We spend a lot of time talking to folks who’ve run into problems with their current installer or contractor. That’s probably because we’ve been in the area for a long time and, we believe, because we have a reputation for helping solve tile-related concerns.
Unfortunately, the answer is often “tear it out and start over,” so we’d really prefer to talk with customers before they ever run into these issues. If we get that opportunity, we suggest they ask some important questions of anyone they are considering hiring to install a lasting and inflexible finish like tile:
- What TCNA method they will use?
(Tile Council of North America Handbook is an industry-recognized guide to assist in clarifying and standardizing installation specifications for tile.) - If their tile installers are Certified by the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation?
- Where will the movement joints be located and what will they be made of?
- What is the span of your joists? (Can your floor carry the weight of tile? How will your substrate and its support structure respond to the tile application?)
- What level of service and product warranty can you expect on the installation?
- Will you need a vapor barrier? What about crack isolation? Is additional waterproofing necessary?
- What setting materials will be used for your installation? What experience does the installer have with these products? What are their advantages?
- How does your installer keep up with the latest industry advances? What associations do they participate in?
- Will they provide a written proposal on the work to be done?
- Are they a Five-Star Contractor?
Tile won’t bend to make up for a bad installation.
Neuse Tile Service 