This
is a question I get all the time. I hear it from flooring contractors, general
contractors, rookies and veterans. It happened on all types of job sites in all
types of weather conditions. They tell me they believe they have done
everything right.
Few tile installations can be completed without some cutting
or drilling. For an installer working with ceramic and stone tiles, several
hand and power tools are needed for the most efficient cutting. I divide
cutting chores into two categories: cut edges that show, and cut edges that are
obscured or hidden from view.
As a flooring installer of almost
44 years I can tell you that caring for—and protecting—- your knees is of the
utmost importance. This is also an area that doesn’t get nearly enough
attention, and that’s unfortunate.
In the commercial carpet installation field, installers are
faced with the task of installing products that are doomed to fail regardless
of the amount of skill used during the installation process. These failures
occur mainly because an improper installation technique has been specified.
Growing product awareness of sound control products is causing a dramatic growth
in this specialized area. For tile distributors and installers alike this means
additional sales dollars at typically a higher margin. Questions have risen with
increasing regularity on the complex subject of sound reduction
Gaps between boards” is one of
the most often registered complaints with a wood floor. Customer expectations
should include the fact that normal gaps will occur during seasons that are
dry, most often associated with the heating season.
There are many factors that
determine if an installation is successful or not. But beautiful tile
installations all have one common denominator. It factors into every job before
the mortar is mixed, the tiles placed, and the grout is spread. Proper layout
is the key to it all.
Judging from the letters and
emails we receive, many of you have questions regarding sub-floors being
prepared for a resilient installation. Namely, there seems to be some confusion
over which leveling or smoothing compounds to use with the various types of
substrates we’re seeing. That’s understandable.
One other point about wood subfloor systems is for floors that are over
crawl spaces or over concrete. Make sure there is at least 18 inches of
well-ventilated air space beneath all wood subfloors and crawl spaces
that are insulated and protected by a vapor barrier.
When you see gapping there's a good
chance the tile was installed over concrete with a moisture content over the
limit recommended. When the moisture vapor emissions are above the limit
recommended for installation of VCT tile (normally in the 6-8 lbs. range) the
adhesive will remain soft.
Each
tread must be fit to the corresponding stair. This step or operation is not an
option. It is a must do just like epoxy nose filler. It is important not to "get creative" with the installation instructions.
Assuming
a setting bed is perfectly flat, an installer’s first adhesive task is to
determine what notched trowel provides the required minimum adhesive contact.
The industry allows 80% minimum contact for interior dry-area installations,
but it is a good idea to shoot for the wet-area minimum of 95% to maximize the
effectiveness of the tiles and the installation.
Residue on the surface of
the substrate can wreak havoc with the adhesive. The bond may be compromised
and there could be discoloration or adhesive deterioration. Any time there is a
residue on the surface of the substrate, there is the potential for problems.
When selecting or specifying a
waterproofing membrane, it is important to consider the type of substrate, the
installation conditions, and the manufacturer’s recommendations for each
product. You must also confirm that the product meets ANSI A118.10
requirements.
Customer expectations are critical when dealing with imported wood
flooring. Color changes are common with many of the tropical wood
species. So the look that is installed is not necessarily what you will
ultimately get.
Know what it costs you to run your business. You are no different than
the retailer you sub-contract for; he or she knows what their cost of
doing business is and set their prices so they can make a profit. This
is how they pay for the building, payroll, and all the things that are
required to operate a business. The reason they like to use you, a
sub-contractor, is because they know exactly what their cost of
installation is. They have no truck, supply, or unknown costs
associated with installation.
Widely regarded as the industry bible for tile professionals, the newly updated TCNA Handbook offers the latest installation techniques for the newest tile products, as well as considering new uses for established products.
Trammels are used to make reference
marks for the layout of right angles, 45 degree angles and ellipses. They can offer a more affordable solution than high-end laser squares, with virtually the same results.
Why do some installers seem so
busy and others are starving? In many instances, it is their higher skill level
and ability to do jobs beyond the ordinary floor or backsplash installation.
