NTCA’s ‘Trowel & Error’ Tile Installation Video Now Available in Spanish

The National Tile Contractors Association’s “Trowel and Error” video has been an indispensable training tool since it was first released in 1996. The video highlights common errors in mortar application when installing large-format tiles – and as larger tiles become more popular, this knowledge becomes more important to ensure high-quality, long-lasting installation.

Last year, thanks to a generous sponsorship from Custom Building Products, the NTCA was able to revamp and update this popular video. The new version has been available for some time in the NTCA Store at on the NTCA website, as well as in membership packets and on the NTCA YouTube channel.

In the video, the NTCA emphasizes the proper use and application of mortar to meet minimum coverage requirements and ensure long-term adhesion and stability of tile to substrate. It clearly demonstrates how common improper techniques such as swirled mortar and spot bonding can reduce coverage.

Due to the importance of this information, and to improve overall installation quality in the U.S., Custom Building Products has also sponsored the creation of a Spanish version of the video. “Llana y Error” is now available on the NTCA’s YouTube channel.

“We updated and modernized this video last year,” said Bart Bettiga, NTCA Executive Director. “Now, because it is such an important training mechanism, Custom Building Products has sponsored a Spanish version as well. NTCA encourages distributors and retailers who sell to markets with Hispanic speaking customers to use this video link to promote this important educational video.”