We`ve been down this road before….more than once. For various reasons I`ve always recomended installing tile beneath all cabinetry and appliances. Ran into a situation today that adds to my list.
While meeting a prospective client this afternoon, about a basement remodel, I noticed a large ice formation hanging from below the rear deck which is adjacent to the kitchen. I didn`t think much of it at first, until we entered the basement bathroom which is directly below the kitchen. A few small water stains on the bathroom wall peaked my curiosity. After investigating the kitchen sink base and coming up empty I removed the toe-kick trim from the DW front. The exposed subflooring was puddled with water coming from a slow leak at the water connection. The small recess created by not continueing the tile below the DW prevented a minor leak from being detected immediately, and has for some time allowed the water to both run out through the exterior walls as well as drain slowly through to the basement. Had I not noticed the problem, I`m quite sure the HO would still be unaware it existed.
Once again, I insist….install tile completely throughout the entire floor. Money you think you`re saving up front may pale in comparison in the long run.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
“DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE”
Replies
doing a remodal on my kitchen while living there.... PITA...
I understand, and agree.
that said I did something a little different and wish I had tiled the whole floor. it probably would have been simpler and faster.
here is what I did and you tell me what you think, please:
3/4 exterior grade ply under the Cabs.
1/2" hardiebacker board over the rest of floor under all appliances.
the tile thinset down with the addition of a waterproof membrane under just the DW and fridge. the floor in those locations is very slightly out of level (1/16" total) so any water would run out into the middle of the floor. the membrane is also run up the wall 3" so the cove back there covers it.
In the sink cab I put in a layer of middle quality lino and ran it all the way up all three walls with the corners overlaping a good 3 inches. I moved the bottom board so that it was angled out also.
the concept here is to create a fool proof way to force the HO (me) to find and fix any leak ASAP.
do you see any obvious problems with my solution?
Seco9nd instance I've heard this week where the presence of icicles clued someone into the fact that there might be a problem. See, cold weather isn't all bad : )