Looking good is not enough

The need for standards should be well understood in the world of tiling, especially where wet areas are concerned.

Whether it be a large format floor tile on the bathroom floor or a mosaic splashback above the sink, the first duty of a tile for the end user is to be attractive. How well it may be fixed in place is not obvious and is not necessarily considered by the end user. They do not think, as they would with the plumbing, “Does it work?” As long as it looks good, they are happy. They remain happy until something untoward happens.

Often, the householder only realises that there is more to wet area tiling than its appearance if a wall tile falls on their head as they relax in the tub, or mould begins to appear in the shower, or they stub their toe on a tile which has cracked or lifted. Any of these faults might appear very soon after fixing is finished, or they might not happen for months. At that point though, consumers will not be blaming themselves for not specifying how the tiles should have been installed. Instead, the original tiler can expect the telephone to ring and it will not be an enjoyable conversation.

The consumer would say that it is not their responsibility to know that tiling a wet area requires close attention to the environment’s special requirements. They would be right. Knowing exactly what to do is the tiler’s job.

Fortunately for the tiler, getting the job right should be straightforward. There are formal standards covering almost every aspect of tiling, regularly reviewed and updated. The fixer needs only to know what these cover, to read and digest their contents and then to follow them. The BSI’s BS 5385 Part 4, for example, was revised as recently as the beginning of this year. The title of the relevant section could not be clearer: “Wall and floor tiling – Part 4: Design and installation of ceramic and mosaic tiling in special conditions – Code of practice.” Further reading reveals that this includes specifically the requirements for tiling in damp and wet conditions. This standard notes “The use of impervious grouts and adhesives is no substitute for a tanked installation” (BS 5385-4 clause 7.2.4 paragraph e)

Adherence to standards matters, because of the special needs of wet areas. Their unique tiling requirements require careful preparation and application and the background’s water sensitivity will be critical.

Wall backgrounds such as plasterboard and gypsum plaster, could absorb moisture for example, but can be acceptable for domestic installations. However, the plaster must be at least four weeks old and the plasterboard suitably well braced. The ideal background is cement-and-sand render, at least two weeks old for new render, although existing ceramic tiles (if in sound condition) and suitably braced proprietary cement tilebacker boards are also suitable.

It is essential that all water sensitive backgrounds e.g. plasterboard and gypsum plaster for example, or any floor substrates not already deemed to be watertight, are protected using a suitable tanking system. Installing a waterproof membrane on a substrate, rendering it impervious to water amounts to placing a barrier between the surface and the source of wetness. For domestic applications, a product such as the BAL WP1 Tanking Kit is ideal, as a single box contains everything necessary: a light grey, flexible, seamless tanking system comprising an acrylic-based primer, an acrylic-based coating, polyester tape and matting. Whichever tanking system is used, the manufacturer’s instructions should be followed explicitly. The tanking can be expected to need at least 24 hours drying before tiling can begin.

Care is needed to prevent water penetration, particularly in joints and corners, but without compromising flexibility. Adhesives and grouts should be chosen for their water resistance, with strong consideration for the threat of bacteria and black mould. Naturally prevalent in any wet area, these are capable of causing problems even within waterproof grouts and sealants. Wherever possible, antibacterial products such as those incorporating Microban® antibacterial protection are strongly recommended.

This should all be everyday knowledge and standard practice, of course, for the professional tiler. In the real world, the consumer has to be protected from the ‘Jack of all trades’ handymen prepared to cut corners. In a time of recession, there will be increasing numbers of those willing to compromise on quality in order to win an order.

It means that the real fixer now needs to do more than carry out all of their work in accordance with standards. They have to make the potential customer aware of the importance of BS5385. All of their documentation should mention the Standard, from business cards to the all-important, professional-looking quote. If they are among the growing numbers using www.tilerworld.com as a productive source of new business enquiries, they should ensure that adherence to standards is prominent in their profile.

Standards matter. When it comes to wet areas, BS5385 is increasingly vital to the tiler both as a set of best practice guidelines and as a way of demonstrating their professionalism. The customer will only know about its importance, though, if a professional tiler tells them about it — because you can be sure that it will not be mentioned by the less scrupulous competition.

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For further advice and precise information, visit the BAL website at
www.bal-adhesives.com

or call 0845 600 1222