First time I've seen this

[Bill Vincent]

Rich-- if for no other reason than the slope of the benches, it's impossible to get full tiles everywhere. One other thing I didn't realise till after I started laying out the tile-- I always thought that using the wrap-around bullnose and cove, that they'd each take up an inch on each surface that they joined, meaning that if the surface came to full tile without the trim, it would come to full tile WITH it. Wrong. The base acrually takes up 1 1/4". In addition, I though that all inside corners would take cove. Wrong again. Where the walls hit the ceiling, I'm just going to be cutting into the corner, and when I laid out the tile, I laid it out to show full tile meeting the cove, so now I have an 1 1/4" piece at the tops of the walls. Oh well. It's still going to look good!

[BTM]

I might add to the speculating, that...whoever designed the mechanical attatchment must have assumed the tile contractor wouldn't know what to do.

The spacing of bolts was done as the block were laid, and obviously not enough. Any # of methods could have worked to make the job simpler.
Blue screws & washers come to mind. Wire & pencil rod was mentioned.
Myself, I like a stout, secure, fastening, no matter what the project. Guess that's the Stone mason 'mentality' in me.

Too bad about different subs, the finished products will no doubt show that!

[Bill Vincent]

Bob-- Actually, tapcons wouldn't have worked. I suggested that, as well. The problem then would be that there would be no way to attach the wire lath. The block wall behind was partially new and partially existing. My understanding is it was drilled and ready rod was epoxied in, thru the polly vapor barrier.The foam insulation was then applied over the ready rod, which was left long enough to accept the insulation, as well as the wire lath.

If it were me, there would've been firring strips installed over the block walls to attach the wire. If necessary, doubled up, so as to fit the thickness of the foam insulation between them. The foam would then be added between the firring strips and attached by means of construction adhesive, and then poly and wire would be installed over it, attached to the firring strips, as it would normally be attached to studs.I think it would be a stronger installation, and wouldn't use nearly as much mud, because that wire would be laying a helluva lot flatter.

But what do I know? I'm just a tile setter.

[Bill Vincent]

Okay-- here's this week's pictures, complete with the grouting started. I just found a new favorite part of the job-- Spectralock on the CEILING!!

Actually, it wasn't half as bad as I expected it to be. Ended up trashing the shirt and ball cap at the end of the day, but atleast I didn't have any problems with it coming back out of the joints on me!!

[Autoplay]

Very nice looking work Bill! Always impressed with your ability,and your workmanship!

If you can,take some pics of the other "slammer crews" work. Would be interesting to compare.

[Bill Vincent]

I already did. You sure you wanna see it?















Now, in all fairness, once grouted, it didn't look too bad. Unfortunately, it was seen by all parties concerned before it got grouted.

[claycarson]

Bill, awesome looking work!

Spectralock on the ceiling? Ouch!

I believe the Massachusetts Correctional Department uses that work detail as a punishment for the most hardened criminals. Just the threat that they might pull that detail makes them behave like Mother Theresa!!

[michaelhazuka]

huge difference in quality...in reference to the workmanship AND the condition on the jobsite......

Your 9235 shows very little thinset marks from your hands while the "other" steamroom has wipes all over the walls and floor. I was amazed at the cleanliness of your work area....hardly any thinset residue anywhere to be found, and that says alot to me.

Also, the first pack of cigarettes found on site laying on the floor would have been that crew's last day on the job around here.....not to mention they worked like a bunch of slobs....nice touch on the chair too. I'm guessing it was made for a dual purpose of smoking lounge/ladder for the ceiling ...

[Shaughnn]

Michael,
Yup, the chair really sets apart the Billy Goats from the Nanny's, don't it. The mess all over the walls and floor are only part of the problem . Did you see those bubbles under the membrane in the #3 photo?!?
I give that room about a year of use before it starts to develop "issues".
Shaughnn

[Bill Vincent]

I'm not sure what that is-- shadow, or a light film of thinset-- but there weren't any bubbles under the membrane once we were ready to start tiling, and I did look for them, because there were a few right after putting the membrane up that got patched. As for that chair, that was actually pulled out of the dumpster to be used as his kid's computer chair. It WAS a good chair!

[cx]

Originally Posted by michaelhazuka

Also, the first pack of cigarettes found on site laying on the floor would have been that crew's last day on the job around here.

You're a guy I could work with, Michael.

[Shaughnn]

Bill,
I'm pretty sure I'm seeing some horizontal "pillows" under the membrane in the #3 shot, and the same shapes appear in the #4 shot also, so I don't think it's a reflection. #3 shot, along the bottom edge there is a horizontal ripple with a branch breaking off the right-underside. It's repeated along the lower left-edge of #4. I saw a few others but that's the one that's most clear in both shots.
But you were standing nose-to-nose with it, so if you're certain I'll promise to get my glasses checked.
Shaughnn

[TGR]

Awesome work Bill. Looks great. I see that TCNA recommends all change in planes in a steamer to be sealed with sealants or silicone. Is that possible with the type of corner tile used or maybe in this case it isn’t an issue? Just curious. Very nice job.

[Bill Vincent]

It's not only possible, it's necessary, and yes this one's getting caulked. All you do is caulk one side or the other of the cove. Also, it's my understanding that it's inside corners, and not the outside corners, such as the nosing on the benches and return to the door.

[Hamilton]

That dot mount stuff is never on the money. You're a fine crafsman Bill. That
particular job looks as though it will out live the dang pyramids. Great job!