Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Common mistakes in ceramic floor tiling



I often get called into to figure out why a product installation failed and floor tiles are a common installation that fails. First I have bullet pointed a list of problems I commonly see and below that there are more some detailed points Here are some of the things I find and why I think they happen:






  • Inadequate subfloor and improperly secured cement board substrate leads to cracks
  • Tile choice can impact the final outcome. A better grade tile improves chances of success
  • Choose the correct size tile for the existing floor conditions
  • Failure of adhesive. I suggest a high quality thinset mortar instead of pre-mixed mastic
  • Don't tile over a cracked concrete floor without using a crack isolation membrane






  1. Cracks are telegraphed through the tiles which indicate where the subfloor has movement (not a good thing). Usually when I see a linear crack that travels across several tiles it indicates that there is an improperly sized and/or secured plywood subfloor. If the plywood is too thin it will deflect under foot traffic and will transmit a crack through the tile. It all comes down to deflection and another way to prevent deflection is to use a cement board substrate and sandwich a thin layer of thinset mortar between the wood sheathing and the cement board. It needs to be screwed down but it is not critical that the screws hit the floor joists. The thinset mortar acts as a gap filler and an adhesive. I never see perfectly flat wood sheathing so thinset takes up the space under the cement board that would otherwise settle therefore creating movement up into the tiles. Thinset makes the whole floor much more stiff which means a less bouncy floor. Less bounce means less movement which also means less grout cracking. I would never adhere tiles directly to plywood or "luan" which was common back in the 80's and 90's. Although cement board is not waterproof, it does make a very good surface to adhere tile to if the cement board itself is properly secured to the subfloor and does not deflect too much. Cement board is very flexible so it will conform to a bouncy floor. Another reason a floor might be too bouncy is that the framing is under sized. You might need to stiffen up the framing before it is capable of being tiled. Staggering the seams of the cement board over the subfloor joints is also important.
  2. Often times the crack could have been avoided by simply choosing an appropriate floor tile. Most folks group all types of tile under the term "ceramic tile" but there are two types of commonly available tiles and they are Ceramic and Porcelain. They are made using a different combination of materials and Porcelain tends to be stronger and harder. Both types of tiles are Graded and come in Five different grades from 1-5 (or I,II,III,IV and V). You will find the grade of the tile on the bottom of the tile and it corresponds to its hardness or wear rating. Tiles with a V grading will be much more durable than a I but tiles with a V rating are usually reserved for high traffic commercial use and come in limited styles and colors. I would never choose a floor tile with a Grade less than III so it's important to look at this when buying the tiles. Grade I and some Grade II tiles are primarily for walls and backsplashes and are much easier to work with and cut. Porcelain tiles are harder to cut and require special tools.
  3. If you have a room with an uneven floor and a little bounce I would highly suggest you avoid large tiles. Selecting a large tile (12x12 or larger) will increase the odds of it cracking, especially with a weaker product like natural marble tile. Any deflection at all in the floor will also crack the larger tiles easier. Keeping the surface of all the adjacent tiles is difficult if you have an uneven floor and even more so with larger tiles. Marble tiles have a very small beveled edge so the margin for error is tiny as opposed to some ceramic or porcelain tiles with a larger beveled edge.
  4. Another thing I see is people using the premixed mastic on floor tiles. This is an absolute no-no and will almost guarantee a failure over time. I always use a thinset mortar. Thinset is available in many forms such a plain or modified and can contain additives to improve strength and elasticity. It is important to mix the mortar properly for it to work right. If it is too soupy it won't lay down right with the notched trowel. If it is too thick you won't get the adhesive properties you need to hold down the tile. If it is too dry the mortar won't stick to the back of the tile and will fail which will usually show itself by cracked grout lines all around the tile. You need to mix mortar in a bucket with a slow RPM drill and a proper mixing paddle. If you mix too fast you will introduce too much air and it will weaken the mix considerably. After the mortar is mixed it should sit for a few minutes and then give it a final mix just before you use it. This is considered allowing it to "Slake". Make sure there are no dry clumps in the mortar and it is best to put the water in the bucket first and then add dry mortar. Using the correct sized notched trowel is also important so you can refer to this chart for more info http://http//www.custombuildingproducts.com/HowToTile/notchTrowelSizeGuide.aspx?user=dis&lang=en
  5. Often times I see cracks in the tile where it is installed over a concrete slab. This is almost always because there was a crack in the slab before the tile was installed. The tiles are not strong enough to hold the slab together and prevent it from moving so a Crack Isolation Membrane should also be used when tiling over a cracked slab. The membrane only needs to be used over the cracked area if it is flexibly roll-on material. There is also a product made by Schluter which comes in a roll and serves a similar purpose but needs to cover the entire floor area http://www.schluter.com/6_1_ditra.aspx A crack isolation membrane is also critical when the tile will be installed over two adjacent and dissimilar materials such as concrete and wood subfloors. This is a crack waiting to happen because both materials move and flex at different rates.

I have seen many tile floor failures and I would be happy to help you troubleshoot a project. If you have any questions feel free to comment or find me at http://www.mvconstruction.com/ where you can email me any questions.

67 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  12. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  13. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  14. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  15. After study a few of the posts on this website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it and will be checking back soon. ..Home Remodeling Charleston SC

    ReplyDelete
  16. It has been eventually since I went to site with such high quality information. Thank you so much for providing such a great amount of supportive data. This is truly instructive and I will beyond any doubt refer my companions the same. Thanks.....
    home builders Charleston sc

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for informing. We are giving more update with all new software download

    ReplyDelete
  18. thanks to share for great information for common mistakes in ceramic floor tiling.
    pc software download app

    ReplyDelete
  19. Nice and really helpful posting about common mistakes in ceramic floor tiling.
    Download Crack Software

    ReplyDelete
  20. Most of these tiles do not need the entire quality involving marble good tile saw nonetheless they perform serve it is intent with incorporating shade and also pattern into certainly one of your current areas.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for sharing such valuable information on Ceramic tile adhesive

    ReplyDelete
  22. Nice post with great tips. Hope that we will found more helpful post like above from you soon. Thanks.
    Floor Installation

    ReplyDelete
  23. Very informative article.
    This is a great concept actually I was looking for how to renovate my workplace with better ceramic tiles and Polished Concrete

    ReplyDelete
  24. Highly vigorous blog, I liked that much. home remodeling

    ReplyDelete
  25. I really enjoy reading and also appreciate your work. remodeling

    ReplyDelete
  26. Nice post with great tips. Hope that we will found more helpful post like above from you soon. Thanks.
    Floor Installation

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks for this really nice and informative post,
    .VOC free wood flooring

    ReplyDelete
  28. Serious lover of your blog, a considerable number of your blog posts have really helped me out. Looking towards updates!
    Solid Real Wood Unfinished Furniture

    ReplyDelete
  29. It’s a classic great for me to go to this blog site, it offers helpful suggestions

    mold removal port st lucie

    ReplyDelete
  30. Nice blog and so informative thank you for sharing us.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Nice Blog , This is what I exactly Looking for , Keep sharing more blog Porcelain Tiles in Bangalore | Kitchen Tiles in Bangalore

    ReplyDelete
  32. We’ve been stumbling around the internet and found your blog along the way.

    We love your work! What a great corner of the internet :)




    pave tile - website

    ReplyDelete
  33. We were recently brought onto a home improvement job gone wrong. The new first time homebuyers were renovating their basement and decided to install tile in the bathroom - straight onto the uneven 1960's concrete floors. They were embarrassed at their mistake but it was not painless for us to have to chip and remove the carrara. A sad day all around.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Do you need to install Bathroom Shower Tile in Boulder? And looking for professional for Floor Tile Installation? Come to Handyman Hub.


    More Information :- http://handymanhub.com/services/general-services/

    ReplyDelete
  35. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Your comment is awaiting moderation.
    I had an issue with bouncing and squeaking floors with a lot of defection. I found this company called
    structure lock. They have this metal X brace that worked great.

    Check them out I believe it’s http://www.structurelock.com

    Hope this helps

    Patrick

    ReplyDelete
  37. I regularly visit this site to check out the new articles.Your blog is very informative.keep sharing....... Roofing service Georgia

    ReplyDelete
  38. Writing a blog is a bit of craftsmanship and the essayist has without a doubt aced this aptitude.guesthouse

    ReplyDelete
  39. This is a brilliant blog! I'm very happy with the comments!..
    Certified Precision Roofing

    ReplyDelete
  40. This piece of writing is truly a pleasant one it helps new internet people, who are wishing for blogging.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I'd have to agree with you when you say usage of big tiles on uneven floors is a huge no. Installation of such would definitely result to a disaster and waste your investment so ask an expert on what to use and find the latest floor tiles for your floors and create a house built as a home.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Excellent and helpful post… I am so glad to left comment on this. This has been a so interesting ..I appreciate your effort..
    Floor Tilers Sydney

    ReplyDelete
  43. Best work you have done, this online site is truly cool with extraordinary truths. como fazer porcelanato liquido

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hey what a brilliant post I have come across and believe me I have been searching out for this similar kind of post for past a week and hardly came across this. Thank you very much and will look for more postings from you.
    marble floor tile

    ReplyDelete
  45. Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specially the last part I care for such information a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a long time.
    Sink Mixer Taps
    Thank you and good luck.

    ReplyDelete



  46. ASASA Kitchens best kitchen renovation toronto company.Asasa Kitchens caters from New Kitchen Intallation, Custom Design Kitchens, Kitchen Remodel and Refacing.Also asasa kitchen offers kitchen cabinets,kitchen Tiles,Kitchen Quartz Countertop,kitchen faucets.

    ReplyDelete
  47. ArmorThane develops, manufactures and distributes top-quality protective coatings and designs and engineers commercial application equipment. A multinational network of dealers spray coatings on everything from bed liners to secondary spill containment.For more information in regards to visit our website.Thank you! bedliner

    ReplyDelete
  48. Nice Blog...
    Thanks For Sharing...
    Precious Tiling ensures that you get the best Tiler to improve the appearance of your floor. It is possible for us to make your surface look impressive. Our professionals are well-versed in giving the best tiling service. All modern equipment and advanced technology are used by us to refurbish the floor.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon! KPG Roofings

    ReplyDelete
  50. thank you for the information, very detailed + quality content

    ReplyDelete
  51. A very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. affordable floor tiles

    ReplyDelete
  52. Wow, cool post. I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article... but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. Floor tile lexington

    ReplyDelete
  53. Proper installation goes a long way in elongating the lifetime of floor tiles. In fact, poor and shoddy installation is responsible for the majority of most tiling breakage and cracking. A cracked tile usually requires that some or all of the surrounding tiles be torn out and new tiles be laid. parquet carrelage

    ReplyDelete
  54. I really thank you for the valuable info on this great subject and look forward to more great posts. Thanks a lot for enjoying this beauty article with me. I am appreciating it very much! Looking forward to another great article. Good luck to the author! All the best! Staircase refinishing

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hi, I find reading this article a joy. It is extremely helpful and interesting and very much looking forward to reading more of your work.. homedecorna

    ReplyDelete
  56. Wow, cool post. I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article... but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. house extension

    ReplyDelete
  57. shadow storm granite Wow, cool post. I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article... but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Amiprofits offers a reasonably priced Amibroker data feed. Please check our website for further details.

    ReplyDelete
  59. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Thank you for sharing this article; it's informative. Bigbrohardwood is installing floring and refinishing that has received an amazing review from the client. Please visit us and explore our high-quality services.


    Big Bro Hardwood offers dust-free Hardwood Floor Refinishing in Naperville, IL. So, if you find your wood floor starts losing its shine, feel free to contact us at 630 418 4139.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Looking forward to more insights from your experiences. Keep up the excellent work! Atlanta Tile Installer

    ReplyDelete

  62. Tackling ceramic floor tiling is an art, and even in missteps, there's room for growth. Embrace the learning curve! Every mistake is a stepping stone toward mastery. With persistence and a positive mindset, you'll transform errors into opportunities for improvement in your tile-laying journey.
    Dallas Tile Installation

    ReplyDelete
  63. This article offers invaluable insights into common tiling mistakes. The practical tips can help DIY enthusiasts avoid errors and achieve professional-looking ceramic floors. Thanks for sharing! Atlanta Tile Installer







    ReplyDelete