Glass tile nightmare

[GlassTileNightmare]

We installed a translucent glass tile in our stall shower. Within a short time, tiles darkened, some cracked, and others have lightened. The manufacturer has been sympathetic but thinks my contractor must have mixed water with the latex adhesive, so moisture was able to "wick" behind the tiles, despite the Laticrete grout. To anyone considering glass tile, beware; it is very risky. We now face removing all glass, will now play it safe with ceramic. Comments or suggestions are welcome.

 

[Jadnashua]

You sure they didn't use mastic? Did you see what they used to put the stuff on the wall? Was it out of a tub, or did they mix it from a powder?

The people over at www.johnbridge.com might shed some light on this. Good site for tile.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[GlassTileNightmare]

Jim - I can't recall for sure what adhesive was used. The tile came with written instructions, specifying Mapei Granirapid Ker 129 or Ker 130 dry set mortar mixed with Ker 318 liquid flexible latex additive. (A later version of instructions listed that product for dry installations only and substituted Laticrete Latipoxy 300 Epoxy Adhesive for wet installations). The tile contractor had a good reputation here, but was here only momentarily; the work was done by a skillful fellow with limited English.
It does seem like the adhesive is "melting." What does this suggest?

 

[Jadnashua]

Melting suggests he used mastic, thinset once cured is like a rock- it is basically unaffected by moisture (other than the same sort of thing you might notice on wet concrete, it can change color but it doesn't get soft!). Go over to www.johnbridge.com and pose your question...lot's more tile pros there.