tiling the window

[Fred]

I've been having problems with tiling around a window since I started over 7 years now!

I never seem to get a job where a plasterer or builder has sorted out the window wall. I go over 1-2 mm to square the window up. I even knock out areas around the corners where plasteres don't bother to plaster flat.

But the job I took on this week has done me in big time. A Polish tiler walked out on the job saying he had to have an emergancy operation!

The client had stripped out the room, took off all the old tiles etc. But he didn't have the room re-plastered. The previous tiler dotted & dabbed the tile on. They are white, flat 300 x 600 from Topps, placed up-right in brick bond, and started half way up the wall!

I've back buttered, cried etc to get them in place, and to top it all off they have a curve in their longer length.

I did the window wall today, the window seals and both sides were ok, but when it came to the top part of the wall, I just could not get the tiles flat, it would have taken over 25mm in adhesive in some places to get it level. The trims are crome.

The customer is ok with the trim not fitting on the top, but what else can you do when people take short cuts and expect a perfect job.

I just don't know how to sort this sort of thing out. Any suggestions?

 

[DHTiling]

Take the plasterer in the garden and slap him stupid...:incazzato:

 

[Spud]

fred seriously mate, windows being a focal point they have to be prefect, if its 25mm out use plaster board and dot and dab this plumb on the reveals and head ,the cill should be absolutely flat with a slight fall away from the window and there should be an even margin around the frame and every thing should be square i know this is rarely the case but this is where your skill level should come into place and remember if it not right take it down and re do it good luck Gary

 

[White Room]

I know how you feel Fred, had one once and said never again. If the customer won't take any advise on preperation, I back off, I don't need the stress and worry of trying to make a silk purse out of a sows ear:incazzato:

 

[Prem Tiler]

I was taught it dont matter if the window is out, you can make it sq but cutting it sq. if you take the smallest distance from edge to edge then make the whole length of the recess that measurement. if you need to pack the void out then so be it.

 

[nickj]

I always found the best way was to involve the customer in the problem, make them aware and what the options are then that way they appreciate your doing the best you can.

I did a job which had just been full replastered, I walked around with the customer and a spirit level showing how badly everything bowed out. By the time I'd finished only another tiler would have spotted some of the problems but at least the customer knew why it was taking longer etc.

 

[Sean Kelly]

I know this does not help you on this occasion, but I always take a picture of the job before I start. I got laughed at once by a decorator who whought I was mad. I told the customer that the walls were not flat enough to obtain the perfect finish she wanted, but she said she was not going to get them plastered. I did the job and she complained that it was not a mirror finish. I took out my camera and showed her the evidence. She wrote out a cheque and slung it at me. Good luck Sean

 

[Fred]

Thanks for all your replies. Finished this morning & the clients gave me a £50 tip. I think they were just pleased a tiler took on the work so they could get their bathroom back.