DM Tiling & Renovations

11/02/2024

11/02/2024

A job that was completed in the summer in Philpstoun, just east of Bo'ness & Linlithgow.

Back steps had become loose over time due to water ingress and weathering. To be fair, I am sure the client stated that the steps were done over 25 years previous so they have lasted well.

For these I had to remove tiles and then use an SDS Drill to chip away what was left of adhesive as needed a flat, solid surface. Getting back to the original stone also meant I could keep the original fall of the steps for water run off.

It was then a case of re-tiling and then grouting and finally a couple of coats of sealer. As the tiles are quarried stone, they are then permeable to water so they need sealed to protect from water seeping through and also against staining - if something were to be dropped/spilled on them.

Outdoor tiling, especially in Scotland, can only be done in a small window of weather. General rule is between May and October. No tiling should be done when the temperature is less than 5 degrees Celsius and if there is a chance of frost over night, then no tiling! Hot weather also causes issues, so a small operating window in this country!!

29/01/2024

Early January I completed this job, in Linlithgow. Originally, I was there to regrout but the tiles were ready to fall off so we had to redo the full shower.

Tiles had been up 25 year, so they have more than paid for themselves! The rest of the bathroom is still looking really good, so the decision was to change only the tiles within the shower area.

A contrasting, lightish grey tile was sourced and Mapei Silver Grey 111 grout and silicone was used to get a smart finish.

Preparation of the area consisted of tile removal, removal of 2 plywood walls and replaced by standard plasterboard, the third wall was of partial plaster & bond coat - this required some additional work to the wall... thanks to BAL Tiling for their time and help via their technical department, they confirmed the correct method to deal with the Bonding Coat issue.

Used BAL Primer 1C (the red colour) and then the new BAL Waterproof 1C tanking kit - quality piece of kit, even if a little pricey. Also used No More Leaks waterproof tapes around the bottom of the walls/showerpan and internal corner where shower head is.

After the hard work was done it was just a case of tiling the walls. Last job was to grout, leave to dry and then re-attach the original shower screen and then silicone.

Looks great and the change of colour makes the shower "pop" and really freshens up the look of the full room.

28/01/2024

Something a bit different, installing a hand rail up a set of stairs for client in Polmont.

20/09/2023

Circle grinding...

13/09/2023

Recent job completed in Linlithgow. Loft conversion, with small guest shower room.

Floor was first primed and then had Wedi Board installed before tiling with 600 x 600 grey porcelain tile. I used Genesis Global Systems Limited GLS Spin levelling system and grouted using Mapei (110) Manhattan Grey - with their colour-matched silicone for the transition between the shower tray and floor.

Shower and sink were tiled using 100 x 100 ceramic tiles. These tiles were of Moroccan styling where the shapes were irregular and the surfaces were not flat. This gives an effect of shade and light and each tile themselves were a naturally different shade of white.

Shower area was tanked using Mapei Tanking System and had Mapei Moon White (103) Grout installed. The plumber show installed the shower parts grouted using a white silicone.

The floating sink has the same Moon White grout but has been siliconed using colour-match grout.

The end result is a stunning looking area with a little variation of colours, shades and textures.

22/06/2023

Big shout out to the guys at SC Media Scotland Ltd for the new signage on the van. Not too in your face, but enough to show that it is a working vehicle and not a "Chelsea Tractor"!!