Tile Code Update - International Masonry Institute

TMIMI UPDATEJULY 2010AIR BARRIER UPDATERESOURCE INFORMATION FROM THE INTERNATIONAL MASONRY INSTITUTETILE CODES AND STANDARDS UPDATECodes and standards can have a tremendous impact on building practices, which is why IMI devotes considerableeffort to crafting language and working with code committees to adopt improvements that give contractors moreguidance, flexibility and opportunities.Exterior Porcelain Tile in Building CodeThis May, the IMI Code Committee won the addition of porcelaintile to the International Building Code, removing any ambiguityabout tile’s proper place as an exterior finish.Table 1405.2, Exterior adhered masonry veneers – porcelain tileNew Building Code Definition for Porcelain Tile1404.13 Porcelain Tile. Porcelain tile shall conform to ANSI 137.1.3 requirements for ceramic tile having absorptionof 0.5% or less according to ANSI 137.4.1 – Class Table and ANSI 137.1.6.1 Allowable Properties by Tile Type – Table 10.Grout Joint SizeIMI language was added to ANSI ceramic tile installation specifications and manufacturing standards.A108.02.4.3.8 now states that actual grout joint size may vary from that specified, to accommodate tile facialdimensions, with the joint at least three times the variation. The new language is in ANSI 137.1 Tables 6, 9 and 10.Movement Joint Liability for Membrane ManufacturersIMI language in ANSI 108 makes them responsible when directing re-location of movement joints.A108.3.7.1.1 Openings for movement joints shall extend completely and directly through tile work to structuralbacking (membranes may remain continuous). Joints must be kept clear.Sloped Floor Lippage StandardsA108.4.3.7 now states that lippage will be present with tiles 6”x 6” or more on surfaces sloped to drains. The largerthe surface area, the greater the lippage. Cutting units can reduce, but not eliminate it.Gypsum-based Products Blocked as Tile Substrate in Wet AreasIMI and BAC testimony thwarted an attempt to reinstate drywall materials as tile substrates in wet areas,and the ICC recommendation to allow this risky practice in the IBC was overturned.This document is intended for the use of industry professionals who are competent to evaluate the significance and limthe information provided herein. This publication should not be used as the sole guide for masonry design and construcIMI disclaims any and all legal responsibility for the consequences of applying the information.CIMI 2009. ALL RIGHInternational Masonry Institute 42 East Street Annapolis, MD 21401 1-800-IMI-0988 www.