Tiles cracked
Listed under: Interior, adhesives and sealants, adhesives, sealants, finishes, tiles, concrete and cement, floor coverings, floor tiles, floors
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