I made a boo boo Please help

[austin_103]

In a moment of stupidity I installed a Schluter Kerdi membrane using Mapei Ultraflex 2 which is a modified thinset. I realized later that you are supposed to use an unmodified due to the fact that the modified thinsets need air to properly cure.

Can anyone tell me it'll be all right? I really don't want to try and explain this stupidity to the customer. Very embarrasing.

Please help

Austin

[earlyretirement]

Did you install this over a mud pan? In any event, I would think it would be ok, just let it set longer than normal, maybe a few days

[Paramount Installer]

The only part I would question would be the seams. That's where I could see a complete lack of air keeping it from curing. I would think that eventually water that tried to seep through a seam would introduce oxygen or whatever is needed to cure the cement, however. I know I've had mortar sitting in the bottom of a bucket that I filled with water, and the mortar still gets hard the next day. Give it as much cure time as you can, and leak test it if it's a mud pan. I definitely wouldn't sweat the walls.

[ceramictec]

give it a while to dry.

[Davy]

I'm with the others, don't worry about it. Give it extra time and you'll be fine.

[austin_103]

Thanks guys. I'll leave it set a few days.

[austin_103]

One more thing. I was planning on using 12 inch marble tiles or travertine. What thinset would you recommend I use?

Dave

[earlyretirement]

Go with white Versabond or a high quality unmodified TS(possibly Megabond) if going over Kerdi.

[Woodturner]

If you can find Ditraset, it is made by bostik it is designed for Kerdi/Detra. It is designed by Schluter and contracted to bostik here is the link to find a dealer near you. I just bought 3 sacks at $11.50 a sack.

http://www.distriblocat.bostikfindle...rtars&zipcode=

[John Bridge]

Hi Dave,

Marble tiles take a little more finesse than ceramic tiles, and in my estimation they are harder to maintain, too. I suggest you find a porcelain tile that emulates travertine.

[austin_103]

Thanks John,

When you say they need more finesse are you talking about the install or the sealing and or maintaining of the tiles. I have 2" ceramic on the floor and was planning on doing 12 marble on the walls.

[earlyretirement]

I like natural stone over ceramic any day. The finesse is generally care/maintenance related, but also cost and suitability of subfloor(deflecto). Cutting your teeth on small ceramic jobs is a good practice before delving into stone. But that in no way means a DIY couldn't install a first-rate stone job with limited experience. This forum and your willingness to provide ample elbow grease have you ahead of the game already!

[austin_103]

so then what should be recommended for marble care and maintenance?

[earlyretirement]

most natural stone requires non-abrasive and mild neutral (or slightly alkaline) pH cleansers. One exception might be quartz which I've been advised is bullet-proof, but I have not installed it myself, so can't say for sure.

[kerdibird]

Isn't quartzite a man made material?
Quartz itself is a natural semiprecious stone, don't think they make tiles out of it, however quartzite is tough, alot like corian.