Day five of the P-ITT floor tiling course and it's been busy with lots of information packed topics covered.You can leave feedback about this course here PITT Floor Tiling Course Feedback

Grouting and cleaning off of our bays, corridors and steps is the first lesson. Jason starts by demonstrating the mixing of grout and an explanation for why manual mixing is best for grout strength and durability. The consistency of the grout is also discussed and what happens the grout is applied too wet.

Then it's time for a demonstration of the correct way to apply grout to the floor with tips on how to make the task easier and what to look for to ensure the joints are filled. As the grout starts to stiffen up, Jason then demonstrates the ideal way to use a washboy and the need for a decent sponge and spongeboard; most of the students haven't seen a washboy. Nick who I was working with was very impressed with the washboy and I think the whole exercise will help him greatly on future jobs. Again the technique P-ITT uses with the washboy is very slightly different to my own; but easier on the muscles than my way!

Once the clean has been completed and we're all happy with the process and the need for cleaning up we are then onto a lengthy lesson on underfloor heating.

There's a lot covered in the underfloor heating lesson; far more than I expected. We cover a variety of types including water based systems, electrical wire, mat and foil systems and the pro's and con's to each of them. We also cover the requirements for Part P electrical self-certification. Most of the students hadn't heard of this, so Jason explained this area fully and detailed what can and can't be done by a tiler without Part P accreditation.

I was very glad to know P-ITT share my thoughts on tiling straight over electrical wire matting and the problems that it causes not only with the increased risk of damaging cables but also the difficulty in complying with British Standards for complete coverage of adhesive.

Fixing methods for underfloor heating elements were fully covered along with instructions for screeding and leveling compounds, including a slide show presentation of works in progress where heating elements where being used. I think this helped to embed the knowledge for those who'd never seen such a task being done.

Removing tiles and how to repair damaged caused when removing the said tiles was a short but informative lesson, which covered what is a regular little job.

Screeds, substrate identification and movement joints was another in-depth lesson which covered an awful lot of ground. The lesson included what can be tiled to and what to use and of course substrates that are not suitable for tiling. How to identify the substrates was an important element as many had never heard of a greater majority of the terms used; but all was explained.

The need for movement joints and their British Standard requirements was covered fully for both walls and floors. A slideshow presentation further explained the use and types of movement joints available and also the different manufacturers of such joints.

Wet rooms, this for me was a very good lesson and indeed a little bit of a revelation as I'd been doing these in a much more difficult way. During the course of the lesson Jason explained how to construct a basic wet room and form the required slopes, how and where to apply the tanking and what the required adhesive and grouts are.

All in all an excellent day with a lot of content covered, but covered at a pace that I think all could cope with.

To complete the course there was a question and answer session after which where Paul explained about the technical support line that is available to all P-ITT students 91 hours per week. This feature in itself is worth a fortune, to know you can call someone for help when your in the mire or just plain lost on what to do. Paul also asked the class if they were happy with the course and if there was anything they weren't clear on. The answer was a resounding yes to being happy with applause!

The course was completed with a nicely designed and presented certificate and a record of achievement.

Day one | Day two | Day three | Day four | Day five | Conclusion

Each day of the course will be reviewed so please continue to read, for more details of the floor tiling course click here

Review by Dave M. Carr
[e] dave@davemcarr.co.uk
[w] www.tiling.davemcarr.co.uk
Professional Floor Wall Tiler Nottingham

Tags: reviews, training courses, pitt, floor tiling