Hole or air bubble within porcelain? - Tile Advice

[emjayvee]

Hi can anyone help me understand what has happened to this tile? It is porcelain and dropping a lightweight plastic chair (leg shown) has caused this hole. It looks like there was an air bubble within the tile. Is that a thing? I can’t find anything like this on the web.

The tiles are also badly laid on concrete screed with wet underfloor heating. We are in dispute with our builder over the installation. The floor wasn’t very level before they went down, he didn’t use any kind of uncoupling mat or expansion joints in the large floor area and although he denies it, i believe parts of the floor were spot adhered. So we are expecting and have noticed air pockets forming.

However, this really looks like a problem within the tile. I will be going to the tile supplier about this but would appreciate some advice from you experts. Many thanks.

 

[emjayvee]

Hi can anyone help me understand what has happened to this tile? It is porcelain and dropping a lightweight plastic chair (leg shown) has caused this hole. It looks like there was an air bubble within the tile. Is that a thing? I can’t find anything like this on the web.

The tiles are also badly laid on concrete screed with wet underfloor heating. We are in dispute with our builder over the installation. The floor wasn’t very level before they went down, he didn’t use any kind of uncoupling mat or expansion joints in the large floor area and although he denies it, i believe parts of the floor were spot adhered. So we are expecting and have noticed air pockets forming.

However, this really looks like a problem within the tile. I will be going to the tile supplier about this but would appreciate some advice from you experts. Many thanks.

View attachment 123283

 

[Dave]

Looks like a firing fault. Have you any spares.

 

[emjayvee]

Looks like a firing fault. Have you any spares.

Thank you Dave. Yes we have a couple and it’s near the edge of the room so should be easy to get up and replace. Are firing faults a common occurrence?

 

[Dave]

Thank you Dave. Yes we have a couple and it’s near the edge of the room so should be easy to get up and replace. Are firing faults a common occurrence?

They are im afraid

 

[emjayvee]

They are im afraid

That’s ok though because it gives me the terminology to chase up the manufacturer and slight reassurance that this wasn’t due to the builder’s poor workmanship (which may result in a new floor but i wanted to put that off at least until after 6 months of renovations finishes!!)

Thanks Dave, your time is appreciated