| Author |
Message |
Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI
Senior Member
Username: lazarcitec
Post Number: 1950
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 02, 2018 - 01:58 pm: |    |
I have had several one and two story retail projects (over a 5 year period) where Porcelain Tile applied to exterior walls consisting of concrete and masonry have failed to maintain adhesion. TCNA applications are specified. IMHO, the failures are not from improper materials or defects, but rather the stubbornness of the tile subcontractors. In all applications we called for full back buttering of the tile over properly cleaned substrates, the condition of the substrate does not appear to be the culprit. In all applications the subs used the 5 dab method of applying mortar, ignoring the specs which call for full back buttering of tile. It is true that So Florida Masonry work is horrible, more than likely these subs are using the dabs to level the tile.
Do my colleagues have any comments? I believe this is another example of South Florida subcontractors looking for cheaper solutions, damn safety and the public good. I have discussed this problem with other FL specifiers in other parts of Florida where this does not seem to be a problem. Yes this could be another Lazar Dilemma. |
Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS
Senior Member
Username: michael_chusid
Post Number: 437
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 02, 2018 - 02:34 pm: | |
Related question--
I have a client that wants to use large sheet sintered stone (Neolith) as an adhered weather finish on exterior wall. Under IBC's definitions, it looks like I can treat the material as a Porcelain Tile and use it for an exterior wall covering. Any experience you can share will be appreciated.
Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS 1-818-219-4937
www.chusid.com www.buildingproduct.guru |
Brian E. Trimble, CDT
Senior Member
Username: brian_e_trimble_cdt
Post Number: 108
Registered: 08-2005
| | Posted on Monday, November 05, 2018 - 02:44 pm: | |
We hear these types of issues all the time and the tile industry has decided to do something about improper installation. A newer program called the Advanced Certification for Tile Installers (ACT) was developed by several associations involved in the tile industry. This assures that the installer has the level of knowledge to install the assemblies in the proper manner. Plus, there are 6 categories to be certified: Grouts, Large Format Tile & Substrate Preparation, Membranes, Mortar (Mud) Floors, Mortar (Mud) Walls, Shower Receptors, Gauged Porcelain Tile and Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels/Slabs. These certifications are not just ones where someone has to show up and listen to some seminars, but the installer also has to perform a skill test.
MasterSpec is including language that can be put into project specifications to require this certification. This would assure at least a minimal level of competence in installing these systems. For more info on this go to: https://www.tilecertifications.com/. |
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