Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Preventing tile from cracking

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Tile/Marble/Granite
Date: 24 Nov 1999
Time: 10:32:40
Remote Name: 205.188.192.151

Comments

Without seeing your existing tile first hand, it's hard to know what caused the cracks. If the cracks are on a few isolated tiles, it's possible something struck them or they had hairline cracks that weren't noticeable during installation.

However, if you see a crack or fracture running through a series of contiguous tiles, chances are that some form of differential flexing or settlement has occurred on the tile substrate which is now manifesting itself on the surface of the tile.

For your new installation, if you're using tile backer board, be sure that you follow the recommended nailing/screwing pattern and that you adhere the backer board to the floor or countertop surface with thinset mortar and reinforce the joints with fibermesh tape.

If you're floating the floors, counters, and walls with a traditional "mud" base, make sure it's sufficiently thick (at least 3/4" or more reinforced with wire lath) otherwise flexing could occur, resulting in future cracking. I've seen many installers skimp on the thickness of the mud base, causing problems down the road. Remember, if you have a solid base that's properly supported, it's unlikely the tile will crack so long as its not damaged by other means, such as dropping something or striking it.

Article Tools

Builders Websource® is a corporate member of ASTM International—a non-profit engineering body dedicated in part to the standardization of building materials specifications, products, systems, and test methods for improved health, safety, and reliability of residential and commercial structures.

Copyright © 1999 - 2018 Builders Websource®, a BUILDERA™ company. All rights reserved.