TTMAC recognizes ARDEX with “Manufactured Tile and Slabs” and “Project of the Year” awards at their annual convention
This past month, ARDEX Americas was awarded the “Manufactured Tile and Slabs” and “Project of the Year” at TTMAC’s annual convention in Whistler, BC, Canada. In attendance and accepting the award were Sherri Wildman, District Architectural Manager and Al Rocheleau, Regional Sales Manager Eastern Canada.
The Project of the Year is chosen from all winning projects in each of the categories, and is the highest award given by TTMAC. The winning project, which involved ARDEX installation products was completed and submitted by LFT Professionals.
The project itself was located in the Edgewood community in Calgary, and consisted of tile installations in several rooms throughout the house as well as an expansive exterior clad entirely with thin porcelain tile. While the interior work was relatively easy to achieve, the exterior work would present a challenge to the team involved. Calgary’s unpredictable weather, the size of the porcelain slabs and securing enough trained and reliable manpower were going to be the biggest considerations on this project.
After the extensive prep work was complete, it was time to install the Fondavalle Calcatta Gold 6.5mm 63”x126” gauged porcelain panels. For this project, all of the panels were fabricated, and book-matched on-site and the installation products sourced from ARDEX.
Despite the challenges on this project, it was completed to the highest standards possible. Meeting the approval of the design team, the homeowner and the most critical eye of them all, LFT Professionals.
About TTMAC
The Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada has represented the terrazzo, tile and stone industry for over 70 years. The TTMAC operates programs and services that enhance the effectiveness of member companies in providing quality work in terrazzo, tile and natural stone installations. The TTMAC awards for terrazzo, tile and natural stone installations will recognize the trade contractor, materials supplier, architect, designer, specifier and builder. Publicity for awards will focus on the partnership between the professionals involved in the installation.
ARDEX and Scanalytics Announce Collaboration
ARDEX and Scanalytics Announce Collaboration in Smart Flooring for Commercial and Residential Applications
Milwaukee, WI, November 18, 2021 – Scanalytics, a leading provider of smart building technologies and ARDEX, a leader in innovative building solutions, today announced a collaboration in smart flooring that will provide solutions for both commercial and residential buildings.
Scanalytics has developed solutions that address opportunities in the commercial building industry like energy management, fall prevention, occupancy, and workplace analytics using its suite of proprietary sensors and software platform.
“With recent funding from the US Department of Energy, we have considerably advanced our underlying technology to be embeddable in almost any commercial building setting. We have, however, always thought that a natural extension into residential offerings would come with time. The ability to have your home conditioned to respond to your movements and behaviors has been a dream of many for decades. That’s where a partnership with an expert like Ardex comes into play” says Joe Scanlin, Cofounder and CEO of Scanalytics.
The Head of Innovation of ARDEX, Marco Schroeder, also regards the cooperation as tremendously beneficial for the two companies
“As we see Smart Buildings on the rise and a growing demand for intelligent services coming along with that, we strive for built-in innovations and abilities. Joining forces and competencies with Scanalytics will combine both, the data and digital world with future-oriented building solutions. Together, we will be able to bridge pitfalls by offering a complete journey arching from the planning stage, to installation and operations. »
The collaboration will focus on leveraging the existing software, data, and floor sensing technology that Scanalytics has brought to market in commercial buildings alongside the intelligent floor systems ARDEX has developed. The two technologies combined are capable of being installed under soft or hard surfaces, allowing the partnership to offer smart building solutions to both the commercial and residential markets.
About Scanalytics
Powered by a team of scientists and engineers, Scanalytics Inc. is an innovator in urban intelligence and smart building technologies that excels at transforming locations into smart environments. Scanalytics has developed sensor laden sub-flooring technology that algorithmically broadcasts behavioral data like occupancy to issue setbacks to heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting systems, which contribute significantly to improving the energy efficiency of commercial buildings. With capabilities to deploy in both small and large format, the technology can also be expanded into opportunities to measure and improve consumer behavior, security, productivity analytics, work cell optimization, fall detection / prevention, safety, and more. www.scanalyticsinc.com
About ARDEX, A Leading Solution and Service Provider of Innovative Building Systems:
The ARDEX Group is the leading solution and service provider of innovative building systems. As a family-owned business, the company has pursued a sustainable growth path for more than 70 years. ARDEX now has more than 3,900 employees and is present in over 100 countries on all continents, with a virtually comprehensive presence in one of its core markets, Europe. With more than ten major brands, ARDEX generates total sales of more than 930 million EUR worldwide. www.ardex.com
ARDEX takes up majority stake in wedi
Biggest acquisition in the company’s history: ARDEX takes up majority stake in wedi
Ardex continues to grow: the German-based construction chemicals specialist is taking up a majority shareholding in wedi GmbH, a leading manufacturer of system solutions for high-quality wet room solutions based in Emsdetten, Germany – it is the largest acquisition in the company’s history. The employees of both family-run companies have already been informed of the development. In this respect, the management made it clear that wedi will continue to operate independently. In addition, Stephan Wedi and Fabian Rechlin will remain in place as the Managing Directors of wedi. Stephan Wedi will also continue in his shareholder role.
For Mark Eslamlooy, CEO of the Ardex Group, this cooperation is a milestone in the development of the company – and his delight at the future collaboration with wedi is correspondingly great.
“The ARDEX Group is taking a major step forward with the acquisition of the market leader for watertight shower and construction systems. There could be no better way to enhance our systems competence – ARDEX and wedi are two strong brands which complement one another in an ideal manner. As family-run companies, we also share a common understanding of the importance of customer proximity, innovation and quality. All in all it is the perfect basis for a successful cooperation.”
The managing directors of wedi, Stephan Wedi and Fabian Rechlin, also regard the cooperation as tremendously beneficial for the two companies. Above all the international Ardex network and the complementary strengths in the product areas were an important factor for wedi in reaching its decision.
“ARDEX is a perfect growth accelerator for us – one only has to think of the many global markets and the joint innovation potential. It was of tremendous importance to us that we find a partner with whom we can safeguard our independence and contribute our strengths to ensure joint growth. To this, we will also implement the already planned capacity expansions together with Ardex. The matter is one very close to my heart, and from the very outset my gut feeling about Ardex was extremely positive,” says Stephan Wedi.
wedi is already very successful in Europe, and in particular in Germany and France, and it is the market leader in North America – since 2017 with its own factory in Batavia, Illinois. The objective of the cooperation with the other companies in the Ardex Group is that of developing this position. “wedi and Ardex complement one another excellently, not just in Germany, but also in other core markets such as the USA, Australia and New Zealand, France, England, Austria, Switzerland or Benelux. The innovative strength of the Ardex Group is enormous, and as a result, we expect to make considerable advances,” adds Fabian Rechlin. “Our partners in the trade have long been encouraging us to take a major step forward. We are doing so now.”
Independent family-owned companies
Furthermore, for both companies it is important that they retain their independence in full. In the future wedi will be a stand-alone company within the Ardex Group – headed by its current managing directors Stephan Wedi and Fabian Rechlin. The trading name, location, brand name and marketing strategy will not change either. The same is true of the contact persons for clients and suppliers.
Inventor of watertight shower and construction systems
wedi is the market leader for watertight shower and construction systems in Europe and North America. The success story began in 1983 with the invention of a totally watertight building board – to this day the board with the blue core is still the company’s trademark. What began as a one-man operation in his garage at home is now an international company with more than 500 employees and a further production site in the USA.
The parties have agreed not to disclose the economic terms of the cooperation. Metzler Corporate Finance exclusively supported wedi in the transaction as M&A advisor.
From left to right: Mark Eslamlooy, Stephan Wedi and Fabian Rechlin
About ARDEX: The ARDEX Group is one of the global market leaders for high-performance specialty building materials. As a family-owned business, the company has pursued a sustainable growth path for more than 70 years. ARDEX now has more than 3,900 employees and is present in over 100 countries on all continents, with a virtually comprehensive presence in one of its core markets, Europe. With more than ten major brands, ARDEX generates total sales of more than 930 million EUR worldwide.
About wedi: wedi GmbH, based in Emsdetten, is a leading manufacturer of and systems provider for directly tileable, watertight construction elements in Europe and North America. The extensive portfolio is complemented by high-quality design surfaces which provide additional design options in the bathroom. With its innovative system solutions and guaranteed system reliability, wedi offers long-lasting, complete solutions for wet rooms. The family company, founded in 1983 by Helmut Wedi, currently employs around 500 members of staff and is active in more than 50 countries.
ARDEX Acquires Manufacturer of Shower Systems
Today, ARDEX Americas announced the acquisition of TILITE, a manufacturer of building materials for shower systems. This step comes as a continuation of ARDEX’ growth strategy in the North American tile industry. With this new addition to the company, ARDEX is able to broaden its system solutions within the tiling segment, adding more flexibility and more comprehensive installation options.
TILITE is a family-oriented company dedicated to manufacturing high-quality shower pans made in the USA and providing waterproofing accessories that excel in dependability. TILITE’s mission is to manufacture and supply exceptional building materials for the professional tile installer and to give every installer the opportunity to enhance their business with technically advanced installation materials and dedicated customer service.
Scott Carroll, founder of TILITE and newly appointed ARDEX Business Manager, Shower Systems says “I am humbled to be part of the ARDEX Family and believe it’s the perfect fit for the TILITE product offerings and myself. It will give us the opportunity to expand the footprint of our shower systems significantly while also offering more comprehensive customer service and training capabilities.”
“TILITE’s shower system products are a great addition to our Tile and Stone segment, helping us broaden our offerings of best-in-class products and systems. I’m especially excited to welcome Scott Carroll to the ARDEX Family.” says Mark Walsh, Director of Sales, Tile & Stone Installation Systems at ARDEX.
With this acquisition, TILITE will be integrated into the ARDEX Americas business, serving as a sub-brand within the ARDEX brand portfolio.
About ARDEX: Recognized by installation experts, ARDEX is a global leader in the development, manufacture and distribution of high-performance specialty building products for all aspects of substrate preparation, floor covering, tile and stone installation systems and architectural concrete systems for commercial and residential applications. A family owned company, the ARDEX Group leads through local customer interaction striving for excellence in all that we do. For more information on ARDEX Americas, please visit www.ardexamericas.com or call 1-888-512-7339.
Fuse Alliance Recognizes ARDEX as Supplier of the Year
This week ARDEX Americas was honored to be recognized by Fuse Alliance as “Supplier of the Year,” and “Product of the Year”. The awards were presented at the annual Fuse conference. This year’s conference was entitled, “The Impact of One,” and was an entirely virtual event.
The Fuse Commercial Flooring Alliance is one of North America’s largest organizations of flooring contractors. The Fuse network of flooring experts has a combined experience spanning flooring product knowledge, installation expertise, and the environmental requirements of today’s market.
Bob Dalton, ARDEX Manager of Strategic Partnerships, says “ARDEX is honored to be recognized among flooring industry leaders, and we extend our congratulations to all the winners from the event. We’re proud to be associated with this outstanding organization of flooring professionals.”
“Despite the current environment all organizations are operating in today, it was impressive how Fuse was able to pivot and create this innovative, digital venue to deliver valuable content and drive interaction and meaningful exchange between vendors and members.“ adds Jesse David, President ARDEX Americas.
About ARDEX, A Leading Solution and Service Provider of Innovative Building Systems:
Recognized by installation experts, ARDEX is a global leader in the development, manufacture and distribution of high-performance specialty building products for all aspects of substrate preparation, floor covering, tile and stone installation systems and architectural concrete systems for commercial and residential applications. A family owned company, the ARDEX Group leads through local customer interaction striving for excellence in all that we do. For more information on ARDEX Americas, please http://www.ardexamericas.com or call 1-888-512-7339.
ARDEX Grouts: All New Colors in 2021
For 2021 ARDEX Americas introduces a refreshed selection of grout colors. Each of the 36 colors, 15 of which are new, have been chosen to blend harmoniously with today’s top tile trends.
“The process of updating the grout palette was an exciting undertaking,” said Kim Snyder, Product Category Manager of Tile & Stone Installation Systems for ARDEX Americas. “We’re thrilled to offer our customers a fresh range of colors that will allow them to match and complement all of the tile options out there.”
For convenience, the new colors are divided into five different color palettes, or themes: urban, lakeside, canyon, summit, and shore. Each of the palettes draws inspiration from North America’s native landscapes and natural features.
In conjunction with the release of the new grout colors, ARDEX Americas is launching the grout selector tool. In three steps, website visitors can select type of tile, color of tile and preview each of the new grout colors in a mock-up installation featuring their tile choices.
“Adding this feature to our website is one that we believe our contractors will find helpful, especially in assisting the homeowner to make the right choice in grout color for their installation,” said Kim.
All of the new colors are available for each of the same high-performance ARDEX grouts you’ve come to trust, ARDEX FG-C™, ARDEX FH™, ARDEX FL™ and ARDEX WA™.
About ARDEX, A Leading Solution and Service Provider of Innovative Building Systems:
Recognized by installation experts, ARDEX is a global leader in the development, manufacture and distribution of high-performance specialty building products for all aspects of substrate preparation, floor covering, tile and stone installation systems and architectural concrete systems for commercial and residential applications. A family owned company, the ARDEX Group leads through local customer interaction striving for excellence in all that we do. For more information on ARDEX Americas, please http://www.ardexamericas.com or call 1-888-512-7339.
ARDEX Americas Announces Integration of DTA Tools, USA
ARDEX Americas and DTA USA announced today that they will strengthen their relationship by integrating DTA’s US business into the ARDEX organization. This comes after the ARDEX Group attained a strategic stake in DTA in 2018 and will further the development of a successful market strategy in North America, subsequently offering a more comprehensive experience for both customer groups.
DTA, established in Australia in 1976, manufactures, imports and distributes high-end tools, trims and machinery and is a market leader in the tile industry. Dedicated to delivering innovative, dependable products, DTA focuses on servicing the professional contractor with a full line of tools for the flooring and tiling industries.
“The integration of our US business with ARDEX gives us the opportunity to significantly broaden our presence in the market” says Grant Beem, Business Manager for DTA USA. “And it will help us offer our customers a more extensive product service experience.”
“ARDEX is excited to intensify the relationship with DTA while, at the same time, further expanding our strategy of system solutions,” says Mark Walsh, Director of Sales, Tile & Stone Installation Systems at ARDEX.
The ARDEX and DTA brands will continue to operate within their brand portfolios, serving their respective customer groups, while additionally offering new synergies for both companies and their industry partners.
About ARDEX, A Leading Solution and Service Provider of Innovative Building Systems: Recognized by installation experts, ARDEX is a global leader in the development, manufacture and distribution of high-performance specialty building products for all aspects of substrate preparation, floor covering, tile and stone installation systems and architectural concrete systems for commercial and residential applications. A family owned company, the ARDEX Group leads through local customer interaction striving for excellence in all that we do. For more information on ARDEX Americas, please visit www.ardexamericas.com or call 1-888-512-7339.
ARDEX Academy Tiling Tuesday Webinars
UPDATED: NEW DATES IN APRIL ANNOUNCED!
ARDEX Americas is proud to announce our upcoming Tiling Tuesday webinar series in February and March. Stay connected and continue your education. This free webinar series is available to the general public.
The ARDEX instructor will be Mark Pennine, ARDEX Technical Manager, Tile & Stone. Mark has been with ARDEX since 2011 and is a third generation tile installer with 35 years of experience. Mark instructs contractors, architects, manufacturers and distributors on products and installation procedures. He holds a CTEF Tile Inspection Certification, and is a member of IICRC.
Tuesday, February 16:
Proper Substrate Preparation Access it via our Webinar Library.
Tuesday, March 2:
Waterproofing for Tile & Stone Installations Access it via our Webinar Library.
Tuesday, March 16:
ARDEX Mortar Solutions Registration link:
Access it via our Webinar Library.
Tuesday, March 30:
ARDEX High Performance Grouts Access it via our Webinar Library.
Tuesday, April 13:
ARDEX FLEXBONE® Uncoupling and In-Floor Heating Systems
Access it via our Webinar Library.
The webinars are held on Tuesdays, at 1 pm EST. For more information, and to register for an upcoming webinar, visit www.ardexamericas.com.
About ARDEX, A Leading Solution and Service Provider of Innovative Building Systems:
Recognized by installation experts, ARDEX is a global leader in the development, manufacture and distribution of high-performance specialty building products for all aspects of substrate preparation, floor covering, tile and stone installation systems and architectural concrete systems for commercial and residential applications. A family owned company, the ARDEX Group leads through local customer interaction striving for excellence in all that we do. For more information on ARDEX Americas, please visit www.ardexamericas.com or call 1-888-512-7339.
Built by You, Backed by ARDEX™
ARDEX Americas announced a new customer campaign earlier this year, “Built by You, Backed by ARDEX”, which incorporates elements from all segments of the business. The campaign draws inspiration from installers, contractors, designers and architects. It recognizes the commitment each has to the pursuit of excellence in their trade.
ARDEX is proud to back tradesmen and tradeswomen with a commitment to manufacturing exceptional products and systems. By expanding training opportunities, and standing behind product and system warranties, ARDEX places their customer at the forefront of their efforts.
“We’re excited to recognize our installers,” said Ben Mack, U.S. General Manager Sales and Marketing of ARDEX Americas. “Their remarkable dedication to installations that will stand the test of decades inspired us to launch this new campaign.”
“Built by You” is customer-centric and details the ways ARDEX is focused on meeting the needs of everyone, including contractors, business owners, architects and distributors. ARDEX is proud to back its customers with exceptional products for flooring, tiling and concrete applications, and support through project recommendations, industry-best warranties and timely, responsive training opportunities.
About ARDEX, A Leading Solution and Service Provider of Innovative Building Systems: Recognized by installation experts, ARDEX is a global leader in the development, manufacture and distribution of high-performance specialty building products for all aspects of substrate preparation, floor covering, tile and stone installation systems and architectural concrete systems for commercial and residential applications. A family owned company, the ARDEX Group leads through local customer interaction striving for excellence in all that we do. For more information on ARDEX Americas, please http://www.ardexamericas.com or call 1-888-512-7339.
Concrete Coatings and Flooring Materials During Winter
During the cold winter months, flooring and other over-concrete applications can be especially challenging. From transport to storage to installation and cure, special care must be taken when substrate and ambient temperatures are cool.
Best practices include checking a product’s technical data for ideal storage and installation temperatures. The industry standard minimum temperature is 50°F (10°C) for ambient, substrate, and material temperatures. Cooler temperatures tend to lengthen drying and/or cure times for bonded materials. To facilitate drying, always circulate the air above the surface, and never blow air directly on the surface of a material as it cures.
Liquids
Typically, liquids such as epoxies, primers, additives and sealers should not be allowed to freeze. Always check a product’s technical data for confirmation, and check with the product’s manufacturer to see if frozen liquids can be evaluated for installation suitability. Damaged materials that cannot be installed should always be disposed of in accordance with prevailing regulations.
Powders
Most cementitious, polymer-modified powders, such as underlayments and toppings, are stable to freezing temperatures. However, it is typically advisable to store them at temperatures above 50°F (10°C). When very cold, polymers may not perform as intended, possibly resulting in product failure. Additionally, products may not have a workable consistency and will take longer to set.
For these types of powder materials, it is best practice to avoid installation when temperatures will fall below 40°F (5°C) within 48 hours after installation. It is also generally not recommended to use warm water to compensate for cold temperatures, as this can impair the workability of the products.
Adhesives
While most flooring adhesives are freeze/thaw stable (check the adhesive’s technical data for confirmation), it is typically necessary to protect them from excessively low temperatures and multiple freeze / thaw cycles. It is best practice to use heated transit and heated storage.
Check with the adhesive manufacturer to verify the recommended procedure for frozen materials. Often, adhesives can be thawed gradually at room temperature and installed, provided they resume their original consistency.
Temporary Heat
While tenting and temporary heat is always an option in colder temperatures, note that heat sources that use fossil fuels and heat sources that are not properly vented can leave behind oily, bond-breaking residues on the surface of the substrate. Properly vented propane or natural gas heaters are best. Check with product manufacturers to verify proper temporary heating methods.
Tivona has been with ARDEX since 2010. Her areas of expertise are product documentation and jobsite recommendations, and she has been certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration. Tivona and her team of technical writers produce all technical documentation for the company, including technical data sheets, labels, project-specific recommendations and technical updates.
