Browse Forums Building Standards; Getting It Right! 1 Apr 26, 2020 8:40 pm We had an issue with our balcony (a year and a half ago now) where some tiles fell off after some strong winds. Luckily no one was standing underneath at the time! When I took one to our local tile place to see if there were any similar colour or sizes available (there weren't, our house is 20 years old), the person said that he was surprised that they hadn't ALL fallen off, as it had been glued on with INTERNAL adhesive! To make matters worse, when I went out to check the other tiles (we don't use the balcony), the floor had collapsed also! Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ We lodged a claim with our house insurer, and they sent an inspector to do a report (with photos off the whole balcony area), and the result of the report was that as the balcony had not been done and sealed to "modern" standards, it was not covered under the insurance policy! It appears that the builder (big name national builder mind you) had just glued the tiles onto the yellow tongue panels of the balcony floor, as well as the surrounding edges, and the grout had crumbled, water leaked in and rotted the wood, and eventually the tiles have "collapsed" into the frame! Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ To cut a long story short, it cost a few thousand dollars to get it fixed, and seeing what the process is with cement sheeting, and several layers of sealant, new tiles and grouting, it certainly highlight what "cheap and nasty" tricks even the big builders got away with in those days (hopefully not any longer?). Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: How long do tiles last? 2Apr 30, 2020 12:16 pm I have seen tiling and stone work last more than 50years and some that lasted less than 5 years. All comes down to similar issues/reasons as anything in building. Quality/level of preparation Quality of materials and appropriate selection Skill of tradesperson/installer/builder One very common issue is the use of interior grade adhesives in such areas as they were spruiked as enclosed or not exposed. From the images you have posted, I would have thought there was a water leak of some kind that started to rot the framing (again waterproofing is another big problem) If it has been done properly, then it should last at least another 20 years, with appropriate maintenance Re: How long do tiles last? 3Jun 29, 2021 10:17 am tiling - our house is 20 odd years old. the original tiles were laid by a champ - very2x good then we decided to renovate - the new tiler though - drummy tiles everywhere so yes agreed to CF design above - it all comes down to level of preparation / skill of the tradesperson i believe back in the days - ppl care more Congratulations! Nice to put that to bed before christmas, now you can relax 3 7185 What? It's a lighting question, the control joint is only needed at 12m centres, a bulkhead or change of direction will suffice as a 'break' in the ceiling, just make… 8 8587 Firstly the ableflex that has been installed needs (manufactures specification) a sealant cap over the top, preventing water draining down between the slab and the… 3 7793 |