The Terrible Tiling Matter

When clients in Ireland and abroad ask us to investigate why glue fails, the investigations can take weeks, months or years. Not often can we wrap up a case in under a week however some time ago, this is exactly what happened. A solicitor representing a complainant contacted our laboratory. 

We were told that six months previous, the complainant had purchased tiles and tile adhesive from a supplier, and the complainant had hired their own tiler (who was related to the complainant).

The complainant stated within two months of the completion of the job, she ‘gradually noticed that the tiled flooring in the downstairs area, ( which we understand is approximately 60 M²) was found to be lifting somewhat. This was determined under foot when a hollow sound could be heard upon walking on or tapping the floor’.

The complainant entered into some discussions with the tile contractor and it was determined that either the back of the tiles were coated with excess mould release agent or that the tile adhesive was defective.

Our Forensic Engineer visited the site and after the customary walkthrough of the downstairs areas, commenced the examination and photography.

Several areas which are commonly under foot, were examined and the tiling in these areas was found to be loose. The area under two sofa’s, was likewise examined and the tiles were in these areas were not loose.

In one area of the dining room area, two tiles, which exhibited a hollow sound, were lifted up easily by hand.

The back of these tiles was seen not to have any ceramic tile adhesive bonded to it.

Based on our overall examination, the cause of the issue has been determined to be due to error when the tile adhesive was mixed with water, and the application of the ceramic tiles onto beads of ceramic tile adhesive, which had partially cured, thus grossly limiting their adhesion to the back of the tiles.

The ceramic tile on the floor was seen not to have spread out as it should have done, if the tile was placed on the wet adhesive.

It was determined that the ceramic tile adhesive had very good adhesion to the concrete floor.

Two full tiles were removed for examination as were several pieces of ceramic tile adhesive removed from the floor. The technical examination showed the following:

Tile: Using infrared spectroscopy, areas on the back of each tile were examined. Residues of mould release agents were located.

Ceramic Tile Adhesive: The adhesive was examined for hardness & specific gravity (weight per volume). The hardness of the adhesive was found to be consistent with that of an adhesive with a Class C2FS1 requirement in accordance with Standard EN12004:2007. The specific gravity of the adhesive was found to me 2.9g/ml whereas it would be expected to be 3.15g/ml.

Our conclusions were as follows:

1. The residual demoulding agent found on the back surface of the tile, had no effect on the adhesion of the ceramic tile adhesive to it.
2. The ceramic tile adhesive showed good adhesion to the concrete floor.
3. The ceramic tile adhesive had a specific gravity approximately 10% lower than that expected. This would be consistent with the adhesive being mixed incorrectly in allowing the entrainment of air during the mixing process.
4. Surface examination of the dried beads of adhesive showed that they were essentially flat and had not spread out when the ceramic tile was placed upon them. This is consistent with the tile being placed on a semi cured ceramic tile adhesive.

Based on our overall examination, the cause of the issue has been determined to be due to error when the tile adhesive was mixed with water, and the application of the ceramic tiles onto beads of ceramic tile adhesive, which had partially cured, thus grossly limiting their adhesion to the back of the tiles.

These issues can become very contentious, with claims and counterclaims from all sides. Using cutting edge analytical techniques, we can clear the fog of uncertainty an establish where liability lies. Contact us today, so that we can help resolve your tiling issues.