Tiling

Marble floor tiles cracking

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 3.15 PM

We have just had marble tiles laid in our new extension, purchased from a well-known retailer. We used a tiler recommended by the shop, who appears to have done a good job, although there were problems with some of the tiles being different sizes and thicknesses. The tiles were laid on a concrete screed with electric under-floor heating underneath it. Very soon after the tiles were laid I noticed that several of them have cracked, presumably as the adhesive dried. The shop manager came to look at them and as a result the shop has agreed to replace the cracked tiles free of charge, with adhesive and grout. However, they are not prepared to pay for labour in taking up the cracked tiles and replacing them. They say there was nothing wrong with the tiles (in which case, why are they replacing them?) - the fault must lie with the under-floor heating (which hasn't been on) or the screed not having dried properly. However, we also have a wooden step which has no screed or under-floor heating and one of the tiles has cracked on this. I do not really want to have the tiles taken up with an angle grinder, both because of the mess and because the screed and under-floor heating may be damaged. On the other hand, we paid a lot of money for these tiles and it is annoying that so many of them are cracked and chipped before we have even started using the room. They have cracked along veins in the marble. I suspect that the marble is of inferior quality, but I would need an independent expert to verify this. I do not know how to resolve this issue - is there a trade body I can ask for legal advice? The tiles were sealed before they were grouted. Is there any sort of resin that can be used to coat them and stop the cracks getting worse, or should I get them taken up? I'd really rather avoid having to take them up unless it's really necessary. I would appreciate advice. Thanks. Thanks for your replies. The screed was left for about 10 weeks before tiling, although it was winter. The tiler didn't use a membrane. There is a step which doesn't have screed or under floor heating, and one of the tiles on this has cracked too.