tiling cracked and movement

[angela3]

tiling was done in kitchen and hallway last july two weeks ago a tile cracked there is movement and clicking noise in centre of floor another tile lifted noi bother and some grout/adhesive on back then another cracked. its a house that is ten years old the plywood they used was 6mm. ceramic tiles 300mm x 600mm

anyone help with this please

 

[Ian]

6mm ply is too thin, 15mm is british standard minimum.
A few more details may help also, what is the floor made of beneath the ply, what adhesive and grout was used, was the ply screwed down and were the tiles fixed using a solid bed of adhesive? A few pictures may help.

 

[Perry]

What have the tilers who tiled it said when they looked at the problem

 

[jay]

any pics

 

[Stewart]

Incorrect prep work using 6mm ply. Have you contacted your tiler yet?


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[angela3]

tiler said he used flexi fasrt set was used.
that it was primed 3 times

 

[angela3]

yes i have. it was builder who put plywood down

 

[angela3]

will upload pics thanks

 

[Stewart]

Did the tiler install the 6mm ply?


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[angela3]

tiler was through builder as we were getting extension done. he is coming tomorrow to see it but says he never done anything wrong. builder says there is nothing wrong with 6mm and it is not as straight forward as I think

 

[Gazzer]

600 x 300 ? more likely to be porcelain. As above 6mm ply is no good.

 

[Perry]

Angela he should come back and fix it but sounds like he would have to take it up and do it properly but using 6mm ply and priming it three times tells me he isn't a tiler where are you ?

 

[angela3]

no builder

 

[angela3]

hi thanks for that
glasgow pjc

 

[jay]

Oh dear:mad2:

 

[angela3]

 

[Stewart]

Not only have they installed 6mm ply, but they haven't used the solid bed fixing method that should be used with all floor tiles.....


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[Perry]

i would insist he gets a independent tiler to look at the job and correct it

 

[jay]

Recommend a professional tiler full stop (real tilers do there own prep work)

 

[mcarthurtiling]

If the tiler came through the builder should the tiler not have told him before now 6mm is no good. If he is a tiler.

 

[jay]

If the tiler came through the builder should the tiler not have told him before now 6mm is no good. If he is a tiler.

That is correct ,the tiler has accepted the prep work because he has tiled over it ,so now its the tilers problem :mad2:

 

[mcarthurtiling]

I think it could be a case of ripping it all up and get it done right, sure enough next month it could be another few tiles that crack.

 

[jay]

Its the only way to fix this one ,prep work needs to be done right for the tiles to last the substrate has to be spot on

 

[White Room]

If it's cracking after 2 weeks then a rip out is in order...

 

[steve187]

It would seem to be bad prep and bad tiling.

 

[swanman]

Theres not alot of adhesive on back of tile

They should have back buttered the backs of the tile

6MM to thin for ply

 

[swanman]

I would take it up and start again

Using 6mm hardi backer board glued and screwed

 

[nybor62]

sorry to say, but complete rip out and start afresh , the builders prep work is all wrong but also the tiler should have known this + the tilers fixing method is so wrong imo they should sort this between them ,
or demand your money back and employ a pro tiler , we are seeing more of this every day, cowboys , i loath them , hope u get it sorted

 

[MissH]

Hi Angela,
It sounds exactly like the problem I had; ply too thin 6mm,incorrect adhesive application... Once the tiles start cracking I’m afraid it’s likely to get much worse as mine did, so try and get them to refund you now. I’m unfortunately having to potentially go through small claims to get a refund as the“builder “refuses to accept responsibility and believes he did a good job!

The guys this forum are really helpful, I have learned tons about tiling (the theory anyway!!). If ever I had anyone round to give me a quote and they mentioned 6mm ply I would seriously doubt their ability and show them the door, in the politest possibly way of course 😉

Good luck and really hope you get it sorted.

 

[stan1888]

Hi Angela

Same as other opinions, ply far too thin and incorrect application of adhesive etc.

Unfortunately an all too common occurance. I'm based in Glasgow and see this regularly. The prep work is the most important part of any tiling installation. I can certainly come and have a look if it helps?

Stuart .

 

[AliGage]

Another unfortunate story of cowboy traders. Both should of know 6mm is not nearly good enough, your "tiler" certainly should. I'd use the word "tiler" loosely though looking at his fixing method. Looks like he's dot and dabbing! On a kitchen floor?? Even if the ply was substantial enough, a heavy foot in the wrong place or a fumble whilst drying the dishes would of caused a few probems as well.