Community Forums

neilnoff · 05-29-2017, 02:55 PM

We have a 2011 Essex with 3 or 4 loose tiles in the bedroom floor in front of the bed. None are broken, but they are loose and we want to have them re-set before they do break or before any further problems. Just in case, we also have spare tiles in case they are damaged in the process of making the repair. Our plan was to have them fixed at the factory in October, but the quote estimate that came back was for $3147. Holy cow, just need some tiles fixed, not looking to install Brazilian hardwood throughout the entire coach

We are in the Houston area but can travel if needed ($3000+ buys a lot of diesel). Does anyone have any experience with a tile repair person and can you recommend anyone who can do this? Happy Memorial Day, safe travels & thanks in advance--

BFlinn181 · 05-29-2017, 03:36 PM

Have you lifted any of the loose tiles to see why they might have come loose? Often it's poor mastic application or tile setting, or a sub floor that's flexing, popping or cracking the tile.

You could use a router to remove the mastic. Then buy a flexible mastic that won't become brittle to re-apply the tiles. Be prepared for more to come loose in the future, the ones that came loose were just an indication of a poor job.

The high cost of the repair probably includes removing all the tile and sub floor, new sub floor, and new tile.

As a DIY, I'd tackle the job myself, I could buy enough sub flooring and tile to cover a lot more than an RV bedroom for $3147.

Have you asked anyone else to give an estimate?

spinn · 05-29-2017, 04:20 PM

Yikes no kidding! My guess is Newmar will want to remove and reinstall all the tile in that section. I don't know any RV tile guys but whomever you choose make sure the use flexible epoxy grout. Are you perchance storing your unit at Vintage?

jedgar1 · 05-29-2017, 04:30 PM

I would call Newmar, buy the grout from them (correct color) and go to a local Tile srore and ask for a couple of their subcontractors who might be interested in the job, X amout of tile replacement.

JC2 · 05-29-2017, 05:49 PM

[QUOTE=neilnoff;3621606]We have a 2011 Essex with 3 or 4 loose tiles in the bedroom floor in front of the bed. None are broken, but they are loose and we want to have them re-set before they do break or before any further problems. Just in case, we also have spare tiles in case they are damaged in the process of making the repair. Our plan was to have them fixed at the factory in October, but the quote estimate that came back was for $3147. Holy cow, just need some tiles fixed, not looking to install Brazilian hardwood throughout the entire coach

We are in the Houston area but can travel if needed ($3000+ buys a lot of diesel). Does anyone have any experience with a tile repair person and can you recommend anyone who can do this? Happy Memorial Day, safe travels & thanks in advance--[/QUOTE

There is a member of this forum, Ernie Ekberg, does flooring work and I believe lives somewhere west/as of Dallas/Ft Worth. Towards the top of your pc screen, there is a blue bar with the word community. Click that at search for his name as I've typed it.(no comma on the end) His name should pop up with his contact info.

neilnoff · 06-01-2017, 11:06 AM

Thanks to everyone for the responses. A few notes & updates:

1. I double-checked the Newmar quote and it pretty clearly states the scope of work is for repair/replacement of 3 - 5 tiles. No mention of removing all tiles, replacing subfloor, etc, even though the price seems like that would cover it!
2. Steve: Yes, we do store at Vintage and I think I've seen your gorgeous silver coach!
3. I also checked with Newmar and they only sell "their" grout in large quantity tubs.
4. The good news is that we will get a quote from our preferred technician in Houston, Brooks Wagner. Seems Brooks was trained by Newmar on flooring issues, so we are hoping he is up for it. If not, we will continue the search with the other recommended contact.

Thanks again to all & safe travels!