Prospec, LLC Hosts Gauged Porcelain Tile Panel Specification, Fabrication and Installation Training Program

ProTile, ProTerrazo, ProStone, ProWood and ProExterior Systems — *Photos courtesy of Prospec, LLC*

specification and installation of gauged porcelain tile panels — *Photos courtesy of Prospec, LLC*

AIA-credited, CEU course — *Photos courtesy of Prospec, LLC*

Casalgrande Padana, Italian porcelain tile — *Photos courtesy of Prospec, LLC*

MAPEI Corporation, adhesives, grouts and related care products for the construction industry — *Photos courtesy of Prospec, LLC*

Prospec, LLC, is a prominent northeast regional presenter of building materials distributed by wholly owned supply companies, including ProTile, ProTerrazo, ProStone, ProWood and ProExterior Systems. In February, the company hosted an event, which focused on the specification and installation of gauged porcelain tile panels, which are beginning to pick up a lot of traction in the tile industry. The event was located at a state-of-the-art facility in Fairfield, NJ, which focuses on the in-stock materials of these large-format tiles.

The hands-on tool and installation demonstrations were informative and allowed onlookers to see the benefits of the large panel-size installation techniques. The program featured two sessions, including the hands-on portion, with interactive demonstrations of fabrication and installation training techniques with MAPEI and Alpha Professional Tools.
During the AIA-credited, CEU course, participants gained an understanding of the design benefits and possibilities of large-format porcelain. They also reviewed installation methods on how to use the gauged porcelain tile tools for cutting, troweling and onsite countertop fabrication.
Casalgrande Padana, one of the leading manufacturers of Italian porcelain tile, showcased their innovative and impressive large-format tile collections throughout the warehouse, which is specifically designed to receive, display and transport gauged porcelain tile materials using the latest industry proven tools, including a custom-built crane. The featured nominal sizes include 18 x 36, 36 x 72, 24 x 48, 46 x 102 and 63 x 126 inches, which are routinely stocked and available for immediate installation.

MAPEI Corporation, a leading manufacturer of adhesives, grouts and related care products for the construction industry, featured a live demonstration of waterproofing and shower stall installation featuring AquaDefense, Ultraflex LFT, LHT and Ultralite Mortar Pro to adhere the large panels to the onsite mock up structure.

Alpha Professional Tools featured a large demonstration area for their precision grinding and polishing tools at the event. The demo showed off their precise edge tools whether the material was mitered, beveled or straight. These products for the seamless countertop installations have impressed fabricators.

ProSpec, LLC^® focuses on product presentation and recommendation to the project team -- the owner, architect, designer and consultant. Other groups within the company were designed to provide contractors with customer service and logistics for materials that are delivered on time and on budget. This holistic approach to architects’ and builders’ needs provides an efficient and appreciated service.