CTG Training Pamphlet

EXISTING BACKSPLASH

Occasionally you will have a customer that wishes to save their existing backsplash. This is not always possible, there are several determining factors that can affect a successful outcome. In most cases it is not possible to know how much damage will occur until the tear out is in process. Below are important aspects to consider: 1. The difference in thickness between the existing countertops and the new countertop selection will need adjusted for. 2. The new countertop will sit underneath the backsplash and not be installed “up to” it. 3. It is not always possible to slide the new stone underneath the existing splash for a pleasing out come. In some cases where it is possible, more seams may be needed than would be otherwise. 4. While our fabricator/installers are as careful as possible during demo of the existing backsplash and/or countertops, it may be unavoidable for damage to occur to the existing backsplash and/ or drywall. Backsplash tile is likely cemented directly to the drywall. 5. The extent of drywall damage may be small to large holes depending on how well it was ad hered at the time of installation. 6. Additionally, most of the time it is no longer possible to obtain matching tile for repairing. The drywall repair or possible replacement will need to be addressed separately by homeowner. If you are selling your customer a new tile splash, wall repair can usually be added to their tile job. Check with your tile installer to determine cost. 7. Sometimes it may be advisable for a single row of tile along the bottom to be removed and replaced with the same stone being used on the new countertops . This is considered a “trapped splash” and may require a separate template and install date. 8. The customer should purchase several tubes of sanded or non-sanded caulk that matches their existing backsplash grout. 9. The backsplash repairs, grouting and caulking are to be hired separately. It is recommended to employ an experienced tile installer. 10. We do not recommend trying to save backsplash that is single row. It is more cost effective to replace a single row backsplash. 11. It is common that the existing tile is not level. There may be a space between the unlevel exist ing backsplash and level countertop.

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