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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Painting, Decorating & Tiling Questions >> Strange tile activity https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1141451539 Message started by billythekid on Mar 4^th, 2006, 5:52am

Title: Strange tile activity
Post by billythekid on Mar 4^th, 2006, 5:52am

I went to see a job the other day, shower tray replacement. While I was there the homeowner pointed out that some tiles had discoloured. The tiles had been there over 15 years. What could have caused teh discolouration?

It only affected the bottom two rows of tiles, and a corner patch on the side wall about 3x4 tiles.

I thought batch difference, but this only recently happened. I then thought perhaps water ingress behind tile, but surely that would cause them to fall off the wall before it soaked thru to the other side of the glaze.

When feeling the affected tiles they were slightly "duller" as if they needed a good polishing.

The tiles had discoloured to a slightly darker shade.

This isnt a real problem i suppose anymore as its all getting ripped out with the tray, but its been puzzling me so any ideas?

btk

Title: Re: Strange tile activity
Post by hamilton on Mar 4^th, 2006, 2:40pm

I don't do tiles, so I'm only guessing, but it sounds as though the duller tiles did not have a proper glaze on them in the first place.

So, over time, they tended to lose shine and get dirtier than the fully glazed ones.

Only guessing though. :)

Title: Re: Strange tile activity
Post by CWatters on Mar 4^th, 2006, 4:14pm

Perhaps they have used some kind of agressive cleaner that has damaged the glaze? Not sure what would do that.

Title: Re: Strange tile activity
Post by hamilton on Mar 4^th, 2006, 4:51pm

My old cleaner was very aggressive.

I had to get rid of her in the end. :)

Title: Re: Strange tile activity
Post by CWatters on Mar 4^th, 2006, 9:31pm

Did she rub the shine off your err surfaces?

Title: Re: Strange tile activity
Post by sailfishoney on Mar 17^th, 2006, 1:46am

I, probaly a little late to answer this one. It sounds like some are glazed tiles and the less shiny ones have a matt finish. could be they are just wore out and possible water is absorbing in them causing them to darken. Certain cleaners can discolor them. Or possibly the customer attempted to paint them because they were old using those crazy products out there. It could be a dozen things. Most likely they were replaced before.A good way to tell if there is dampness behind the wall is if mildew keeps coming back shortly after customer cleans.