QUESTION

Ceramic Tile Buckling/Tenting Failure - My balcony tiles have buckled 4" high. I live on the 15th floor of a condo facing the gulf of mexico. The condo association is telling me it is cause by temperature changes or wind, is this possible. The unit is 10 years old. I have attached pictures. I live in Gulf Shores, Alabama, 36542. and suggestions would be appreciated.

ANSWER

ANSWER - Buckling or Tenting of tile is a problem that is caused by compounding deficiencies. When there is a failure it is never only due to one factor, but rather it is generally due to many contributing factors.

First of all tenting should not happen if the tile was installed correctly.  A factor in the failure is likely due to lack of expansion joints installed in the tile work as required by industry standards.  Often the lack of expansion joints is blamed for the tenting of the tile, but actually it is only a contributing factor to the problem.  The primary factor that contributes to this type of failure is that the tile was not bonded adequately to its substrate.  This could be for a number of reasons.  The substrate may have not been properly prepared, the back of the tile may not have been properly cleaned prior to the installation, and the thin-set adhesive may have not been properly applied.

To fully understand and document your problem would require an intrusive inspection.  We do provide those services, but it may or may not be practical to retain our services depending on the size of the claim.  For more information, go to Forensic Inspection Services.