This four part Installation Validation Program (IVP) is designed to eliminate tile and stone failures and provide owners with no-nonsense long term warranties. The program covers every aspect of the installation from the writing of the specifications thru the validation of the workmanship and installation products. By writing complete and industry compliant specifications, the bidders will know up front what is to be expected of them. By insisting on long term warranties that do not have the customary long list of exclusions, the owners are assured that only top quality installation products are used. The validation process ensures that the owners/architects get what they are paying for without having to deal with unwarranted requests for change orders or excuses why the performance might be sub-par.
Review all contract documents prior to bidding to ensure that compliance with Tile Council of North America recommendations and all applicable ANSI requirements are met with regards to installation methods and their subsequent details. Address specific issues such as control joint designs and locations, substrate preparation, installation methods, acceptable installation products, mortar coverage requirements, and appropriate installation products warranty offerings. Concrete and sealant sections will be reviewed for compliance with tile installation requirements. Confirm suitability and compatibility of the installation system for the intended use of the project.
The intent is to produce a specification that complies completely with industry standards and has no room for misunderstandings that might result in requests for change orders after the contracts are issued.
After the contracts are issued all submittals for installation products are to be examined for compliance with specifications. Warranty information from the selected installation materials manufacturers to be examined, re-negotiated if need be, and then verified.
After all concrete has been poured, but before tile work is to commence, a site inspection and pre-construction conference shall be held with the tile contractor, general contractor and architect in attendance. The mortar manufacturer that is to provide the written warranty may also be present. The substrate and all site conditions will be examined for compliance with the specifications. If any conditions exist that might be detrimental to a successful installation of the tile or stone, those conditions shall be rectified before work begins. It shall be made crystal clear to the tile contractor what is to be expected in order for him to be compliant with all specification and warranty requirements.
At any time during the installation or at completion, a separate validation inspection will be made. The purpose of this inspection would be to validate that the tile contractor is (has), in fact, following(ed) instructions to the letter with regards to mortar coverage requirements and all other ANSI 108 requirements regarding installation methods and techniques. Installation products and their shelf lives will also be validated ensuring that the manufacturer's warranty shall be provided with no unnecessary exclusions.