Trends in the Tilesetter Trade
Technology
Installation methods for in-floor heating and sound barriers are becoming easier due to advanced technology.
Technological advances enable tilesetters to estimate materials and supplies in a quick and concise manner through automated systems.
New cellular technology apps are being used by general contractors to manage projects, centralize documents, integrate with financial systems (time sheet and payroll) and give real-time view of how the projects are pacing in the field. This helps to ensure that the tradesperson is building from the correct versions of documents, drawings and safety requirements.
Tools and Equipment
Technology for finishing equipment and materials has improved. Equipment is safer, larger, lighter and faster, resulting in higher productivity for tilesetters. Equipment and materials are more environmentally friendly.
Products and Materials
Sound barriers are following in-floor heating in popularity and are now mandatory in some buildings. Product and material compositions are changing to increase efficiency.
A wider range of products such as large format tile are available. The availability of these products influences tile layout and may require the use of new tools and equipment to cut, handle and vibrate in place. The complexity of layouts is increasing due to unlimited colours and endless design possibilities of mosaic tile and digital designs.
Due to consumer preferences, size of tiles has increased. New lightweight engineered mortars have been introduced to eliminate sagging of these large format tiles on walls and lippage on floors. This new material is more environmentally friendly than previously used organic mastic.
Terrazzo is durable and economical. It makes an impact, particularly in the use of colour, decorative patterns and logo design. In a poured in place or precast form, it is used for floors, stairs, treads, countertops and wall treatments. It consists of chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass or other suitable materials, poured with cementitious/epoxy binders, or a combination of both.
Setting materials are being improved to meet more stringent environment standards such as volatile organic components (VOC) emission, antimicrobial control and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
Environmental
LEED is now being taken into consideration when estimating and ordering materials.
Recycling of removed materials is compulsory in some jurisdictions and is being enforced in more and more regions.
Legislative and Regulatory
Responsibilities may vary depending if tilesetters are working for a general contractor or working independently. Building permits and building restrictions may vary depending on region.