Prova-Flex is a durable tile underlayment that provides crack isolation protection on cement slabs and is an easy-to-install, labor-saving alternative to backerboard on wood substrates. The underlayment features a patented Shear Stress Control system with non-woven anchoring fleece to neutralize stress caused by movement in the substrate. With its lightweight functionality and the top scrim layer that provides the ultimate locking mechanism for mortar, you can fill the studs with mortar in just one pass of your trowel and get the job done even faster. Photo: Prova-Products.

Schluter-Ditra-XL provides the same four essential functions as Schluter-Ditra, uncoupling, waterproofing, vapor management and support/load distribution, but is ⁵/₁₆-inch-thick, whereas Ditra is 1/4-inch-thick. The increased thickness of Ditra-XL allows for even transitions between typical ceramic tile and3/4-inch-thick hardwood flooring. The added thickness of Ditra-XL allows for ceramic tile installations over single layer plywood/OSB subfloors on joists spaced at 24 inches o.c. Installers can choose the membrane best designed for each specific project: Ditra, Ditra-XL, Ditra-Heat or Ditra-Heat-Duo. Photo: Schluter.

Alpha introduced a new electric stone cutter, the ESC-150, which is equipped with a powerful motor capable cutting 1 1/4-inch stone slabs in one pass. In addition, Alpha recognized the need for a quality electric portable stone cutter that is capable of miter cutting of 1 1/4-inch materials with ease, so that any stone fabricator can use it when miter cuts are required, without the time-consuming setup. It can also be used for sink-hole cutting and groove-cutting for rodding applications. The ESC-150 includes a kink-free water hose for improved maneuverability of the stone cutter. The flexibility of the hose helps reduce operator fatigue and improves the operation. Photo: Alpha Tools.

Laticrete, a leading manufacturer of globally proven construction solutions for the building industry, has partnered with Microban International to upgrade select Stonetech sealers and cleaners. Offering enhanced product protection to continuously inhibit the growth of stain- and odor-causing bacteria on surfaces, each of the following products in the Stonetech line now feature Microban Antimicrobial Technology: Stonetech BulletProof Sealer, Stonetech Heavy Duty Sealer, Stonetech Quartz & Porcelain Tile Sealer and Stonetech Revitalizer Cleaner & Protector.