Faulty ceramic tile installation in swimming pool is forensically investigated by expert witness Paolo Benedetti.
Standards to live by
The workmanship standards for ceramic tile installations in swimming pools are published by the TCNA, ANSI, and various aquatic organizations.
Some states have published MINIMAL acceptable workmanship standards, tolerances & variances.
Benchmark
These standards become the benchmark by which a project is judged. The tolerances and variances are compared to what was done in practice.
As the project is disassembled, the various layers are analyzed for proper materials, application and workmanship.
Were the layers the correct materials for the intended use?
Are they the proper thickness?
Were they installed correctly (trowel marks knocked down)?
Proper amount of contact or coverage?
Were proper curing practices and times adhered to?
Case Study
I inspected a faux stone ceramic tile deck. The joints were uniform and there was minimal lippage. The homeowner was complaining of a "hollow loose" sound as people with hard soled shoes walked on the tiles.
I interviewed the contractor who described his installation method and materials. He provided receipts and pictures of his in-progress work to verify his claims. Everything looked correct...
When I tapped on the tilework with an axe handle, I could also hear a hollow sound. Granted, some tiles can resonate hollow due to their structure. But this was bad. They actually sounded loose, though they appeared to be bonded securely.
With the permission of both parties, I removed some tiles at the edge of the patio. The problem immediately became apparent...
The gauge marks in the thinset that were created by the notched trowel were not knocked down. This resulted in the tiles only having 60-70% coverage/contact at best. Way below the TCNA standards.
The contractor had no option but to remove and reset the entire tile veneer. It was the right thing to do.
Had the tile been set correctly, then the sounds would have been blamed on the structure of the actual tiles. The contractor would have been vindicated.
Litigating an obvious error only wastes time and money, makes attorney's wealthier and creates ill-will with the client. In this case clear minds prevailed and the contractor did the right thing.
Paolo Benedetti
Aquatic Artist, Consultant & Construction Defect Expert Witness
"Creating water as art."™
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa
©www.aquatictechnology.com
Standards to live by
The workmanship standards for ceramic tile installations in swimming pools are published by the TCNA, ANSI, and various aquatic organizations.
Some states have published MINIMAL acceptable workmanship standards, tolerances & variances.
Benchmark
These standards become the benchmark by which a project is judged. The tolerances and variances are compared to what was done in practice.
As the project is disassembled, the various layers are analyzed for proper materials, application and workmanship.
Were the layers the correct materials for the intended use?
Are they the proper thickness?
Were they installed correctly (trowel marks knocked down)?
Proper amount of contact or coverage?
Were proper curing practices and times adhered to?
Case Study
I inspected a faux stone ceramic tile deck. The joints were uniform and there was minimal lippage. The homeowner was complaining of a "hollow loose" sound as people with hard soled shoes walked on the tiles.
I interviewed the contractor who described his installation method and materials. He provided receipts and pictures of his in-progress work to verify his claims. Everything looked correct...
When I tapped on the tilework with an axe handle, I could also hear a hollow sound. Granted, some tiles can resonate hollow due to their structure. But this was bad. They actually sounded loose, though they appeared to be bonded securely.
With the permission of both parties, I removed some tiles at the edge of the patio. The problem immediately became apparent...
The gauge marks in the thinset that were created by the notched trowel were not knocked down. This resulted in the tiles only having 60-70% coverage/contact at best. Way below the TCNA standards.
The contractor had no option but to remove and reset the entire tile veneer. It was the right thing to do.
Had the tile been set correctly, then the sounds would have been blamed on the structure of the actual tiles. The contractor would have been vindicated.
Litigating an obvious error only wastes time and money, makes attorney's wealthier and creates ill-will with the client. In this case clear minds prevailed and the contractor did the right thing.
Paolo Benedetti
Aquatic Artist, Consultant & Construction Defect Expert Witness
"Creating water as art."™
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa
©www.aquatictechnology.com
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If you want to ask a question of Paolo Benedetti, you may email him at: info@aquatictechnology.com