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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 how field-testing conditions affect reliability, interpretation, and evidentiary weight By Gil Chotam & Greg Andrews | National Tile and Stone Authority (NTSA) Field testing is often relied upon to evaluate material performance under actual site conditions. In forensic investigations, these results may be used to support conclusions regarding installation quality, material suitability,…
An examination of how testing practices affect reliability, interpretation, and evidentiary value By Gil Chotam & Greg Andrews | National Tile and Stone Authority (NTSA) Tile and stone laboratory test reports are often treated as objective and definitive. In practice, the testing process may be influenced by sampling methods, specimen preparation, reporting practices, and selective…
By Gil Chotam & Greg Andrews | National Tile and Stone Authority (NTSA) A few years ago, during a visit to Israel, I observed something that has stayed with me: the concept behind digital photography existed thousands of years earlier in the form of mosaics. What initially appeared to be an artistic comparison also raised…
By Gil Chotam & Greg Andrews | National Tile and Stone Authority (NTSA) Glass pool tile has long been a favored choice for pools and water features due to its stunning beauty and versatility. Its popularity, however, comes with a significant challenge: the issue of discoloration under transparent and translucent glass tiles. This problem has…
By Gil Chotam & Greg Andrews | National Tile and Stone Authority (NTSA) The beauty of a swimming pool lies not only in its sparkling waters or beautiful interior finishes but also in the meticulous details that adorn its perimeter. Among these details, pool coping stands out as a crucial element, serving as the transition…