shower tiling dot dab?

[mwrex81]

Hi, non tiler here but just had a bathroom job done by a tiler and whilst knowing nothing, or probably just a little too much off internet but not enough to understand, would appreciate some views on the following. Essentially we've tiled floor, walls to half height and shower enclosure to full height using 30x60 porcelain tiles.

Now finished we're delighted with the look but just concerned about what might be happening behind in the shower area. I'm guessing but I think the tiles have been fixed to waterproof or resistant board (grey looking stuff similar to plasterboard) but the adhesive was dot and dabbed - potentially quite a lot of adhesive but definitely applied in blobs to the back of the tile and popped into place - whilst the area directly above the shower itself was plaster a week or so before tiling. Now grouted it looks great but i'm aware grout is porous and expect there will be spaces between the tiles and boards, could still see through to the boards before grouted, where i can't help thinking any moisture that penetrates will linger, collect and eventually undermine.

Just wanted views is this something i should be concerned about and even if i should can anything be done about it now if i spoke to the tilers / fitters, or should i just get over it and enjoy the new tiles!

thanks

 

[Mr Tiler]

how do you know it was dabbed on the tile and then placed on the wall?

 

[Chalker]

Should have pulled him up while doing the job if you noticed. It's a shame if he has, did you notice what adhesive was being used?
Porcelain needs plenty of surface area covering, as all tiles do. This is why adhesive is combed onto the wall. I strip out bathrooms every week that have been done this way. Some you can take off with a shovel. But some still take a lot of getting off. Best to have a word with the tiler me thinks.

 

[mwrex81]

Had started fixing tiles in the shower area and already had a number of tiles up before I popped my head in to say i was off to work and the guy had tile in hand with two rows or some pattern of adhesive blobs dabbed on the back - fair enough i didn't stop and examine and if that isn't dot and dabbing i am sorry. Technique could be seen across the rest of the walls where at half height there's a void between tile and wall and occasional adhesive blobs.

 

[Qwerty]

If he has indeed d&d'd then yes you should be concerned. It is not a suitable fixing method and is likely to fail over time. The only solution is to rip out & replace unless of course you are willing to accept the potential consequences of incorrect fixing methods and happy that you have paid for this.

 

[Mr Tiler]

i would say it has been dabbed then due to it being newly boarded out not much need to pack out the tiles i would of thought....

 

[mwrex81]

Thanks to all for responding. Can't remember exactly but the adhesive was prepared on site, quick drying, flexible and white. Still have the skip out and can spot a half buried bag labelled Mapei i think... don't know if its important enough to go digging to check?! To be honest i didn't think to pull him up straight away it was only as i thought about it and my vague memories of seeing tiles placed onto as mentioned combed adhesive that i started looking in to it. Its also difficult and i wouldn't necessarily want to question the technique of someone who says they know what they are doing and has countless years experience - let alone tell them to stop. However, thanks those who've responded its been fairly clear if the method i think has been used has been i should at least question it.

 

[Qwerty]

Do the tiles have an inconsistent sound across the face when tapping them? You should be able to easily identify the d&d when you do this. Regardless of the correct adhesive being used, it's not an approved method of fixing

 

[Dougs Third Go]

if you can't see the trowel comb marks through the joints, then in all likliehood it has been dot and dabbed, not good practice. Will it fail? a fair to high chance of probability it will sorry to say.

 

[beanz]

Ask your tiler what sort of guarantee he's giving. The voids behind, won't make any difference, where water Ingress is concerned. If it's been grouted and siliconed properly, water shouldn't really get through anyway.
As stated above, this isn't a proper fixing method, as it could fail. What the odds are, I couldn't tell you...