Kerlite a SMASH HIT at CTCAC!

Mid-America Tile brought its Kerlite thin-tile message to over 40 union contractors at the Ceramic Tile Contractors Association of Chicago (CTCAC) monthly meeting and dinner, held at the International Masonry Institute's training center on the evening of May 21st. Attendees were treated to presentations by representatives from Kerlite, MAPEI, Mid-America Tile, Tuscan Leveling System and Wedi, showing the features and benefits of Kerlite as well as the proper installation products and techniques to help ensure successful projects.

One of the most impressive highlights of the presentation was when Joe Romano of Romano's Tiles was handed a hammer and invited to strike a piece of standard thickness porcelain tile. After the tile shattered into a several pieces, he was asked to do the same to a piece of Kerlite Plus 3.5mm thin tile. Despite repeated blows from the hammer, the Kerlite Plus tile remained intact.

Contractors came away from the night's festivities with an appreciation and respect for the possibilities opened up by this new technology in porcelain tile.

Kerlite Plus still intact after repeated hammer blows!

Tuscan Leveling System caps and
 straps being used to eliminate lippage

Kerlite Plus large-format thin tile
 being positioned for installation

Kerlite WOWS Architects at IMI Event

On Monday, May 21st, Mid-America Tile introduced the latest thin tile technology to many of the top architects in the industry with the help of the International Masonry Institute (IMI) at IMI's training center in Addison, Illinois.

The event was part of IMI's Monday Masonry Seminar Series. Matt Nordloh of MAPEI presented Leaner, Greener, Larger, Lighter: Thin Tile Systems to over 70 architects and manufacturer reps in attendance. The session outlined the features and benefits of thin body tiles including design and installation requirements and techniques for successful projects. Following the class, attendees went downstairs to see firsthand demos and product presentations of the benefits of Kerlite Plus tile given by representatives of Kerlite, MAPEI, Tuscan Leveling Systems, Mid-America Tile and Wedi. Attendees were also able to view a wall mock-up featuring a 40" x 120" sheet of Kerlite Plus tile.

From the positive comments voiced by many of the architects we are looking forward to seeing Kerlite Plus specified for a lot of future projects!

Tom Kotel of Mid-America Tile
introduces Matt Nordloh before class begins

Davide Marchesi of Kerlite talks about
the advantages of Kerlite Plus thin tile