Mason bee systems - different styles, good and bad
magala
10 years ago
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ilovebee
10 years agolast modified: 5 years agoRelated Discussions
BAD installation of 12x24 tiles in kitchen
Comments (18)>Deborah a wet bed setting is also known more specifically as a mud bed or mortar bed setting. My statement about designers knowledge wasn't intended as a put down, rather more an observation. Our designs are completed more often than not with budget in mind and appearance desired. Sometimes we neglect that some materials require special considerations for installations and lean on manufacturing standards which are also concerned with budgets. Mud beds are old school and they are more expensive than thin-setting.......but they work. I personally feel that had the original poster's kitchen floor been recessed in the sub-flooring (be it framed or concrete) and a mud bed installation been used by an experienced tile layer, her finished product would have been more acceptable. The inherent properties of large tile are known, they tend to cup. This is problematic for a level installation. The designer should have known this and accounted for it in their design. A knowledgeable tile man (craftsman) would have pointed out to the owner the pit falls of a pure 50/50 split in the pattern and the distinct possibilities of lippage leaving an uneven surface. I suspect that there were a number of contributing factors in this installation...........first off a designer who didn't fully comprehend the installation issues of large tile. Secondly a less than knowledgeable installer who was winging it and still winging it with his solution. Thirdly, a timing issue........all combined, they became the perfect storm so to say resulting in an unsatisfactory finish. >Marie, while I can agree with some of your assertions........the minute the tile contractor started laying the tile, he, in essence has accepted the sub-strait. While it is the role of the GC or Project Manager to coordinate the trades in all phases and to enhance the communication between them, I wouldn't expect the concrete contractor or framing contractor, who supplied the sub-strait, to know that the tile contractor really needed a floor levelness of 1/8"/10'. Nor would I expect the GC to know that. If that's what the tile contractor needed to make a 50/50 split work, it's his responsibility to convey that information. Granted the GC might have done a better job coordinating communication, but we don't know that he didn't either. No, I'm sorry to say this all falls back to the tile contractor. Either his lack of knowledge involving large tile or his rush to complete a job in pinch (the cabinets were being delivered and scheduled for installation "within days") caused this problem. I would say the circumstances were combined to produce a failure. It was rushed plain and simple. He needed 24 hours at least just to get the thin set to set up enough for him to work on the grouting. Most tile contractors that I have worked with have asked that there be no foot traffic on an installation using thin-set until the grouting is done and then only light foot traffic for the next couple of days.........certainly no cabinet installation work....See MoreWould it be a bad idea to hire an interior designer that is not local?
Comments (10)One caveat - good designers create homes with their clients tastes in mind. You may find that a local designer has the experience with local trades and the access to local resources and the ability and desire to design a more modern space ...but his/her other clients have preferred a more traditional design. You should ask them. And, for a project of your size and scope I feel many designers would travel 45 minutes so either way will give you options. You should ask them. For my clients, I feel we need to have a meeting of the minds in order to work intimately and honestly which is how you end up with a home that you love - great communication! They should ask YOU, and ask you and ask you. Good Luck with your Dream Home....See MoreMosaic backsplash/ Quartzlock grout behind cooktop - good/bad idea?
Comments (10)I have a cooktop and the backsplash is 4X4 tumbled travertine tiles, as well as a listello trim used on the bottom third. Grouted w/bone colored regular grout. I use a premium stone sealer on the tile and the grout and redo it every few years. After a particularly messy cooking session, I just take a scrubby brush and some Dawn soap and scrub any grease or food splatters. Never had an issue keeping it clean. So, I'm sure you could go all the way down, with one of the urethane based grouts, and rest assured....See MoreBathroom remodel - bad tile or bad installation?
Comments (13)I agree 100% that waterproofing should be used but the facts are that USG and Hardibacker due NOT state any is needed for installation. As a matter of fact they also not that even a simple plastic barrier is only needed if code states it. The entire waterproofing deal has been pushed by Co blasting the internet pushing their products. If you take a cup of water and turn it upside down on one of the above the opposite side would take hours if not a day to penetrate the opposite side. A simple water barrier such as felt or plastic would redirect that moisture into the pan or tub. They aren't waterproof but they are mold proof which eliminates any issues if they due get wet. The majority of water issues are plumbing and behind and waterproofing. Otherwise it is poor installation majority being wall wicking water like the heavily grouted corners here vs using caulking at any change of plane. All the water proofing issues people see being ripped out are due to builders using green board about 10-20 years ago which simply can't take being wet and fails. What you don't see is all these complicated waterproofing systems failing as builders mix and match and don't know how to deal with overlapping installation instructions. They are adding so many more products that create as many ways for the job to fail. These are needed in a steam shower not a basic shower. Your exterior walls don't get as much waterproofing. That said the $200 in pruduct to waterproof wallboard makes a better installation but I have torn out green board bathrooms with zero water intrusion and anybody who tells you different is lying. It is the tile job. Sorry for the rant but yes you have issues here that are due to how the backboard was installed . You need an educated licensed tile installer who is there with his or her crew. Not a great job especially the glass and the grouted corners. Give them the chance to fix it and make sure they caulk the corners that is where cracks and water intrusion occur. The caulking shouldn't be 1/2" or done over the grout....See Moreknsdye
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