outside steps

[brendanbreeze]

Hello all.

Bit of advice please. (I'm still fairly new to tiling)

I've quoted to remove old (damaged and loose) tiles from a set of external steps...leading up to the front door of 4 flats, and replace with new non slip tiles. The basement flat is beneath the steps and has been experiencing leaks. The customer has told me that a builder has taken a look and is certain that the leaks are due to badly fitted and inappropriate existing tiles. I'm just worried that by knocking off old tiles I may make the problem worse and, what's the best way of making the steps water/leak proof before I start tiling? I just assumed that a proper coverage of cemtious addy would do this.

We're only talking 7 steps here so I've quoted £795 to remove old, and supply and fit new, and reckon it should take me at most 3 days (hopefully 2). (materials around £200)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated - Brendan.

 

[DHTiling]

Adhesive is only water resistant unless you fix with epoxy......You could always tank the steps, but they need to be dry first....A membrane can be used as well...

 

[diamondtiling]

If Joe public can gain access to these steps whilst the tiling is in progress then make sure you close them off completely, not just with barrier tape, use proper signage and fences, make sure that even the most idiotic halfwit can see that they are closed, take pictures of all stages as the work progress's, and finally if you do not have public liability insurance then GET IT!, sorry to sound a little dramatic but when the public see a possible "claim" it will be you that the Insurance companies come looking for. Also if these are communal flats then I am positive you have to serve all tenants with a notice that these works will be happening and provide a separate access point.

 

[brendanbreeze]

Thanks for the advice,

As I said I'm still fairly new to this so may decline this one. I'm still getting my head round normal walls and floors.

 

[brian c]

steps do take a bit of getting used to but take the guys advice and get insurance.

 

[diamondtiling]

Thanks for the advice,

As I said I'm still fairly new to this so may decline this one. I'm still getting my head round normal walls and floors.[/quote

Good thinking.

 

[kilty55]

take note mate with steps as i found out recently on a similar job,,the steps had leaks/broken tiles etc once removed half the step fell away also and we had to re shutter the steps which was also costly. luckily the customer was ok with the extra repair work( re shuttering) but may be useful for you to make them aware that this may be necessary once you find whats underneath to cover yourself

 

[Time's Ran Out]

You could soon find out how someone else's problem becomes your problem!
There will always be damp concerns for basement accommodation with steps/walls/tanking/water levels etc.
The builder didn't want to know or he would have priced it to do the job properly.
Your price is cosmetic and will not cure the underlying cause.
Post some pictures for a more informed response but for your price it's a risk not worth taking! IMHO.