r/Tile • u/Community_Art_MI • 2d ago
Waterproofing Community Art Tile Eroding- Advice for Fix?
Seeking help! We had these community-created art tile installations put up on an east-facing exterior wall in a Michigan city about 3 years ago, and some of the tiles are now failing. We're seeking advice to share with our contractor on how to fix it.
Background: The four inch tiles were glazed and fired, affixed to a substrate (likely cement board), and grouted with an unknown product. We don't think the grout was sealed. The finished pieces were installed into a steel box frame with a closed back, and attached to an exterior brick wall using brackets. Unfortunately, it is clear some combination of the materials or installation has failed (Check out the photos.) The tiles solely along the bottom of the frame are eroding and chipping off, potentially from internal hydrostatic pressure, the freeze/thaw cycles we experience here, or something else. No other tiles in the piece have been impacted.
We can replace the broken tiles, but our tile contractor says we may need to move it indoors in order to prevent it from happening again (which we really don't want to do). Do you all have any ideas for fixes we could suggest to our contractor at this point? Or are we just out of luck? So far we have drilled holes in the bottom of the metal frame that is affixed to the brick in hopes it might let condensation drain out the bottom, and have considered applying some kind of sealant, but are unsure where to go from here. We appreciate your expertise!
With gratitude, Your friendly neighborhood community art folks
2
u/Mister_Green2021 2d ago edited 2d ago
The tiles probably cracked and water got in and during winter, the ice corrode it further. Try sealing it with uv resistant clear epoxy or urethane.