Abstract

Cold weather, and its impact on tile related systems is something that is often overlooked and misunderstood. There are instances when this issue has impacted on tile and waterproofing systems, resulting in failure and poor performance on some projects. The problems which often become apparent, such as aesthetic defects, bond failure, and waterproofing fillet failures are commonly attributed to poor installations or products. Reasons for failure are often given when analysis takes place long after installation. However, breakdowns in the system can be an effect of cold weather at the time of installation rather than later mistakenly attributed to an alternative problem/cause. Often blame is apportioned incorrectly with subsequent costly rectification orders, even though problems/causes have not fully considered the impact of cold weather.
Some examples of problems arising from the cold weather impacting on tile and waterproofing systems can include:
• Leaking / Failure of waterproofing to internal and external areas;

• Some subfloor(screed) failure/ degradation;

• Tile delamination, either partially or completely;

• Leeching of various types of residue from grout joints, perimeter and surrounding area of tile work;

• Discolouration/ appearance issues in some types of stone;

• Grout failure/ degradation;

• Discoloured grout;

• Efflorescence; and

• A combination of the above occurring either with internal or external situations