Expert: Stephen Hayes - 9/23/2009

Question
Had a Restoration Company come in today with photos of a oceanfront property with tile on concrete slab.  Original tile in a 14 year old home.  Homeowner heard a popping sound and watched 10+ tiles lift to a peak and crack.  What do you think caused this?

Answer
Hi Mary;Since I can't see that installation, I can only guess.  Could be a moisture problem in the concrete, improper maintenance, a locally caused spill that negatively affected the adhesive, traffic flow that exceeded the normal performance load of the tiles, etc.  You need to have the tiles inspected by an outside, independent floor covering inspector who could issue a certified report stating the possible causes before anything more is done.  Since concrete is absorbent and always moves, guesses as to what type of repairs should be done may proove to be
much more costly than having a determination made now.  That report should NOT be done by another dealer, another installer, or 'someone who knows all about tiles', but by a certified, independent floor covering inspector.

If you can't find one in your area, please get back to me for a suggested contact.  I know a firm that does those types of inspections and has inspectors scattered throughout all of the
Provinces and throughout all 50 States.

Cordially,

John Michaels