trouble with encaustic tiles cracking. - TilersForums.com

[John P]

We have recently had laid a kitchen floor with encaustic tiles from fired earth (20mm x 200 x 200), they went down on a stable slab that had had tiles on before. the encaustic tiles have cracked in places almost along contour lines, in multi directions. They are still in place, but deteriorating, has anyone had trouble with encaustic cracking? we are in a strange triangle between our builder, sub contractor and tile provider. Experience and anecdote welcome. Many thanks

 

[Dan]

Welcome to tilersforums.com | Tile Forums | Tiling Forum!

Welcome to tilersforums.com John P. Thanks for introducing yourself.

 

[mikethetile]

welcome to tilers forum John

what adhesive was used and were they laid on a solid bed

 

[John P]

Hi,
solid bed - yes, adhesive brought by the tiler, would have to inquire further as to make and brand.

 

[suave]

:welcome:

 

[DHTiling]

Hello John and welcome...

We could do with knowing what adhesive was used.. and maybe some pics please..

Do the cracks form a certain repeat pattern or are they random... was the slab cracked before hand..?,,,I say slab.. it was concrete.?

How old is the floor.?.. any under tile heating.?

 

[John P]

I will post pics later - I have to go out now, thanks for your thoughts so far. there is no underfloor heating, the concrete is before 1970's extension - tiler 'levelled' before laying. it was mid summer and hot.

 

[The Legend; Phil Hobson RIP]

:welcome:will look forward to more info, pics maybe?

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Not quite sure about the term 'contour lines' - encaustic is a liquid cement and should therefore be flat on the surface!

 

[CJ]

How thick was the levelling compound? Did the tiler prime the floor before levelling.

Possibly not......and then the hot weather dried it out tooo quickly.

Can you lift a tile to investigate???