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The first step for your architect/engineer be this one. This website will give you an overview of the materials and methods necessary in addressing waterproofing of the supporting substrate, subterranean drainage of the tile setting bed of special importance in freeze/thaw climates as well as thermal expansion/contraction issues.
Sorry this site is in German[Deutsch]. From my personal experience installing tile and stone, this firm has portrayed [graphically] the basic principles involved in succesful exposed/exterior applications in climactic extremes. I have been in the midst of writing a paper for the US market specifically addressing the issue of using manufactured clay products as well as natural stone in exterior applications for the last 12 years. Really hasn’t been a top priority in my life but as I see so much mis-information, myth and biased opinion, maybe it is high time I gather everything together so you all can decide the worthiness on your own.
Bucket and trowel tile dudes best leave this subject to the “masters”. This involves the true “draggin’ or pullin’ the mud” stuff. You won’t find the guys at your local Home or Martha Stewart Depot recommending/demonstrating these methods.[GRIN]
I suppose since I opened my big mouth I should welcome specific questions concerning why and why not, right?
Let’er rip!!!
Jeff
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Primary considerations/validation for tile/stone in exposed situations:
1) Preservation of a suitable supporting structure.
2) Proper drainage of precipitation from the finish surface taking into consideration surfaces adjoining vertically as well as below.
3) Addressing thermal expansion/contraction within the assembly.
I welcome other concerns and considerations as well for the purpose of this discussion and ultimately laying to rest some of the "myths" that contractors and clients use as excuses for not using timeless and durable materials.
Don't be bashfull. If the issues get clouded, we can always separate them into the sums of the parts for the sake of organization and application.
*Jeff,You are right. When done properly, stone, tile and the like can make wonderful decks and balconies. I have installed such and seen many installed. If you do it right you will have terrace that could out last your home. even in freezing conditions. The germans are the BEST when it comes to exposed ceramic and stone. The Italians are great with design, but stay away from the tile in outdoor applications.The man who taught me tile setting learned the "pachuk" method. That was when they set floor tile into a dry mortr bed, with a cement slime buttering the tile. Leo used to tell me that they could tile whatever the masons had completed by 11:00 a.m. in one day. And those terraces are still there. He figured a properly laid pachuk balcony would last a good 30 years.Alot of they outdoor techniques that I learned form him involved common sense "watch the water" solutions. He would say that water has a very small head and can fit in very small places, so avoid joints where they can attract water. Good pitch and the proper adhesives are a must. One interesting thing I saw on alot of balconies was what they called a nose drip. Under the concrete balcony, about 1 inch from the edge, they had a groove cut into the underside. Actually the groove was formed by laying a piece of styrofoam stripping, designed for that application, onto the bottom of the balcony form, and pulling it out of the set concrete. The water runs off the edge, under the edge, hits the groove and drops. Beauty.Don't let them tell you it can't be done. It is done every day in the Alps and northern Europe, by people who know how water works.ScottP.S. I am interested in seeing what you are putting together concerning this topic. e-mail Thanks alot.
*Jeff, Though the site has an english option, most 'o youz mays bettah bein able tah undahstand dis.Hope this helps...
*Mongo,Thanks for interpreting the site so all those vinny bumbattzahs on Long Island could understand the chit. You wouldn't believe how much time and effort I have spent with these dudes?I now am a firm believer that the ""Architectural Graphic Standards" should be interpreted by the dialectizer for the rest of the worlds interpretation.Funny stuff!!Jeff
*Scott,How about you look over my previous posts here at FineHomebuilding and determine whether or not you have anything to add to the topic?Perhaps if you think we share some synergy, we could gather our thoughts/expertise and co-generate something of interest that Taunton may be willing to pay for?What about it Taunton? Are you interested in a quality article, no holds barred? It will be extremely expensive what with onsite photography and such. You get what you pay for, eh?Jeff
*Jeffie,Give me a hint where to look for your posts. I would be interested in doing something like that. All of my work is in Autria, however getting pics should not be a problem. I think that Taunton SHOULD be interested is such a topic. Fine Homebuilding is a really big word and should include those things that everybody thinks are not possible, but are being done daily. Show me where to look.Scot