Tile problems

[Charlie Lyman]

This is my tile in the bathroom, so no lost sleep here. After I clean it, it gets the lines around it about a half inch in. They go away, but sometimes come back after I take a shower. What is it, what causes it, or what else can you guys tell me about it in case it happens at a customers house.

 

[Mikey P]

my guess would be sealer residue


Have you cleaned the whole floor with an acid?

 

[Charlie Lyman]

I haven't ever sealed the grout. Lived here 2 years and have cleaned them 3 times. Could it be left over from someone else? I haven't cleaned them with acid.

 

[davegillfishing]

I say the edges of the tile are splitting and getting moisture under them. Had it happen at a customers a few years ago.

 

[boazcan]

Sealer or grout residue. Clean it with an acid. Doodle bug the area with the markings while acid is on the floor.

 

[alazo1]

I agree with Dave, moisture. Do you have loose grout or tiles?. If the install is solid try color sealing the grout.

 

[Dale]

Hi guys:

As a flooring Inspector, I see defective tiles like that coming out of the box. During manufacturing apparently the uncured ceramic gets compressed at the edges, which makes it appear different than the rest of the tile. Could this be your problem, if so you may have a manufacturing complaint, if it was sold as #1 stuff.

Thx,
Dale

 

[Steve Lawrence]

I like Dale's answer as it addresses the uniformity of the problem. Seems that a moisture problem would be more irregular.

 

[davegillfishing]

Dales answer was the same as mine unless I don't totally understand his. Cracks around the edge of the tiles get moisture under them when cleaned and discolor till they dry out unusually 2-3 days then look totally normal. That is what I dealt with a few years ago when a lady tried to force me to reptile her house after a cleaning.

 

[hogjowl]

I like Dales answer simply because he doesn't post enough for me to know for sure if he is as stupid as the rest of us who hang out here daily.