What am I doing wrong here??? (Tile)

veesmack323 · 05-14-2012, 04:09 PM

Ok ive never tiled anything up until a few months ago. I have recently started on my third (and final) room in the house. My question pertains to Hardi Board. Why is it that along the gaps of the boards are never level. It seems like putting tape and filling with Mortar usually makes the problem much worse. I am following the install instrcutions as far as distance from edges/corners but it still seems like one side always comes out higher or I have high/low spots where the screws are installed. For some reason I am constantly having to build up/feather out gaps.

JetSwet · 05-14-2012, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by veesmack323

Ok ive never tiled anything up until a few months ago. I have recently started on my third (and final) room in the house. My question pertains to Hardi Board. Why is it that along the gaps of the boards are never level. It seems like putting tape and filling with Mortar usually makes the problem much worse. I am following the install instrcutions as far as distance from edges/corners but it still seems like one side always comes out higher or I have high/low spots where the screws are installed. For some reason I am constantly having to build up/feather out gaps.

Was your subfloor level?
What is under the cbu board?
Did u put it down over thinset?

veesmack323 · 05-14-2012, 08:33 PM

Yes subfloor was level.
Not sure what cbu board is but my subfloor is plywood
Yes it was put down over thinset

JetSwet · 05-14-2012, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by veesmack323

Yes subfloor was level.
Not sure what cbu board is but my subfloor is plywood
Yes it was put down over thinset

Cbu board is hardi backer, durock etc.

What screws did you use to fasten down the cement board?

Did you lay new ply down? If so, what type ply and what direction from joist did u lay it and did you stagger the plywood?

JazMan · 05-14-2012, 10:44 PM

It can only be two things, either; You used the wrong trowel or the thin set is too thick and so you have too much mortar under the edges. Or/and you created a "speed-bump" when applying the tape. Many people do that.

Solution, apply the tape while installing the tiles. I don't like to do it that way, but it may be best for most people. I've not had that problem, but being aware of the possibility, I've been careful. I've seen many DIY'rs use a stiff 3" putty knife for this step. No good. You need a flex 6" min. and make sure the thin set is thinner than normal.

Jaz

veesmack323 · 05-15-2012, 04:58 AM

The screws I used were the ones designed for hardi board. I also used a 1/4 inch trowel. Im leaning more towards the whole speed bump mainly because before I fill the gap the tiles dont rock. So as far as applying the tape during the tile install does this include filling the gap also? Or should that be done beforehand and let dry? Thanks guys

JazMan · 05-15-2012, 12:45 PM

Quote:

So as far as applying the tape during the tile install does this include filling the gap also?

Yes, fill & tape, then go right back and spread the thin set for the tiles, carefully so not to disturb. You can do the tape step ahead of the tile part. It'll be "plastic" for a while.

Jaz

05-14-2012, 04:09 PM	#1
veesmack323 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 17	What am I doing wrong here??? (Tile) Ok ive never tiled anything up until a few months ago. I have recently started on my third (and final) room in the house. My question pertains to Hardi Board. Why is it that along the gaps of the boards are never level. It seems like putting tape and filling with Mortar usually makes the problem much worse. I am following the install instrcutions as far as distance from edges/corners but it still seems like one side always comes out higher or I have high/low spots where the screws are installed. For some reason I am constantly having to build up/feather out gaps.

05-14-2012, 08:33 PM	#3
veesmack323 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 17	What am I doing wrong here??? (Tile) Yes subfloor was level. Not sure what cbu board is but my subfloor is plywood Yes it was put down over thinset

05-14-2012, 10:44 PM	#5
JazMan Tileguy Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Troy, Michigan Posts: 3,287	What am I doing wrong here??? (Tile) It can only be two things, either; You used the wrong trowel or the thin set is too thick and so you have too much mortar under the edges. Or/and you created a "speed-bump" when applying the tape. Many people do that. Solution, apply the tape while installing the tiles. I don't like to do it that way, but it may be best for most people. I've not had that problem, but being aware of the possibility, I've been careful. I've seen many DIY'rs use a stiff 3" putty knife for this step. No good. You need a flex 6" min. and make sure the thin set is thinner than normal. Jaz __________________ Tile 4 You LLC Troy, MI KERDI Shower Specialist ... DITRA Installs ... Product-Method suitability consultation. I have NEVER made a mistake, I thought I did once...........but I was wrong! - PRODUCTS ADVERTISED WITHIN MY POST ARE NOT ENDORSED BY ME!

05-15-2012, 04:58 AM	#6
veesmack323 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 17	What am I doing wrong here??? (Tile) The screws I used were the ones designed for hardi board. I also used a 1/4 inch trowel. Im leaning more towards the whole speed bump mainly because before I fill the gap the tiles dont rock. So as far as applying the tape during the tile install does this include filling the gap also? Or should that be done beforehand and let dry? Thanks guys

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What am I doing wrong here??? (Tile)