Thinset Correct on Tile Install?

naperthrill

Well-known member
Apr 29, 2020
49
Frisco, TX
Was reviewing the work of the Tile guys and took some pictures. Are you supposed to see those lines in the thinset? Also there are areas where it looks like thinset is missing. Is this just "normal" or should I be bringing this up to the workers. They need another payment tomorrow so may hold off on it if the workmanship needs to be fixed.
 

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If they properly backbuttered the tile you would not see that. A lot of glass tile also has backing so you don’t see through to the bed. I’d say it’s purely cosmetic and would be a huge pain and cost to repair. Is it like that everywhere?

They could have done a better job.

No tile job is perfect up close. It’s up to you to decide where it falls in the scale of acceptability. Expect pushback. Is there more work to be done?
 
Yes they still are doing the decking and have to prepare the pool for the plaster. I know its cosmetic but when this company gave me a bid, they said they weren't the cheapest but they would do good work so I feel like since I agreed to pay a premium, the work should be perfect.
 
I just asked one of the workers and he said they didn't backbutter the tile because it had a sticky backing and not mesh backing. Im guessing thats exactly why it isn't smooth as they just applied the thinset to the gunite and then stuck the tiles onto it.
 
Was the sticky “backing” actually on the face then they peel it off after pressing into the thinset? Trying to understand the process. And have they worked with it before?

I agree if you paid a premium to have not had to worry you should be less than happy. See what the PB says when you bring it to his attention. I’d expect that you would want to back butter any glass tile that is completely transparent.
 
Was the sticky “backing” actually on the face then they peel it off after pressing into the thinset? Trying to understand the process. And have they worked with it before?

I agree if you paid a premium to have not had to worry you should be less than happy. See what the PB says when you bring it to his attention. I’d expect that you would want to back butter any glass tile that is completely transparent.
Yes the backing was on the face so they press into thinset then peel it off
 
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Looks like they specify the RPM of mixing, the temperature of application and tamping. It mentions how to avoid voids.
 
I think it will be fine. It’s literally a “tile job.” Best viewed from afar. But I’d be interested if the installers have installed it before. You’d think they would have been on the look out for it.
 
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