I need to know if this is correct. Installing 6x36 porcelain wood planks over entire main floor of townhouse 400 sq ft, includes a bathroom, kitchen, hallway and living room. I had 4 estimates with all different ways of installations. I chose an installer that was recommended. I saw his work and it was very good. He also sent pictures.

We removed tile and carpet ourselves to help save some costs. There was 5/8" OBS subfloor. 16" joists, (cross supports) and span is 11'. running with joists. Tile will run length wise not across joists, down towards 17' hallway 4' wide. There was ceramic tile in kitchen, bathrm, hallway, and then carpet in 18 x 11 living room, which all was removed.
We had damaged some small areas in hallway. About 6" round in 2 spots when removing tile. He said subfloor was in good shape and no need for plywood. But there was some areas not level, and some unevenness at joints of OBS.
Installer wanted me to use Leveler in these areas and over entire floor. But supply store said can not use leveller on OBS. So installer suggested 1/4" Hardibacker, and then on top of that a membrane called Protegga. (he said does same as Ditra) so he started area of 18' x 11' in living rm.
Subfloor OBS was screwed down heavily with 2" floor screws, vacuumed and wiped well. He put down layer of mortar Magniflex Super 8820 Polymer-Modified floor and wall tile mortar immediately applied Hardibacker on top wet mortar, but then stapled ALOT of 1" wide galvanized staples, all over the boards randomly.

BUT also down the some of the seams binding the seems or joints together. He did not keep the fasteners 3/4" from joints or 2" down from corners as instructions of installation. He was going to omit joint tape said i did not need it, but i insisted and bought it for him to use, I told him this is for allowing slight movement of the entire surface holding it together.

So he did apply the Fibatape alkali-resistant down all joints and seams but did not embed it in mortar. Some boards have the 1/8" spacing but the one stapled together are butted, and perimeter all has most 1/4" from walls, that is as far he is at this point, he intends to apply the mud down joints and seams afterwards.(tape was not embedded)

After he does this he will let dry a day, and then he will then apply another layer of thin set over entire area of Hardibacker and then apply the membrane Protegga, he will then lay the porcelain planks over top of this membrane in thin set with 1/2" trowel. Wait a day before appyling non sanded grout.

Does this sound correct, I am worried of the staples down the seams and joints as this does not allow for expansion. This was very expensive floor and i want it to last for many years.

Is he doing anything that can affect this, and should I remove the staples at the seams? He is not back for another 2 days as his staple gun broke down.
Sorry for the long entry, but did not know how to explain.
thanks much.

This post was edited by annjil on Sun, Nov 23, 14 at 17:33