Hello from County Durham

[Jandk]

Hope someone can give us some advise.
We have had our floor insulated with kingspan, then underfloor heating installed, then Gyvlon liquid screed and finally a recommended tiler come and do the finishing touches using porcelain polished tiles, but the finishing touches are dreadfull, we just do not know what to do.
To start with I told the tiler that we needed to have a non cement based adhesive because of the Gyvlon screed, but he ignored that, he did put a prima on so it may be ok, but the tiles are not level so there are between 2 and 3 mm steps all over between the tiles, he hasnt used the cross on the spaces so where 4 tiles meet they are not lining up in some places. We are talking about a large area of approx 110 sq mt, and we feel like the whole floor needs to be lifted and re done, but who does it and who pays for more adhesive and tiles. He has not been paid yet, he has had just over £770 for materials, but it will be a big cost to put the floor right. What should we do?

 

[DHTiling]

Hi and welcome... have you voiced your concerns with your tiler..




p.s where in county durham are you, as i am in that county as well..

 

[Jandk]

Hello, we are near Bishop Auckland

 

[DHTiling]

Not far from me then, i'm in aycliffe..


Can you post us some pics please, so we can see what you do..?

 

[DHTiling]

A few other questions as well..


1: how old is the gyvlon screed?

2: was the screed dry before tiling.?

3: was the heating commissioned before tiling.?

4 : was the screed sanded before priming.?

 

[Jandk]

Hello again, I have just gone to get some pics, I will try and post in a minute.
The answers to your other questions are:
1. The screed was laid on 2nd April 2012
2. We put a plastic bag over the screed for a day and there was no moisture under the bag which indicated the screed was dry
3. The heating was commisioned and used as instruction from the screed company, then turned off 2 weeks before tiling was started
4. The tiler said he scrapped the screed before tiling
Hope this helps, Ill go and try get these pics on now

 

[DHTiling]

The bag test in that conclusive really and just scraping it isn't sufficient.. but let's see what you do first..

Also do you have any idea on the brand of primer and adhesive used.?

 

[Jandk]

All I know about the prima is that it is white, the flexible adhesive is from tilesporcelain.co.uk

 

[DHTiling]

Ok, i know what adhesive brand that is.. from the pics it does look poor, can you please post one from further back..


Have you spoken to your tiler about your concerns..?

 

[Jandk]

Yes, he just stands there and says "I dont know what to say"
I would need to go back to the property to get more pics and its pouring with rain, so ill have to go later.
By the way thanks for your help.

 

[DHTiling]

Ok, if your not living there then leave it for now.. as i know it is raining lol.. but if you like i can call out and have a look for you as you are only a few mins from me..

Not good when customers are unhappy with quality like that..

 

[Gazzer]

OMG Thats terrible.

 

[Jandk]

Ok, if your not living there then leave it for now.. as i know it is raining lol.. but if you like i can have a look for you as you are only a few mins from me..

Not good when customers are unhappy with quality like that..

Thats very kind, is there a way I can contact you so I dont have to put my personal details on here.

 

[DHTiling]

Thats very kind, is there a way I can contact you so I dont have to put my personal details on here.

Click my website details below and give me a ring on Monday... i will then call and give you some free advice ... and ways to rectify your issue.

Dave.

 

[Jandk]

Ok will do, thank you so much, bye for now

 

[Ajax123]

I too am in the area on Thursday next week if you need any input or assistance from me dave

 

[DHTiling]

Might be wise for it Al.

 

[Diamond Pool Finishers]

Not good ,but you have the two best advisors going mate to help you there, Dave & alan will sort you out

 

[Jandk]

I wish I had come to this site before appointing this other tiler, I feel very lucky that I have people local to me that can give me advise.

 

[Ajax123]

I wish I had come to this site before appointing this other tiler, I feel very lucky that I have people local to me that can give me advise.

I am not local mate..... Nearly three hours away down in The lincolnshire Fens. It's just that I am doing a trade day on Thursday next week in Newcastle so am in your area. It would need to be in the morning as the trade day starts at two.

Do you want to make it a joint visit Dave. I can meet you there if you like. Might even spin you a cup of coffee and a cookie if you got time. One of you give me a call on Monday and let me know 07545932723.

 

[DHTiling]

Thursday... i am in newcastle area as well alan, infact newbiggin...

I can go any evening time but not sure thursday..

 

[Ajax123]

Ok dave. Well give me a call anyway and we will decide what to do. If we have to go separate so be it.

 

[DHTiling]

I wish I had come to this site before appointing this other tiler, I feel very lucky that I have people local to me that can give me advise.

It happens i'm afraid, the uk is full of SO called tradesmen.. but i can come and see you and help where i can.

 

[hillhead]

Yet another tiler who rides to work on a horse. That's atrocious workmanship.Good luck with the remedy.

 

[Gazzer]

I have a question that you may or may not like to answer. You say the tiler came recommended...Who by ? Surely not a tile store or someone in the trade!

Rest assured though that if Dave and Alan come along you will have among the best info in the country.

Sadly I dont hold much hope for a quick remedy in this situation . If the quality seen in the photos is all over the floor then surely its a start again situation.

 

[Jandk]

It was our builder that recommended the tiler, and yes I think the floor needs to come up, trouble is there is so little that is ok, I think it will be easier for the lot to be done, but we will see what the experts say

 

[Stef]

Here we go "AGAIN".

Jandk, you are in good hands with Dave & Alan.

Keep us posted on the outcome Dave.

This Cowboy aint got no shame.

 

[Gazzer]

I think I would be having words with not only the Tiler to try and reclaim ALL losses but also the builder and see what he makes of it. Surely when he sees it , he could never recommend this "tiler" again.

 

[ishi69]

I'm with sir ramic , if that is quality of the workmanship through the whole job then my only suggestion would be to start again. Having to look at that would drive me nuts. Personally I'd throttle the idiot thats done that.

 

[John Benton]

All of the above info is spot on. If you allow the tiler to rectify just 1 tile that is fitted incorrectly, then it will cause the one that is next to it to have the same problem. In effect you are just moving the problem round, it has a knock on effect so the only answer is to remove the whole lot from what I can see from the pics.

Dave & Alan will give you an honest and truthful opinion.