Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/579910
Industry Insight – Guest Column – The views expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Award magazine or Canada Wide Media Limited. OCTOBER 2015 | 43 Tiles Spec Writing Simplified By Master Specifications by KEITH ROBINSON Writing project specifications is a detailed, time consuming task that can require review and evaluation of very large amounts of information. There are many construction asso- ciations in Canada and across North America that see value in well-prepared, industry- supported master guide specifications to help with the spec writing process. Since the specifications are written by tradesmen and product manufacturers who are directly involved with the required work results, the content is typically supported with accompanying technical manuals to aid the architect in making the choices needed to tailor the document for the specific needs of a project. When it comes to these types of standards, Canada is a consumer of global standards; the Standards Council of Canada reviews technical standards from Europe and the U.S., and determines which standards meet protection or manufacturing requirements for Canadian consumers. In Canada, several associations provide master guide specifications that are reviewed and updated on a two to five year cycle. This means that the specs consistently reflect the most current reference standards, quality testing and installation practices acceptable to that particular industry segment. These master guide specifications provide the architect with a script to aid in research when meeting with knowledgeable product representatives and installers. One example of a helpful master specification is that of the Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada (TTMAC). Standards and specification writing bodies, like the TTMAC, review technical stan- dards from other jurisdictions and create truly Canadian documents by working with local experts and reviewing real world Canadian experience. The TTMAC master specification is a "living document" that is updated when required to account for comments from users, or arising from changes with administration of the standards that are referenced within the content of the master specification. This is a critical user advantage, since they can specify with the assurance that they are working with the most up-to-date information available. The master specification is in an editable format, allowing interior designers, archi- tects and specifiers to easily customize the document to suit the unique requirements of any project. Throughout the master specification are "Spec Notes" that provide edu- cational and informational references in blue text to further guide the specifier through some of the most common choices and decision points in the specification process. Attention is called to new standards, deletions and acceptable alternatives so the speci- fication writer can be sure he or she is using the most relevant standards. For instance, the current edition references a new testing apparatus that makes slip resistance of flooring products more predictable – a development that may not be otherwise known to the specification writer. The specification is also a valuable tool to assist collaborative efforts between tile product representatives and designers. They can work together to modify the content specific to the products required for their particular projects. Product representatives that keep abreast with changes in manufacturing standards can also use the "living docu- ment" aspect to maintain contact with architects, interior designers and specifiers, and to provide information on how developing changes affect product selection or installation. Product representatives that become well versed in the master specification content show themselves as trusted advisors to the professional community, which, in a rapidly evolving construction climate, is a valuable relationship. Having a standardized layout for technical content also helps ensure installers suc- cessfully implement the plan created by the specifier. The document makes it easier for them to identify product and installation requirements, and ultimately in assembling competitive prices based on consistent information from project to project. Installers are the critical component for any tile installation, and having improved clarity of project requirements decreases the likelihood of disconnects between the specification and the work that needs to be done, meaning less time waiting for clarification, less time rework- ing product that has already been installed and potential cost savings through reduced coordination efforts. Specification writers can obtain a free download of the TTMAC document at the Download Documents tab on www.ttmac.com Additional examples of master guide specifications that are available as downloadable documents include the following (fees may apply): • Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada (AWMAC) • Canadian Precast-Prestressed Concrete Institute (CPCI) • Master Painters Institute (MPI) • Various roofing contractor associations (RCABC, ARCA, CRCA)