Deficient Planarity

Defect visualisation

Defects are always visualised through light that strikes the tiling plane, in the form of more or less pronounced, unexpected shadows that differ in respect to the uniform appearance or aspect of the tiling surface. At a short distance and on tilings with specular gloss, the irregularities in flatness produce split, non-aligned, or double images.

This group also includes the deviations with respect to the theoretical finished plane, deviations which, without producing localised shadows, generate concave or convex surfaces, or inclined planes, on particular areas. These defects are only detected with the help of a rule and a bubble level.

It needs to be verified whether the presence of projections or changes in level between adjacent tiles (known as ‘lipping’) involves a loss of level in relation to the contiguous tiles or whether that level is maintained in the corners. This verification will allow detection of the following:

• Departures from planarity in the tile itself
• Differences in settling between consecutive tiles

In addition, it also needs to be verified whether differential settling between tiles is widespread, random, or follows certain routes in the case of flooring. In widespread or random settling, the tiling should be tapped to detect possible voids under the tile.

With a view to quantifying the departures from planarity, a 2-m rule (preferably fitted with 10-mm inserts at its ends), a tape measure, and a bubble level are needed. With those instruments, a single person can run the check.

In the case of an alteration of the tile installation plane, it is advisable to verify the meeting with the skirting in the case of flooring, and the difference in width of the last vertical row before a change of plane.

• Defect assignment
  

• Defect prevention

• Historical