Answers (6)
- Pasadenan
- Contributions:26318
There was another thread on a similar issue, but their house/tiles were only 5 years old. It is believed that there was a slab crack under the tiles in line with the sewer, where the contractor didn't compact the soil adequately after back-filling the trench prior to pouring the slab. But it is difficult to prove after the fact without taking samples through the slab and testing the compaction.
If you had a crack in the slab at the time of the carpet removal, you likely would have seen it.
In the 1960's and prior, adhesives were quite good, and would hold down tiles for 80 years or longer. But in the 1970's there was a concern of VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) which would get in the air when curing, which are considered "toxic". So, even though the workers take precautions when installing the products, and the curing occurs substantially before a consumer or owner is in the space, it became illegal to sell and use many of those products.
So, Since the 1980's, many of the adhesives are water-soluble products, that don't bond nearly as well, and typically won't last even 2 decades.
I have no clue what adhesive would have been used for the tiles 16 years ago, but likely that would give you the answer on the life expectancy, and if moisture in the concrete had anything to do with the adhesive not holding. Moisture in concrete is "normal" and typically won't cause mold by itself. But if the flooring has often been "saturated" with water, that is a different issue.
If you had a crack in the slab at the time of the carpet removal, you likely would have seen it.
In the 1960's and prior, adhesives were quite good, and would hold down tiles for 80 years or longer. But in the 1970's there was a concern of VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) which would get in the air when curing, which are considered "toxic". So, even though the workers take precautions when installing the products, and the curing occurs substantially before a consumer or owner is in the space, it became illegal to sell and use many of those products.
So, Since the 1980's, many of the adhesives are water-soluble products, that don't bond nearly as well, and typically won't last even 2 decades.
I have no clue what adhesive would have been used for the tiles 16 years ago, but likely that would give you the answer on the life expectancy, and if moisture in the concrete had anything to do with the adhesive not holding. Moisture in concrete is "normal" and typically won't cause mold by itself. But if the flooring has often been "saturated" with water, that is a different issue.
- Dan, "the_country_hick"
- Contributions:4827
It is a problem. Something is making the tiles move. Whether the foundation moved or humidity is to high (or something else) something needs to be addressed. Hopefully it is not a moisture problem. That could cause a lot of mold issues that can be tough and expensive to take care of.
- FloridaFT
- Contributions:3
Pasadenan thank you for your reply.
The floor was replaced with tiles because it previously had carpet on it.
The floor was replaced with tiles because it previously had carpet on it.
- Pasadenan
- Contributions:26318
Could be a foundation settling issue (possibly due to trees removed?)
Or it could be a moisture issue and the adhesive/grout used to secure the tiles.
All foundations settle some. The question is the rate of settlement, which highly is dependent on soil type and prior soil compaction. (Often occurs more where utilities were trenched under a slab on grade, such as the sewer line).
If tiles were replaced 16 years ago due to the same issue, then the time frame implies it is due for it again.
Or it could be a moisture issue and the adhesive/grout used to secure the tiles.
All foundations settle some. The question is the rate of settlement, which highly is dependent on soil type and prior soil compaction. (Often occurs more where utilities were trenched under a slab on grade, such as the sewer line).
If tiles were replaced 16 years ago due to the same issue, then the time frame implies it is due for it again.
- FloridaFT
- Contributions:3
tenting on floor ceramic tiles
- wetdawgs
- Contributions:40700
Tenting for termites?
Is tenting normal in a house build 35 yrs ago and retiled 16 yrs ago?
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