travertine splitting on floors

[shep]

Hi. I have been called back to two jobs i done about two years ago where the travertine has split on the floor. Both jobs have a hairline split in two adjacent tiles with the split running through. Both jobs are on sound timber floors with 12 mm hardibacker and palace flexi rapid set spread with 12 mm notched trowel. Stainblocked of course and look stunning. Any ideas why these splits are happening? One tiler told me once, you should never bring tiles in from a freezing cold van and lay them in a warm house in case of thermal shock. Putting me off laying them on floors. No probs on walls.
X

 

[J Sid]

I would say there a good chance the timber under the hardie boards has moved and either the join in the hardie has moved leading to cracks along this line or the hardie has split. Not seen hardie split but have see it happen to "no more ply" a couple of times. I would of used detra not hardie board. Any pics?

 

[High Peak Tiling]

As far as the Tiler who told you about the 'thermal shock' is right on that point. You should really sit the tiles and adhesive in situ (in the room there are going to be used) for at least 24-48 hours if possible just so they can acclimatise.

Is there a possibility the wood has some minor defection when stood on?
There is a possibility the wood substrate could have moved due to a list of different reason.. (Deflection, general warming and cooling, no expansion gaps)

 

[Sean SML Tiling]

Did you leave any expansion gaps between the hardie?

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Even 2 years ago the recommendation would have been to use Ditra under any travertine installation.
12mm Hardi boards are quite rigid but on timber, stuck and screwed its still possible for movement in the substrate. Hope it was taped!

 

[Sean Kelly]

Were the tiles from Topps?
Were the tiles back buttered?
12mm Hardi on the floor? 12mm is for walls and 6mm for floor. Was the Hardie glued, screwed and taped?

Some of the cheaper travertine just falls apart in your hands.