His Butt's Covered

His Butt's Covered

About His Butt's Covered

How many times have you heard, “but I told them that we shouldn’t tile over it”? Most people don’t want to cause trouble, and this can lead to bad professional decision making. What is often overlooked or not known is that it is normally a contractual obligation to inform the general contractor or homeowner of anything that will negatively impact the quality of the work. It is also listed in most all specifications under the Examination section stating to correct conditions that do not meet manufacturer’s requirements or that may be detrimental to the installation. Furthermore, it is an ANSI requirement per A108.02 stating, “Prior to commencing ceramic tilework, the tile contractor shall inspect surfaces to receive tile and accessories, and shall notify the architect, general contractor, or other designated authority in writing of any visually obvious defects or conditions that will prevent a satisfactory tile installation. Installation work shall not proceed until satisfactory conditions are provided.”

 

One good approach is to first have a conversation explaining the conditions that need to be addressed. Let them know upfront that written documentation will follow. This may or may not prompt action to correct the problem, but what is most important is that at least you have documented in writing what was agreed upon or what was told to them. Beware, even with written documentation, if you proceed with the installation that doesn’t meet the standards and later has a problem, you can still be held liable.

About the Tilewise Cartoons

TileWise cartoons were developed under Donato Pompo's leadership for Club '84 (Ceramic Tile Action Group).  Club '84 was a non-profit organization of accomplished individuals from all segments of the ceramic tile industry.  The group's mission was to develop and distribute educational aids to educate, train and bring quality awareness to the distributors, specifiers, installers, and consumers of Ceramic Tile.

The TileWise cartoons were created to communicate issuses and concerns in the business of using ceramic tile for all segments of the industry.  The objective was to educate to promote the quality use of ceramic tile.  In each cartoon the screen exaggerates what you shouldn't do or emphasizes an issue or concern, then George the Bucket (named after CTI founder George Lavenberg) says what is correct.  The cartoons ran for twelve years in each issue of the Tile Industry News, a major industry publication, published by the Ceramic Tile Institute until 1999 when it ceased.

Use these cartoons to educate your customers and employees to help avoid potential problems, and to promote a positive image of your company through newsletters, posters or mailings.

We hope you can put these cartoons to good use to help your industry and your business, and we know you will certainly benefit from them if you do.  Good Luck!

The TileWise Cartoons will be displayed and available for your use. Restricted to limited single use. Randy’s cherished wife, Suzanne, is working hard to care for their precious sons, Rudie and Remie. Randy’s sudden illness left them with limited resources. If you can benefit from the use of the TileWise Cartoons, and if you can afford it, a donation to Randy's family would be very much appreciated. Please see form below to pledge whatever amount you would like to donate.

Right click the cartoon of your choice (Restricted to limited single use) and do a "Save Picture As..." to your hardrive.

(over 50 TileWise cartoons for your pleasure, and to use to educate your customers and employees)

Please take the time to learn about Randy.

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