LATICRETE, a global manufacturer and leader of premium installation and finishing systems for the building industry, announced today the launch of LATICRETE® 4-XLT Rapid, a fast-setting, multi-use, polymer-fortified adhesive mortar specifically formulated for large format tile installations requiring a rapid turnaround.

LATICRETE 4-XLT Rapid was needed, in particular, for installations to be worked on during 'off-hours' which must be completed and ready for the onslaught of heavy foot-traffic almost immediately thereafter. The scope of these projects include shopping malls, airports, transportation centers and other commercial/institutional jobs where the tile contracting team comes in and works most of the night. Then, when the doors open the following morning, tile is firmly set in place, ready to perform at optimal levels.

According to Jay DeLuca, LATICRETE Product Manager - Adhesives, "Two years ago, we introduced LATICRETE 4-XLT, a multi-use, non-sag mortar for large format tile and stone that quickly became one of the most successful products in our adhesives line. Despite the success of LATICRETE 4-XLT, we received an overwhelming number of requests asking for a rapid version of the product that would allow contractors to grout tile in three to four hours. As always, our research and development team delivered a fantastic solution, and the result is a best-in-class product that fulfills the needs of the marketplace.”

LATICRETE 4-XLT Rapid offers tremendous utility for non-sag wall installations, medium bed buildup and thin-set applications on floors and walls. Like LATICRETE 4-XLT, LATICRETE 4-XLT Rapid is built on LATICRETE Water Dispersion Technology™ (WDT) platform, which provides for the complete dispersion of water within the mix, allowing users to achieve their desired application consistency. It also features LATICRETE DUST LOCK™ Technology, which greatly reduces onsite mess, during transportation of the product as well as while mixing it. From a performance standpoint, the product passes applicable ANSI A118.4, ANSI A118.11 and ISO 13007-2 non-sag requirements.

“Together, LATICRETE 4-XLT and LATICRETE 4-XLT Rapid position our medium bed offering to be one of the most robust in the industry,” said DeLuca. “There is a lot of excitement about the addition of LATICRETE 4-XLT Rapid here internally at LATICRETE, and we look forward to that excitement spreading when the product hits the market.”

LATICRETE International, Inc. is a US-based, family-owned global manufacturer and leader of premium installation and finishing systems for the building industry. LATICRETE® products are produced and distributed worldwide in the commercial and consumer channels. The company’s philosophy of innovation and technical expertise has led to an unparalleled reputation and commitment to superior quality, performance and customer service. Manufactured in state-of-the-art ISO 9001:2008 certified facilities, LATICRETE offers a broad product portfolio including an extensive line of low VOC sustainable products independently certified by GREENGUARD. LATICRETE®, LATAPOXY®, SpectraLOCK®, Hydro Ban® and DRYTEK® are registered brands of LATICRETE International, Inc. Corporate Website: www.laticrete.com.