Jerboa Tiles - New Floor Hollow but no tiles cracked -

[Time's Ran Out]

It's a good read and IMHO as correct as it can be.
The screed and it's content will get a better opinion from Ajax (a member of the Forum) when he comes on line but I would not agree that as a tiler the back of the tiles did not need buttering.
The size of the floor would require movement joints that are not there and the fact that the Tiles - 600x600mm porcelain from China would leave me with the opinion that the polished surface has pin holes which have accepted/accentuated the colour discolouration. Did the surface of the porcelain receive any coats of sealant after grouting.
Other views to follow no doubt.

 

[MARBLE_TONY]

Think John is bang on the money there

 

[garybadger]

Think the TTA have got it pretty much spot on with their conclusion there.
For me, when using larger tiles and porcelain, I always make sure, we spread the floor, and back butter every tile.
Just because the adhesive is cement based, doesn't mean its 100% not to fail.
Also looks to me as though the trowel used, is the wrong size. I'd have went for a 10 or 12mm trowel.
Sure that one looks like a wall serator. Therefore you aren't going to be bedding the tile into much adhesive at all, especially just spreading the floor.

 

[jinx4645]

Keep the comments coming all valuable stuff......what recourse do people think we have if the supplier didnt inform us about possible colour deterioration and or offer any installation advice? two issues really 1. Method of installation many views on this but what about 2. The lack of information from supplier as to recommended installation technique....misselling and or misrepresentation...Italian Porcelain v's China?!

 

[Andy Allen]

who fixed the tiles... was it builder , tilers, were they recommended from where you purchased the tiles...

 

[jinx4645]

A qualified tiler fitted the tiles. HE also did 7 bathrooms very well for us. He came recommended and also he has over 20 years experience. He suggested that buttering in his opinion was not required. I have also taken other tiler references who concluded the same. Seems that the tiler is partly to blame as the tile / floor may have worked against him. The issue now is how to resolve a mess not of our making to ensure that as a consumer we get what we paid for.......

 

[DHTiling]

I agree with the TTA report, tiles should have been back skimmed for full contact...

Just a quick question, did you re-heat the floor as you did when first commissioning the screed, as heating the adhesive too quickly could shock the tiled installation.

You have to commission the adhesive bed as well..just a thought.

 

[jinx4645]

Yes we commissioned the floor post tiling very slowly.......but again had no guidance from anyone but we were sensible in our approach

 

[jinx4645]

We also have a control area where no UFH was applied and this has some 80% of tiles sounding hollow. Not sure it has anything to do with the UFH as the control area gives us the clear proof.......

 

[Time's Ran Out]

I'am not sure if you would have any recourse with the supplier as to any installation procedure and I'd assume a tiler with that amount of experience would know that tiles of that size should be fixed with a solid bed method.
Again I'd ask - were the surface of the tiles sealed before/during/after installation and were you aware that the tiles you purchased were from China.