Discuss Limestone Discolouration in the Specialist Tile -Stone, Porcelain, Glass area at TilersForums.com.

J

J Sid

no, wasn't deemed necessary by the builder, dont think there would be an issue if it was used
Deemed not necessary by builder, his trying to save money and when it all cracks he will blame the tiler as the tiler is the expert and should know what to do.
If its coming from screed it could take many weeks to dry out now. Tell the builder, due to his insistence to not use a uncoupling membrane he must now wait until floor is completely dry be you can seal it. He must also keep everyone off it or it will get stained.
 

Fraser Tiling

TF
Esteemed
117
608
High Wycombe
Deemed not necessary by builder, his trying to save money and when it all cracks he will blame the tiler as the tiler is the expert and should know what to do.
If its coming from screed it could take many weeks to dry out now. Tell the builder, due to his insistence to not use a uncoupling membrane he must now wait until floor is completely dry be you can seal it. He must also keep everyone off it or it will get stained.
agreed, often builders offer the customer the option, and depending on budget the customers have the final say.
Unsure of the details on this particular job, but you're right, ultimately it has fallen on my shoulders when shortcuts are taken.
 

Fraser Tiling

TF
Esteemed
117
608
High Wycombe
dosnt matter how long you've been tiling you learn some thing new every day:)
perhaps not every day, but yeah this game keeps you on your toes and bites you when you become complacent.
Just cant take anything for granted.
 

Fraser Tiling

TF
Esteemed
117
608
High Wycombe
The builder didn't cover the floor up after you laid it so other trades could work over it by any chance?
dont know, it hasn't been mentioned, the grout and sealant were supplied by the tile suppliers, and there were two bags of extended set adhesive put with the supplied materials.
I thought the adhesive was sent by the tile suppliers, as the recommended adhesive, and i bought more of the same to complete the tiling, it was only after the tiles were fixed and the problem occurred that the customers said that the adhesive wasn't supplied, and was left over from a previous tiling job.
Had I known this, I would have used rapid set.
I have since spoken to the tile supplier and asked what adhesive they recommend for fixing, and they didnt specify a rapid set, they also had a very bad attitude and offered no help at all.
Ive got Ultra coming out to see the floor this week, so will see what they say.
 
B

Bill

I've used Ultra es sp white on porous stone a few times without issue. as above, i think it's a wet screed
sweating screed and very porous stone - that is the problem - get a dense stone and sweating screed and it won't be a problem - again this is not a problem when fixed in S&C so maybe it is the modern adhesives?
 

Fraser Tiling

TF
Esteemed
117
608
High Wycombe
sweating screed and very porous stone - that is the problem - get a dense stone and sweating screed and it won't be a problem - again this is not a problem when fixed in S&C so maybe it is the modern adhesives?
hard to nail this down to one problem, think its a combination of two or three of the above, the screed seemed absolutely dry when i first looked at the job, and the builder that Ive done lots of work for before was happy that the screed was dry enough to tile, I didnt, and have never used a damp meter to test screeds, and when in doubt, use the old fashioned method of leaving a tile on the screed overnight, and check for even colour when lifted.
All tiles are still well adhered, after near three week of fixing with UFH being turned on for 7 days.
I am more swayed to believe that the extended set adhesive, perhaps being mixed slighty wetter than specified, to help ensure a consistent bed, and a porous tile sucking the moisture is a more likely explanation.
When Instamac were first contacted by my adhesive suppliers, about the use of extended set adhesives with light coloured stone, their first reaction was to say that rapid setting adhesive would be a better product, but on the front of their bags of extended set, its states "Suitable for natural stone".
If its not suitable for all natural stone, it should be stated on the bag.
From previous posts I was beginning to believe the problem may have been caused by a damp screed bleeding moisture, and still maybe a contributing factor, impossible to know the truth about mix percentages in screeds, drying times and conditions, when presented with what seems to be a ready floor.
The suppliers of the adhesive, a very reputable company, that I have worked very closely with for over twenty years, have only come across this problem once before with the same tile and adhesive, but was with wall tiles, so issues of wet screeds cant be blamed, and power clean was used and seemed to rectify the problem after a relatively short time.
These same guys, have been fantastic in trying to solve the issue, they didnt supply the stone, but have contacted the adhesive manufacturer, stone suppliers and liaised with me on solving the issue.
I personally think its a combination of slightly wetter mixed extended set adhesive, with a very porous poor batch of stone, with cold fixing temps.
Not having extensive experience of any of the above, i dont have the ability to identify the cause.
Very frustrating.
A straight forward job, fixed in the same fashion i would fix any other job, has gone very wrong.
I'm very conscientious, never have issues with my work, but am tired of being told
" stop worrying, its not your fault, you've done nothing wrong".
Need this problem rectified.
 

Fraser Tiling

TF
Esteemed
117
608
High Wycombe
what ever will be will be .
for future piece of mind never take builders word I never do.
invest in a moisture meter and think about decoupling. the problem may rectify it self as you haven't grouted and sealed.
good luck
recommend any moisture meters Ray?
 

Reply to Limestone Discolouration in the Specialist Tile -Stone, Porcelain, Glass area at TilersForums.com

Subscribe to Tilers Forums

There are similar tiling threads here

    • Like
I have a customer who lives in a 200 year old property. The lounge floor he wants tiled which...
Replies
2
Views
1K
Hi All Had a panic when we had to rip out some of our floor tiles after a plumbing leak...
Replies
0
Views
294
    • Like
Renovated the bathroom on my 1970 bungalow last year. Took up the old pink floor tiles with sds...
2
Replies
25
Views
3K
Hi everyone I’m after a bit of advice. I’ve just removed the floor tiles in our on suite. After...
Replies
4
Views
1K
Just seen Rocatex on uHeat.co.uk and thought hmmm that's a new one on me. Anybody used it yet...
Replies
3
Views
1K

Tile Buying Popular Threads

Advertisement

Thread starter

Fraser Tiling

Esteemed
TF
Joined
Location
High Wycombe
Business Name
Fraser Tiling

Thread Information

Title
Limestone Discolouration
Prefix
N/A
Forum
Specialist Tile -Stone, Porcelain, Glass
Start date
Last reply date
Replies
45

Which tile adhesive brand did you use most this year?

  • Palace

    Votes: 5 5.0%
  • Kerakoll

    Votes: 8 8.0%
  • Ardex

    Votes: 6 6.0%
  • Mapei

    Votes: 24 24.0%
  • Ultra Tile

    Votes: 14 14.0%
  • BAL

    Votes: 28 28.0%
  • Wedi

    Votes: 3 3.0%
  • Benfer

    Votes: 2 2.0%
  • Tilemaster /Kelmore

    Votes: 19 19.0%
  • Weber

    Votes: 18 18.0%
  • Other (any other brand not listed)

    Votes: 11 11.0%
  • Nicobond

    Votes: 5 5.0%
  • Norcros

    Votes: 3 3.0%
Top