Tile Cutting = Cracked Tiles

[SteUK]

Professional anxiety worrier Andy ;( (actually a computer programmer - maybe why I feel the need to try and make everything as safe and break-free as possible)

It's the lack of gap from the wall to backer board that concerns me the most. My understanding is that natural wall movement might put undue pressure on the boards and try to pop them off the wall. No?

 

[Martyn Leeds]

no

 

[SteUK]

Oh. Mind explaining more Martyn? I am nothing of not always keen to learn!

 

[Martyn Leeds]

Not really, I couldn't think of much more to say, other than a simple No to the question you asked
(bearing in mind 2 or 3 others have already said the same)

 

[SteUK]

You are absolutely right, and I apologise. I have no right to be anything but grateful for everyone's advice, and I am. I just want to do as good a job as I can that will be safe and last.

 

[Spare Tool]

Are you an engineer, health and safety officer?
A Tiler on the forum fills his corners with grout and silicones over it.....and according to him with no issues Inc his own bathroom .......not me btw.
I'm sure it will be fine.

Yeah but he's not a tiler....



He's a plasterer

 

[Flintstone]

I always tile into the corners as tight a cut as possible, then Silicon. Realistically, what's gonna happen. If that's all you have to worry about in life, your a lucky man!

 

[p4ulo]

You've got the added problem of if you cut and clear / rake out the corners as much as you want to, you will destroy any kind of water-proof membrane / tanking you have put in the corner, so if you wanted to apply that again you will being out the level of the wall.
Leave it.....it will be fine.

 

[SteUK]

You make a good point p4ulo. I think I have enough depth to get away with a few mill though. I just want to make it right, rather than waiting for it to fail. I keep telling myself the backer boards have been up there since August and haven't popped off the wall yet.

Thanks again for your input. Sorry I am such a worry merchant and you have all been subjected to it.

 

[p4ulo]

It's allright @SteUK , you are amongst friends here.

 

[SteUK]

For the record. I am taking all your advice, combined years of experience, expertise, skill, and leaving it well alone.

Cracked on with day three today.

I will be using metal flat edge trim around the window (why make it easy for myself?!). Should I be siliconing the wall edge between tile and trim? Or grouting? What about in the gap between the edge and tile window sill side? Leave a few mm gap and Silicon, or grout?

Thanks for all your advice on the previous problems I have been unsure of!

 

[Flintstone]

Grout everything around the window area except where the tiles meet the window frame, Silicon that.

 

[Martino]

You've done a good job if that's your first attempt at tiling? Do you have any pics of the finished room?

 

[SteUK]

Kind of my first attempt. I did a few sq m of slate on the floor under the stairs.

Alas, not all finished yet :-/ The joys of only being able to do it when your job/two year old allows. Main bulk of the tiling is done, grouting this weekend!

 

[Martino]

Looking good mate