Marble Institute of America: Press Room

MIA TO INTRODUCE REVISED COUNTERTOP MODULE

CLEVELAND, OH., OCTOBER 4, 2005— A complete revision of the Marble Institute of America's Residential Stone Countertop Installation Technical Module will be released at StonExpo in Las Vegas, NV, October 19-22, 2005. The MIA is the world's largest trade organization serving the natural stone industry.

Revising the module, part of MIA's prestigious Dimension Stone Design Manual was a 12-month project by a special task force composed of industry leaders. The Dimension Stone Design Manual is the industry's most comprehensive set of installation guidelines based on accepted industry practice.

"The installation guidelines should constantly be evolving to account for improvements with technology, proven industry practice, and enhancements from previous versions," said Chuck Muehlbauer, MIA technical director.

Among the revisions are a clarification of tolerances for joint/seams and exposed edges; inclusion of information about both 3cm and 2cm materials; an introduction of definitions and acceptance/rejection criteria for fissures vs. cracks; an expanded section on joint/seam fillers; revised cabinet and substrate requirements; a list of recommended communications issues between supplier and consumer; and, improved and new illustrations.

The revision task force included: Scott Lardner of Rocky Mountain Stone Company; Rich Booms of Booms Stone Company; Kirk Campbell of Bell Stone Company; Jose Rodriguez of Total Design on Marble; Jack Seiders of Architectural Granite and Marble, Inc., G.K.Naquin of Stone Interiors; Brian Williams of Luck Stone Corporation; and Chuck Muehlbauer.

For information on ordering this updated countertop technical module, contact MIA at 440-250-9222 or visit www.marble-institute.com.

About the Marble Institute of America
Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2004, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) is the world's leading information resource and advocate for the dimension stone industry. MIA members include marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, and other natural stone producers and quarriers, fabricators, installers, distributors, and contractors around the world.