[academicjargon]

Hi,

I've hired a contractor to re-tile kitchen.

The contractor put down backboard and used thinset to seal the seams. The thinnest is caked on there, to the point where the floor is noticeably higher in those areas. I mean it's not much but it's noticeable when walking on it. I assume some of that is unavoidable. But is this normal? Does this need remediation? And if so, what would remediation look like (start over, sanding, scraping)? Thanks.

P.S. I have some other concerned about choices... e.g., it was over a vinyl floor from the 70s. I'm not interested in debating that topic. Although I would add that he used construction adhesive and not thinset underneath the boards. That and screws ever 4 inches, which seemed excessive.

 

[chandler48]

Seams are sealed with thinset and alkaline resistant mesh tape. Sometimes it is a little proud, but you will be laying in thinset and most likely it won't be noticed. Pictures of your situation may help, however.

Yes, he should have layered thinset on under his cbu, but at this juncture, it probably won't make much difference if it is adhered and screwed properly. Screws or nails every 6" is the norm so he has that covered well. Laying the cbu over the tile presents no problem, but if you have a concern, air it so we can give our take on it.

 

[academicjargon]

Thanks for response. I worry about the evenness of the floor in the end. It was too late to protest the construction adhesive (I did not know best practice until after it was down). But if something has to be fixed, I'd prefer doing it sooner and not later. It's a time and materials gig.

Edit: as you can see, he went to town on the thinset

 

[ktownskier]

The installer may have intended to come back and scrape some of the high points/rough areas off. That is what I would do.

Also, while it does seem excessive, it is not out of the realm. And, since it is not the finished floor, no harm no foul.

The final surface will be laid down with thinset as well and will hopefully be set with concern for lippage.

All that needs to be done currently is to clean the current surface up and lay the tile.

So the contractor put in screws every 4 inches. It makes the contact stronger. At least they are sunk properly.

The seams aren't supposed to be drywall perfect. This is sub-floor.

Take a deep breath, have a martini and let the contractor do the work.

 

[academicjargon]

The outcome of this project after many deep breaths was a fully completed irregular floor that made clicking sounds. We are starting over.

 

[huesmann]

Ouch.

 

[chandler48]

Clicking sounds indicate a dry install. When you pull up a loose tile, you will see there is no thinset adhered to its back surface. The thinset on the joints was a little much as it only takes a couple of inches or so of thinset to set the alkaline resistant tape in the joints. Those wide joints, although not out of the spectrum, were a little large for me.