Tile leveller loose after the wedge being pushed all in on 8mm tile

[Huddersfield Tiling]

I don't recommend the use of these.
A major flaw is that if you are lifting a tile to meet another, a void will be created where there is insufficient adhesive underneath the tile, causing a weakness. This type of device will cause the most vulnerable part of a tile to be prone to damage as it lifts the edges and corners.
They also rely on plastic parts to remain in the adhesive, which don't have the same properties as a continuous adhesive bed. If a tile failure was to occur, both of these facts would allow a tile adhesive manufacturer to dismiss any claim against them.

 

[Blunt Tool]

I don't recommend the use of these.
A major flaw is that if you are lifting a tile to meet another, a void will be created where there is insufficient adhesive underneath the tile, causing a weakness. This type of device will cause the most vulnerable part of a tile to be prone to damage as it lifts the edges and corners.
They also rely on plastic parts to remain in the adhesive, which don't have the same properties as a continuous adhesive bed. If a tile failure was to occur, both of these facts would allow a tile adhesive manufacturer to dismiss any claim against them.

You do not recommend the use of a tile levelling system or just the ones mentioned above?

 

[Huddersfield Tiling]

All systems, as they take away the need for extra adhesive to be used in voids, and allow weaknesses to be created, thus increasing the chances of tile failure.

The old and safe method is to:

1) Make sure the surface to be tiled is sufficiently flat (+/- 4mm over 2 metres)
2) Make good the surface if out of these tolerances with levelling compound on a floor or plastering/re-boarding walls.
3) If bedding up with adhesive is necessary on a floor like yours, it is best to lay the tiles, and use extra adhesive to eliminate lips, up to the tile adhesive limits on depth.

Simply lifting a tile off the surface using these systems, does not apply extra adhesive underneath the tile, and will therefore create a void where the tile is not bonded to the surface. This will create a weak spot in the tile, which will be prone to damage.

 

[Blunt Tool]

All systems, as they take away the need for extra adhesive to be used in voids, and allow weaknesses to be created, thus increasing the chances of tile failure.

The old and safe method is to:

1) Make sure the surface to be tiled is sufficiently flat (+/- 4mm over 2 metres)
2) Make good the surface if out of these tolerances with levelling compound on a floor or plastering/re-boarding walls.
3) If bedding up with adhesive is necessary on a floor like yours, it is best to lay the tiles, and use extra adhesive to eliminate lips, up to the tile adhesive limits on depth.

Simply lifting a tile off the surface using these systems, does not apply extra adhesive underneath the tile, and will therefore create a void where the tile is not bonded to the surface. This will create a weak spot in the tile, which will be prone to damage.

Interesting theory in the use of tile levelling systems and how you think they work. There are a lot of VERY experienced tilers on here who use them, I myself use them if required perhaps to deal with plank tiles say 1200x200mm bananas but can assure you there are no voids under tile. Perhaps you might need to look at your fixing method?

 

[Huddersfield Tiling]

Interesting theory in the use of tile levelling systems and how you think they work. There are a lot of VERY experienced tilers on here who use them, I myself use them if required perhaps to deal with plank tiles say 1200x200mm bananas but can assure you there are no voids under tile. Perhaps you might need to look at your fixing method?

I just think the old methods are best, that's all. I still trust a spirit level bubble over a laser. I would back fill a banana tile before laying also.

 

[Blunt Tool]

I just think the old methods are best, that's all. I still trust a spirit level bubble over a laser. I would back fill a banana tile before laying also.

That’s the thing tho, you need to change your methods to suit today’s materials and tile size. A levelling system will hold the high middle point of a banana tile down till adhesive goes off, back buttering tiles is the norm now aswell as single direction floor serration. Just think shouldn’t advise not using them if you have no proper experience with them.

 

[Huddersfield Tiling]

I'm sorry, but I don't agree. This is what a forum is for though eh?
I think that "holding down" the middle point of a tile will create stress, and also increase the likelihood of tile fracture if it is not supported properly. I have dealt with tiles of the size you mention, and am aware of the added problems with large format tiles, as I've been tiling for over 12 years. I just think that there is no need for these systems if the background is prepared properly in the first place. If it isn't, then sort it out before tiling. That's a requirement.

 

[CJ]

Even a lot of the tile manufacturers recommend on the packaging the use of clips.

Let’s not start the clips or cowboys BS again 😉

 

[Huddersfield Tiling]

Even a lot of the tile manufacturers recommend on the packaging the use of clips.

Let’s not start the clips or cowboys BS again 😉

Never seen it in 12 years

 

[CJ]

You obviously don’t look at the packaging then.

So if a person has being doing the same job for 30 years, is he not able to change with the times to all the new technology about.

You can’t say it’s wrong unless you’ve tried it. Look at some of the large format bods, they have to use them.

Each to their own. You don’t like them, that fine, crack on