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CETEC recently conducted a scientific investigation into why synthetic stone tiles in a block of luxury apartments had become drummy and were lifting from the floor. This project illustrates the need for a complete investigative approach to problem solving.

The problem occurred in a number of units with a northerly aspect. Other apartments within the same block but with different aspects remained unaffected. The tiles in the various apartments affected had been laid over a few months and the drumminess was first noticed after only four months from the completion of the tiling. It was found that tiles laid next to windows that faced north were more prone to lifting. Initially, the adhesive was thought to be the problem.

A number of possible causes for the lifting of the tiles were investigated. The one common factor to all affected areas was sunlight. The problem was found to be caused by the solar effects of sunlight on the synthetic stone tiles. The solar effects of sunlight on vinyl tiles and some timber flooring products is well documented but is not often considered with synthetic stone flooring products and it was overlooked in the design process for this building.

Australian sunlight can have extreme solar effects on building products. The windows in the affected areas were all glazed in clear glass. One method of preventing this type of solar effect is the use of toned or coated glasses in windows, especially with northerly and westerly aspects.

The use of toned or coated glass in windows is like putting sunglasses on your buildings. The shading effect reduces the amount of solar energy being transmitted onto the tiles, thus reducing the stresses on the tiles due to thermal expansion and helping to eliminate the lifting problem and the costly repair cost. In addition, the thermal properties of toned or coated glass can help reduce the cost of cooling and heating of buildings. They reduce glare and can add privacy and improve the appearance of a building.

Not only does the use of these glass types in windows help control solar effects, they also have other substantial benefits in terms of environmental efficiency, which is very important in promoting sustainable design in buildings. Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) issues are becoming key political and commercial drivers in the areas of construction, urban planning and building design.

The emphasis on sustainability is growing and the benefits of energy savings are clearly documented. CETEC can assist you in adopting a more holistic approach to material selection and in particular placing a higher importance on environmentally sustainable materials and improving indoor environment quality, which  should be included as part of the risk assessment for a new building project.

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