Noble Company - CPE Membranes & Shower Accessories

Tile Industry Kicks off 2012 Show Season at Surfaces

2012-02-03T07:28:00.000-08:00

Crowds were strong at the Noble booth as Surfaces 2012 concludes.

Surfaces 2012 saw what appeared to be increased traffic this year versus 2011. Noble had on display the FreeStyle Linear Drain, Noble pre-formed shower niches, Noble pre-formed shower benches, as well as Chloraloy shower pan liner and the complete line of NobleSeal sheet membranes. The first two days had great activity, but the final day was much slower. Perhaps Las Vegas took its toll. Mandalay Bay Convention Center was an excellent venue.

2012 AHR Expo

2012-01-24T12:20:00.000-08:00

The plumbing and HVAC markets are alive and well at the AHR Expo held this week in Chicago. Noble Company's booth is busy with visitors. Products on display are the complete NoBurst and FireFighter antifreeze product lines as well as popular plumbing products: Chloraloy shower pan liner, NobleSeal TS and the FreeStyle Linear Drain. Visitors from around the country visited the booth, with the strongest segment coming from the Midwest. The expo runs through Wednesday.

Why FreeStyle Linear Drains Are The Best Choice

2012-01-16T05:37:00.000-08:00

FreeStyle is the only linear drain with a clamping collar for a bonded waterproofing membrane. This ensures a watertight connection with the membrane.

Freestyle linear drains are made from single piece of plastic. A flat bottom simplifies installation and a low profile makes them ideal for barrier free applications. Competitive models are made from stainless and are "V" shaped (so leveling is required).

And, FreeStyle will drain 45 gallons of water per minute. That’s 3 to 4 times more capacity than other drains.

Check www.noblecompany.com for more information.

Update from the JLC Live Northwest show

2011-12-12T09:04:00.000-08:00

Though Portland Oregon is filled with freezing fog, the Oregon Convention Center is beaming with Contractors and Architects and Designers. It's a span of talent that would impress anyone. From the regular remodel contractor to large general contractors from as far as California's Bay area. The 2011 JLC Northwest Show had an impressive turn out of people who were truly interested in learning about what new developments were happening in the construction. Noble's FreeStyle Linear Drain and ProBase were hits, but more importantly everyone wanted to know what sets our sheet membranes apart from everyone else. The efforts of all who assisted in the booth this year were able to answer questions to hundreds of individuals. It's a great prelude to next year.

Update: Installation Procedure of NobleSealant 150

2011-11-29T06:02:00.000-08:00

Recently, Noble Company determined that it was advisable to change installation instructions for NobleSealant 150. Our testing indicated that a single 3/16" bead of NobleSealant 150 was superior to two 1/8" beads. The procedure follows:

Overlap sheets 2" and mark
Apply a single 3/16" bead of NobleSealant 150 3/4" from the overlap
Press sheets together to spread the bead.

Spread rate (coverage) for NobleSealant 150 with a single 3/16" bead is the same as for two 1/8" beads (40 linear feet per tube).

Noble Company does not consider this a critical change. While a larger bead is easier to control, two 1/8" beads have produced reliable waterproof seams for years. Labels and literature will be changed to reflect the new procedure.

Architectural Reps for Hire

2011-09-14T12:42:00.000-07:00

Architectural Rep Jim Caron, is shown here presenting the CEU "Recent Developments in Waterproofing" to interested architects and specwriters during a lunch and learn session in Tampa, Florida.

Jim Caron of Architectural Promotion and Services, and Fred Jackson of Estudio Group are available to architects and designers nationwide who are interested in continuing education credits or just helpful, topical lunch and learn information. Subjects include waterproofing, crack prevention, and sound reduction under tile floors. Contact Noble Company for details.

Noble Deck Travels to Guam

2011-09-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

Bob Stark, owner of Sunset Tile & Marble in Honolulu, Hawaii, will often go the extra mile to take care of a good customer. When he started working with a large developer/builder in Guam, Bob had no idea he would wind up traveling to the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean.

When a large multi-family project in this far-flung U.S. territory needed waterproofing and crack isolation, one of Guam’s largest builders looked to Noble Company for sheet membrane solutions. In turn, Noble Company reached out to their long-time independent distributor in Hawaii, “Sunset Tile & Marble”, and owner, Bob Stark, to work with this builder in Guam. Bob, has a long history of doing business in Guam, and has traveled there in the past to work closely with contractors and architects.

Noble Deck is a CPE sheet membrane, designed for waterproofing and crack isolation in exterior environments. Noble Deck can offer primary waterproofing performance, and is rated for use over occupied space. Noble Deck also meets and exceeds the “high performance” criteria of ANSI. A118.12, (for crack isolation). This exterior sheet membrane is bonded to concrete substrates, using exterior-rated polymer-modified thinset, or NobleBond EXT.

The installation crews for the Guam project were made up of construction workers and installers brought in from the Philippines, and needed some training prior to the full-scale production getting underway. With more work on the horizon with this builder, Bob made the decision to get on a plane and get over to Guam to make sure the installation crews were up to speed.

It was rainy…it was hot…as Bob would say, “a three shirt day”. None the less, the crews were eager to learn, and soon production was ramping up. There were some tricky details and penetration/flashing conditions. The use of NobleSealant 150 and prefabricated inside & outside corners made these the details more user-friendly.

Three days later, Bob was back on a plane to Honolulu, and this project was well under way.

For more information on Noble Deck and other Noble Company products, go to http://www.noblecompany.com/.

Beaver Tile & Stone Takes Advantage of In-House Training from Noble

2011-08-19T04:34:00.000-07:00

This week, Eric Edelmayer, Noble Company's Director of Contractor Services, held and in-house training course at the Noble Company headquarters in Spring Lake Michigan, for the folks from Beaver Tile and Stone. Beaver, with 5 Michigan locations, sent their management, sales, and technical staff to learn the principles of Noble products in the classroom, then worked the afternoon in a hands-on session.

Products covered included, Chloraloy shower pan liner, TS waterproofing membrane, the FreeStyle Linear Drain, and Noble Niches and Benches. Noble is thankful for the support of Beaver Tile and Stone and respect their commitment to continuing education.

Thin-bed vs. Mortar bed

2011-08-05T06:50:00.000-07:00

Information about installing membranes and tile includes references to the methods that are used. There are thin-bed methods (a.k.a. thin-set, top-set, and bonded) and mortar bed methods (a.k.a. mud set, full mortar bed, thick bed, screeds and dry packs). Learn more about those methods by clicking here.

Industry Report from SEBC (SouthEastern Builders Conference)

2011-07-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

While the prevailing wisdom would have us believe there are no new homes being built in Florida, and the homebuilding industry has collapsed in the southeast, the Southeast Builders Conference, running through Saturday, July 23rd, in Orlando, Florida may prove the nay-sayers wrong. First day traffic was solid throughout the day. Attendees were comprised of homebuilders, residential general contractors, and designers, and the majority of visitors to Noble Company's booth were serious shoppers, looking for solutions.

Noble Company was highlighting their niches, benches, and Freestyle Linear drains for use in a variety of residential applications;tract homes, custom homes, and of course, the remodeling market.

Attendees were also looking for reliable solutions for waterproofing, crack isolation, and exterior waterproofing. NobleSeal sheet membranes such as Chloraloy,(for shower pans), CIS, (for crack isolation), and Noble Deck,(for the exterior environment) were available to SEBC attendees to plug into their projects.

Pictured here is Jean Snell, Noble Company representative for the west coast of Florida, as she guides several builders through a tour of Noble products.

Noble Company waterproofing solutions are available through a nation-wide network of ceramic tile and natural stone wholesalers. Visit our website for more information on Noble Company products.

Product FAQs: NobleSealant 150

2011-07-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

NobleSealant 150 is the preferred product for seaming and joining of NobleSeal sheet membranes in critical waterproofing installations. Noble Company has shipped this product around the world for installation in some of the most prestigious hotels, casinos, hospitals, and condominiums. Its' proven effectiveness and ease-of-use makes it a top choice of contractors as well.

Laguna Honda Installation - Flood Test Phase

NOBLESEALANT 150 FEATURES:
• Synthetic co-polymer rubber -- high solids.
• Excellent ozone, sunlight and weathering resistance.
• Unaffected by exposure to water when cured.
• Adheres to wood, metal, concrete, glass, plastic & rubber.
• Broad temperature use range (-65 degrees F to 122 degrees F).
• Three year shelf life at room temperature if unopened.

NOBLESEALANT 150 APPLICATIONS:
• To seam (join) CPE or PVC sheet membranes (follow sheet manufacturers instructions)
• To seal penetrations of the membrane
• As a non-exposed terminal edge and flashing sealant
• To provide a seal between the waterproof membrane & the drain body
• To adhere corners and NobleFlex flashing to the waterproof membrane.
• To bond corners to wall or studs

OTHER FAQs:

Under normal conditions NobleSealant 150 has a shelf life of 3 years.
The date stamped on the tube indicates when it was manufactured.
The sealant is "stiffer" than some caulks, but should work with most heavy duty caulk guns.
It should be extremely tacky and will stick to most surfaces.
We have updated the instructions for seaming with NobleSealant 150 to the following: - Overlap sheets 2" and mark.
- Apply a 3/16" bead about 1/2" from the edge.
- Use a hand roller, flat side of a trowel, or something similar to flatten the bead between the sheets.

Tech Corner: FreeStyle Linear Drain Installation in a Full Mortar Bed Application

2011-07-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

Can I use a typical shower pan liner like Chloraloy to waterproof with a FreeStyle Linear Drain (FLD)?
No, not at this time.

Reason: Shower pan liners like Chloraloy must be installed under a mortar bed (generally about 1.25" thick). FLD is designed to be waterproofed with a bonded waterproofing membrane. We recommend NobleSeal, a flexible sheet membrane that is 5' or 6' wide and about 1/32" thick. NobleSeal can be bonded to a mortar bed or sloped concrete and clamped into the top of the drain. Tile can be bonded to NobleSeal. Water is directed into the top of the drain.

Bonded waterproofing membranes other than NobleSeal could be used to waterproof showers with FLD. However, to ensure a watertight connection at the drain, a partial roll of NobleSeal flashing (17" wide and 18" longer than the drain] is packaged with each FLD.

Installation instructions provide the details for proper installation.

FreeStyle Linear Drain Wins Another 2010 Top Product Award

2011-05-25T11:17:00.000-07:00

Noble Company was recently honored with a top product award from the BNP publication, PM Engineer for the FreeStyle Linear Drain. According to PM Engineer, hundreds of products were submitted and only 12 were chosen by the readers of PM Engineer and their editorial staff to receive the designation of 2010 Products of the Year.

As featured in a previous blog post, the FreeStyle Linear Drain won the 2010 Coverings "Hottest New Product" award. The FreeStyle Linear Drain has now earned awards in both the tile and plumbing industries, and its' popularity has rapidly grown among architects, interior designers, and engineers.

Thanks to BNP and PM Engineer for designating the FreeStyle Linear Drain as one of the top products in 2010. If you would like to read the issue that includes the Top 2010 Products, please click here.

2011 KBIS Wrap Up

2011-04-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

The National Kitchen and Bath Industry Show is underway in Las Vegas. The mood is positive and attendance is strong. Noble is exhibiting at the show and presenting K&B products: FreeStyle Linear Drain, Noble Wall Niches, and Noble Shower Benches.

Linear drains are very popular in the industry and most designers and turnkey K&B dealers are aware of the concept, but have been shopping at the show to find the most attractive system. If attendance is any indication of popularity, Noble may be at the top of the list. The crowds were strong of those who took interest in the FreeStyle Linear Drain shower mock-up and handled, inspected and dissected the drains on hand.

Of particular interest was a camera crew from HG TV, who filmed a segment in the Noble booth featuring Noble Wall Niches and Noble Shower Benches.

The Kitchen and Bath association held a hospitality suite for exhibitors. It was in the suite were Barry Manilow stayed while performing at the hotel. He wrote the songs the whole world sings. Nice place Barry!

Going “Green”….is it Good for the Tile & Stone Industry?

2011-04-22T06:44:00.000-07:00

By now many of us have heard about, or been involved with “Green” projects or products. Is this a fad? Will economic conditions put the damper on the lofty goals these projects and products are trying to reach? The answer is no….and this is good news for the tile & stone industry. Less than ten years ago, “green/Leed” construction projects equaled a little over $3 billion dollars in construction business. Today, in 2011, the dollar amount is $54 billion….and this is in a slumping economy.

The tile industry is aggressively promoting the “life cycle” value of ceramic tile. Manufacturers of thinsets and grouts, are creating “dustless” products that promote a “greener” construction environment. In general the total absence of V.O.C.’s in the tile/stone installation outshine by far, carpet hardwood, and vinyl flooring V.O.C. emissions.

The “International Green Construction Code”, (I.G.C.C.), will be implementing in 2012, requirements that 85% of interior floor surfaces will need to be ceramic product. Exterior environments with light reflecting tile surfaces will reduce “heat island” effects and help elevate a building’s LEED rating.

All this bodes well for the ceramic tile & stone industry, and for many of the allied products manufactures who are able to identify the value of their product as part of a LEED certified project.

Noble Company products have already been recognized for their longevity and contribution to the overall life-cycle value of ceramic tile and stone installations. Noble CPE sheet membranes emit no harmful V.O.C.’s. Click here for more information about Noble Company’s position on “Green/Leed” projects.

Written by Dean Moilanen, National Sales Manager for Noble Company.

Las Vegas Installations by Noble featured in TileLetter, Coverings 2011 issue

2011-04-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

Here are some excerpts from the story:

Over 700,000 square feet of NobleSeal SIS are being installed in the Cosmopolitan Hotel & Casino.
NobleSeal TS was the choice waterproofing for the Project City Center which covered over 6,000+ rooms.
NobleSeal TS was the choice of waterproofing for: Wynn Tower, Bellagio remodel, New York-New York, Paris Hotel, Mirage Suite remodel and the Panorama Condo Towers.

Read the full story here: http://tiny.cc/pgu9i

2011-03-21T05:33:00.000-07:00

Noble Company enjoys successful Coverings show

Seen here are Noble Company's National Sales Manager,
Dean Moilanen (standing) and Contractor Technical Specialist, Rick Dawson.

Noble Company just completed the Coverings trade show in Las Vegas. Booth traffic was brisk for most of the show. Like previous exhibitions, products of interest included the FreeStyle Linear Drain, ProBase preformed show base, Noble Niches and Benches, and the core product lines of Chloraloy CPE showerpan liner, and TS waterproofing membrane.

Dean and Rick (see photo above) are demonstrating on-stage to an audience of contractors, the installation of Noble FreeStyle Linear drain with Wall Seal PVC waterproofing for the walls and NobleSeal TS for the shower floor.

A celebrity even paid a visit to the Noble booth. In town for his upcoming fights was UFC fighter; Reuben Duran. Reuben and his entourage were true gentlemen as they visited and learned about Noble products.

Coverings was a success for Noble Company.

Surfaces 2011 - Day 1

2011-01-26T07:49:00.000-08:00

Day one at Surfaces in Las Vegas went very well. Traffic at the Noble booth was strong and general tile industry sentiment was much brighter than the past few years. Of particular interest by visitors was the FreeStyle Linear Drain and ProBase, Noble's one piece, pre-formed shower base. Noble sheet membranes, like NobleSeal TS, and the industry mainstay, Chloraloy, were also highly discussed.

Advantages of NobleBond

2010-10-27T07:37:00.000-07:00

NobleSeal and Noble Deck sheet membranes can be bonded with either a NobleBond adhesive or a latex-modified thin-set mortar. Which should you use?

There are two NobleBond adhesives: NobleBond EXT, a versatile adhesive for wet or dry areas, interior or exterior, on vertical and horizontal substrates. NobleBond 21 is for interior, horizontal applications that are not in wet areas.

Following are feature/benefits of NobleBond versus thin-sets:
• NobleBond adhesives are tackier - makes bonding easier.
• Tile can be laid as soon as the membrane is embedded into the adhesive. Thin-set needs to cure (usually overnight).
• NobleBond adhesives offer more elasticity (which enhances crack isolation).

Check individual product descriptions for limitations and recommendations, and choose the method that best suits your project.

Written by Richard Maurer, Noble Company.

FreeStyle Linear Drain In A Shower That Is Wider Than The Drain

2010-09-23T06:01:00.000-07:00

We are often asked if a FreeStyle Linear Drain can be used when the shower is wider than the drain. The answer is yes. Use a drain that is slightly shorter than the width of your shower. For example, if your shower opening is 52", use a 48" drain. Slope the areas to the left and right of the drain 1/4" per foot to the drain to prevent water from pooling. In this case the 2" inches on each side of the drain would be sloped about 1/25", which should be almost invisible to the eye.

Written by Richard Maurer, Noble Company.

Listings for Noble Waterproof Membranes

2010-07-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

Noble Company waterproofing membranes are suitable for shower waterproofing. Generally, Chloraloy is used for mortar bed installations; NobleSeal TS for thin-beds. Our products are listed by both national plumbing code authorities: IAPMO (Uniform Plumbing Code - UPC) and the International Plumbing Code - IPC.

Noble Company recently added the 2006 IPC to our PMG listing (PMG 1059). Many states adopt versions of the IPC from previous years. Having the 2006 listing enables plumbing inspectors to approve a product under the code without exceptions. Adding the 2006 IPC to our listing should simplify the approval process in many states.

NobleSeal TS, CIS, SIS, Noble Deck and ProBase are included on PMG 1059. The same products are listed for the UPC (IAPMO File #4339).

Chloraloy is also listed by IAPMO (File 3046). The IPC requires CPE sheets to meet ASTM D4068 and Chloraloy does.

RichPan 1040 is listed by IAPMO (File #3577). The IPC requires that PVC sheets meet ASTM D4551 and RichPan meets that standard.

It is prudent to Check with local plumbing officials before installing. Noble Company's technical service should be able to help answer questions.

Written by Richard Maurer, Director of Marketing, Noble Company.

Noble Previews FreeStyle Linear Drain - Wins 1st Award

2010-05-26T05:22:00.000-07:00

Noble Company's FreeStyle Linear Drain was named Coverings Select's "Hottest New Product" at the Coverings 2010 tile industry trade show. This award honors new products in the tile and stone industry. On the first day of the show, a team of judges visited the Noble booth to inspect the product and make an evaluation.

The judges liked the concept of linear drains because they substantially add to the creativity in shower design. A single slope allows for the use of large profile tile making the drains ideal for contemporary, barrier free designs and wheelchair accessible showers. Linear drains are also called: trench drains, channel drains, and trough drains.

The judges especially liked that FreeStyle Linear Drains are made from a single piece of PVC (no seams) with a membrane clamping mechanism to ensure a watertight connection to a waterproofing membrane.

Written by Nelson Wilner, VP of Sales & Marketing of Noble Company

No One is…. Walking in L.A.

2010-04-08T05:24:00.000-07:00

Remember the music group “Missing Persons”, and their hit “Walking in L.A.”? Southern Californians love their cars…even when they are idling motionless on a gridlocked L.A. freeway. In an effort to reduce congestion, shorten commute times, and clean up the air, southern California civic and business leaders are well on their way to building nine new light –rail transit stations and platforms throughout the L.A. Basin.

These stations and platforms are designed for heavy commuter use and abuse, with 2” thick concrete pavers serving as the wearing surface over the elevated commuter platforms. Seismic activity is routine, so the architects were challenged to employ a thin-profile, heavy duty waterproof membrane, capable of withstanding significant movement, expansion and contraction.

Noble Company forwarded information to the architects on Noble Deck, a 40 mil CPE exterior-rated waterproof and crack isolation membrane. “CPE”, (chlorinated polyethylene) is a proprietary thermo-plastic which only Noble Company can offer for the tile and stone, and paver installations. This thin-profile sheet membrane is rated for waterproofing in exterior environments, over occupied space, as a primary membrane. Noble Deck meets and exceeds ANSI. A.118.12 for “high performance” crack isolation performance. Many of the liquid membrane systems under consideration for use on this LRTproject were rejected, as they could not meet this standard. In addition many of the trowel applied and liquid membrane systems do not offer the “primary” waterproofing performance of Noble Company’s Noble Deck.

Pacific Waterproofing of southern California is installing the Noble product on this project and is using NobleBond EXT to bond the sheet membrane to the elevated platform substrate. NobleSealant 150, a marine-grade sealant and adhesive is being used for all seaming, penetrations, terminations and drain details.

This method of installation has no “cure time”, nor requires any multiple coatings, which results in faster production and less labor to install.

Written by Dean Moilanen, National Sales Manager, Noble Company

2010 JLC Live in Providence, RI

2010-03-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

Noble Company exhibited at JLC Live in Providence, RI on Friday and Saturday (March 26 and 27). The trade show was very well attended, and our booth was extremely busy. A variety of people attend JLC Live including many remodelers and builders. While many are involved in residential projects there were a number of visitors who did commercial jobs. I was impressed with the number of people who said:

- I have not seen a decline in business

- I have to scramble to keep up with active projects

- Word of mouth is the only advertising I do

- I value my time and work and charge accordingly.

Most of the attendees were from areas in reasonable proximity to Providence, and business was strong. A great deal of interest in our sheet membranes (especially Chloraloy and NobleSeal TS) and shower waterproofing accessories (like ProBase, Pro Slope, Niches, Curbs and Benches). They liked the dependability of sheet membranes versus liquids; the strength a ease of installation of ProBase and the information available through our website, literature and videos.

The Show featured a number of clinics which were well attended by contractors. I was impressed and recommend attending future JLC Live trade shows.

Written by Richard Maurer, Director of Marketing, Noble Company

Hall of Fame - Noble Company Projects

2010-02-11T05:17:00.000-08:00

Moving to #1 on Noble Company's project hall of fame is the new, $8.5 Billion MGM City Center in Las Vegas. The structures on this incredible campus are massive and strikingly beautiful. On our recent visit to the Surfaces show, the Noble group took a self-guided tour of the facility. Noble Company provided the waterproofing for the wet areas of all the buildings and the Focus water feature in front of Aria. In addition, NobleSeal CIS crack isolation membrane protects the integrity of the large expanse of tile in the lobby of the Aria Casino and tower. The Focus water feature is 250 feet long and 24 feet high, making it the largest in the Western USA...all waterproofed by Noble Deck membrane. MGM sure seems to have added a gem to Las Vegas Boulevard and Noble is proud to be a part of it.

2010 Surfaces - End of Show Report

2010-02-05T12:12:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Surfaces trade show concluded with another strong day. While traffic was much lighter than the two previous days, it was still busy until the end in the Noble booth. Many were then heading up the street to the World of Concrete show running at the same time. Noble was visited by contractors from the tallest building in the world; the Burj Dubai (now named Burj Khalifa). These visitors were one of the contractors companies installing NobleSeal TS at the Giorgio Armani hotel in the base of the tower. They were very pleased to see a photo of the tower, next to the photo of the Las Vegas' MGM City Center, another Noble installation. The Noble crew also visited City Center. It is an amazing, world-class property. Noble is proud to have supplied the waterproofing membrane for this amazing facility.

Surfaces 2010 - Day 3

2010-02-04T07:26:00.000-08:00

NobleSeal SIS awarded Preferred Sound Reduction Membrane

by the NTCA and Clear Seas Research

Thursday at Surfaces was an award winning day for Noble Company as NobleSeal SIS sound reduction membrane won a prestigious award. Presented by Clear Seas Research, in conjunction with the NTCA and TILE magazine, NobleSeal SIS won the industry's Preferred Brand Award. Clear Seas research conduced an industry-wide survey of tile and stone contractors and asked them to vote on their top, most preferred product in several categories. Noble Company was voted the top honor as having the most preferred brand of sound reduction products. A beautiful trophy is now the centerpiece of the Noble show booth. The Surfaces show is still going strong heading into the final day.

Surfaces Show and Convention - Day 2

2010-02-03T07:35:00.000-08:00

The Surfaces trade show began with a full, busy day. Not 2007 busy, but the aisles were full and visitors were positive...easing the concerns many had about attendance in this economy. In addition, the World of Concrete show is taking place just across town. The Noble booth was busy and full from start to finish. Getting particular interest was ProBase, Noble Niches and Benches, and our how-to mock-up shower waterproofing display. Many stacks of the Noble Waterproofing a Shower DVD were given away. Wednesday morning, Noble accepts an award for SIS sound reduction membrane. More to follow on that event.

Surfaces Show and Convention - Day 1

2010-02-02T10:32:00.000-08:00

Noble Company is open for business at the Surfaces Convention in Las Vegas. In booth G1812, Noble has on display their complete line of NobleSeal waterproofing, crack isolation, and sound reduction membranes, as well as several examples of shower benches and niches. ProBase, Noble's newest addition, a one price, pre-formed shower base, is also prominently shown. The Noble crew is looking forward to an action-packed day at one of the world's largest flooring trade shows. More to come...

Things “Not To Do”

2009-09-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

We answer a number of questions daily in our technical service department. The following list is a compilation of information from some of those calls.

Perhaps the most important is not to begin a project without reading the instructions. This is at the root of most problems. If you are confused, contact us and ask questions to ensure you install the product properly. Most of our instructions indicate that you should also follow industry standards, TCNA guidelines and local building codes. You should know what those are before commencing an installation.
Do not use a product for an application that is not indicated in our literature. One example is not to use NobleSeal membranes as a wearing (walking) surface. Also, do not use Chloraloy Shower Pan Liner as a bonded membrane.
Do not penetrate waterproofing membranes below the water level without properly repairing the penetration. One common area where this happens is on the interior side of the curb, where people often secure the membrane with nails and forget to seal the penetrations. It is recommended to secure the membrane on the outside face of the curb.
Do not allow weep holes in a clamping ring drain to become plugged. Weep holes can get clogged with mortar, sealants, etc. Use pea gravel, broken tiles or a Positive Weep Protector to keep weep holes open.
Do not forget that grout and thin-set are not waterproof. If creating decorative items such as niches and benches, remember to waterproof these items or use preformed items (such as Noble Niches and Benches) which are waterproof and ready-to-tile. The image below is of a shower bench that was not properly waterproofed and resulted in a mold issue.

Do not try to embed NobleSeal sheet membranes into NobleBond 21 without waiting until the adhesive has flashed off liquids and become sufficiently tacky.
Do not exceed deflection requirements for the flooring you are installing. NobleSeal sheet can bridge horizontal movement > 1/8”, but our membranes cannot protect tile from cracking due to deflection.
Do not cut a drain hole that is wider than the opening in the drain body.
If you are installing NobleSeal SIS, don’t forget to isolate perimeters and penetrations to prevent flanking noise.
Crack isolation – Do not forget to install movement joints in the tile field. Follow TCNA detail EJ171.
Remember to follow recommendations for exterior applications if an interior installation is exposed to sunlight or moisture.
Do not hire contractors that are not qualified to install Noble sheet membranes. Noble Company does not have “certified installers”, but contractors should have experience and knowledge of industry standards, TCNA guidelines, local building codes and Noble’s current printed instructions. If you are a contractor and have concerns about aspects of a project, you should state those issues in written communication to the GC, architect or owner.

Pre-project advice with after-the-sale support is a hallmark of Noble Company’s customer philosophy. With experienced tile industry experts on staff, Noble is ready to help you plan your project, offer problem solving, and walk you through any size installation. Let us help to save you valuable time and money. Just call Noble toll free 1-800-878-5788, and ask for the Technical Support.

Waterproofing Shower Walls - When, Why and How

2009-05-21T05:14:00.000-07:00

Growing numbers of people are waterproofing shower walls. Although it is not required by code for residential showers, many in the tile industry believe that it helps reduce the potential for mold and other moisture related risks. NobleSeal® TS is ideal for the application.

It is a sheet membrane which ensures uniform quality and thickness.
It’s a moisture/vapor barrier with the lowest permeation rate of membranes used for waterproofing showers (0.050 perms). It will keep moisture from cavities and help prevent the growth of mold.
TS can be installed on the front side of backer board (without penetrations). In most cases this should negate the need for a vapor barrier behind the backer board.

When we are asked for a recommendation on how to install TS on walls, we suggested a horizontal installation. The are a number of benefits for this method including:

Sheets can be shingle overlapped and seamed with NobleSealant 150. Compare this with multiple seams required for vertical installations (approximately every 3’ for a sheet that is a meter wide).
TS is sturdy enough to stand on end, and will hold a crease.
Installation is easy - (see our video demonstration on TS)
- Crease TS to size outside the shower.
- Apply bonding agent (NobleBond EXT or latex modified thin-set) to walls.
- Embed TS into bonding agent.

For further information on NobleSeal TS or Noble's other waterproof shower accessories, please visit our website or call us at 1-800-878-5788.
® NobleSeal is a registered trademark of Noble Company, Grand Haven, MI.

Written by Richard Maurer, Director of Marketing of Noble Company.

Critical Waterproofing for Health Care and Educational Facilities

2009-05-12T08:14:00.000-07:00

Waterproofing Wet Areas: NobleSeal TS Offers Solutions to the Challenges.

Although construction in most market segments is down, growth is forecast for health care and educational facilities. Given that trend it is important to offer products and services that suit applications in those markets. NobleSeal TS is ideal for waterproofing and crack isolation in hospitals, clinics, schools, etc.

TS is a bondable, load bearing, waterproofing membrane so it can be installed over a vertical or horizontal substrate and tile can be bonded to the TS. It does not require a mortar bed which minimizes the height of the installation. These characteristics make it suitable for renovations, wheelchair accessible showers and other applications where a thin profile is desirable. Waterproofing failures can be catastrophic so product selection is critical.

Since NobleSeal TS is a sheet membrane, there are some inherent benefits. No curing is necessary so the installation can be flood tested as soon as it’s installed. And, quality and thickness are controlled, so variables from workmanship and/or construction (e.g. imperfect substrates) are minimized. We know of no system that can be installed and tested as rapidly as TS, and that is important in projects with fast paced construction schedules.

TS is made from chlorinated polyethylene, which gives TS the lowest moisture/vapor transmission rate of commonly used tile waterproofing products. It also provides crack isolation. In fact, TS is unsurpassed in crack isolation performance. It is rated “Extra Heavy” in ASTM C627. TS has also been tested to ANSI A118.10, the Crack Isolation Standard. It is rated “High Performance” in the System Crack Resistance portion of the Standard.

Noble sheet membranes have been used in some important projects:

Laguna Honda Hospital, San Francisco, CA
University of California at Irvine Medical Center
USC/LA County Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
University of Arizona Dorms and UC Berkley Dorms

Other NobleSeal sheet membranes can also be appropriate for applications in health care and educational facilities. NobleSeal SIS is an example. In addition to reducing floor to floor impact noise, it can also provide waterproofing and crack isolation. For information about all Noble products, visit http://www.noblecompany.com/ or call 800-878-5788.

®Registered Trademark of Noble Company, Grand Haven, MI

INTRODUCING - PROBASE™ COMPLETE WATERPROOF SHOWER BASE

2009-05-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

Noble Company has introduced ProBase™, a waterproof, sloped shower base that is ready to be tiled. There is no need for a mortar bed over the base. ProBase is a composite made from high strength polypropylene honeycomb with a Noble Sheet Membrane laminated to the top. ProBase is packaged with everything needed to ensure a watertight installation. It can be used with standard clamping ring drains, and it allows for up to 2” of adjustment in drain position. ProBase is easy to install: just thin-set to the floor.
For more information, please contact Noble Company.

Products for Successful Shower Renovations and Remodeling

2009-04-06T06:41:00.000-07:00

Noble Company produces a variety of products that make shower renovations watertight. Those products also make the job faster and easier to do. Accessories like Noble Shower Benches and Noble Niches provide waterproof surfaces that are ready for tile. Niches provide "tileable", recessed space for shampoo and other essentials. Shower Curbs and Curb Overlays are also available. These accessories install in minutes saving hours of installation time.

Noble also produces waterproof membranes that are time tested, easy to install and ensure uniform quality. Choose NobleSeal® TS or Chloraloy® depending on your installation. For a good overview of the features and benefits of Noble Shower Products, view our shower installation videos by clicking on the following link: http://www.noblecompany.com/TechnicalData/Videos/tabid/70/Default.aspx

These same products can also be used in other applications such as – The Spice Rack Niche for kitchen applications. Use NobleSeal CIS to create a “tileable”, surface over kitchen counters. If the Formica surface is properly bonded, it should provide a substrate for NobleSeal bonded with NobleBond adhesive. NobleSeal for crack isolation and waterproofing in bathrooms, kitchens, etc.

For additional information view information on specific products or contact Noble Company’s Technical Service Department.

Moisture Testing

2008-12-09T06:44:00.000-08:00

A tile contractor calls us with a question…“The owners want me to do a moisture test…what is this test, and what does this mean to me”?

An architect calls our office and wants to know if a NobleSeal membrane can effectively suppress vapor transmission, and if so, to what extent.

Over the years many tile and stone installations on floor surfaces have failed simply because there was not a clear understanding of how vapor transmission impacts the integrity of the bond between the substrate and any installed flooring system.

Vapor transmission is defined as the flow of water vapor through a material. For the purposes of our discussion, the “material” in question is a concrete substrate, most times the substrate is a “slab on grade”. One should note that there have been instances where vapor transmission concerns have also been noted on “above grade” substrates.

So how does this “flow of water vapor” occur, and when does it become a concern to you the installer? In a typical “slab on grade” situation, excessive vapor transmission can occur on a “green”, uncured slab, or from defects in the vapor barrier installed beneath the slab. Oftentimes existing environmental, as well as man-made soil and site conditions can also contribute to excessive vapor transmission. Slab on-grade projects that are built in moist, humid locales often experience significant vapor transmission issues, especially when HVAC systems within the closed building environment are turned on and start to “pull” the high vapor content that pre-exists in the slab and soil through the finished tile or stone assembly.

Oddly enough, many desert climates have significant ground-water tables that often lie mere feet beneath the desert floor. These shallow aquifers often are fed by grey-water urban and suburban run-off. The end result; excessive vapor transmission that easily penetrates ineffective soil engineering and/or poor vapor barriers and over time literally “blows” the installed flooring system off the floor. The forces of vapor transmission compromise the bonding strength of the tile or stone in place which leads to dislodged flooring and grout joint failures. In some cases, the amount of vapor transmission can cause be discerned as “ponding” of water on the face of tile or stone, as well as “wetgrout joints”.

One must also be aware of landscaping issues that can occur after the building is constructed. In some cases, slabs that were deemed “safe”, later fell victim to excessive vapor transmission issues. Investigation revealed that the landscaping features, (trees, lawns, flowers and bushes), when combined with terraced hillsides, poor drainage and excessive irrigation resulted in on-grade slabs absorbing this excess water and transmitting moisture in a vapor form which ends up saturating the flooring system.

Floor covering installers that work with carpet, wood, and various sheet vinyl and linoleum products have been more aware of the problems vapor transmission can pose for some time now. Increasingly, tile and stone contractors are being more pro-active in identifying this challenging job-site condition.

Currently, the testing method most often used is the “calcium chloride” test. These are available in kit form from most floor covering distribution outlets. While more ceramic tile and stone distributors have started to stock these kits, the vast majority of wholesale distributors still do not carry this essential tool for the installation contractor.

While many contractors and installers think this testing method is a “black art”, in reality the procedure is simple to follow and obtaining consistent, reliable results are arrived at by simply following the instructions provided in each kit. The key to identifying whether your substrate has vapor transmission issues is to make sure you conduct enough tests relative to the square footage of your job. Again, the test kit instructions are clear as to how many tests are needed, based on the size of your project.

Lastly, it is important to reconcile the results of your testing with the recommendations and requirements of the thinset, adhesive, or waterproofing/crack isolation product you will be using on the project. There are upper limits of vapor transmission that a manufacture will deem unacceptable for use with their product. These “allowable” vapor transmission rates can range from 3-5 pounds, but it your responsibility to know the limitations of the products you are using,

In situations where the vapor transmission is unacceptably high, there are a number of remediation methods that can be employed. It is best to consult with your allied product manufacture to obtain the solution best suited for their particular product.

Most importantly, do not proceed with installing any tile or stone product if the results of the test point to a problem. While some contractors will employ these tests on only slabs they believe are suspect, many contractors are realizing the huge liability presented by not conducting these tests, and are making them a standard default procedure as part of their company’s “best practices”.

Written by Dean Moilanen, National Sales Manager of Noble Company.

Read Twice, Install Once

2008-11-24T05:33:00.000-08:00

A high-end, national chain hotel had its newly constructed West Michigan property in service for less than a year when the curbs in over 300 showers began to leak. The job had been done originally with a liquid waterproofing membrane. As is the case with many job failures, the problem was that the installer did not follow the written directions for the product he used.

Most liquid membranes have very specific wet film thickness requirements and require that product be gauged to ensure thickness is correct. Drying results in shrinkage up to 50%, so proper gauging is critical. Additionally, most liquid membranes require a fabric at all up turns, corners, etc. These requirements make liquid membranes susceptible to installer variables and errors.

The installer for this West Michigan hotel was not aware that the liquid membrane he installed was outside of the manufactures tolerances. Installing a liquid membrane without a "WET FILM GAUGE" and without checking the coverage puts the contractor and the job at risk.

Flood testing is essential. It can identify a leak and allow for repair. Liquid membranes generally require several days for curing before the pan can be filled with water. Since production schedules are generally fast-paced, testing may be omitted.

Sheet membranes, like NobleSeal TS, arrive at the job site with uniform thickness and quality. They are cured and ready to be installed and can be flood tested immediately after installation. Use NobleSeal TS and get the peace of mind only a sheet membrane can provide when you are doing critical waterproofing projects.

Written by Eric Edelmayer, Sales Manager for Noble Company.

NobleSeal Sheet Membranes are Multi Functional

2008-11-07T09:21:00.000-08:00

We are often asked if waterproofing or crack isolation membranes are needed with NobleSeal SIS. The answer is no. Like all NobleSeal sheet membranes, SIS is made from chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) which is impervious. As long as there are no holes or gaps, the membrane will not permit moisture or vapor to penetrate.

NobleSeal sheets can be seamed together using NobleSealant 150, so large areas can be waterproofed. Details for installing the membrane to provide waterproofing are provided on the installation instructions.

SIS is an effective waterproofing membrane. It is suitable for waterproofing shower receptors and has a Uniform Plumbing Code listing stating these properties (IAPMO File #4339).

The same question is asked about crack isolation. Is a crack isolation membrane needed with SIS? Again the answer is no. Here’s why:

All NobleSeal sheet membranes provide crack isolation. The sheets are composites made from CPE with non woven fiber laminated to both sides. The fiber provides a bondable surface. The membrane is bonded to a substrate and tile is bonded to the other side. The elastomeric membrane in the center isolates the tile from the substrate and relieves stress caused by differences in movement in the tile field and substrate. The process helps protect the tile from telegraphing of cracks and movement joints.

All Noble sheet membranes (including Noble Deck) have been tested to ANSI A118.12, the new standard for crack isolation membranes. The standard includes a performance element titled “System Crack Resistance”. There are 2 levels of performance:
Standard – requires membrane bridge movement over 1/16” without tile cracking.
High Performance – requires membrane bridge movement over 1/8” without tile cracking.
All Noble sheet membranes have been tested and rated “High Performance”.

Written by Richard Maurer, Director of Marketing for Noble Company

One More For the Record Books!

2008-10-17T04:52:00.000-07:00

Imagine the satisfaction in saying your company made products to help build the Empire State Building, World Trade Center, or Sears Tower. Each of these at some point held the title as the world’s tallest building. Each was considered the engineering marvel of their day and each gained the attention of the world. Noble Company can share this same satisfaction as our products are being used to help build the modern-day version of the world’s tallest building called the Burj Dubai. The Burj Dubai is the 164 story super-structure currently being erected in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. NobleSeal TS and Chloraloy sheet membranes, as well as our NobleSealant 150, are specified and installed on the tower and Giorgio Armani hotel on this project.

Written by Nelson Wilner, VP of Sales & Marketing for Noble Company

Architecturally speaking…

2008-09-15T05:16:00.000-07:00

Did you know that movement joints are necessary and are required for successful ceramic tile installations? In addition, movement joint locations and details need to be shown on drawings and included in the tile specification of the Project Manual by the architect. (2008 Tile Council of North America Handbook- Movement Joint Design Essentials EJ171)

Noble Company is an authorized American Institute of Architects/Continuing Education Systems (AIA/CES) provider. Noble offers continuing education seminars addressing this information and other valuable design criteria when dealing with ceramic tile and dimension stone installations.

Recently, Noble Company added an Internet Distance Education course through AEC Daly (http://http://www.aecdaly.com//en/1620085). The online course is free, and like other Noble continuing education seminars, provides AIA/CES and state credit. The course also qualifies for Health Safety Welfare (HSW) credit.

The course covers key design elements necessary for successful ceramic tile and dimension stone installations. Participants in the course will learn how to avoid problems when installing ceramic tile/stone over problematic substrates- radiant floors, Flexcore and gypsum based concrete, post-tension pre-stressed slabs and wood flooring. They will also learn the importance of membranes when dealing with ceramic tile and stone crack isolation, waterproofing and sound reduction system applications. (ANSI A118.12, ANSI A118.10, and ASTM E-2179, ASTM E-492 and ASTM E-989)

The schedule for Noble Company 2009 seminars will be posted this fall. To register for a seminar or to obtain more information, contact your local Noble Company Representative or Noble Company directly at 800-878-5788 or sales@noblecompany.com.

Noble Company is a manufacturer of Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) composite sheet membrane technology and related products designed for crack isolation, waterproofing and sound reduction applications. (http://www.noblecompany.com/)

Written by Alexander P. Tarr, CSI, CDT, Natl. Architectural Manager for
Noble Company

References:

· The Tile Council of North America (TCNA)
http://www.tileusa.com/

· American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
http://www.ansi.org/

· American Society for Testing and Materials
http://www.astm.org/

Steam Room Waterproofing

2008-08-29T10:46:00.000-07:00

Many tile contractors are very comfortable waterproofing a typical shower pan and wall detail, using a variety of waterproof membrane methods. Large gang showers and health club shower installations can avail themselves of many of these same waterproofing solutions.

The trouble begins when this same experienced and confident tile contractor assumes the “tried and true” waterproofing “system” that has served him so well in the above installations will perform well in steam-room applications.

High-end spas, health clubs, and athletic facilities have become centerpieces of hospitality construction. Lets take a few minutes to highlight some crucial details worthy of consideration when tackling the job of waterproofing a steam-room prior to the installation of tile and stone.

1) All waterproofing is not created equal: Many tile contractors learn a painful lesson when their favorite trowel-applied or fluid membrane fails in a challenging steam-room environment. Many waterproofing “old favorites” are not designed to be used in a steam-room. Due to durability and performance shortcomings, many manufactures of these “legacy” liquid/trowel applied systems will not warranty their products for these applications. Check with the manufacture before your waterproofing commences.

Noble Company Sheet Membranes meet and exceed all industry standards for critical steam-room waterproofing applications

2) All backer-boards are not created equal: Suffice it to say that there are backer-boards in the tile industry that will perform admirably in residential showers, or typical gang shower details. However, not every backer-board can make the transition to steam-rooms. If you are the tile contractor installing waterproofing over a backer-board of dubious or uncertain performance in these areas, the weight of failure will fall on your shoulders. You must be certain the substrate beneath your waterproofing and tile/stone installation is rated for steam-room conditions.

3) Soft-Joints are not an option: Many times soft-joints are thought of as “optional” installation details….not so in steam-room tile/stone installations. The amount of thermal expansion and contraction taking place in this environment is tremendous and unrelenting. Where two walls meet at an inside corner detail…there must be soft joints. When the wall tile meets the ceiling…there must be soft-joints. The same is true for vertical-to horizontal transitions where a wall meets the floor or where a bench platform meets the bench face. Failure to recognize the importance of these soft-joints will result in a final installation that is “locked in” tight. The constant thermal cycles (and the attendant expansion and contraction) will eventually shear the tile or stone off the substrate unless the soft-joints “shock absorbers” are in place to absorb this movement.

The TCNA handbook is a solid reference tool for seeking out industry approved steam-room installation methods. The Noble Company manufactures sheet membranes for waterproofing which have been the “gold standard” for successful steam-room installations for decades. For more information regarding the use of our products for steam-room applications contact us at sales@noblecompany.com.

Written by Dean Moilanen, Western Regional Sales Manager for Noble Company

Acoustical Underlayment for Tile Installation (NobleSeal SIS)

2008-08-11T07:12:00.000-07:00

Noble Company is currently involved in a committee that is working on development of an ANSI Standard for sound rated floors. The committee includes manufacturers of acoustical products and was assigned the task by Tile Council of North America (TCNA).

The committee's objective is to develop a meaningful standard for sound rated floors that will aid design and construction professionals. There has been much discussion regarding establishing a minimum performance level for acoustical products. Performance can be characterized by testing the product to ASTM E-2179. Results are expressed as a delta value (change in IIC).

Generally, underlayments that report the higher deltas (i.e. 19) are more resilient. Since tile and stone do not bend, compressibility is problematic for thin-set tile installations. Tile system performance is characterized in ASTM-C-627 with 5 ratings from Residential to Extra Heavy. It is important to carefully review installation instructions since some products may have special requirements like epoxy grout, not for use with natural stone, etc.

On the other hand, products with good performance ratings may offer modest delta values. Consider the following when selecting an acoustical product:

the type of tile being used and the type of installation (thin-bed or mortar bed).
performance level needed (Residential to Extra Heavy Duty)
slab thickness (i.e. thicker concrete has higher IIC)
desired acoustical values

NobleSeal offers Extra Heavy Duty when tested to C-627 and a respectable Delta of 13 tested to ASTM E-2179.

Written by Eric Edelmayer, Eastern Regional Sales Manager for Noble Company

Sound Control and Acoustical Testing

2008-07-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Noble Company publishes test data for NobleSeal® SIS (Sound Isolation Sheet): IIC = 62; STC = 59. However, those results are for a specific floor/ceiling assembly which may differ from your construction. The following review of acoustical test information may be useful.

There are two types of noise measured in floor to floor acoustics:

Airborne noise (i.e. speaking) is Sound Transmission Class (STC), which characterizes the sound insulating properties of a floor-ceiling assembly.

Impact noise (i.e. foot fall) is Impact Insulation Class (IIC), which describes a floor’s impact noise insulating properties.

Both types of noise are characterized by a single number rating, and higher numbers indicate better performance. Both are logarithmic so small changes can be meaningful. Most building codes have established a minimum acceptable level of 50 for both IIC and STC.

Generally, STC is controlled adequately by building elements such as concrete substrates, ceiling assemblies, etc. IIC is problematic for hard surfaces such as tile, hardwood and vinyl flooring. IIC results are affected by everything in a floor/ceiling assembly. For example, a resiliently attached ceiling can add substantially to IIC. In order to provide more useable information, a test of the effectiveness of acoustical products was developed.

ASTM E 2179 is the standard for the measurement of effectiveness of underlayments in reducing impact sound transmission. The test measures the IIC of a 6” concrete floor, with and without the acoustical underlayment and flooring surface. The differences in IIC at each frequency are used to compute a single number (expressed as a delta value) that represents the increase in IIC that can be added.

You can use the delta to evaluate products and estimate IIC for your floor. NobleSeal SIS has been tested to ASTM E2179, and the delta is 13.

Written by Richard Maurer, Director of Marketing - Noble Company

Welcome to the Noble Company Blog

2008-07-16T06:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Noble Company blog. We are providing this blog to help educate and provide useful information to our customers on sheet membranes and watertight shower products for tile installations. Our goal is to provide a learning resource for everyone from a DIYer to a senior architect. Utilize this blog for; new installation techiques for Noble sheet membranes and shower products & systems, view photos and case studies of recent installations, receive updates on Noble products, and much more!

Our goal is to provide quality technical information and assistance to our customers. We hope this web site will be helpful to you.

ABOUT NOBLE COMPANY:

For over 40 years, Noble Company has pioneered the use of sheet membranes in the tile and stone industry. At the heart of all Noble systems is a core layer of Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE), an inherently flexible elastomeric sheet that will not rot, crack or deteriorate due to microorganisms. Sheet membranes are available for crack isolation, waterproofing, joint bridging, and sound control. NobleSeal sheets save time and money. Noble membranes
are easy to install and provide quality solutions to prevent costly failures.

All of Noble’s membranes are made in the U.S.A.