile:
Porcelain tile is popular with homeowners and designers around San Antonio due to its durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. It is a ceramic tile made from a mixture of clays and minerals fired at high temperatures, resulting in a dense and durable tile. Porcelain tile is denser than ceramic and, therefore, less porous — meaning they're harder, more durable, and absorb less water.

Porcelain is resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas such as showers, bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways.

Porcelain tile is also available in various colors, patterns, and textures. It can be designed to look and feel like natural stone or wood, making it a versatile option for any home decor style. Additionally, porcelain tile is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only regular sweeping and mopping to keep it looking its best. Porcelain is also a low-maintenance option for flooring, walls, and even countertops. Porcelain tile now comes in giant 5’x10’ sheets! (You will not see these products at the big box stores)

Unlike natural stone, which requires regular sealing, porcelain tile requires no special treatment to maintain its appearance. It can be easily cleaned with a damp mop or sponge and a mild detergent. J&R Tile is an industry leader in large-format, and up to 5’x10’ thin-gauged porcelain slab installation. We love this stuff!

Glass Mosaic Giant Beer Bottle Label - Altstadt Brewery, Fredericksburg. Designed and Installed by J&R Tile,

Mosaic Tile

Mosaic tile is defined by small tile, 4”x4” or smaller. These mosaic tiles can be made from porcelain, ceramic, stone, and glass. They can be used to slope to a drain in your shower, to creating a custom, one of a kind installation that can go anywhere, with any shape! Link to J&R Mosaic Ideas & Options

Typical colored 6”x6” red quarry on 1/4” grout joint

Quarry Tile

Quarry tile is a hard, impervious paving tile made from the ground minerals formed and fired in much the same way as is used to make brick. Quarry tiles are typically harder than ordinary clay bricks, due to the minerals used and the high firing temperatures. Unlike clay terracotta, quarry tiles are not porous and will resist water; and unlike ceramic tile and porcelain, quarry tile does not have a surface glaze layer. 

Quarry tile is thicker than ceramic tile. Most quarry tiles are from 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick. But ceramic tiles are also found in thicknesses of between 3/8-inch to 5/8-inch, as are some ceramic tiles. 

Quarry tile is durable, and can be found in residences and many commerical kitchens. J&R specializes in quarry tile repair work, and kitchen tile repair work!

Downtown San Antonio’s San Fernando Cathedral Courtyard, with 16”x24”x3/4” Travertine quarried from Mexico. Installation by J&R Tile

Travertine Tile

Travertine tile is a natural stone tile that has a unique, earthy look. It is often used in outdoor spaces, such as patios and pool decks, but can also be used indoors to create a rustic and natural look. Travertine has been used as a building material since ancient times. The Romans, in particular, were known for their extensive use of travertine in building structures such as the Colosseum and the Temple of Jupiter. One of the properties travertine is known for is its natural variation in color and pattern. The tile can range in color from light beige to dark brown, often featuring unique patterns and veining. Travertine is also a porous material, it requires sealing to prevent staining and moisture absorption. It is durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for hallways and entryways. Travertine is also a popular choice for outdoor spaces such as patios and decks, as it is resistant to weathering and fading.

Travertine can be cut into many sizes and shapes, including square, rectangular, and irregular shapes. It can be used to create a multitude of design styles, from traditional to modern, and it can be polished or left in its natural state for a more rustic look. Travertine requires regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure its longevity. It should be swept or blown regularly to remove dirt and debris, and spills should be wiped immediately to prevent staining. Travertine tile should be sealed regularly to prevent moisture absorption and staining.

An installation photo of our team installing imported Italian Marble at Gucci, Located in Saks Fifth Ave at San Antonio’s North Star Mall.

Marble Tile
Marble tile is a naturally occurring, luxurious option often used in high-end homes and hotels. Its natural beauty, unique veining patterns, and color variations can add sophistication to any space. Marble tile applications include floors, bathrooms, kitchens, fireplace surrounds, and staircases. Marble is prone to staining and etching, so proper sealing and maintenance are essential to preserving its beauty.

• Sealing: Marble is a porous material. Regular sealing is necessary to protect the surface from spills and other potential damage.

• Cleaning: Use a gentle, pH-neutral cleaner to maintain marble tile surfaces. Avoid abrasive cleaners and acidic substances, which can damage the stone.

• Spill management: Wipe up spills promptly to prevent staining and etching. Always use a soft cloth and blot gently rather than rubbing or scrubbing.

• Regular maintenance: Schedule periodic professional polishing and resealing to maintain the luster and beauty of the marble.

Cement Tile

Cement tiles, also known as encaustic tiles, originated in the mid-19th century in France and quickly spread throughout Europe. They were inspired by ancient Roman mosaics and the intricate patterns of Islamic art. These handcrafted tiles were especially popular during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods and have continued to be a favorite among designers and homeowners alike.

The production of cement tiles is a labor-intensive process that requires the expertise of skilled artisans. Each tile is made by hand, using a blend of cement, sand, pigment, and water. The mixture is poured into a metal mold, which has been carefully designed to create the desired pattern. The mold is then pressed down, and the excess cement is removed. The tiles are left to dry for a few days and then cured with water for a couple of weeks to ensure their durability.

Cement tiles offer a timeless and versatile option for those looking to enhance their living spaces with unique, artisanal flair. By understanding their history, manufacturing process, benefits, and tips for selection, you can make an informed decision when choosing the perfect cement tiles for your home or commercial space. Embrace the beauty and charm of these handcrafted pieces. 

San Antonio offers businesses, homeowners, and designers many tile options. Whether you prefer a rustic and earthy look or a sleek and modern design, there is a tile for every style and taste. If you have already purchased your tile, great! Contact J&R to get a quote for installation, and let us know what you selected.
If you are still looking to purchase your tile, J&R can help. We use our pricing to get you the best deal from the many tile retailers around San Antonio. We will handle the material order, pick up, and deliver it to your home or job site day of installation.

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About J&R Tile

Winner of the 2022 National Tile Contractors Association Craftsperson of the year award — J&R Tile is a tile, stone, and paver specialist in San Antonio, Texas. The J&R team is a leader in historical tile restoration and is credentialed in ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, pedestal pavers, and glass tile installations for residential and commercial properties. Proudly serving San Antonio since 1984, contact us to schedule your free consultation and estimate.

6 Ways to Clean Dirty Grout — and Keep it Clean

Everyone loves tile. But then there is the dreaded dirty grout that comes along with it. Below you will find six ways to keep that grout looking clean, just like the day it was installed!

TIP #1

Getting New Tile? What is your “soil”?

While in the planning stages of your new floor, look at the areas outside of the home that are getting foot traffic. Is it black asphalt? Light-colored concrete? Plan to have the “soil” of the exterior foot traffic match the interior of your tile and grout. This makes cleaning much easier. Otherwise, you will start at a disadvantage and fight against the elements daily. Too late? Don’t worry; we have a solution on Tip #6.

The “soil” of this home’s exterior will naturally be brought into the home by foot traffic. A dark colored grout would be a good choice here.

TIP #2

Walk-Off Mats or Entry Mats.

It takes approximately 15 steps to remove debris from footwear. The American Institute of Architects reports that five feet of matting will capture 33% of walked-in debris; ten feet will capture 52%; and 25 feet can capture as much as 100% of soil on a person's shoe bottoms, preventing the soil from entering the home. While a 25-foot entry mat isn’t practical for most of us, placing mats at the exterior and interior of each home entry will help considerably.

Placing a mat on the exterior and interior of the space is recommended to collect the most debris from footwear.

TIP #3

Vacuum and/or use a Micro-Fiber Mop!

Grout, especially most floor grout with joints 1/8” or less, is sanded grout. What this means is the dirt, dust, and debris on your grout will “cling” to the sanded grout particles. Removing the contaminants and cleaning with hot water is usually all that is needed to clean your floor and keep it clean. Grout is porous, and grout is NOT waterproof! Below is a photo of a wood plank porcelain tile with 1/8” clean grout joint. See the 30X zoom for reference of porosity. A microfiber dust mop or vacuum will help remove debris from sand particles. Here’s a great one on Amazon. Many people make the mistake of mopping tile floors before sweeping or vacuuming, this simply moves dirt around and transfers it to another location.

Extreme close up showing how porous sanded grout is.

TIP #4

pH Balanced Cleaner

As mentioned above, grout is porous with sand particles. If you use the wrong soap or detergent, it will cling to the grout particles, accumulating MORE DEBRIS! Using a Neutral pH balanced tile and grout cleaner after vacuuming or microfiber sweeping will remove most issues you find with grout discoloration. Here’s a link to a great everyday cleaner we recommend.

Before & After with a neutral pH cleaner from FILA SOLUTIONS

TIP #5

Steam Clean

Need more cowbell? Although long, direct exposure over 180 degrees can damage grout (there are polymers in the engineered cement that can break down), you can revitalize grout sporadically to its original color by steam cleaning. You can hire a professional or run down to your nearest Harbor Freight Tools and pick up this great little steam cleaner for around $100. We recommend this be done every few years. A bristle attachment helps with application and you want to keep moving. Steam too focused in one direct location can damage the grout.

Before (left) & after (right) close up of steam cleaning restoration

TIP #6

Stain & Seal - Grout Colorant

This is great to do after cleaning or if you need to change your grout's “soil” color to accommodate foot traffic. A few toothbrushes from the dollar store, small paper cups, and some rags are all you need to “stain and seal” your existing grout. You can pick this water-based sealer at Lowe’s or Amazon in your coordinating or desired color.

J&R Featured in "Bostik On the Job"

Bostik On the Job with J&R Tile. showcasing the sustainable grout and adhesives systems using Bosti-Set, TruColor RapidCure and Dimension RapidCure on recent shower, bathroom and kitchen projects for two new San Antonio area fire stations.

Unique Tile Designs For Your Kitchen Backsplash

DIY Regrouting your shower: 3 things to know

We get many phone calls for help on this topic. You can do this yourself when you know the basics!

1. What is the pink or orange grime? This my tile friends is soap scum, and shampoo that is clinging to your grout. Step 1 is to take an aggressive Scrub brush, and use a pH balanced cleaner and some elbow grease to remove.

2. There are many DIY tools available, such as this Dremel Grout removing tool that will remove 1/16” and larger to prepare for new grout.

Dremel too for Multimax

3. Stain and Seal. You can easily use an acrylic off the shelf stain and seal to recolor your grout joints, to any grout color. All though the work is a little tedious, it is an instant change! Pro Tip: use nail polish remover if you get the stain on the tile to remove, and you can use it for chipped tile as a color fix. Lasts up to 15 years, here is a link on Amazon for a great product.

6 Disgusting Facts You Need to Know about Carpet (and your Environment)

1. More bugs than your toilet seat

Consumers think carpeting is a great flooring option at home, because of warmth, comfort and it feels good on bare feet. Most are unaware of the ugly truth. It’s a germ hotspot and can be 4,000 times dirtier than your toilet seat and it can also have many different organisms living in it. Recommended yearly professional cleaning, and a life cycle of 5 years before replacement speaks for itself.

2. Your carpets could be harboring many germs and making you ill

Your carpet does a valuable job by acting as a filter, trapping damaging air pollutants like pollen, fungi, chemicals, bacteria, cigarette smoke, tars, and residues. The trouble is once the carpet gets “full” it no longer traps or holds these air pollutants. Keeping your environment safe, is another great reason for ceramic tile.

A close up.

3. Bad news for asthma, allergy, eczema and rhinitis sufferers

Carpets can become infested with dust mites whose droppings can trigger asthma attacks and can trap allergy-inflaming proteins which are known to trigger asthma, eczema and rhinitis attacks. Quite often people are searching for a solution to their conditions and the problem may well be right under your feet. For those who have environmental allergies, this can be a serious health issue. In fact, dirty carpets can lead to serious health problems in otherwise healthy people.

4. Carpets can get heavy with dirt

Did you know that your carpets can hold as much as four times their weight in dirt, and possibly even more? Carpets are a catch-all for dirt, with dust mites, pet hair, pet urine, dead skin cells, dust, insect feces, insect husks, bacteria, mold, volatile organic compounds, and many other types of allergens clinging to the fibers.

It is important that you clean your carpets regularly. While it is important to vacuum at least once or twice each week, this is just not enough. You also need to have your carpets professionally cleaned, to make sure that all of these allergens are removed from the carpet fibers.

5. Forget the 5-second rule

You may not think that your carpets are dirty, but people openly admit to spilling food on the carpet and eating it. If your carpets are dirty, just think about what you are actually putting into your stomach. Forget that five-second rule. Bacteria can live for up to four weeks in carpeting, and if there is any in yours, which there likely is, that bacteria is going to get on your food.

THe Life Cycle of Tile is over 50 years. Carpet? 5 Years. Here’s why.

5. The Norovirus (and other now popular)

Also known as the Norwalk virus, Norovirus causes symptoms similar to food poisoning or even the stomach flu. It can survive in your carpet for four to six weeks, and it becomes airborne as people walk or roll across it.

Want some good news? #WhyTile

Life Cycle – Ceramic and porcelain tile are some of the longest lasting flooring products on the market today. Unlike carpet, vinyl, or laminate flooring which have to be replaced periodically, properly installed tile will last a lifetime.

Hypoallergenic – Tile is inhospitable to dust mites, mold, germs, and bacteria and often used to replace carpet for people with allergies or asthma.

Indoor Air Quality – Indoor air quality is a hot topic and for good reason. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contribute to a wide variety of health problems and are a significant cause of “sick building syndrome.” Since tile is fired in kilns to extremely high temperatures, there are no volatile organics in the finished product that can be released into the air we breathe; literally “zero.” In addition, there are adhesives and grouts available that contain zero, or very low VOCs. Some carpet, vinyl, and wood flooring contain low VOCs, but none can compare to zero.

Digital technology show porcelain and ceramic products with luxury you can afford, with virtually no maintenance. Shown: Florida Tile’s High Definition Porcelain (HDP) “Precious”

Today’s Large Format Flooring selections have virtually no grout, and very little maintenance. Shown: Dekton Cosentino’s “Makai”

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1. ABC News, “What’s Hiding In Your Hotel Room?” http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Health/story?id=1507794

2. Alphin, Elaine Marie. 1997. Vacuum Cleaners. Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books, Inc.

3. Woodward, John. 2002. What Lives under the Carpet? Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.

4. Brown, Jack. 2001. Don’t Touch that Doorknob!: How Germs Can Zap You and How You Can Zap Back. New York, NY: Warner Books, Inc.

5. Tierno, Philip M. 2001. The Secret Life of Germs: Observations and Lessons from a Microbe Hunter. New York, NY: Pocket Books.

6. Brown, Jack. 2001. Don’t Touch that Doorknob!: How Germs Can Zap You and How You Can Zap Back. New York, NY: Warner Books, Inc.

7. Florida Tile & Tile Council of North America “Why Choose Tile”

   Link to Florida Tile "Why Choose Tile"
   
   

ABOUT J&R TILE

Winner of the 2022 National Tile Contractors Association Craftsman of the year award — J&R Tile is a tile, stone, and paver specialist in San Antonio, Texas. The J&R team is a leader in historical tile restoration and is credentialed in ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, pedestal pavers, and glass tile installations for residential and commercial properties. Proudly serving San Antonio since 1984, contact us to schedule your free consultation and estimate.

Low maintenance – Ceramic tile is easily cleaned, often only with warm water, eliminating the need for chemicals and cleaners needed to maintain other types of floors.

BUILDING CODE UPDATE GIVES DESIGNERS FLEXIBILITY TO USE LARGER EXTERIOR ADHERED PORCELAIN TILE

Link to TCNA post

April 20, 2020 (Anderson, SC) – An update to the International Building Code (IBC) will allow designers to use adhered porcelain tiles as large as 48×48 inches or 36×72 inches on building facades.  The proposed change, driven by the International Masonry Institute (IMI) and the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), was certified by the International Code Council Board of Directors this month and will go into effect in the 2021 IBC.   

Prior to the update, the IBC limited adhered porcelain tile to a maximum of 24 inches on one side and a maximum of 3 square feet per tile. In common tile sizes, that means the largest permissible tiles were 20 inches x 20 inches and 12 inches x 24 inches. Advances in porcelain tile manufacturing have resulted in extremely large and extremely thin tiles, as thin as 1/8 inch, now being widely available. Moreover, tile setting mortar is now more resistant to tensile and shear forces, thanks to advances in polymer- modified Portland cement mortar technology. The combination of these factors – thinner, lighter tiles and stronger mortars – already allow larger tiles to be successfully adhered to exterior facades. The 2021 IBC will make it possible for designers and builders to specify such without requiring the code variance process.  

 With this update, designers, building owners, and construction professionals will have more flexibility to select tile as an alternative to precast concrete, metal panels, and other materials for building exteriors, expanding the tile market and work opportunities for qualified tile contractors and installers.

Trinity University’s Miller Residence Hall has been certified Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council

Link to article

Trinity University’s Miller Residence Hall has been certified Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council, making it the first academic building in San Antonio to earn Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED designation.

All first-year Trinity students are required to live in dormitories such as Miller Residence Hall. The university spent $4.1 million renovating and updating the dorm with energy-saving features, including low-flow toilets and showerheads. The school also replaced existing lighting fixtures with energy-saving compact fluorescent lamps. For the bigger ticket items, the university’s design-build team, Marmon Mok Architecture and Malitz Construction Inc., also upgraded the heating and air-conditioning system, added building insulation and replaced single pane windows with double glazed units.

The dorm was built in 1953 and many of the renovations were necessary anyway, say university officials.

Trinity has also registered the Center for the Sciences and Innovation and the Calvert and the Thomas-Lightner residence halls with the U.S. Green Building Council. Those buildings are awaiting LEED certification.

All first-year Trinity students are required to live in dormitories such as Miller Residence Hall. The university spent $4.1 million renovating and updating the dorm with energy-saving features, including low-flow toilets , custom ceramic tile work, and shower heads.

The school also replaced existing lighting fixtures with energy-saving compact fluorescent lamps. For the bigger ticket items, the university’s design-build team, Marmon Mok Architecture and Malitz Construction Inc., and J&R Tile, Inc. were involved. .

The dorm was built in 1953 and many of the renovations were necessary anyway, say university officials.

Trinity has also registered the Center for the Sciences and Innovation and the Calvert and the Thomas-Lightner residence halls with the U.S. Green Building Council. Those buildings are awaiting LEED certification.

Antimicrobial Advanced Safety System

There is no better time to update and protect your customers, clients, employees, and family members. Reducing your risk by controlling your environment shows responsibility. J&R Tile, Inc. has developed a full system that is 100% antimicrobial with our partners. J&R Tile also supports your local professionals, and Certified Tile Installers through the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation to help you plan, design, and budget your upgrade. We support all qualified labor throughout the USA.

The new technology allows cladding over existing surfaces, with virtually no grout. The grout that is installed, as well as adhesives, has Microban technology. Studies have been shown the life cycle of these materials is over 50 Years by the Tile Council of North America. In most cases, you can clad right over your existing finishes, with a professional installer accredited and tested by the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation.

Important information regarding facilities owners. Ensure your facilities have the least amount of risk to keep yourself in business.

Safety, always the first thing to think about for your family and home.

Contact us today for more information, CEU credits, specification writing assistance, and visit www.whytile.com to see other benefits, including LEED V4 credits and energy savings data.

Remember, these installations are highly technical that take training and education. If you don’t use J&R TIle, Inc., always hire a professional through the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation.

#whytile

-Erin

Construction News Spotlight

Triniti Vigil & Adam Arellano leading another successful spotlighted project.

Repair/regrout? What your shower is really telling you...

You have another member of your family, living with you every day!

Say it with me. Bleach does not kill mold. Have you ever read the bottle? Most say it is only designated for non-porous surfaces. This means that chlorine bleach can only kill surface mold.

• Because mold can grow deep roots within porous surfaces, such as the grout you are observing that’s discolored, bleach will not be effective.

• Chlorine cannot penetrate the growth at its roots. It just remains on the surface, while the water component of the bleach reaches further, which can actually feed the mold growth.

• Grout is porous, ceramic and porcelain tile have little water absorption.

Boo-Boo’s are more common than you think.

A properly constructed shower, to standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), are developed by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) to ANSI A108. Unfortunately, a vast majority of most track home builders, and multifamily developers do not follow these standards, to keep their costs low, and profits high. The result is what we are talking about, no waterproofing membrane system (ANSI A108.10), and mold.

Airborne black mold will make you sick.

Unfortunately, some people may not even be aware that they have been exposed to mold because their symptoms duplicate that of a cold, flu or a simple allergies.

Homeowner?

If you don’t want to spend money to replace it, properly to see what you are exposing your family to by testing it yourself. Here is an Amazon DIY to see if Black Mold (Stachybotrys) exists. Have fun.

Better Choice. Hire a professional. Hire and search for a Certified Tile Installer through the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, or member of the National Tile Contractors Association, a professional organization of contractors nationwide. You can also find consultants here to assist in litigation or insurance claims.

Builder or Developer?

See above for professional resources. Partner with a professional, and learn how new technologies in shower systems can actually save you time an money, and get warrantied systems well beyond your typical 1 year. Get it right the first time!

Renter or employee?

Have renters insurance. Call your landlord/boss, keep your receipts and medical bills, and test that mold. Find a hungry attorney, and send them to the NTCA website for a consultant and inspection further. Click on the below for some cases of mold vs. landlords.

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Engineering News Review (ENR) Award

For the Texas and Louisiana ENR Landscape Project of the year, San Antonio's San Pedro Creek brings home the gold.  This project had technical and pre-construction meetings with owners and architects to ensure quality assurance, and get the details right.  Exterior applications in cement and porcelain tile require technical considerations for freeze/thaw cycles, movement, and thermal expansion.  A 12 year warranty was given on all work, and a collaboration of Munoz, San Antonio River Authority, J&R TIle, Inc, Ardex Americas, and an outstanding CMAR Sundt Construction shows execution and an on time schedule.  

A walk through Coverings 2017 Installation Design Showcase with J&R

CTEF - TINY HOUSE TALK

https://www.facebook.com/CeramicTileEducationFoundation/posts/1994057457286403

Department of Labor Approved Apprentices & Journeymen

Proud to be back at it, 70 years later!  Working to fix the skilled labor shortage in Texas!

Wedi Pro Installers - 25 Year WarrantyWaterproofing

J&R is now the ONLY contractor in the country to offer EVERY employee with the prestigious Wedi Pro Installer Certification.  This means saving time and money, and bringing best value to our customers by always improving our skills and knowledge.  A big thank you for Director/ VP
Marketing & Technical Services Bastian Lohmann, and our local Wedi Rep Scott Byrd  for coming down to San Antonio from Chicago (and Germany) to work in the intensive 2 day training.

J&R Featured at Coverings 2017 Tiny House!

Sealers, Maintenace and More - Tech Talk

Talking about why we care.

http://tileletter.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/201610/?page=74