Limstone Flooring with / without UFH - Severe Cracking

[NaturalStoneFloor]

Hi there,

We have what we think is limstone flooring, with underfloor heating in a some portions (not all areas have UFH).

We are not fully informed as this was part of a refurb that the previous home owners undertook.
The floor was installed about 3 years ago, but this last winter onwards it has seen some severe cracking (it may have been the first time the UFH was left off as we were on holiday).

Cracks had however appeared before this last winter, on a less severe basis.

1. Come someone help diagnose the problem
2. What are the solutions
3. Who in London would be the best qualified firm to undertake this?
4. Is there any way insurance can cover this given I don't even know who undertook this work?

Thanks

 

[Concrete guy]

It's Gascogne Blue Limestone aka Moleanos Blue aka Molianos Blue from Portugal.

That's quite some cracking and without knowing what's going on underneath you're stabbing in the dark slightly.

The cracks suggest movement and may or may not be related to the UFH. Ultimately it depends on what they are fitted to, how they are fitted and if any expansion joints should have been incorporated.

I think insurance is long shot unless an "event" has caused the cracking.

The tiling association with be able to point you towards someone who can help diagnose the problem:-

Tiles, tiling and tilers: The Tile Association

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Is it a solid substrate or timber?

 

[Dave]

It does seem to be stress cracking , you can find a tiler on here if required >>> Tiling Jobs | Find a Tiler | Tilers Forums | tile advice and tiling forum - Tiling jobs, tiling courses, tile adhesive and grout. Tile advice for professional and DIY tile fixers

 

[Dan]

As above, the forum can find you somebody to help identify the problem just fine.

Whatever the problem though, the solution is going to be the same I'm afraid!

 

[Ajax123]

Long term shrinkage on the screed, thermal differential due to inconsistent pattern of heating/cooling, relatively low tensile strength of natural stone.... Lack of movement joints, bay joints ....

 

[widler]

Could be a million things , need to know what the substrate is and what materials were used (hard one is that unless you know the tile fitter) is it water or electric ufh and are they solid bedded or d&d.
only way to find most of that out is lifting one, in a descrete place, under kitchen units or even a settee if it won't bother you to much