WTΔ! (Whiskey Tango Delta!)- A Discussion of Stone Tile Deflection Standards

Presenter(s)

• 

  Charles Muehlbauer

  Technical Director
  The Natural Stone Institute
  Saint Cloud, Minnesota

What the “L over 720” is up with all of these deflection standards for stone tile floors? Why is there a different deflection recommendation for concrete substrates than wood frame substrates? Are they applicable to live load, or total load? During this session, we will discuss deflections standards and how they affect stone tile installation. Learn about how stone tile is installed on subflooring, underlayment decks or framing. Come away with a template for selecting the correct stone for each tile application.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the history and development of deflection standards in the stone industry.
• Familiarize yourself with the different deflection and deformation behaviors of frame versus concrete structures.
• Recognize the telltale signs of deflection induced distress in stone tile floors.
• Identify characteristics in certain stone species that may make them more vulnerable to cracking due to post-construction deformation.