The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO^®) and the Tile Council of North America, Inc. (TCNA) have agreed to jointly develop an American and Canadian National Standard for fabricated shower tiling kits and receptors. Applying the procedures of the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) A108, to which TCNA serves as Secretariat, and IAPMO’s accredited Canadian Standards Development procedures, the consensus standard will be available for use by specifiers in the United States and Canada.

The scope of the standard will address the test methods and minimum requirements for field fabricated shower tiling kits and prefabricated, tileable shower receptors, including the materials, physical characteristics, performance testing, markings and specification.

TCNA is a trade association representing manufacturers of ceramic tile, tile installation materials, tile equipment, raw materials, and other tile-related products. Established in 1945, TCNA is recognized for its leadership role in facilitating the development of North American and international industry quality standards to benefit tile consumers.

IAPMO is a worldwide leader in the plumbing and mechanical industry dedicated to protecting health and safety. Founded in 1926, IAPMO develops industry standards with a focus on innovative plumbing products, solar heating systems and components, mechanical products (including heating, ventilation, cooling and refrigeration system products) and products used in the recreational vehicle and the manufactured housing industry.

TCNA’s long history representing manufacturers of ceramic tile combined with IAPMO’s leadership in the plumbing industry and consensus-based Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) forms a preeminent collaboration to establish a standard that provides guidance for successful shower kit installations.

Bill Griese, TCNA’s director of Standards Development & Sustainability Initiatives, said: “We see many benefits in collaborating with IAPMO on this effort. Expanded conversation between tile and plumbing experts will lead to better technical criteria, which ultimately protects consumers. Furthermore, given IAPMO’s recognition and successes in building code arenas, we are excited about the opportunity to raise tile’s overall profile in both the United States and Canada, which we truly feel will strengthen the industry.”

Hugo Aguilar, IAPMO’s senior vice president of Codes and Standards, said: “IAPMO Codes and Standards is delighted to be part of this effort. It is another example of how the industry can come together to address the needs of the industry. With TCNA being the leader in the tile industry and IAPMO being the leader in the plumbing industry, such a collaboration only makes sense.”

For any questions, you may contact Katelyn Simpson at (864) 646-8435 ext. 108 or ksimpson@tileusa.com, or Terry Burger at (909) 519-0740 or terry.burger@iapmo.org.