Surface efflorescence on ceramic tiles is not a flaw

Recently another tile manufacturer asked us to review a claim of defective tiles.  

The pool owner's representative was making an assertion that the ceramic tiles on the top of a spa dam wall were defective, as the glaze was changing colors due to UV and chemical exposure.

Tiles at tile of installation (click on image to enlarge)

Tiles after repeated wet/dry cycles (click on image to enlarge)

 
After reviewing the images of the tiles, immediately following their initial installation and present day, it became readily apparent what the cause of the discoloration was.

Efflorescence (or mineral build up) is not considered a defect.  It is a due to the lack of routine removal of mineral build up.  Much like the waters spots that form on dishes or glassware in a dishwasher, this mineral build up does not mean that the dishes or glassware are defective.  Some efflorescence may be coming from the grout or thinset.  But in any case, the tiles are not defective.

Special cleaning services are available that will remove calcium and mineral build up.  Most pool service companies offer these services at an additional charge.  Routine weekly brushing of the tile will not prevent mineral or calcium build up, so the pool service is not to blame either.

As the water evaporates, it leaves a film of minerals behind.  Over time these minerals begin to make the tile appear hazy white.

Some white efflorescence is even visible in the grout joints, before the pool was even completed.

The solution?  Pay someone to remove the mineral build up.  It's a maintenance issue!


Paolo Benedetti, SWD, Principal
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa
www.AquaticTechnology.com
 International Swimming Pool Consulting and Design, Aquatic Consulting, Watershape Consultants, Expert Witness, Hydraulic Design, Landscape Architecture, Construction Management
Office: 408-776-8220
 Email: info@aquatictechnology.com
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Stone Tiles Discoloration - Swimming Pool Expert Witness

It has been well documented that improper installation practices and setting materials can contribute to discoloration of natural stone and stone tile pool decks and patios.

Research Setting Materials

The installer or specifier should always check with the vendor as to the recommended setting materials and mortar and grout colors.  

If the vendor cannot or refuses to provide specifications, then the specifier should turn to the Marble Institute of America (MIA) or the Ceramic Tile Institute of America (CTIOA).

Both of these organizations have published field reports and technical papers regarding the proper setting materials and colors for various types of stone and tiles.

Correct Setting Materials

Some dark setting materials may bleed through lighter porous stones or tiles, creating a clouding, mottling or darkening effect.  Dark grouts can absorb into the sides of the tiles, causing a darkening of the edges.

Conversely, light setting materials can also bleed through darker materials, causing a lightening or ghosting effect.  Lighter grouts can also bleed into the materials, causing a halo effect around the tile edges.

Some epoxy adhesives have been known to cause stones and tiles to curl or twist.

So, it is important to research the proper setting materials for your type of stone or tile.

Improper Installation Practices

Using the incorrect technique when setting some tiles can also contribute to discoloration.  If the setting trowel's gauge marks (aka "comb marks") are not knocked down, then water may accumulate in the resulting voids.  Water saturating the stone, sill cause discoloration and an irregular clouding.

The best method, is to back butter the tiles after a thorough cleaning.  The comb marks are knocked down and the tiles set into the fresh thinset or mortar.  This will ensure an almost 100% contact and few, if any, voids.

Protect the Stone

It is also a good idea to protect the surface of the stones or tiles with a quality sealer or grout release prior to setting the tiles.  This will prevent the edges of the tiles from becoming discolored if grout or mortar gets onto the surface during installation.

A little knowledge will prevent having to tear out large areas of stone or tile.
 
Paolo Benedetti - Aquatic Artist "Creating water as art."™ 
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa © www.aquatictechnology.com 
You may contact Paolo Benedetti at: info@aquatictechnology.com or at 408-776-8220

Discoloration Glass Tile Mosaics

Expert Witness Glass Tile Mosaics Installations

 
Glass tile installations cost a lot of money.  Let's face it, if it was inexpensive to install glass tile mosaics properly, then everyone would have glass tile mosaics.  They are the most luxurious finish available for swimming pools and spas.

Glass Tile Gone Wrong

A glass tile mosaic job can look terrible when done wrong.  Most problems are caused by installation errors.  Compounding the problem, are the use of translucent (see through) glass tiles.  They permit the installation errors, normally hidden by ceramic tile, to shine through!

Causes of Discoloration
The most common causes of discoloration behind glass tile mosaics are a result of:

• using gray cement, mortars or setting materials
• not keeping the tiles shaded until the pool is filled
• failing to protect the tiles from rain or irrigation water
• allowing the bond coat to skin over (poor bond, voids)
• excess water in the bondcoat (thinset)
• incorrectly using the direct set (two step) installation method
• leaving trowel marks
• grouting too soon (not allowing the bondcoat to fully cure)
• filling the pool too soon after grouting
• fielding mixing setting materials (results in unknown bond and compression strengths, density and permeability)
• not using a waterproof membrane
• too thin of a bondcoat (allowing the membrane to shadow through)
• allowing ground water to soak through the pool shell 
• contamination in the bondcoat

These are just some of the most common mistakes.  Individually or in combination, they can result in a beautiful pool turning into a hideous mess.

Workmanship Standards

In North America there are published and accepted workmanship standards.  These standards are the minimum that apply to the installation of glass tile mosaics.  So, regardless of what installation method the tile manufacturer or contractor recommends, THESE ARE THE MINIMUMS.

Foreign manufacturers are not aware that the tile industry in North America has performed significant testing and analysis if glass tile mosaic installation practices.  They have established acceptable methods of installing glass tile mosaics that apply to EVERY INSTALLATION in North America.  They are the GOSPEL for glass tile installations.

These practices are published under the ANSI A108.14, A108.15 and A108.16: Standards for the Installation of Glass Tile Mosaics.  They also make direct reference to the quality and performance standards for the required mortar beds, waterproof membranes, bondcoats (thinsets) and grouts (ANSI A118).

Because there are performance standards for the mortarbeds, thinsets (bondcoats) and grouts, the field mixing of raw materials cannot guarantee that they meet the ANSI performance standards.

Paolo Benedetti - Aquatic Artist 
"Creating water as art."™ 
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa ©
www.aquatictechnology.com 
You may contact Paolo Benedetti at: 
info@aquatictechnology.com or at 408-776-8220