Lesson 1Tile dimensions, large-format definitions, thickness, rectified edges and implications for installationThis section defines porcelain tile formats, thickness ranges, and rectified edges relevant to Namibian installations. You will learn how these factors affect layout, lippage control, mortar selection, coverage targets, and handling of large and heavy panels in various climates.
Standard vs large-format tile definitionsPanel and slab tile handling limitsThickness tolerances and warpage limitsRectified vs non-rectified edge behaviourLippage criteria and allowable offsetsCoverage targets for large-format tilesLesson 2Tile trims, edge profiles, transitions and accessory selection: metal trims, Schluter systems, silicone control jointsThis section covers trims, edge profiles, and transitions between finishes suitable for Namibian homes. You will learn how to select metals, PVC, and Schluter-type systems, design movement and control joints, and protect exposed tile edges safely against local weather conditions.
Profile types for edges and outside cornersTransition details between tile and carpetMetal vs PVC trims: selection criteriaSchluter-style profile system componentsDesigning soft joints at perimetersFinishing stair nosings and thresholdsLesson 3Movement joints and control joints: function, types, placement rules, low-modulus sealantsThis section explains movement and control joints in tile work for Namibian structures. You will learn joint types, spacing rules, perimeter detailing, sealant selection, and how to integrate structural and tile movement requirements considering regional seismic and thermal variations.
Differential movement sources in buildingsField, perimeter and change-of-plane jointsJoint spacing rules for interior floorsExterior and heated assembly joint needsLow-modulus sealant selection and prepJoint layout coordination with tile patternLesson 4International and industry standards for tile installation (TCNA, ANSI A108/A118/A136): scope and key requirementsThis section introduces key tile installation standards and guides applicable in Namibia. You will review TCNA Handbook methods and ANSI A108, A118, and A136 requirements, and learn how to select compliant systems for each project while adapting to local regulations.
TCNA Handbook structure and method codesReading ANSI A108 installation standardsANSI A118 material performance criteriaANSI A136 organic adhesive requirementsSelecting methods for floors and wallsDocumenting compliance in project specsLesson 5Tooling, mixing, and material handling best practices: mixers, trowels, buckets, slurries, and storage conditionsThis section details proper tooling, mixing, and handling of materials in Namibian conditions. You will learn mixer types, trowel selection, slaking and remixing, slurry bond coats, and storage practices that preserve product performance amid varying humidity and temperatures.
Drill and paddle selection for mortarsMixing ratios, slake times and remixingTrowel notch types and directional trowelingMaintaining clean buckets and toolsSlurry bond coats over concrete and mud bedsStorage temperature and shelf-life controlLesson 6Substrate types and failure modes: concrete slabs, cement backer board, drywall — properties and diagnosticsThis section examines common substrates and their failure modes in Namibian builds. You will learn properties of concrete, cement board, and drywall, how moisture and movement affect them, and how to diagnose cracks, debonding, and mould risks in local environments.
Concrete slab curing, shrinkage and cracksCement backer board fastening and seamsDrywall limitations in wet and dry areasMoisture vapour emission and pH testingBond failure, hollow spots and delaminationRepair options before tile installationLesson 7Codes and local considerations: floor flatness (FF/FL), maximum allowable substrate deflection, slope requirements for wet areasThis section reviews codes and standards for flatness, deflection, and slope in Namibia. You will learn how FF/FL values translate to tile tolerances, how to verify deflection, and how to form safe, drainable wet-area surfaces compliant with regional building codes.
FF/FL concepts and tile flatness needsMeasuring and documenting floor flatnessDeflection limits for tile and stoneFraming and underlayment stiffness checksSlope-to-drain requirements and detailsTolerances for curbs, benches and rampsLesson 8Grout chemistries and performance: cementitious, polymer-modified, epoxy grouts — joint widths and usesThis section compares cementitious, polymer-modified, and epoxy grouts for Namibian use. You will study joint sizing, movement accommodation, stain and chemical resistance, colour consistency, and how to match grout type to service conditions in diverse local settings.
Cementitious grout composition and curingPolymer-modified grout properties and usesEpoxy grout chemistry and limitationsJoint width selection by tile sizeGrout for submerged and steam areasCleaning, sealing and maintenance needsLesson 9Mortars and adhesives: polymer-modified thin-set mortars, large-and-heavy tile mortars, epoxy adhesives — selection criteriaThis section analyses mortars and adhesives for porcelain tile in Namibia. You will compare polymer-modified thin-set, large-and-heavy tile mortars, and epoxy adhesives, focusing on selection by tile size, substrate, and exposure to local weather and usage patterns.
Thin-set mortar classes and performanceLarge-and-heavy tile mortar behaviourNon-sag mortars for walls and ceilingsEpoxy and reactive resin adhesive usesBonding to difficult or existing substratesPot life, open time and cure time controlLesson 10Waterproofing and vapour barriers: sheet membranes, liquid-applied membranes, shower-specific systems and compatibility with tile assembliesThis section covers waterproofing and vapour control under tile for Namibian homes. You will compare sheet and liquid membranes, shower systems, and vapour retarders, and learn compatibility rules with mortars, backers, and drains in humid and rainy conditions.
Waterproof vs vapour-retarding membranesSheet membrane installation sequencingLiquid-applied membrane coverage checksShower pan, curb and niche detailingSteam shower perm rating requirementsCompatibility with drains and bonding flangesLesson 11Porcelain tile types and specifications: body (glazed vs full-body), PEI, water absorption, wear ratingsThis section reviews porcelain tile body types and performance ratings for Namibia. You will learn glazed vs through-body construction, PEI and abrasion classes, water absorption limits, and how to read manufacturer data sheets for local durability needs.
Glazed vs full-body porcelain structuresPEI and abrasion resistance classificationsWater absorption and freeze-thaw ratingsCoefficient of friction and slip resistanceColour variation and shade range controlInterpreting technical data sheets
