ᐅ Tiles Cracking and Getting Damaged in New Construction

Hello,

we moved into our house 8 months ago, and shortly after, one tile broke. Our tiler replaced it. Since then, more tiles have broken, a total of 4 pieces. They are large-format tiles, 60 x 60 cm (24 x 24 inches), made of porcelain stoneware. We selected them at a specialty store and purchased them through the tiler. After just a few weeks, I noticed surface damage while cleaning. We take good care of our floors—no outdoor shoes, no pets, no children—but we can’t explain why the tiles are breaking or why the surface is getting damaged. Would it be advisable to hire an expert to assess the quality of the tiles? We have no issues in other rooms, but all the broken tiles are located in the living room and entrance area. If we replace the tiles now, we have no spare tiles left after just 8 months.

I would wait on getting an expert report, as it costs money and provides limited insight. Legally, the tiler is responsible for their work. So, report the defect in writing and request its correction within a reasonable deadline. Since it obviously affects only two rooms, a faulty substrate is likely. If necessary, the tiler will have to redo these two rooms.

Was the screed still too damp when it was installed?

The tiler measured the moisture level of the screed and said it is low enough. The problem is, we have installed these tiles in almost the entire ground floor: kitchen/living area, hallway, cloakroom, and storage room, except for the guest bathroom. This means we would have to take down all the furniture, including the kitchen, for him to re-lay the tiles. Additionally, I suspect that another batch would probably not match our tiles in color. Although we still have some spare tiles, they would be completely used up. The storage room is currently the only room not affected.

What do you want to hear now?!
If tiles are cracking in almost every room, it is either due to the tiles themselves, which would require a complete replacement.
Or it could be the screed, for example, too much residual moisture, lack of functional heating, or incorrect adhesive. In those cases, the solution is also to start over.

How were expansion joints taken into account? How was the moisture measured?

It’s good that you had everything from a single source.

I would report the damage and have it repaired, and have it thoroughly inspected. If necessary, remove everything.