Tiles lifting - heated floor

[Dumbo]

If it’s that bad (needing new tiles, likely all need lifting), then I’m going to need the help of a professional! Any advice on how to find a good reliable tiler in the North West?

They sound mostly hollow all over. It’s weird, they definitely didn’t start out like that, but it’s rapidly getting worse now.

Do you suspect dot and dab? He assured me he didn’t do that, and I believed him.... but something is causing this problem.

If they've been dot and dabbed you could tell using a thermal imaging camera . The dots will show up .

 

[CJ]

do you know what make of insulation panels??

 

[Dave]

Just a thought , it could also be an expansion issue if a perimeter joint isn't there to allow the thermal expansion.
Either way the floor is now de-bonded and needs to be rectified, I’d personally leave it to after xmas , so you dont have tiles missing during the festive period.

 

[Sean Kelly]

I feel for you.

Does the underfloor heating still work? I ask because if there are voids (gaps) under the tiles then the chances are that the heating cable will burn out.

Do you have any idea of what adhesive was used.
Flexible Bagged adhesive mixed with water is good.
Ready mixed adhesive in a tub is bad.

If the tiler did not pour a self levelling compound over the underfloor heating cable then the the cable will be unusable when the tiles are removed (as the cable will be stretched during the tile removable process).

 

[Manor Jump]

Thanks for the replies. I’m not sure what a perimeter joint is.

He definitely used flexible bagged adhesive, I bought all the gear, he just supplied the labour (which I think might make unlocking this even more messy).

There was no levelling compound used for sure, apparently it wasn’t needed as the wiring wasn’t thick.

The heating does still work, but I’ve not used it for months for fear of making it deteriorate even quicker.
I’m not surprised we’ll lose the heating. We didn’t really use it that often. We only installed it because we were worried about freezing cold tiles, but actually the insulation matting stops the floor from getting too cold anyway.

 

[Bill]

I can have a butchers at it on Monday if you like..... not promising to fix it before New Year though but it might ease your mind during the festivities.

 

[Manor Jump]

Tom, that would be absolutely amazing, thanks! Just figuring out our next move would be great. I’m sure it’ll last until the New Years

 

[Manor Jump]

Tom, that would be absolutely amazing, thanks! Just figuring out our next move would be great. I’m sure it’ll last until the New Years

Tom thanks very much for heading over yesterday. It was great to get some insight into what the problems could be as well as chat about potential fixes. I’ll get started on tracking down some replacement tiles so we can lift one and take a real look.

thanks again