Expert Witness Glass Tile Mosaic Swimming Pools

05/26/2024

How do you grout cantilevered knife edge copings?

At Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa we invented a removable backing plate that slides under the joint. Simply pull it out once the grout hardens!

04/29/2024

Use Compliant Materials

Both the ICC Building Code (IBC) and Residential Code (IRC), require that tiles be installed utilizing ANSI approved materials. The requirements are found in IBC 2103.2 and IRC R702.4. Both of these codes require that the installation materials and practices comply with ANSI A108 and A118.

Most manufacturers have had their materials tested by an independent laboratory to certify that their products comply with these standards.

If an installer deviates from these standards, then the installer is in violation of the building codes. Technically, even utilizing non-compliant materials is a violation of the building codes. When an installation fails, the installer will be responsible for the repairs.

When selecting tile setting materials, insist on proof of ANSI A108/A118 compliance. Manufacturers who have had their products tested, proudly display their compliance on product packaging, technical sheets and promotional materials. The independent testing laboratory results are also usually available by request.

Major manufacturers who offer compliant materials are for illustration purposes.

12/04/2023

Why exterior tiles should be a minimum of 95% bonding. Extreme, but you get the point!

https://fb.watch/oJ0nbckMJM

04/15/2023

This isn’t how you pre-saturate the substrate to a SSD condition.

The concrete substrate may suck the moisture out of the mortar before it can develop the desired bond strength.

12/09/2022

How do your crews precisely measure the water added to pre-blended thinsets & mortars?

I rarely see measuring cups being used. And if they are being used, it is being done in a sloppy & inaccurate manner. Most are merely “eyeballing” it.

There are two tricks to ensure the proper & precise amount of water is being added.

The first method is simple. Precisely measure the amount of water required & pour it into a small plastic pail. Drill a hole in the side of the pail at the waterline. From here on out, that pail will precisely deliver the same quantity of water. However, this requires many pails, for different quantities of water.

The second method, is higher tech. It is a water meter. Simply attached to the end of a hose and hung on the edge of the mixing drum. The quantity of water is programmed into the meter. The meter delivers the precise amount of water required & shuts off. Powered by 2 AA batteries. Available on Amazon $240.

11/19/2022

I continue to see this during site inspections. This is when you know the masons on a job are Home Depot shoppers….

You’ve got to read the product TDS (technical data sheets). The info printed on the bag never tells the whole story.

Hire professionals that only use products approved for the application.

Quality setting products will deliver superior performance.

08/28/2022

For those of you that install showers and use waterproof membranes and waterproof tile boards from the major manufacturers (Laticrete, Schluter, Mapei, Ardex, Custom Building), there’s an improved drain fl**ge on the market.

FLOFX is not only compatible with all of the waterproofing systems, but it has many improvements over existing products on the market.

The fl**ge is thicker & has less flex. This is superior when installing under tile.

The underside of the fl**ge has a textured surface. This ensures that there is a complete bond between the thinset, membrane and the fl**ge. Leaking fl**ges are a common source of water intrusion into the building substructure and causes of dry rot.

And, they are available in either PVC or ABS and round or square to fit the preformed shower pans.

Check them out.

https://flofx.com/compatibility/

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2NqYiOtofZE

CompatibilityHere is a list of compatible waterproofing membranes and sealants. Always refer to and follow waterproofing manufacturers installation instructions.FAQsPlease have a look at our frequently asked questions.Waterproofing Membranes Laticrete HYDRO BAN HYDRO BAN Sheet Membrane HYDRO BAN Qui...

07/04/2022

Having the proper tools to form coves is paramount.

All too often, those new to the trades struggle with replicating consistent radiuses when screeding mortarbeds.

06/21/2022

Membranes need to be applied to a minimum thickness, in order to work properly. Having a membrane thickness gauge allows you to measure the thickness to ensure you’re compliant.

The gauges are FREE, so why wouldn’t you use one?

11/04/2021

Knowing the proper sealer to use on which type of surface or environmental exposure is important for stellar performance.

Watch this recorded webinar with Jennifer Aleman of LATICRETE Technical Services as she reviews: - Technical information on sealers- How to determine which s...

10/16/2021

To ensure proper adhesion of mastic in wet or aquatic environments, precisely follow the instructions.

Clean and prepare the joint the full depth of the tile. Mask the sides of the joints to receive mastic. Apply the appropriate joint primer (in this case LATICRETE International, Inc. 9118 primer).

Apply the caulking (Laticrete Latisil) when the ambient temperatures will remain within the correct range. This will guarantee proper curing and a good bond.

08/17/2021

Why slaking is required for mortars and thinsets. Great video from LATICRETE International, Inc.

Allowing cement and chemically fortified adhesives and grout to slake is something that is required by all manufacturers of cement based products. The act of...