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About Perry Vellenga
Expertise
Ceramic Tile/Marble. I can answer questions about floor preparation, tile selection, layout questions, performance of products, expectations of finish, compatabilities, questions about grout and epoxies, evaluating an installer, asking the right questions to check competence...more? 30 years this August 09'/ many years in commercial application from exterior finishes to Mall store fronts/ interior finishes like floor packages in stores inside Malls examples: The Limited, Lerner/NY, Lane Bryants, Bombay Co., ect...
Experience
I worked in an exclusive field of floorcovering called "Tenant Development" which is by invitational bid only, by way of a National bid list. These are large floor packages usually over 3500 sq. ft. of 18" x 18" Marble and Granite and many other types of Marble and sizes. They are specialty stores where the floor package can cost upwards of $50,000 for one store. I have also done "Structure" stores and J. Riggins stores, Express and Body Shop stores where wood flooring is used. Presently work for a National Flooring Company in the Residential new construction arena that covers most interior design elements..Granite Slab tops/wood flooring both job finished and prefinished ect..
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You are here: Experts > Style > Interior Decorating > Flooring and Carpeting > travertine flooring prep
Expert: Perry Vellenga - 11/2/2009
Question
Hello, my property does some heaving due to excess water in the ground (clay). We plan to install some french drains next summer but we have travertine tiles to install in the next week. What precautions should we take in order for that heaving not to affect (crack) our tiles?
Thanks,
Sharmaine
Alaska
Answer
Thank you for your question Sharmaine,
The primary problem with a floor that "heaves" is that over time it can settle back down only to heave again. This significant amount of movement is simply too much for conventional precautions. Isolation membranes or uncoupling membranes can significantly protect against settlement cracking or a stress fracture for sure but a heaving floor is a lot different. Expansive soils (we have it here in Colorado as well) are unpredictable at best and movement of over 2-3" is not out of the question. That being said my best suggestion for your situation is going to be Ditra uncoupling membrane. Depending upon where the tile is installed, how much of the actual floor is covered, there is really no competent means of guarantee for this floor when using a rigid material like Travertine. You don't mention if this is a basement or slab on grade, the size of the tile or where it is to be applied so the information available limits expectations. I can't say that you will have zero problems but with the Ditra you will have your best opportunity for success. I hope this helps you with your project, feel free to return anytime..
Perry V.
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