BCT Ceramic Floor Tiles Cracking (Pictures) - Tile Advice

[Dan]

British Ceramic Tile (BCT) ceramic tiles with a thick biscuit and thin glaze are cracking on wooden floors.

Fixed correctly. Using a tile backer board with correct screws and tape.

The tiles don't appear fit for floors. Some tilers we know have said they refuse to fit them on floors.

Here is one example.

 

[Dan]

Do you guys have any other examples of BCT floor tiles doing this?

 

[Dan]

problem with british ceramic tiles - http://www.tilersforums.com/threads/problem-with-british-ceramic-tiles.72285/

 

[bigdave1903]

They're not great for floors. Wouldn't have thought it would take much movement to crack them. I wouldn't be keen on using them on floors even thoughthe box says differently.

 

[demi34]

I don't think is the problem with the tiles but the floor

 

[Time's Ran Out]

If I'am right they are spec'd as a wall and floor tile - floor tile usage for no shoe traffic ie bathroom. However as a tile fixer I believe that moisture will get down the side of the grout line and seep into the biscuit and ultimately stain the tile from the edges.
The wall tile biscuit that it's produced from is white and very dry. Extremely light in weight and the soft glaze has a number of imperfections ranging from pin heads to patches of missing glaze on edges. As many as 2 tiles per metre is the norm. These can of course be used for cuts but it's 10-15% wastage.
The first time we were required to fit these tiles I asked for confirmation from the Tile Distributor supplying them that they were indeed suitable for floors. To the client I insisted the only way we were prepared to undertake this work was on top of Ditra mat and 7 years later no comeback.
I would refuse to fix these tiles to any boarded substrate without a crack membrane being used.
In my opinion they are a wall tile, totally unsuitable for wet areas and floors and of extremely poor manufacture bordering on unfit for purpose.
This of course my own personal view of a range of ceramic tiles produced by BCT.

 

[AndY mac]

Hate all BCT tiles. Hate there poor finish uneven splayed edges poor calibers.

 

[Stef]

I totally agree with TJ on the issue with these tiles.
In my opinion they aren't fit to be fitted to floors as they are too brittle.
Last ones I fitted I snapped one with my hands which shouldn't happen with a tile.
I fitted a few different ranges & sizes of these tiles & they are all the same.
This issue needs to be resolved & the easy solution is for the manufacturer to remove the words "suitable for floors" from the boxes.
Will the manufacturer listen to us Tilers that are stuck with them?
I suspect not..
Is there anyone on the forum from BCT?

 

[On one]

Is there anyone on the forum from BCT?

Only an idiot would put their hand up for that one.

 

[Kyle Knowles]

BCT
BLOODY CRAP TILES

 

[Simons70]

Ceramic tiles crazing ? Baffled ? Advise please !!! - http://www.tilersforums.com/threads/ceramic-tiles-crazing-baffled-advise-please.74405/#post-754765

 

[Dan]

BCT Tile quality! - http://www.tilersforums.com/threads/bct-tile-quality.78088/

 

[Stef]

I don't think is the problem with the tiles but the floor

Why do you think that?

 

[Bathfix Bob]

As i said before, to look at those pictures I myself would think dodgy subfloor and prep, the only movement affecting the tiles is the natural expansion and contraction of the floorboards.

I almost think not gluing the hardiebacker down as I always do would have prevented this?

 

[Kevbos]

But tiles are not best but .they not in my mind suitable for a floor as with most ceramic tiles they are glazed.a thin miniscule cost cutting amount of it in most bct tiles .you get the ceramic that might be able to withstand the .flexibility issues .then a half mm glaze of colour etc that is fired separately onto the ceramic tile .I don't tile most ceramics on floors as your asking for trouble .