[DENNIS R]

I just recently had a kids bathroom remodeled and within the first 2 months there is a grinding sand sound as I walk on the tiles. You can hear it grinding when you step over them.

Details I know-
Porcelain tiles
Mapei thinset mortar
3/4 wood flooring
cement board
tile size- 12 x 12
mortar mix is non flex
mortar under cement board is only 1/8 I believe.

We are wondering what this could be and how concerned to be in time...

The contractor is still in my house on other projects and would like to be sure of what to ask ?

Thanks,
Dennis

 

[oh'mike]

You seem to have the wrong fellow setting your tile---Tap on those tiles with a screwdriver handle ---see if they sound hollow ---if so you're in need of a new floor---they are loose or the cement board is moving due to lack of thinset.

Is the grout cracked? do they move? Can you lift the tiles?

 

[DENNIS R]

It is new and not walked on much as of yet.

No cracked gout. Tiles cannot be removed, not moving yet , just making a crackling grinding type of sound.

I think I have the same problem with the laying correctly like my master bathroom.

I had another tiling company come out and he said he never puts less than 1/4- 1/2 thinset between wood flooring and cement backer board.

Thanks,

 

[oh'mike]

Rotten luck---I'm glad to hear that you have a new tile setter---You previous one has had more failures on your job than most setters have in a lifetime.

 

[DENNIS R]

Mike,

What I am trying to find out definitively is the thinset trowel size standard and correct quality of thinset.

Should it have polymers for flexing and correct size. Jaz commented on my other tiling project 1/4 between cement and wood boards ? Is 1/8 flat out incorrect ?

 

[Bud Cline]

Dennis you are all over the place and your issue really hasn't changed in any of the many threads you now have going on the same topic.

If you hear "crunching", you have movement. Plain and simple.

If the floor structure is suitable and the subfloor material is thick enough then the problem comes down to the installation method used.

You keep trying to nail-down a trowel size and your waisting your time chasing that tail. There is also nothing wrong with the thinset you have mentioned, so forget about that.

Your problem is your installer and the methods he is using.

I had another tiling company come out and he said he never puts less than 1/4- 1/2 thinset between wood flooring and cement backer board.

THAT is some more hokey crap. A 1/4" X 1/4" X 1/4" trowel is recommended for the cement board. That trowel DOES NOT leave you with 1/4" of thinset after the board is put down. To say he puts down a 1/2" of thinset is just plain not true and that's more BS. If he had a 1/2" of thinset under the boards he wouldn't be able to nail the boards down and they would be rolling all over the place. Where do you find these guys.

Should it have polymers for flexing and correct size. Jaz commented on my other tiling project 1/4 between cement and wood boards ? Is 1/8 flat out incorrect ?

This is a good example of why you should use only one thread and not start a new thread every time you have a notion. Where are the comments by jaz that you now refer to? In which thread do I find those comments?

Just because a thinset is "polymer modified" doesn't mean it is flexible like you think it is flexible. Polymer modified thinset is still as hard as concrete. Polymer modified thinset does not allow you to use an inept installer either. Your installation should be fine using the products you have used so forget about that aspect.

If your floor is crunching it will not last. My guess is there is no thinset under the cement board. Until you can provide more detailed information we can't help you with your issues. I would suggest you stop believing everything your being told by guys that either want your business or have delivered you substandard workmanship. Don't be a fool.

Is 1/8 flat out incorrect ?

Is 1/8" WHAT incorrect? What are you talking about?