Most of the time, cracking in swimming pool glass tile mosaics can be explained by poor installation practices or shoddy workmanship. Other times the cracking occurs without rhyme or reason in random tiles.
Random Cracking
Random cracking of glass tile mosaics is rarely the fault of the installer. It is usually the symptom of inherent stresses within the glass tiles.
But, without a "before and after" inspection of those same exact cracked tiles, there is no way to say with absolute certainty that the glass is to blame. So it will become a case of finger pointing and blaming each other.
Pre-Existing Stresses
A consumer or installer cannot be certain that any individual piece of glass tile does not possess a preexisting stress or flaw from the manufacturing process.
The only way to be absolutely sure, is to inspect each tile prior to installation... Time consuming and costly for sure.
Failure to Inspect
I do not know of any manufacturers of glass tile mosaics that perform a visual inspection of every single glass tile, prior to shipment. Again, it would be too costly and time consuming.
I'm sure that there are computerized optical inspection systems that could be employed, but after all it is "only glass tile." The cost simply does not outweigh their liability for a few cracked glass tiles.
Protecting Yourself
The best way to protect yourself prior to an after installing glass tile mosaics, is to closely follow the installation instructions.
Unmounted sheets from each lot, color and pattern should be stored in a safe, cool & dry location. Should there ever be a suspected failure, these samples can be tested at a materials testing laboratory for thermal shock resistance and inspected for preexisting stresses.
Paolo Benedetti - Aquatic Artist
"Creating water as art."™
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa ©www.aquatictechnology.com
You may contact Paolo Benedetti at: info@aquatictechnology.com or at 408-776-8220
Random Cracking
Random cracking of glass tile mosaics is rarely the fault of the installer. It is usually the symptom of inherent stresses within the glass tiles.
(Click on an image to enlarge it)
Random cracks in Oceanside Glass Tile Mosaics
(Click on an image to enlarge it)
Random cracks in Oceanside Glass Tile Mosaics
A consumer or installer cannot be certain that any individual piece of glass tile does not possess a preexisting stress or flaw from the manufacturing process.
The only way to be absolutely sure, is to inspect each tile prior to installation... Time consuming and costly for sure.
Failure to Inspect
I do not know of any manufacturers of glass tile mosaics that perform a visual inspection of every single glass tile, prior to shipment. Again, it would be too costly and time consuming.
I'm sure that there are computerized optical inspection systems that could be employed, but after all it is "only glass tile." The cost simply does not outweigh their liability for a few cracked glass tiles.
Protecting Yourself
The best way to protect yourself prior to an after installing glass tile mosaics, is to closely follow the installation instructions.
Unmounted sheets from each lot, color and pattern should be stored in a safe, cool & dry location. Should there ever be a suspected failure, these samples can be tested at a materials testing laboratory for thermal shock resistance and inspected for preexisting stresses.
Paolo Benedetti - Aquatic Artist
"Creating water as art."™
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa ©www.aquatictechnology.com
You may contact Paolo Benedetti at: info@aquatictechnology.com or at 408-776-8220
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If you want to ask a question of Paolo Benedetti, you may email him at: info@aquatictechnology.com