Loose tiles & underfloor heating...

[JMRolfe]

How was the heating turned on for the first time, and how long was it left before turning the heating on for the first time.

Thanks all, was just hoping there was an easier, less stressful fix...

I was advised to leave it fro 3 days, then start it at 16 degrees and only increase by 1 degree per day.

In reality, the one that is worst was left at least 2 weeks before switching on, and has only been used approx 10 times?

 

[Dumbo]

To be honest if he doesn't want the builders back and is willing to pay somebody else to sort it , I understand him not wanting the stress as for getting sealocrete out I expect they will find something wrong with the install or instalation techniques so that will be their get out of jail card .

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Then he can use their report against the builder!

 

[JMRolfe]

Thanks all. Guess I'll be calling the builders on Monday then 🙁

 

[Waluigi]

I would look for a local Tiler(s) to come out and give you some idea of what needs doing to rectify the issues. Even if you have to pay him to give you a quote or even a report on why he thinks it’s failed.

Then get the builders back out and ask them what they plan to do about the issues.

If the advise between the Tiler and the Builders doesn’t tally up then I’d go back to the builders and explain what the professional Tilers suggest.

 

[Dumbo]

Then he can use their report against the builder!

True . Never thought of it that way , but I'm not a canny northener . Just Wiltshire born and bred , strong in arm and thick in head .
Trouble is I'm not strong in arm .

 

[Old Mod]

Although the repair of your floors is the most important issue to be dealt with here, there is one thing that you’ve described that concerns me a little.
You’ve mentioned that
“In reality, the one that is worst was left at least 2 weeks before switching on, and has only been used approx 10 times?”
The reason that you have to wait before turning the heating on is to allow the adhesives to cure fully before heating, and 3 days is insufficient.
I appreciate you waited two weeks for the worst floor, but I instruct clients to wait 28 days, that’s the length of time it can take for cement based products to cure fully.
In fact adhesive doesn’t achieve its maximum bond strength until after 28 days.
Secondly, your method of operation, yes you were instructed to increase the temperature slowly at a rate of 1 degree a day, (which would be a good method for the first heating cycle,) but it should also be turned off in the same manor to complete the first cycle, before day to day use
However, was it explained to you that every time you turn the heating on and off, it should ALWAYS be done gradually?
There’s no need for it to be done in 1 degree increments after the first commissioning, but it should be done over a couple of days.
And the reasoning behind it is that you’re trying to prevent ‘thermal shock’ within the adhesive.
Thermal shock can happen at anytime!
It’s not unique to the first operation.
So if for example the way you use it is to leave it at operating temp on the thermostat and just switch it on via the fuse spur, it means it’s going from cold to operating temp straight away, or vice versa, this can possibly lead to thermal shock within the adhesive, which in turn can cause partial or catastrophic failure.
Just something to be aware of.
When the tiles are lifted and before they are
re-instated, look at the adhesive beneath them, typically thermal shock presents as ‘crazy paving’ or multiple micro cracks in the adhesive.

 

[jimthetiler]

It looks like you have cranked up the heat too soon,you need to raise the temp over at least a period of 3 days to 7 presuming the ambient temp is 10 plus degrees before you start.

 

[JMRolfe]

So that may be the case in the main bathroom as it's only been used a few times (although not at all in the last 2 months).

But the kitchen and ensuite have been built up per recommendations and kept at 22 degrees morning and night whilst we're home and allowed to drop to 18 during night / 20 day.

Also, at no stage had I been told that underfloor heating had to be kept on continuously?? Seem a bit extreme?

 

[JMRolfe]

Also, never been used but the thermostat (Warmup 4IE) offers geo tracking which will switch your floors off if you leave the house, and back on when you return home? Surely that would invalidate your gradual warmup routine?