Cracked grout report advice please

[SandyFloor]

I was asked to have look at a tiled kitchen floor that was installed by a home improvement company as the grout was cracking even though it had been regrouted. It was put in 8 weeks ago.

It was 9.5 mm ply over floorboards. Apart from the ply being too thin imo I wasn't satisfied as to why this was happening. The owners agreed to me lifting a tile. The grout raked away really easily and the tile lifted almost effortlessly. No problem with the coverage of adhesive on the ply but there was no adhesion to the tile at all suggesting several possible reasons for the failure.

I've been asked to give them a report on my findings for them to use this as leverage. My question is: should I report only the bare facts and avoid speculation as to the fixing methods?

My intention was simply to state the ply being inadequate and lack of adhesion as mentioned as well as the grout lines being really being a bit of a mess. They also asked me about remedial work which I obviously advised was that for me to gaurantee the job I would insist on a complete re-do. They've also asked me to price this.

Anything I should be aware of?

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Giving a report and quoting for the work will bring your report into question.

 

[SandyFloor]

Giving a report and quoting for the work will bring your report into question.

That did occur to me and I would give them a verbal only at the mo.

 

[White Room]

Just state facts to what is visual

 

[SandyFloor]

Just state facts to what is visual

That's exactly what I was thinking, thanks.

 

[david campbell]

there is other problems that could cause this like dusty tiles,but as suggested all you can do is give your opinion and guarentee it won't happen on your installation!

 

[SandyFloor]

there is other problems that could cause this like dusty tiles,but as suggested all you can do is give your opinion and guarentee it won't happen on your installation!

I'm almost certain it is dusty tiles but think I need to avoid speculation.

 

[jamie B]

Stick with observational report mate IMO, you could get into all sorts of speculation otherwise..I've seen similar when addys gone off in hot weather so although the tile has been 'bedded' against it, the addy has skinned and so takes the imprint of the back of the tile but doesn't adhere...you've just gotta neutral to make sure you don't end up with conflicting interests (ie making report/tendering for job!) after all they already know it's failed!..why do we always get to break the bad news eh?!!

 

[SandyFloor]

Thanks all...comments much appreciated

 

[Gazzer]

What sort of tile was it ? Porcelain ? Could be wrong adhesive.

 

[peckers]

I would just say that the tiles havent stuck to the adhesive, this they can see. if they ask for a reason just state that there could be many reasons, but as you diddnt install them you couldnt give a definate one. But if you were to relay the floor it wouldnt happen.
The customer should go back to the company that installed them and get them to come and have a look now that you have removed one.
And they should put it right. If they dont then the customer should approach you to install it correctly.
Your not bad mouthing anyone, you are only stating the obvious findings! cant be fairer then that

 

[SandyFloor]

What sort of tile was it ? Porcelain ? Could be wrong adhesive.

Ceramic...only 6mm thick. Does that seem very thin to you? It just occured to me last night It's been a couple of years since I used ceramic floor tiles. It's been stone & porcelain