Tiles cracked

Cause

Movement (deflection) of timber substrate

Repair

  • strengthen floor to stop movement in the substrate; remove damaged tiles; ensure substrate is level and clean; lay new tiles

Cause

Shrinkage of concrete floor slab, tiles laid too soon

Repair

  • allow sufficient time for concrete slab to dry fully before addressing problem – a newly poured concrete floor slab dries at a rate of approximately 25 mm per month so a 100 mm thick floor slab requires at least 4 months to fully dry:
    • remove damaged tiles
    • incorporate movement control joints at floor edges, changes in direction such as corners, and at 4.0 metre centres maximum
    • if possible fill joints with flexible sealant
    • lay new tiles ensuring they are fully bedded in the adhesive i.e. entire contact area must be covered with adhesive

Cause

No movement control joints installed in concrete floor slab, or tiles laid over movement joints in concrete floor slab

Repair

  • allow sufficient time for concrete slab to dry fully before addressing problem – a newly poured concrete floor slab dries at a rate of approximately 25 mm per month so a 100 mm thick floor slab requires at least 4 months to fully dry:
    • remove damaged tiles
    • incorporate movement control joints at floor edges, changes in direction such as corners, and at 4.0 metre centres maximum
    • if possible fill joints with flexible sealant
    • lay new tiles ensuring they are fully bedded in the adhesive i.e. entire contact area must be covered with adhesive

Cause

Uneven substrate

Repair

  • allow sufficient time for concrete slab to dry fully before addressing problem – a newly poured concrete floor slab dries at a rate of approximately 25 mm per month so a 100 mm thick floor slab requires at least 4 months to fully dry:
    • remove damaged tiles
    • incorporate movement control joints at floor edges, changes in direction such as corners, and at 4.0 metre centres maximum
    • if possible fill joints with flexible sealant
    • lay new tiles ensuring they are fully bedded in the adhesive i.e. entire contact area must be covered with adhesive

Cause

Poor installation and adhesion – air pockets under the tiles, or tiles not properly adhesive-bedded to floor

Repair

  • allow sufficient time for concrete slab to dry fully before addressing problem – a newly poured concrete floor slab dries at a rate of approximately 25 mm per month so a 100 mm thick floor slab requires at least 4 months to fully dry:
    • remove damaged tiles
    • incorporate movement control joints at floor edges, changes in direction such as corners, and at 4.0 metre centres maximum
    • if possible fill joints with flexible sealant
    • lay new tiles ensuring they are fully bedded in the adhesive i.e. entire contact area must be covered with adhesive

Cause

Tiles unsuitable for floor use

Repair

  • lift and replace tiles with ones suitable for floor use

Cause

Moisture absorption of quarry tiles

Repair

  • allow quarry tiles to dry; seal with a clear silicone sealer

Cause

Impact damage

Repair

  • lift and replace damaged tiles – regrout