QUESTION

Installing Large Format Glass Tile - I AM CURRENTLY REMODELING MY KITCHEN AND AM INTERESTED IN INSTALLING A GLASS TILE BACKSPLASH. THE TILE REP THAT I AM WORKING WITH MENTIONED THAT THERE IS AN INDUSTRY WARNING ABOUT THE LARGER SUBWAY SIZE GLASS TILE CRACKING. ARE YOU AWARE OF THIS AND WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMMEND?

ANSWER

ANSWER - I assume you are referring to a rectangle tile. These tiles tend to be installed in a off-set pattern so the tiles are stagger from each other.

ANSI A108.02-4.3 does state that tiles that have one edge 18 inches or longer should not off-set the tiles 50%, but should not off-set the tiles more than 33%.  This is because the warpage at the center of the tile and at the corners of the tile cause excessive lippage or shadowing at that intersection.  So depending on the lighting you have in the room it can accentuate the displacement that might be visually undesirable.

I have seen smaller rectangular tiles that are installed on walls in an off-set pattern that have excessive warpage.  In some cases it can look good with smaller tiles because it kind of gives a basket weave look to the tile.

There are different types of glass tiles e.g. cast glass tile, fused glass tiles, and low-temperature-coated glass tiles. that have different properties.

Glass tiles are more susceptible to cracking under various conditions, but if they are used and installed properly, and not subjected to abuse they will perform well. Make sure the wall doesn't have excessive deflection, make sure the tile is installed correctly per industry requirements and adhesive manufacturer's directions, and that it isn't subjected to excessive temperature fluctuations.

To ensure your tile installer knows and understands the industry standards and installation methods, make sure they are ITS Verified through UofCTS. It is an online course that teaches them the standards and installation methods and verifies they understand what they learned, which they have to take annually to keep up with the standards. Go to http://uofcts.org/online-courses/titc-certified/ for details. Good luck.