Supplying and fitting cap and cove Altro Aquarius Mallard into a wetroom in London

Achieving Perfection: Installing Cap and Cove Altro Aquarius Mallard in a London Wetroom

In a recent project in London, we were tasked with supplying and fitting the premium Cap and Cove Altro Aquarius Mallard system into a bespoke wetroom. This is unsual because we often fit lino floors in West Hampstead but this installation was not without its challenges, notably due to persistent issues with the floor’s camber—a critical element needed to ensure water drains effectively to the centre. Despite setbacks with the builders consistently getting this slope wrong, our team went above and beyond to not only correct the problem but also to alleviate the stress the client was experiencing.

The Challenge: Incorrect Floor Camber

A well-designed wetroom depends on a correctly graded floor. The camber is essential for directing water to the central drain, preventing puddling and water damage. Unfortunately, the builders’ repeated errors in establishing the proper camber created a significant obstacle. The incorrect slope not only risked the performance of the wetroom but also compounded the client’s frustration during an already stressful building process.

Our Approach to the Cap and Cove Installation

1. Detailed Pre-Installation Assessment
Before any work commenced, our team conducted a thorough survey of the site. This assessment was crucial in identifying the extent of the deviation in the floor’s slope. Recognizing that the success of the project hinged on a properly graded surface, we devised a plan to re-establish the required camber.

2. Correcting the Camber
We tackled the camber issue head-on:

• Re-Grading the Floor: Our specialists removed compromised materials and applied a new screed layer. This layer was carefully crafted to achieve the precise gradient necessary for efficient water drainage.
• Rigorous Testing: Once the new screed was laid, we performed detailed checks to confirm that the camber met industry standards, ensuring water would flow to the drain without pooling.

3. Installation of the Cap and Cove System
With a correctly graded floor in place, we proceeded with the installation:

• Substrate Preparation: The new screed was allowed to cure fully and was then waterproofed to provide a solid base.
• Laying the Cap and Cove: We installed the Cap and Cove system, renowned for its seamless design and high-quality finish. This involved carefully setting the Altro Aquarius Mallard tiles, ensuring perfect alignment and adhesion.
• Final Sealing: Meticulous attention was paid to sealing all joints, securing a watertight finish that is critical for any wetroom.

4. Client-Focused Communication
Understanding the client’s frustration with their builders, we maintained open and clear communication throughout the project. Our team provided regular updates and reassurances, ensuring the client was aware that every effort was being made to rectify the issues and deliver a superior final product.

Overcoming Adversity and Exceeding Expectations

The journey to a successful installation was fraught with challenges, primarily the ongoing battle with the incorrect floor camber. However, our expertise in wetroom fittings enabled us to turn a potentially disastrous situation into a showcase of our technical prowess. By revisiting the fundamentals of the installation process and applying precise corrective measures, we ensured that the water drainage system was perfected.

Ultimately, our commitment to quality and client satisfaction shone through. Not only did we meet the project’s requirements, but we also exceeded the client’s expectations—providing a wetroom that is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing.

Conclusion

The successful supply and fitting of the Cap and Cove Altro Aquarius Mallard (a very fetching blue and only really found in the Forbo Marmoleum Vivace collection) system in this London wetroom is a testament to our team’s determination and technical skill. By overcoming the significant challenge posed by the builders’ errors in the floor camber, we delivered a project that not only met rigorous industry standards but also significantly reduced the stress on our client. This project stands as a prime example of how challenges, when met with expertise and perseverance, can be transformed into opportunities to excel.