The title of this month's subject was supposed to be Crack Suppression for Tile Installations, something I have written about numerous times over the years.

Already big tile is getting even bigger! I don’t know at what point if any the term “tile” should be used when they get to be half the size of a sheet of plywood.

Cracked tile remains a concern often expressed by customers considering ceramic tile floors. Many have had or heard of experiences where a few tiles cracked some years after installation and no replacement material could be found, necessitating a complete and costly replacement.

I have dwelled about ten minutes on how to positively open this subject and for the life of me just can’t figure it out.

The concept of waterproofing is easily understood; something either leaks or it doesn’t.

Where does the highest rainfall occur anywhere in the entire country? Your shower!

This month’s topic, floor prep, was motivated by an architectural firm who called recently for assistance before several projects were being bid.

Mortar beds seem to be making a resurgence with the increased use of large tile.

 In the past year with this slow economy I have been involved in projects of no less than 3,000 showers and a third as many balconies, decks, and patios plus a handful of restaurants on suspended slabs. It’s been a great year for me in the inspection and consulting business. But, unfortunately, unsuspecting real estate owners  ranging anywhere from a disabled retired couple on only social security to a multi-billion-dollar developer have lost millions of dollars in replacement and repair of tile work in their water-damaged structures.