Marietta, Ga. – April 9, 2019 – The Tile Doctor, a provider of innovative, eco-conscious products and solutions for the tile industry, will debut ZHERORisk® products, a new line of non-toxic, non-corrosive and sustainable products for tile applications, at Coverings 2019 (booth #4425). In celebration of the launch, The Tile Doctor will also be launching a Plant-a-Tree campaign in support of forests throughout the U.S.
The initial launch of ZHERORisk products includes:
- Litokol® Aquamaster Waterproofing – A solvent-free, ready-to-use liquid membrane for waterproofing moist environments in both interior and exterior settings; does not require reinforcement mesh or fabric and sealing straps to protect corners and edges
- Litokol® Litoelastic EVO – A two-part adhesive for ceramic tiles, glass tiles and natural stone
- Litokol® Epoxy Elite EVO – An acid-resistant epoxy mortar/setting product for the installation and grouting of ceramic tiles
Aquamaster Waterproofing, Litoelastic EVO and Epoxy Elite EVO are very low in emissions and are VOC free, meeting the strictest tolerances and standards for indoor air quality, and have been awarded EC1+ certification by GEV-EMICODE®. Both Litoelastic EVO and Epoxy Elite EVO are also available in flame resistant versions that are IMO (International Maritime Organization) certified.
“ZHERORisk products have been developed with the aim of delivering the highest performance possible while significantly lowering environmental and health impacts,” says Curt V. Rapp, founder and CEO of The Tile Doctor. “The use of sustainable, environmentally sound materials offers healthier alternatives for installers, consumers and the planet while also contributing to improved indoor air quality and building wellness. This next generation of tile installation products is poised to change the way the industry approaches tile and stone installation.”
In 2016, the European Union (EU) government set out to reduce the corrosive nature of installation products for tile and stone through a project called ZERO (Zero Environmental Risks in Our building). The EU enlisted the major universities in the tile-producing region of Italy to conduct research along with manufacturers. Manufacturers were invited to submit for inclusion based upon their capabilities. Litokol – a major international provider of epoxy-based products based in Rubiera, Italy – scored 100 percent with its submission, and was awarded inclusion by the EU to develop its product formulations and bring them to market.
ZHERORisk products were born out of this effort and have been finely tuned over the past two-and-a-half years to provide a replacement for existing tile installation products, the majority of which pose health and safety concerns for installers and have serious short- and long-term environmental impacts.
Adds Rapp, “While previous versions of these products were necessary, despite the risks, for their strong performance characteristics, there is no longer a need to compromise. It’s now possible to achieve the highest possible performance levels without placing tile installers, jobsites and the environment at risk. And, that’s a game changer.”
Additional ZHERORisk products are scheduled to be introduced in fall 2019.
ZHERORisk products are available in the U.S. exclusively through The Tile Doctor.
View high res images of ZHERORisk products: bit.ly/2XtlaJ9
About The Tile Doctor®
Founded in 2000 in response to consumer demand for comprehensive
information related to tile products and installation, The Tile Doctor has
evolved to offer a full line of innovative, high-performance and eco-friendly
products for the tile industry. The Tile Doctor is the exclusive U.S. distributor
for Litokol, the world’s premier high-performance
tile setting and grouting
products, through which it offers a broad color selection of epoxy grouts along
with all necessary setting and waterproofing materials. Litokol products are used
extensively for both residential and commercial tile jobs, and are a leading
product for the pool industry. The Tile Doctor also provides a complete line of
care and maintenance products under the Express Finish® Brand, including its
best-selling Grout Admix, along with a line of sealers and cleaners using
today’s most environmentally sound ingredients. In addition, the company offers
VersaLite Stone®, lightweight and easy-to-cut natural stone veneer panels for a
range of design and architectural applications. For more information, visit www.tiledoctor.com.
