We have been enjoying the warm weather although a little hot for June; record temperatures and the stifling humidity make for rather uncomfortable working conditions. Wish we’d had some warmth last winter as a lot of our work was outside, even in the balmy climes of North Carolina, on the coast we get some pretty chilly days. We have two jobs going now and both have A/C, but my guys won’t take a pay cut for the cushy working conditions!
While we’re on the topic, a little advice about weather extremes as it pertains to tile and stone installation. First and foremost, make sure your workers are comfortable--no one does their best when under stress. The next most important factor is the temperature parameters for the installation. There are always high and low recommended temperature ranges on every type of installation, depending on the materials and location of the work. There’s nothing like getting started on a job and realizing that you have done something isn’t quite right. Like in the episode from Season 3 of “Friends- The One With Frank, Jr.”, you re-tile your bathroom and in the end realize you REALLY screwed up-- there’s a hole in the middle of your bathroom floor where tile should be. You could be sleeping on the sofa for a long time after that!
I would be remiss if I didn’t state the obvious: READ THE INFORMATION THAT CAME WITH YOUR MATERIALS! It’s printed in Spanish as well. Use your head. Mortar takes time to set prior to application, often a few days. Unless you’re planning to set it in your living room, outdoor temperatures DO affect the setting for (what would seem like) obvious reasons. In case its not obvious-- mortar is mixed with water, water evaporates or freezes with temperature... heat gives you dry mortar, cold causes it to freeze. You get the idea.
The best way to avoid these kinds of headaches is to hire a professional, even for a small job. What takes you an entire weekend could be knocked out by us in a matter of half a day, and you’re guaranteed satisfaction and quality workmanship, not to mention, avoiding “pulling a Joey”.
Speaking of which... Seemoretile.com and Reilly’s Tile & Stone is offering a WONDERFUL opportunity for residents in the Wilmington, NC area: a $5,000 BATHROOM RENOVATION. The details are on our Facebook FanPage (don’t forget to “Like” Seemoretile.com!). Enter and you could have a sparkling new bathroom in no time!
