Replies

1. 
   JJ_McGough | Apr 16, 1999 05:16am | #1

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   Before I suggest you take out the shims, drill a hole in the corner of each tile and screw them down securely......

   You have a serious problem that will eventually get worser and worser.

   The performance of a properly installed ceramic tile installation is dependent upon the durability and dimensional stability of the substrate to which it is bonded.

   Could you describe the specific materials used in the installation, from the subfloor to the adhesive and joint filler materials?

2. 
   Guest_ | Apr 16, 1999 05:44am | #2

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   bobs, I gotta' agree with JJ. Seems like you have a problem with the substrate on which the tile is set upon. I don't think the problem is the subfloor, per se.

   I'm leaning towards thinking you have an improperly installed tile floor. From the crackling noise you describe, it sounds like the tile is set over a mud mortar setting bed. Is this correct? Let us know what the substrate is made of.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 16, 1999 10:40am | #3

   *Bobs,I've seen tile glued to plywood subfloors using epoxy mastic in bathrooms!! (Marginally acceptable in NON-wet areas, given enough support to eliminate flexing. Never recommended in a bath.)If there is no mortar bed or backer board, no number of screws will hold anything down.Curious as to what your response will be. PS. You may need to pick up the carpet at the threshold to see what under the tile and measure the thickness.G'luck

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 16, 1999 10:52pm | #4

   *Big ditto on the "worser and worser"...this sounds like it could get UGLY!!Donna

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 17, 1999 10:09pm | #5

   *typically a crackling floor is caused by walking on a new floor while the adhesive is near dry but not completely set. it breaks the bond and causes that crackling. This is most common on vinyl products but I would assume that the same would hold true for ceramic. It will probably get worse(r) and worse(r).Pete Draganic

3. 
   Tripp_Huey | Apr 21, 1999 06:53am | #6

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   Often if cement backer board is installed without the manufacturer recommended thinset leveling layer you can have the same problem. When the backer board is nailed or screwed to the floor sand like bits of the board are loosened. If the thinset is present the bits will be encapsulated by the mortar, no squeaks.

4. 
   bobs_ | Apr 21, 1999 06:53am | #7

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   ceramic tile in bathroom floor makes crackling noise when walked on. Have glued shims between subfloor and joists below but no help. Have heard of device which attaches to joists and subfloor with adjusting screw to add tension or pressure to subfloor. What is this item and where do you buy it?Also, is this the fix for the problem?