FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction is Now Open ↗

LATICRETE celebrates 60 years

Words: John AbanathyLATICRETE, a global manufacturer of premium installation and finishing systems for the building industry, celebrated its 60th anniversary at the World of Concrete on February 2—5. The theme of the celebration was “60 Years of Building Chemistry,” which recognized the significant products and relationships the company has built over the last 60 years.

Sixty years ago, Dr. Henry M. Rothberg’s pioneering work in the field of chemical engineering revolutionized installation techniques for the setting of ceramic tile and stone by the “adhesive mortar method.” Dr. Rothberg’s research is now the basis for all modern adhesives used today for the installation of ceramic tile and stone.

In addition to celebrating its 60th anniversary, LATICRETE also showcased newly-launched and updated product lines. Outside the convention center, SPARTACOTE® coating systems experts provided live application demonstrations.

During the World of Concrete, LATICRETE launched SPARTACOTE FLEX PURE™ CLINICAL PLUS, a specialty concrete coating system equipped with antimicrobial technology perfect for hospitals, veterinarian facilities, pharmaceutical facilities, research labs, clean rooms, prisons, locker rooms, restrooms and food and beverage processing areas. This low-VOC, fast-curing, two-part polyaspartic aliphatic polyurea sealer/finish coating is designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses.

Also updated for the World of Concrete, LATICRETE DRYTEK™ Moisture Vapor Barrier is now shipping with pigmented colors. Designed for use in conjunction with LATICRETE SPARTACOTE, the DRYTEK Moisture Vapor Barrier Pigment Base may be mixed with SPARTACOTE Epoxy Pigment and is available in eight different colors.
 0
Is Contact with Wet Mortar or Grout Dangerous?
April 2026

In the world of masonry, few materials are as common as mortar and grout. Whether you are laying brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), or pouring grout into masonry walls, wet cement and mortar are constant companions. However, beneath their utility lies a

Zach Everett
Technical Talks
Read More
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More