When is it necessary to replace an entire tile installation versus only make repairs of tile deficiencies?

QUESTION

I am working on a case where a few tile in an entire floor (less than 2-3% total) have been identified as having lippage.

Does CTASC or TCNA use a percentage of an entire floor that would require replacement versus individual tile replacement?

A believe the identified tile can simply be replaced instead of replacing the entire floor. However, I need something from the industry that can back up my conclusion.

ANSWER

ANSWER - There is no standard that says whether an entire installation should be replaced versus repaired based on the percentage of deficiencies.

We always provide the option for repairing.  From an installer point of view there can be a point when it is more practical to replace than try to repair.

If there was an underlying systemic deficiency that was affecting the performance of the installation with resultant damages, rather than isolated deficiencies, then a complete replacement recommendation might be valid.

If replacement tiles are not available or will aesthetically compromise the entire installation, then a complete replacement recommendation might be valid.   Although more often than not replacements can be found that are reasonable.

But again, we always try to be fair, reasonable, and practical and recommend repairs when possible.

Remember allowable lippage is based on ANSI chart of 1/32 or 1/16 inch respective to the grout joint width of less than ¼” wide or ¼” or more, plus the inherent warpage of the tile that was installed, as long as the warpage did not exceed ANSI A137.1 recommendations.  So that is normally 1/16 to 3/32” lippage.  For natural stone the overall lippage limit is 1/32".

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