bowed quartz floor tiles

[Lodger]

I have used quiet a lot of Quartz tiles form 2 separate suppliers (not Tops) and not seen this problem. I have underfloor heating under 3 of the Quartz tile jobs using Webber SPF in kitchens without any problems. all these jobs were done over 2 years ago. I even have pictures to prove.
The best quality I have seen is the Gulf Stone Quarts tiles. I have used 600X600 Gulf Stone Quartz on both Wet and electric UFH using Webber SPF. Very alarming to heat this happening but touch wood, no problems to this date with my Quartz jobs. Not done any different to any other tiler here.

 

[AKOTiler]

Sounds to me like the tiler has not put his admix in !! Quartz tiles warp when they have absorbed too much water... personally would have used bal stone and tile ptb adhesive with a ratio of 1:3 of admix.

 

[Concrete guy]

Quartz tiles warp when they have absorbed too much water...

I don't agree with this statement as one of the selling points of quartz is it's minimal absorption rates leading to very low bacteria levels.

 

[Aston]

I don't agree with this statement as one of the selling points of quartz is it's minimal absorption rates leading to very low bacteria levels.

Hi ATS,

This has been a recent topic, so it might be useful to read this TTA article, scroll down to section 3:5 Moisture Sensitivity.
http://www.armatilearchitectural.com/DatabaseDocs/dwn_756473418_tilingwithresinagglomeratedtiles.pdf

hope this helps

 

[AKOTiler]

Bal recommendation. Just did what they said. Admittedly it was a costly job to get wrong... i played it safe not sorry if they were so non pourous how would the colours bleed anyway? Why would you meed to seal them is they are as you say non pourous?

 

[Concrete guy]

Hi ATS,

This has been a recent topic, so it might be useful to read this TTA article, scroll down to section 3:5 Moisture Sensitivity.
http://www.armatilearchitectural.com/DatabaseDocs/dwn_756473418_tilingwithresinagglomeratedtiles.pdf

hope this helps

I've just read the pertinent parts of that document and it's misleading. I'll expand. Here is the section that deals with water absorption:-

3.4 Characteristics/performanceBecause the products consist predominantly of natural materials, they haveperformance characteristics similar to natural stone.Granite and quartz agglomerated tiles are harder wearing than those made withmarble. The particular performance and suitability in locations should be confirmedwith the manufacturer. Granite and quartz agglomerated tiles are more resistant to acidic chemicals thanmarble agglomerated composite tiles.

3.5 Moisture sensitivityResin agglomerated tiles may show varying degrees of moisture sensitivity and thischaracteristic is exhibited by curling caused by differential expansion.For this reason, it is essential that any cementitious floor screeds to receive resinagglomerated tiles should be completely cured and tested to ensure that they have amoisture content of not more than 2% by weight or 75% relative humidity using theappropriate test equipment and also that an appropriate adhesive is chosen. Seeclause 4.3 Resin agglomerated tiles are not recommended for use in external areas orswimming pools or any other water retaining structures, e.g. spa baths or fountains.Resin agglomerated tiles can be used externally on facades by utilising mechanicalfixing.


The problem with the above statement is they've grouped three very different materials into one statement, granite, marble and quartz agglomerate.

Each of these products has different absorption rates determined by the material from which they are produced.

Both Granite and marble are porous, to varying degrees due to their structure, quartz crystals aren't.

The average porosity of quartz slab I was involved in manufacturing was 0.04% by weight. i.e it really didn't absorb much at all if anything. Silestone state that 0.04% is their average absorption rate.

So I don't see how a product with such a low absorption rate can be materially effected by moisture absorption.

Granite and marble agglomerates yes, that makes sense due the natural stone's content ability to absorb. But quartz? I just don't see it.

 

[Aston]

That's totally fair, you have your views and its not for me to try and convince you.

 

[Concrete guy]

That's totally fair, you have your views and its not for me to try and convince you.

I'm always open to be convinced otherwise, I just think they've written a rather generic guideline for three different materials that in reality have different performance parameters.

I can certainly see how moisture would play a part in marble and granite agglomerate but I'm not sure about the quartz, but I could be wrong.

 

[Aston]

I have seen 2 written reports on quartz tiles that have warped in situ and the verdict on the both reports was moisture ingress. There are also quite a few experienced tilers on these forums who I really rate and respect who have had the same issues so maybe we have got it wrong and maybe you are right, can't say fairer than that.

 

[Chalker]

Seems a minefield fitting these tiles.
glad I've never fitted any.