tiler has made a complete mess and not answering calls

[hillhead]

Another point--- i hate ply.
Not good for tiling on lately at all.

 

[Daz]

These tiles are 600's so the only adhesive to use is a bagged powder. Add to that the plywood floor and you need to be including a cement powder mixed with latex. It is quite obvious that the tiler has used the wrong adhesive.

The next issue is his method of fixing. There has been a lot of assumption that the tiles are incorrectly fixed. You need to identify one of the tiles that has cracked grout around it, rake / scrape out the grout and carefully lift the tile. Take a picture of the floor underneath and also the underside of the lifted tile. This will help us diagnose the fixing procedure.

With this information we can better advise whether your tiler is at fault or whether there is an issue with the substrate.

Many thanks,

Daz

 

[sblunde]

lever a tile up with an old wood chisel (or similar) but brace the chisel against the adjacent tile with a piece of hard plastic or something similar to avoid damage.

 

[fulabeer]

Likely suspects?

 

[DHTiling]

and all should be outlawed,,

 

[hillhead]

Only 3 on the hit list? lol.

 

[Dan]

You can get flexi adhesive already mixed in a tub.. DIY gear and can take weeks to set as it relies on dispersion as you said.

Yeah that's why I said 'almost certainly' and not definitely. If it is though, then I'd guess that's a contributing factor too.

Hopefully though, all tiles come off easily and it's just a case of re-fixing them. The tiler should come back really if that's the case - although the ply needs upgrading or some backerboard using instead doesn't it?

 

[fulabeer]

I am getting a bit worried by all the anti ply comments.
Not being a qualified tiler, i'm not privy to the latest techniques/thinking.(until i joined here!)
I have done a lot of bathrooms, and always used ply before tiling the floors.
The thing is, i tend to use 9mm (unless the floor has too much give) as to avoid a large lip/step up in floor height.(then add adhesive/tiles etc)
What i will say is that i always make sure i secure the original floorboards, and then over do it with the securing screws.

I have always used Mapei Keraquick mixed with Latex Plus.(or similar years a go)
I haven't primed the Ply first, so i'm wondering if i should have?
I just trowelled the floor/ply and back buttered the tile.

Jobs i've done over ten years a go are still down, with zero faults. (what i know about)
Or i should say i've had zero call backs.

Be honest guys, have i created a time bomb for my family/customers?

 

[DHTiling]

Be honest guys, have i created a time bomb for my family/customers?

It is just lately quite a bit of ply is cheap import to keep costs down etc.. a lot of this ply is poor grade and leaches resins etc and this blows adhesive off..

Also the problem with thinner plys is that they cannot handle moisture well, so the reason for BS 5385 min of 15mm and this also aids in deflection issues..

I now prefer to offer 100% moisture stable floor... worth thinking about with your future installs.

 

[jay]

the adhesive i am sure was grey

interesting

 

[Dan]

Can't top that.

Preparation is a massive thing with tiling, as with other trades, but with tiling you've got sooo many chances to screw up one of the many layers somewhere. Most just think 'right adhesive for the tile and background and we're laughing' but it's not the case.

 

[Daz]

Preparation is a massive thing with tiling, as with other trades, but with tiling you've got sooo many chances to screw up one of the many layers somewhere with tiling. Most just think 'right adhesive for the tile and background and we're laughing' but it's not the case.

So true Dan.
I had a day off today 'cos the boxed frame around the bath had been finished with 6mm ply. I applied gentle pressure with my fingers and the substrate flexed and wobbled like a jelly.

It doesn't matter what adhesive I use, there was no way that I could guarantee a tile staying stuck for more than an hour.

 

[Scott]

The fact that it was in a tub doesnt mean it was dispersion and is pure speculation. It could eailsy have been a 2 part that comes in a tub with the powder and liquid...topp fix, ultra rubber crumb. Im sure theres plenty more....


Without reading all this, who specified 9mm for the ply?

 

[Spud]

The fact that it was in a tub doesnt mean it was dispersion and is pure speculation. It could eailsy have been a 2 part that comes in a tub with the powder and liquid...topp fix, ultra rubber crumb. Im sure theres plenty more....


Without reading all this, who specified 9mm for the ply?

Exactly what I was thinking while reading the thread,

 

[garym897]

caber flooring is under plywood