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Cob: RE: Tile

John Schinnerer John-Schinnerer at data-dimensions.com
Mon Nov 1 15:52:22 CST 1999


Aloha,

-----Original Message-----
From: abigail taitano [mailto:purplecloud at usa.net]
>Is it necessary to use grout and traditional tile laying methods to tile
>over cob what, or do you just lay them into the cob. 

I've seen plenty of tiles set directly into cob.  I would be wary of setting
large heavy tiles into vertical or overhanging positions - most of the ones
I've seen are small pieces, set on horizontal or less than vertical slopes.
I'd be inclined to use a thin layer of extra-sticky cob (without straw) to
"glue" them to their places in the wall cob.

>Also does anyone have any
>suggestions on having a bathing area bath included along with shower that
is
>tile over cob, without using traditional tile laying methods. 

If the tile is not grouted or the grout not waterproofed, I would be
concerned about the water that will get behind the tiles ruining the cob.
You can wet a bare cob wall and it will dry again without damage (if there
is adequate ventilation), but glazed tiles would hold moisture behind them,
which would both damage the wall and probably cause the tiles to fall off.
This is not just a problem with cob behind the tiles - sheetrock (even the
"water-resistant" stuff) behind leaky tiles/grout in stick-built
construction will be ruined, etc.

John Schinnerer