L
leevander
A couple of months ago I had 2 en-suits fitted. The showers are cubicles with trays with tiling on the walls and floors. After 2 - 3 weeks, cracks started to appear in the grouting between the floor tiles. The tiler said it is because the floor is moving even though he layed 'hardy backer' prior to laying the tiles. To remedy the problem, he re-grouted but mixed in a wood adhesive to strengthen it. The cracks have re-appeared.
We recently found dampness in the ceiling below the en-suite and discovered that it was a problem when the shower was being used. (The electricity also shorted out as the water was touching a wall plug) I called out a plumber who could not find fault with the plumbing but he said the tiling in the cubicle was very suspect and was probably the cause of the problem. He pointed out cracks in the grouting between the wall tiles and said there was no sealant around the shower controls (which are attached directly to the tiled wall).
I don't believe the tiler sealed the plaster wall prior to fitting the tiles, which I have since been told is a must.
The tiler is an independant tradesman and I don't know if he is affiliated to any tiling bodies.
My questions are -
1. Can I claim off his professional indemnity insurance? If so, how do I go about it?
2. If I go down the small claims court route, I will need an independant tiling specialist to inspect the work. Who should I call to do this? Is there a national governing body?
I have known the tiler for years and never doubted his abilities but I now feel a real numpty for using this guy and I am now paying the price big time.
Any other advice (other than use a qualified professional next time!) would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks.
We recently found dampness in the ceiling below the en-suite and discovered that it was a problem when the shower was being used. (The electricity also shorted out as the water was touching a wall plug) I called out a plumber who could not find fault with the plumbing but he said the tiling in the cubicle was very suspect and was probably the cause of the problem. He pointed out cracks in the grouting between the wall tiles and said there was no sealant around the shower controls (which are attached directly to the tiled wall).
I don't believe the tiler sealed the plaster wall prior to fitting the tiles, which I have since been told is a must.
The tiler is an independant tradesman and I don't know if he is affiliated to any tiling bodies.
My questions are -
1. Can I claim off his professional indemnity insurance? If so, how do I go about it?
2. If I go down the small claims court route, I will need an independant tiling specialist to inspect the work. Who should I call to do this? Is there a national governing body?
I have known the tiler for years and never doubted his abilities but I now feel a real numpty for using this guy and I am now paying the price big time.
Any other advice (other than use a qualified professional next time!) would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks.