Black Marble floor tiles – Waterproof?
October 16th, 2009 | by admin |We have what I believe to be black marble tiles in our bathroom. We have been having problems with mold in the walls around the bathroom. When the tiles were lifted the "sand" – a mixture of cement and sand,I think- but softer than concrete. Under all of this is the waterproofing (and up the sides). And below this is the concrete seperating us from the floor below.
This "sand" mixture is quite moist, which I think is unusual, but the builder assures me it is normal. He says the floor tiles will leak some of the water down into the sand below.
I live in a foreign country and I don’t speak the language too well, so I am not able to run off to the local tiler and ask questions. So I am looking for your help.
I am looking from answers from those who know, not those who only think they know.
Much appreciated.
We have what I believe to be black marble tiles in our bathroom. We have been having problems with mold in the walls around the (Edit: two month old) bathroom. When the tiles were lifted the "sand" – a mixture of cement and sand,I think- but softer than concrete. Under all of this is the waterproofing (and up the sides). And below this is the concrete seperating us from the floor below.
This "sand" mixture is quite moist, which I think is unusual, but the builder assures me it is normal. He says the floor tiles will leak some of the water down into the sand below.
I live in a foreign country and I don’t speak the language too well, so I am not able to run off to the local tiler and ask questions. So I am looking for your help.
I am looking from answers from those who know, not those who only think they know.
Much appreciated.
EDIT: BTW Rob – Should the "sand" be getting wet? Wouldn’t it eventually become water logged? Bathroom is only 2 months old.
if the tiles are marble, then the problem is normal, because marble is porous, that is, it absords water, and will allow water to pass through it. Moisture in the bathroom will be enough to cause this problem. About the only solution is to get a sealer for the marble to prevent moisture from passing through it.
2 Responses to “Black Marble floor tiles – Waterproof?”
By tenringshot2004 on Oct 17, 2009 | Reply
I think your builder is trying to pull a fast one. There should be a type of waterproof backer behind the walls and on the floor that won’t absorb the moisture. The tiles should also be sealed – with a waterproof sealer so the moisture won’t soak through the stone. The sealer is something that should have been done at the time of install. If it wasn’t, you can find a local stone restoration or stone medic in the yellow pages to help you out. You can also buy the sealer at any home improvement store. I would recommend getting a second opinion about the tile job to make sure it was done right.
References :
http://www.mia.com
By Rob M on Oct 17, 2009 | Reply
if the tiles are marble, then the problem is normal, because marble is porous, that is, it absords water, and will allow water to pass through it. Moisture in the bathroom will be enough to cause this problem. About the only solution is to get a sealer for the marble to prevent moisture from passing through it.
References :