SwiftTile™ Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS SWIFTTILE?

SwiftTile™ is a revolutionary new porcelain tile that installs more than two-times faster than standard tile. The RapidPrep™ underlayment, RapidGrout™, and ClicFit™ technology allows easy, quick installation without the mess of mortar, spacers, or long wait times.

HOW IS SWIFTTILE DIFFERENT THAN STANDARD TILE?

SwiftTile is a revolutionary, patented tile flooring system. This floating floor system is glazed porcelain laminated onto a proprietary core backer with patented ClicFit Technology locking system.

SwiftTile™ offers the same durability and benefits of standard porcelain tile. The only difference is the ClicFit Technology that allows for the click-together installation that makes the process quick and easy.

DOES SWIFTTILE LOOK DIFFERENT FROM STANDARD TILE?

SwiftTile is regular tile on the surface. The only difference is the ClicFit Technology and that doesn’t show after installation but provides perfect spacing for perfect grout lines.

WHAT IS THE CORE MADE OF? IS IT SPC?

The core is a revolutionary core with a proprietary blend of composite materials designed to enhance the product performance.

HOW MUCH DOES SWIFTTILE COST?

The price of the full SwiftTile package (with RapidPrep Underlayment & RapidGrout) is comparable to having basic builder grade tile or higher end floating floor installed – BUT you get a stylish, premium porcelain product upgrade. Plus, SwiftTile is backed by a Residential Limited Lifetime Warranty when installation instructions are followed.

DOES SWIFTTILE HAVE A WARRANTY?

Yes. SwiftTile genuine porcelain tile floor is backed by a Limited Lifetime Residential Warranty or a 1 Year Light Commercial Warranty when installed using RapidPrep and RapidGrout.

IS SWIFTTILE WATERPROOF?

Yes. It is also slip-resistant, stainproof, dentproof, scratch-resistant, fire-resistant, and easy to clean.

IS SWIFTTILE SLIP RESISTANT?

Yes. It is also waterproof, stainproof, dentproof, scratch-resistant, fire-resistant, and easy to clean.

WHAT SIZES ARE AVAILABLE IN SWIFTTILE?

Sizes include 12 x 24 and 6 x 36

WHAT THICKNESS IS SWIFTTILE?

Total thickness is 1/2"

WHAT SIZE ARE THE GROUT JOINTS?
1/8" (rectified) 

WHAT IS THE THICKNESS OF RAPIDPREP?

1.35mm

WHAT ARE THE SUB-FLOOR FLATNESS/LEVEL REQUIREMENTS? 

3/16" over 10 feet and 1/16" over 1 foot

WHAT IS THE SUB-FLOOR DEFLECTION REQUIREMENT?

L/360

WHAT IS THE IMPACT RESISTANCE RATING?

1/2 lb. steel ball drop: 35"-70" high

WHAT IS THE BREAKING STRENGTH?

>475 lbs.

WHAT IS THE THERMAL EXPANSION RATE?

.2mm at 149 degrees Fahrenheit.

WHAT IS THE SOUND TRANSMISSION RATING?

With RapidPrep™ underlayment: IIC - 64/STC

WHAT IS THE CORE MADE OF? IS IT SPC?
The core is a revolutionary core with a proprietary blend of composite materials designed to enhance the product performance.

IN WHAT CONSTRUCTION SECTION IS SWIFTTILE CLASSIFIED?

Due to the product being tile and grouting involved, SwiftTile is classified in Section 09300. However, it should also be notated as a "floating tile floor."

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED GROUT FOR THE SWIFTTILE SYSTEM?

RapidGrout, which is a premium, pre-mixed, water-based, flexible grout designed specifically for use with ClicFit™ Technology. RapidGrout offers the ultimate in color accuracy, water resistance, stain and crack protection.

CAN I USE OTHER GROUTS WITH SWIFTTILE?

No. The warranty only covers the system with the use of RapidGrout.

WHAT SIZE CONTAINER IS RAPIDGROUT SOLD IN?

9lb container

WHAT IS THE COVERAGE RATE FOR RAPIDGROUT?

6 x 36: Approx. 127 sf per container
12 x 24: Approx. 197 sf per container

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT TO WALK ON THE FLOOR AFTER APPLYING GROUT?

Your floor is ready for light traffic in 24 hours. Heavy foot traffic in 3 days.

CAN RAPIDGROUT BE USED WITH OTHER TILE (NOT SWIFTTILE)?

Yes. Just follow the installation instructions.

IS RAPIDGROUT FREEZE/THAW STABLE?

Yes.

WHAT IS THE GROUT JOINT WIDTH FOR EACH SIZE PLATFORM?

1/8” (rectified)

HOW MANY COLORS OF GROUT ARE AVAILABLE?

10 neutral colors in white, gray, and brown palettes. See the full collection.

WHAT IS THE WORKING TIME FOR RAPIDGROUT?

Working time is 3 hours. Tack free time is 8 hours.

SHOULD I SEAL RAPIDGROUT?

RapidGrout is a urethane-based grout, so it is a sealant by nature. Not only is sealing not necessary, it is not recommended as it may not bond with RapidGrout.

WHO CAN INSTALL SWIFTTILE?
Anybody! Any type of flooring installer can easily install SwiftTile. Even do-it-yourselfers can install SwiftTile.

HOW TO INSTALL SWIFTTILE?
Installation is a simple 1, 2, 3 step process. 

• Place the underlayment
• Click tiles together
• Grout immediately

For further details, see the installation guide.

DO I HAVE TO USE RAPIDGROUT AND RAPIDPREP UNDERLAYMENT?
To comply with the warranty, RapidPrep and RapidGrout are required.

WHAT SUBFLOORS CAN SWIFTTILE BE INSTALLED OVER?
Concrete - 3/4" plywood or OSB over 16" or 20" O.C. joists - firmly bonded hard surface products, such as, other tile, hardwood, or LVT.

CAN I PUT SWIFTTILE OVER EXISTING FLOOR?
Yes. SwiftTile can be installed over many existing flooring surfaces, including tile.

CAN SWIFTTILE BE INSTALLED OVER CARPET? 
No. Only hard surfaces that meet level and deflection criteria.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO INSTALL SWIFTTILE?
Install time depends on the size of the room. It takes half the time to install SwiftTile as it takes to install standard tile. With RapidPrep, there no mortar to wait for and ClicFit eliminates the need for spacers. You can install the tile and the grout the same day.

CAN UNDERFLOOR HEATING BE USED WITH SWIFTTILE?
 Yes. Calorique Perfectlywarm, 0.8MM film heating system has been tested and approved for use with SwiftTile.

WHAT ARE THE SUBFLOOR LEVELING REQUIREMENTS?
The requirements are the same as other flooring, 3/16” over 10 feet.

IS SWIFTTILE APPROVED FOR EXTERIOR APPLICATIONS?
No. It cannot be used outdoors.

WHAT JOIST SPACING IS ALLOWABLE?
SwiftTile is certified at 16” and 20” over center with 5/8” plywood deck.

WHAT TRANSITIONS CAN BE USED WITH SWIFTTILE?
Any 125 Schluter transition can be used with SwiftTile. Expansion joint requirement – standard over 100 linear feet.

CAN I DO A HERRINGBONE PATTERN WITH SWIFTTILE?
No. ClicFit is not designed for this type of installation.

DOES SWIFTTILE REQUIRE ACCLIMATION?
It does not require acclimation if stored and installed above freezing temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. 

HOW LONG DOES SWIFTTILE NEED TO ACCLIMATE TO FREEZING CLIMATES?
No acclimation is required if the tile is stored and installed in above freezing temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If stored below 32 degrees, an acclimation period of 12 hours is required.

CAN SWIFTTILE BE INSTALLED OVER A SOUND MAT SYSTEM?
Use RapidPrep underlayment.

WHAT OFFSET CAN SWIFTTILE BE INSTALLED?
SwiftTile can be installed in 33% offset on 6 x 36, 33% or 50% staggered on 12 x 24.

CAN SWIFTTILE BE INSTALLED ON WALLS?
Not at this time.

WILL A SMALL CHIP ON THE PROFILE RENDER THE TILE UN-USEABLE?
A chip of up to one inch on the profile will still allow the tile to be installed and perform as expected.

HOW DO YOU CUT SWIFTTILE? 
Using "score & snap" tool and/or wet saw.

WHAT CONSTRUCTION SECTION WILL SWIFTTILE BE CLASSIFIED IN?
Due to the product being tile and grouting involved, SwiftTile will still be classified in Section 09300. However, we should also notate it as a "floating tile floor."

WHAT ARE THE EXPANSION JOINT REQUIREMENTS?
SwiftTile requires an expansion joint every 100 linear feet, as well as, compensating for control joints.

HOW MUCH EXPANSION ALLOWANCE IS REQUIRED ON THE PERIMETER EDGE OF THE FLOOR?
Use the SwiftTile spacers, which provide 5/16" gap on all perimeter edges, columns or other fixed walls.

HOW DO WE ADDRESS FLOOR TRANSITIONS?
Use the appropriate Schluter profile for the specific application.

HOW ARE SCHLUTER TRANSITIONS ADHERED TO THE SUBFLOOR?
Use construction adhesive to bond the transition to the subfloor or anchor using screws.

CAN I USE SWIFTTILE IN AN AREA WITH A DRAIN?
No. Due to the level requirements of the SwiftTile system, it will not allow for the slope to a drain. This is an installation more suitable  for traditional tile.

CAN CABINETS BE INSTALLED ON TOP OF SWIFTTILE?
Yes.

IS UNDERLAYMENT REQUIRED FOR SWIFTTILE?

RapidPrep underlayment is highly recommended and required to comply with SwiftTile's warranty.

WHAT IS RAPIDPREP?

RapidPrep is an extruded polystyrene foam that provides support as well as serving as a sound and water barrier for SwiftTile.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF RAPIDPREP UNDERLAYMENT?

RapidPrep is fast, simple, fan-fold underlayment that easily covers the sub-floor and is easy to cut. It serves as an acoustic and moisture barrier for the floor, smooths out the sub-floor and provides support to maximize the performance of SwiftTile's patented, ClicFit Technology locking system. RapidPrep underlayment also improves underfoot comfort, provides compression strength as well as thermal insulation. It is compatible with many types of underfloor heating and reduces sound transmission to the level below.

WHAT IS THE SIZE OF RAPIDPREP?

RapidPrep is sold in 100 square foot packages.

WHAT IS THE THICKNESS OF RAPIDPREP?

1.35mm

IS RAPIDPREP WATERPROOF?

Yes, RapidPrep provides a water barrier for SwiftTile.