# Tile installation failure **URL:** \ **Category:** Specifications Discussions\ **Created:** [September 21, 2023, 4:34pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/tile-installation-failure/4004 "2023-09-21T16:34:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![David\_Axt](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/david_axt/32/24_2.png) [@David\_Axt](https://forum.4specs.com/u/David_Axt)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2023, 4:34pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/tile-installation-failure/4004/1 "2023-09-21T16:34:19Z")
This is why it is so important to specify proper tile setting materials, installation methods and expansion joints. [https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/bellevue/south-bellevue-station-needs-tile-repairs-due-to-faulty-installation-sound-transit-east-link-extension/281-092fcc64-c12f-4c41-afaa-c3e9557d1831](https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/bellevue/south-bellevue-station-needs-tile-repairs-due-to-faulty-installation-sound-transit-east-link-extension/281-092fcc64-c12f-4c41-afaa-c3e9557d1831) That is going be a costly rushed repair because Sound Transit needs to get their light rail station open right away. ---
**Author:** ![khercenberg](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/khercenberg/32/104_2.png) [@khercenberg](https://forum.4specs.com/u/khercenberg)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2023, 4:50pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/tile-installation-failure/4004/2 "2023-09-21T16:50:18Z")
So other than using the wrong tile, setting material, installation methods, and expansion control, it was a complete success? Sounds like this went sideways from the beginning. ---
**Author:** ![David\_Axt](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/david_axt/32/24_2.png) [@David\_Axt](https://forum.4specs.com/u/David_Axt)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2023, 5:12pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/tile-installation-failure/4004/3 "2023-09-21T17:12:44Z")
Two wrongs do not make a right, but four wrongs do! ---
**Author:** ![David\_Axt](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/david_axt/32/24_2.png) [@David\_Axt](https://forum.4specs.com/u/David_Axt)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2023, 5:53pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/tile-installation-failure/4004/4 "2023-09-21T17:53:04Z")
This is why the TCNA Tile Installation Handbook and a good building product representative is so important for the success of a project. It is kind of ironic that last week, the local Laticrete representative (John Gallup) gave the Puget Sound Chapter a talk on proper setting methods for large format tile. ---
**Author:** ![khercenberg](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/khercenberg/32/104_2.png) [@khercenberg](https://forum.4specs.com/u/khercenberg)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2023, 6:38pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/tile-installation-failure/4004/5 "2023-09-21T18:38:41Z")
Two wrongs do not make a right, but three rights make a left. ---
**Author:** ![Davemetzger](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/davemetzger/32/389_2.png) [@Davemetzger](https://forum.4specs.com/u/Davemetzger)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2023, 1:20am UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/tile-installation-failure/4004/6 "2023-09-23T01:20:04Z")
So the dispute with the Joint Venture resulted from an expansion joint misadventure? ---
**Author:** ![awhitacre](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/awhitacre/32/117_2.png) [@awhitacre](https://forum.4specs.com/u/awhitacre)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2023, 5:17pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/tile-installation-failure/4004/7 "2023-09-25T17:17:05Z")
I worked for a firm that was involved in a suit regarding tile flooring failures; when the tiles were pulled up – instead of “100% coverage”, the tiles were averaging about 35% coverage. We paid for a certified installer to install per the specs (type of bed, thickness, coverage) and in place testing was unable to dislodge the tiles. I think getting the TCNA tile setting certifications for the installer is super-critical for larger tiles. For the super-large tiles, we get the additional certification. ---
**Author:** ![brian\_e\_trimble\_cdt](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/brian_e_trimble_cdt/32/380_2.png) [@brian\_e\_trimble\_cdt](https://forum.4specs.com/u/brian_e_trimble_cdt)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2023, 6:40pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/tile-installation-failure/4004/8 "2023-10-11T18:40:52Z")
Besides the TCNA handbook, there is now Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) which qualifies the actual tile installer ([https://www.tilecertifications.com/](https://www.tilecertifications.com/)). This is a skills based test that shows a craftworker knows the materials and proper installation methods. While things could still go wrong, at least they have proper training. I assume the contractor on this project probably had none of that.