Ceramic tile deflection is probably the last thing on your mind when you are devising grand plans for your dream home. But if neglected, ceramic tile deflection has the potential to multiply into a crisis that could even lead to your house falling apart.
Ceramic tile deflection is more of a problem with floors than with walls. Tiles, be it ceramic or stone, need a sturdy backing. Tiles tend to crack or chip if this backing surface gives way under the weight of the tiles. This is called deflection. Deflection usually takes place along the beams or in the panels between the beams. Deflection also occurs when there is a movement of one beam in relation to another.
Ceramic tile deflection up to a certain extent is permissible, but beyond that, you have a cause for concern. In case of ceramic tiles, this amounts to L/360, where L is the unsupported span of the beams in inches. To cite an instance, if your floor beam measures 10 feet, then the floor tile surface should not deflect by more than one-third of an inch under a weight. Anything more, and there are chances that your floor will cave in under a load.
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To ensure that things do not come to such a passé, go in for robust ceramic tile underlayments. Underlayments are layers that come in between the wooden sub floor and the ceramic tiles.
You have quite an array of choices when it comes to ceramic tile underlayments. Additional layers of exterior grade plywood with a minimum thickness of 1-1/8-inch would do admirably. As will cement backer boards. These are assembled, light concrete sheets that have thick concrete and fiberglass coatings on either sides and can hold out to moisture for prolonged periods.
But plywood or cement backer board, you need to have a thin-set mortar bed under either of these to do away with the problem of air holes. Another feasible alternative cure for ceramic tile deflection is to lay down the tiles directly over the concrete slab, provided the concrete backing is free of dirt, cracks and is level.
If your existing flooring is sturdy enough, is well stuck to the sub floor, but definitely not made of linoleum or vinyl, you can consider laying down the ceramic tiles over it.
With ceramic tile deflection so grave an issue, it is imperative that homeowners check for the deflection levels. One good way to do this is to string a piece of cord or thread tautly right across the span of the room and measure the distance between the thread and the floor surface.
Now put some weight on the floor, ideally something close to the amount that the floor would be normally bearing and then re-measure the distance between the thread and the floor surface. If this distance surpasses the acceptable limit, then you need to take steps immediately. And your only choices are to strengthen the sub-floor or consider materials other than stone or ceramic for your flooring.
Ceramic tile deflection is not actually much of an issue if you do the groundwork well.
by Manuel Kupka
