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An analysis of bond structure, moisture behavior, and system selection in submerged tile pool assemblies By Gil Chotam & Greg Andrews | National Tile and Stone Authority (NTSA) All-tile swimming pools have seen renewed use in high-end construction, driven by aesthetic considerations and long-term durability expectations. At the same time, submerged tile installation systems have…
An analysis of mortar transfer, failure planes, and misinterpretation in tile installation disputes By Gil Chotam & Greg Andrews | National Tile and Stone Authority (NTSA) Thinset coverage is frequently relied upon in failure investigations involving tile and stone assemblies. In industry terminology, coverage refers to the percentage of the tile’s backside that is in…
An analysis of vapor emission, material interaction, and evidentiary requirements in moisture-related claims By Gil Chotam & Greg Andrews | National Tile and Stone Authority (NTSA) Moisture-related conditions are commonly attributed to installation error based on visible symptoms, despite the fact that substrate moisture levels are typically established prior to installation. Where elevated moisture or…
An analysis of consistency, sequencing, and non-technical contributors to tile installation failure By Gil Chotam & Greg Andrews | National Tile and Stone Authority (NTSA) In forensic evaluation of tile and stone assemblies, certain tile installation failure occurs in the absence of clear technical deficiencies. Materials may be appropriate, specifications properly defined, and installers demonstrably…
An analysis of causation, responsibility, and evidentiary structure in construction defect cases By Gil Chotam & Greg Andrews | National Tile and Stone Authority (NTSA) When a tile or stone assembly fails, determining responsibility is often the central issue. Multiple parties may be involved in the project, each contributing to the final condition of the…
A Forensic interpretation of moisture movement, salt deposition, and pattern recognition in construction defect evaluation By Gil Chotam & Greg Andrews | National Tile and Stone Authority (NTSA) Efflorescence and staining related to moisture are frequently cited in construction defect claims involving tile and stone assemblies. These conditions are often attributed to installation error or…
An analysis of soil conditions, slab behavior, and crack pattern interpretation in tile failure cases By Gil Chotam & Greg Andrews | National Tile and Stone Authority (NTSA) Tile failure is often interpreted as a surface-level issue. In many cases, however, the origin of distress lies within the substrate. Soil variability, moisture fluctuations, and foundation…
An analysis of color variation, environmental exposure, and evidentiary standards in grout-related claims By Gil Chotam & Greg Andrews | National Tile and Stone Authority (NTSA) Grout appearance variations are a frequent source of dispute in tile and stone installations. Variations in color, surface texture, or uniformity are often interpreted as installation defects, particularly when…
An analysis of tile and stone surface damage claims, coordination issues, and responsibility in construction defect cases By Gil Chotam & Greg Andrews | National Tile and Stone Authority (NTSA) In construction defect claims involving installations, tile and stone surface damage to adjacent components is frequently attributed to the installer. Scratched tubs, stained fixtures, and…
Subcontractor-supplied Tile/Stone Installation — An analysis of control, risk allocation, and performance outcomes in construction defect cases By Gil Chotam & Greg Andrews | National Tile and Stone Authority (NTSA) In tile and stone installations, material procurement is often separated from installation scope. Owners or general contractors may purchase tile or stone directly, while subcontractors…