Builders doing Tiling, Matting Mesh stuck, Expansion gap not wanted - Advice - Tile Advice

[McLovin]

Hi

Started a job today and been thrown a few curve balls.
Customer had tiles cracking grout breaking up (builder said he could do the tiling). Customer said half the tiles had been fixed to concert and half to floor boards. Sounded like a simple tear up, secure floor boards, fix Hardie backer and take it from there.

Anyway got there today starred removing ties to find a mixture of matting, no matting, dot and dab, latex adhesive and patched up floor boards with heating pipes practically stuck to the floorboards (also fell through a patched up floor board).

Tiles and matting have now been removed. I am fighting a losing battle removing all the mesh from the substrate.
Another curve ball the customers have thrown is that they do not want an expansion gap. I have explained that BS states.... but the customer is adamant they want me to find a way round it.

My plan of action is:

*Secure floorboards / Fit a few new boards
* Two coats of SBR
*Fix and prime Hardiebacker 12mm (flexi adhesive)
-This should roughly bring it up to the same level as existing tiles which as solid.
*batten under kitchen units and batten doorway / Expanding foam for gaps.
*Latex SLC over entire surface bringing it to one level.
*Tile as normal

For the expansion gap I am stuck. If customer (lovely older couple) really does not want one could I use a latex based adhesive either side of the join to compensate.

All ideas and thoughts welcome. I have added pictures.

Thanks

 

[Dan]

Say if they want more tiles coming up and cracking then sure no expansion gap it is.

Can't you use a mapei grout and silicone a grout going in a matching colour? Set out the floor so a join is on the expansion strip?

 

[J Sid]

Say if they want more tiles coming up and cracking then sure no expansion gap it is.

Can't you use a mapei grout and silicone a grout going in a matching colour? Set out the floor so a join is on the expansion strip?

other makes available

I like the Ardex and colour match silicon but Mapei is good to

What tiles are going back down?

 

[McLovin]

Say if they want more tiles coming up and cracking then sure no expansion gap it is.

Can't you use a mapei grout and silicone a grout going in a matching colour? Set out the floor so a join is on the expansion strip?

Iv told them that he expansion joint is non negotiable but thought I would see if there is any other ways people recommend. Trying to be decent.

Any other thoughts on the rest? Will the remaining mesh be an issue do you think?

 

[McLovin]

other makes available

I like the Ardex and colour match silicon but Mapei is good to

What tiles are going back down?

I'll be using a grey expansion bar. Bal Ash grout with Bal ash silicone but we all know its unsightly. Did not know if I had missed any other techniques that others might use.

90 x 20 wood efferent porcelain in a random pattern. Its a lovely tile. Almost no bow.

Any thoughts on the rest of my prep pal. Im a bit concerned about the mesh.

 

[J Sid]

Mesh is fine

Just used the Ash, nice to work with, silicon is a little bit darker than the grout.

check for bounce on the wood floor, good chance to have some boards up and reinforce if needed.

laying the planks the same direction as the expansion joint will look alot better, goes without saying

 

[McLovin]

Mesh is fine

Just used the Ash, nice to work with, silicon is a little bit darker than the grout.

check for bounce on the wood floor, good chance to have some boards up and reinforce if needed.

laying the planks the same direction as the expansion joint will look alot better, goes without saying

Im a fan of Bal grouts. Ash is good on a dark floor in my opinion. The silicone has to much shine for my liking.

Thanks for the replay mate. I needed to double check I was going the best way about things. Its always nice to get a few more opinions.

With the exception of a bad floorboard the rest have no bounce but I'll have a good jump around tomorrow to make sure.