VT Industries Inc.
1000 Industrial Park
PO Box 490
Holstein, Iowa 51025
Toll Free
800-827-1615
Phone
712-368-4381
Fax
712-368-4111
Website
www.vtindustries.com
Email
info@vtindustries.com
May 2015
Guide Specification
Specifier Notes: This guide specification is written in Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) 3-Part
Format in accordance with The CSI Construction Specifications Practice Guide, including
MasterFormat, SectionFormat, and PageFormat.
This section must be carefully reviewed and edited by the Architect to meet the requirements of the
Project and local building code. Coordinate this section with Division 01, other specification sections,
and the Drawings. Delete all Specifier Notes after editing this section.
Section numbers and titles are based on MasterFormat 2014 Update.
SECTION 12 36 61.19
QUARTZ AGGLOMERATE COUNTERTOPS
Specifier Notes: This section covers VT Industries Inc. “GeoScapes Architectural Stone Surfaces”
quartz countertops with “TruQuartz” and “VersaTop” product lines. Consult VT Industries Inc. for
assistance in editing this section for the specific application.
PART 1
1.1
A.
GENERAL
SECTION INCLUDES
Quartz countertops.
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1.2
RELATED REQUIREMENTS
Specifier Notes: Edit the following list of related sections as required for Project. Limit the list to
sections with specific information that the reader might expect to find in this section, but is specified
elsewhere.
A.
Section 06 10 00 – Rough Carpentry: Blocking and supports.
B.
Section 07 92 00 – Joint Sealants.
1.3
REFERENCE STANDARDS
Specifier Notes: List reference standards used elsewhere in this section, complete with designations
and titles.
A.
Architectural Woodwork Institute / Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of
Canada / Woodwork Institute (www.awinet.org / www.awmac.com /
www.woodworkinstitute.com/asserrata.com):
1.
AWI/AWMAC/WI Architectural Woodwork Standards, Section 11 – Countertops.
B.
ASTM International (ASTM) (www.astm.org):
1.
ASTM C 97 / C 97M – Standard Test Methods for Absorption and Bulk Specific Gravity of
Dimension Stone.
2.
ASTM C 170 / C 170M – Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Dimension
Stone.
3.
ASTM C 241 / C 241M – Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Stone
Subjected to Foot Traffic.
4.
ASTM C 501 – Standard Test Method for Relative Resistance to Wear of Unglazed
Ceramic Tile by the Taber Abraser.
5.
ASTM C 531 – Standard Test Method for Linear Shrinkage and Coefficient of Thermal
Expansion of Chemical-Resistant Mortars, Grouts, Monolithic Surfacings, and Polymer
Concretes.
6.
ASTM C 648 – Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength of Ceramic Tile.
7.
ASTM C 650 – Standard Test Method for Resistance of Ceramic Tile to Chemical
Substances.
8.
ASTM C 880 / C 880M – Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Dimension Stone.
9.
ASTM D 523 – Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss.
C.
British Standards Institution (BSI):
1.
BS EN 14617-9 – Agglomerated stone. Test methods. Determination of impact resistance.
2.
BS EN 14617-10 – Agglomerated stone. Test methods. Determination of chemical
resistance.
D.
EN 101 – Ceramic Tiles - Determination Of Scratch Hardness Of Surface According To Mohs.
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1.4
PREINSTALLATION MEETINGS
Specifier Notes: Edit preinstallation meetings as required for Project. Delete if not required.
A.
Convene preinstallation meeting [1 week] [2 weeks] before start of Work of this Section.
B.
Require attendance of parties directly affecting Work of this Section, including Contractor,
Architect, installer, and manufacturer’s representative.
C.
Review the Following:
1.
Materials.
2.
Examination.
3.
Preparation.
4.
Installation.
5.
Adjusting.
6.
Cleaning.
7.
Protection.
8.
Coordination with other Work.
1.5
SUBMITTALS
Specifier Notes: Edit submittal requirements as required for Project. Delete submittals not required.
A.
Comply with Division 01.
B.
Product Data: Submit manufacturer’s product data, including preparation and installation
instructions.
Specifier Notes: Edit shop drawings as required for Project.
C.
Shop Drawings: Submit manufacturer’s shop drawings, including plans, elevations, sections,
and details, indicating:
1.
Dimensions, tolerances, materials, components, attachments, fabrication, edge profiles,
corners, overhangs, backsplashes, and location of joints.
2.
Locations and sizes of cutouts and holes for items to be installed in quartz countertops.
3.
Locations and sizes of blocking, supports, and reinforcements to support quartz
countertops.
D.
Samples: Submit manufacturer’s sample chips of quartz material.
E.
Manufacturer’s Certification: Submit manufacturer’s certification that materials comply with
specified requirements and are suitable for intended application.
F.
Test Reports: Submit manufacturer’s test reports from testing performed by qualified,
independent testing laboratories.
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G.
Manufacturer’s Project References: Submit manufacturer’s list of successfully completed quartz
countertop projects, including project name and location, name of architect, and type and
quantity of quartz countertops furnished.
H.
Installer’s Project References: Submit installer’s list of successfully completed quartz
countertop projects, including project name and location, name of architect, and type and
quantity of quartz countertops installed.
I.
Care and Maintenance Instructions: Submit manufacturer’s care and maintenance instructions,
including cleaning and repairing instructions.
J.
Warranty Documentation: Submit manufacturer’s standard warranty.
1.6
QUALITY ASSURANCE
A.
Manufacturer’s Qualifications: Manufacturer regularly engaged, for preceding 5 years, in the
manufacturing of quartz countertops of similar type to that specified.
B.
Installer's Qualifications:
1.
Installer regularly engaged, for preceding 5 years, in installation of quartz countertops of
similar type to that specified.
2.
Employ persons trained for installation of quartz countertops.
1.7
DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
A.
Delivery Requirements: Deliver quartz countertops to site in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions.
B.
Storage and Handling Requirements:
1.
Store and handle quartz countertops in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
2.
Store quartz countertops vertically in clean, dry area indoors, raised above floor.
3.
Protect quartz countertops during storage, handling, and installation from dirt, stains,
scratches, cracks, and other damage.
4.
Protect edges and corners from damage.
5.
Do not store or transport quartz countertops flat.
6.
Do not drop or drag quartz countertops.
PART 2
2.1
A.
PRODUCTS
MANUFACTURERS
Manufacturer: VT Industries Inc., 1000 Industrial Park, PO Box 490, Holstein, Iowa 51025. Toll
Free 800-827-1615. Phone 712-368-4381. Fax 712-368-4111. Website www.vtindustries.com.
Email info@vtindustries.com.
Specifier Notes: Specify if substitutions will be permitted.
B.
Substitutions: [Not permitted] [Comply with Division 01].
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2.2
A.
QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS
Quartz Countertops: “GeoScapes Architectural Stone Surfaces”.
1.
Material: Engineered quartz material, composed of 92 percent quartz and 8 percent
polyester resin.
a.
Heat, scratch, and stain resistant.
b.
Solid and uniform throughout material thickness.
2.
Certifications:
a.
NSF International.
b.
GREENGUARD.
3.
Unit Weight:
Specifier Notes: Include unit weight of quartz countertops for specified thickness.
4.
a.
Thickness 1.5 cm: 9 lbs per square foot.
b.
Thickness 2 cm: 11 lbs per square foot.
c.
Thickness 3 cm: 15 lbs per square foot.
Factory Finish: High-gloss polish.
Specifier Notes: Consult VT Industries Inc. for availability of custom-size sheets.
5.
Sheet Size: 118 inches by 55 inches.
Specifier Notes: Specify “TruQuartz” or “VersaTop” product lines.
B.
Product Line: “TruQuartz” quartz countertops.
Specifier Notes: Specify “Terra”, “Designer”, or “Lux” collection.
1.
Collection: “Terra”.
Specifier Notes: Specify thickness and edge profile.
a.
b.
c.
Thickness: 2 cm.
1)
Edge Profile: [Small round over] [Eased edge] [Top bevel] [Round over]
[Ogee] [Bullnose].
Thickness: 2 cm with 4 cm edge thickness.
1)
Edge Profile: [Small round over] [Eased edge] [Top bevel] [Round over]
[Ogee] [Ogee bullnose] [Bullnose] [Crescent].
Thickness: 3 cm.
1)
Edge Profile: [Small round over] [Eased edge] [Top bevel] [Round over]
[Ogee] [Bullnose] [Crescent].
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Specifier Notes: Specify color.
d.
2.
Color: [Chocolate Hills] [Painted Desert] [Beartooth Pass] [Glacier Point] [Laguna]
[Nouveau] [Castle Rock] [Matterhorn] [White Sands].
Collection: “Designer”.
Specifier Notes: Specify thickness and edge profile.
a.
b.
c.
Thickness: 2 cm.
1)
Edge Profile: [Small round over] [Eased edge] [Top bevel] [Round over]
[Ogee] [Bullnose].
Thickness: 2 cm with 4 cm edge thickness.
1)
Edge Profile: [Small round over] [Eased edge] [Top bevel] [Round over]
[Ogee] [Ogee bullnose] [Bullnose] [Crescent].
Thickness: 3 cm.
1)
Edge Profile: [Small round over] [Eased edge] [Top bevel] [Round over]
[Ogee] [Bullnose] [Crescent].
Specifier Notes: Specify color.
d.
3.
Color: [Constellation] [Galaxy Gaze] [Milky Way] [Aurora Twilight] [Midnight
Eclipse] [Autumn Equinox] [Cosmic Descent].
Collection: “Lux”.
Specifier Notes: Specify thickness and edge profile.
a.
b.
c.
Thickness: 2 cm.
1)
Edge Profile: [Small round over] [Eased edge] [Top bevel] [Round over]
[Ogee] [Bullnose].
Thickness: 2 cm with 4 cm edge thickness.
1)
Edge Profile: [Small round over] [Eased edge] [Top bevel] [Round over]
[Ogee] [Ogee bullnose] [Bullnose] [Crescent].
Thickness: 3 cm.
1)
Edge Profile: [Small round over] [Eased edge] [Top bevel] [Round over]
[Ogee] [Bullnose] [Crescent].
Specifier Notes: Specify color.
d.
C.
Color: [Colosseum] [Pantheon] [Olympus] [Acropolis].
Product Line: “VersaTop” prefabricated quartz countertops.
1.
Thickness:
a.
Deck: 1.5 cm.
b.
Build Down: 1.5 cm.
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Specifier Notes: Specify kitchen tops and/or bar tops as required for Project. Specify size. Consult VT
Industries Inc. regarding custom fabrication using full-size slabs.
2.
3.
Kitchen Tops: 3 finished edges, backsplash, and 1 side splash.
a.
Size: [114 inches by 25-3/4 inches] [84 inches by 25-3/4 inches].
Bar Tops: 4 finished edges.
a.
Size: [114 inches by 36 inches] [84 inches by 36 inches].
Specifier Notes: Specify edge profile.
4.
Edge Profile: [Eased edge] [Round over] [Bevel].
Specifier Notes: Specify color.
5.
Color: [White Sands] [Napoli] [Palazzo] [Equinox] [Penumbra] [Agora].
Specifier Notes: Specify accessories required for “VersaTop” prefabricated quartz countertops. Delete
accessories not required.
6.
Accessories:
a.
Adhesive: Color matched.
b.
Sinks: [Self-rimming] [Under mount], specified in Section 22 ____ ____.
Specifier Notes: Specify the physical properties of “TruQuartz” or “VersaTop”.
D.
Physical Properties: “TruQuartz”.
1.
Gloss, ASTM D 523: 63 to 72.
2.
Absorption by Weight, ASTM C 97: 0.02 percent.
3.
Density, ASTM C 97: 2,410 kg/m3.
4.
Flexural Strength, ASTM C 880:
a.
Dry Condition: 32.5 MPa.
b.
Wet Condition: 38.4 MPa.
5.
Compressive Strength, ASTM C 170:
a.
Dry Condition: 188.4 MPa.
b.
Wet Condition: 194.5 MPa.
6.
Mohs Hardness, EN 101: 6.5.
7.
Impact Resistance, EN 14617-9: 3.60 J.
8.
Chemical Resistance, EN 14617-10: C4.
E.
Physical Properties: “VersaTop”.
1.
Absorption by Weight, ASTM C 97: 0.06 percent.
2.
Density, ASTM C 97: 2,370 kg/m3.
3.
Abrasion Resistance, Polished, ASTM C 241: 47.
4.
Flexural Strength, ASTM C 880:
a.
Dry Condition: 34.9 MPa.
b.
Wet Condition: 37.5 MPa.
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5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
2.3
Compressive Strength, ASTM C 170:
a.
Dry Condition: 192 MPa.
b.
Wet Condition: 185 MPa.
Breaking Strength, ASTM C 648: 5,100 N.
Thermal Expansion, ASTM C 531: 30.9 x 10-6/degree C.
Chemical Resistance, ASTM C 650: Not affected.
Abrasion Wear Index, ASTM C 501: 136.
FABRICATION
A.
Shop Fabrication:
1.
Fabricate quartz countertops in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
2.
Fabricate quartz countertops to greatest extent practical in shop.
B.
Seams:
1.
Locate and fabricate seams in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
2.
Do not locate seams through cooktop cutouts.
3.
Use manufacturer’s adhesives.
4.
Fabricate seams to be inconspicuous.
2.4
ACCESSORIES
A.
Seam Adhesives:
1.
Methacrylate.
2.
Compatible with quartz countertops.
B.
Joint Sealants:
1.
100 percent silicone.
2.
Compatible with quartz countertops.
3.
Specified in Section 07 92 00.
PART 3
3.1
EXECUTION
EXAMINATION
A.
Examine surfaces to receive quartz countertops.
B.
Notify Architect of conditions that would adversely affect installation or subsequent use.
C.
Do not begin installation until unacceptable conditions are corrected.
3.2
PREPARATION
A.
Prepare surfaces to receive quartz countertops in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
B.
Verify casework and surfaces to support quartz countertops are clean, dry, flat, plumb, level,
square, stable, rigid, and capable of supporting the weight.
C.
Field Measurements:
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1.
2.
3.
D.
3.3
Verify actual measurements and openings by field measurements before factory
fabrication.
Confirm recorded measurements on shop drawings.
Coordinate field measurements and factory fabrication schedule with construction
progress to avoid construction delays.
Inspect quartz countertops before installation to determine they are sound and free from defects
and damage.
INSTALLATION
A.
Install quartz countertops in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and AWI/AWMAC/WI
Architectural Woodwork Standards, Section 11 – Countertops.
B.
Install quartz countertops at locations indicated on the Drawings.
C.
Acclimate quartz countertops to room temperature for a minimum of 24 hours before
installation.
D.
Install quartz countertops level, plumb, and square.
E.
Securely anchor quartz countertops to casework and supports.
F.
Install quartz countertops with proper support at perimeter, seams, joints, cutouts, and
overhangs.
G.
Install seams to be flush, tight, and inconspicuous.
H.
Do not install mechanical fasteners directly into quartz countertops.
I.
Install joint sealants as specified in Section 07 92 00 around bottom perimeter of quartz
countertops at casework.
3.4
ADJUSTING
A.
Repair minor damages to finish in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and as approved
by Architect.
B.
Remove and replace damaged quartz countertops that cannot be successfully repaired, as
determined by Architect.
3.5
CLEANING
A.
Clean quartz countertops promptly after installation in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions.
B.
Do not use harsh cleaning materials or methods that could damage finish.
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3.6
PROTECTION
A.
Protect installed quartz countertops from dirt, stains, scratches, cracks, and other damage
during construction.
B.
Do not use installed quartz countertops as work surfaces or storage during construction.
Specifier Notes: Include a schedule of quartz countertops here, if a schedule is required in this Section.
Coordinate the information in this schedule with the products specified in Part 2 of this Section. Delete
this Article if a schedule is not required or is included on the Drawings.
3.7
A.
SCHEDULES
Quartz Countertop Schedule:
END OF SECTION
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