Loose or hollow sounding floor tiles are usually a result of improper tile installation practices.
ANSI A108.5 (2005)
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has established trade standards for the installation of Ceramic Tiles. This standards also includes quarry pavers (natural stone tiles). It has been in effect for decades, and was most recently reaffirmed in 2005.
ANSI A108.5, Section 3.3.2 states that in exterior or shower installations, the average uniform contact area shall not be less than 95% (upon the inspection of three tiles).
Shortcuts
Let's face it, humans beings are like electricity and water - they will take the path of least resistance and effort.
Tile setters must be reminded that tiles installed in exterior floor and shower applications, must achieve 95% contact with the setting material.
This means that the tile setter must knock down the trowel gauge marks on ceramic tiles, quarry pavers and natural stone tiles. Leaving the trowel marks in place will mean only 50% contact.
Why do they do this? It saves them 50% on their thinset costs. They are lazy. No one ever taught them how to do it correctly. They have never been involved in a construction defect case.
Additionally, it will leave voids behind the tiles where moisture will collect. This moisture can lead to freeze damage, saturated or loosening thinset. Loose thinset may result in cracked tiles.
Porous tile or natural stones, such as terracotta or marble, may develop or exhibit efflorescence. The efflorescence will bleed up through the tile from this moisture trapped underneath. By ensuring a solid void free substrate, there will be little place for the water to collect, nor air pockets to foster efflorescence.
Efflorescence requires calcium, water and air in order to form. Since efflorescence crystals cannot push into the concrete deck, they will manifest themselves on the surface of the tiles or the grout. The efflorescence will continue to form until all of the calcium has been activated. That means that it may never actually cease.
Sound Practices equal Sound Tiles
If quarry tiles are not gauged (cut to a consistent thickness), it means that the masons may need to back buttered the tiles as well, to ensure complete contact.
Well cleaned and saturated tiles will also ensure a good tight bond with the substrate. No thinset mortar will adhere to dust, dirt or dry tiles.
A little care and periodic inspection of tiles as they are set (lifting installed tiles to inspect the contact coverage), will verify and ensure that your clients enjoy a trouble free deck for years to come.
Paolo Benedetti, SWD
Artist, Watershape Consultant, Expert Witness, International Construction Management
Contact the author at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220 "Creating water as art."™
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa© ©www.aquatictechnology.com
All rights reserved.
ANSI A108.5 (2005)
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has established trade standards for the installation of Ceramic Tiles. This standards also includes quarry pavers (natural stone tiles). It has been in effect for decades, and was most recently reaffirmed in 2005.
ANSI A108.5, Section 3.3.2 states that in exterior or shower installations, the average uniform contact area shall not be less than 95% (upon the inspection of three tiles).
Shortcuts
Let's face it, humans beings are like electricity and water - they will take the path of least resistance and effort.
Tile setters must be reminded that tiles installed in exterior floor and shower applications, must achieve 95% contact with the setting material.
This means that the tile setter must knock down the trowel gauge marks on ceramic tiles, quarry pavers and natural stone tiles. Leaving the trowel marks in place will mean only 50% contact.
Why do they do this? It saves them 50% on their thinset costs. They are lazy. No one ever taught them how to do it correctly. They have never been involved in a construction defect case.
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| Improperly Set Travertine Quarry Tiles - click on image to enlarge |
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| Improperly Set Marble Quarry Tiles - click on image to enlarge |
Additionally, it will leave voids behind the tiles where moisture will collect. This moisture can lead to freeze damage, saturated or loosening thinset. Loose thinset may result in cracked tiles.
Porous tile or natural stones, such as terracotta or marble, may develop or exhibit efflorescence. The efflorescence will bleed up through the tile from this moisture trapped underneath. By ensuring a solid void free substrate, there will be little place for the water to collect, nor air pockets to foster efflorescence.
Efflorescence requires calcium, water and air in order to form. Since efflorescence crystals cannot push into the concrete deck, they will manifest themselves on the surface of the tiles or the grout. The efflorescence will continue to form until all of the calcium has been activated. That means that it may never actually cease.
Sound Practices equal Sound Tiles
If quarry tiles are not gauged (cut to a consistent thickness), it means that the masons may need to back buttered the tiles as well, to ensure complete contact.
Well cleaned and saturated tiles will also ensure a good tight bond with the substrate. No thinset mortar will adhere to dust, dirt or dry tiles.
A little care and periodic inspection of tiles as they are set (lifting installed tiles to inspect the contact coverage), will verify and ensure that your clients enjoy a trouble free deck for years to come.
Paolo Benedetti, SWD
Artist, Watershape Consultant, Expert Witness, International Construction Management
Contact the author at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220 "Creating water as art."™
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa© ©www.aquatictechnology.com
All rights reserved.
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If you want to ask a question of Paolo Benedetti, you may email him at: info@aquatictechnology.com