"NSN" wrote in message
...

Boden:

Thanks!!!!!!! Just what I have been looking for.

Norm


On Fri, 12 Dec 2003 01:20:06 GMT, EL wrote:

You may want to consider using a shear membrane. I use this Noble
membrane under all of the ceramic tile that I have placed in my home.
It is good insurance. I've bought it from DalTile although I suspect
others have it as well.

http://www.noblecompany.com/cis.html

Boden

this has to be put down before you tile the floor originally as it comes in
a long roll.

you can get an antifracture compound that you trowel on in a thin layer, let
dry, then thinset your tiles back down. you can use that when you're
replacing the single tiles that are cracked. you really need to only do it
over a tile that is over a slab crack, but if i were you, it'd be cheap
insurance to do it on all replaced tiles.

NSN wrote:

I have about 2000 sq. ft. of 12" Travertine tile in my home. Every
two or three years I have to replace at least 20 tiles because of
cracking. I am in California and as many of you know, we get quite a
few minor earthquakes yearly. We also get a major one every few years
which does not help the problem.

Originally, the tile was laid directly over the concrete slab with
thinset. When replacing the tiles I have been using a thin layer of
mastic, then a layer of roofing paper (black "tar" paper) and then
another thin layer of mastic. I had hoped that this would insulate the
Travertine from the slab. It does not . some of the tiles continue to
crack but at a slower rate.

I am getting ready to replace another 20 tiles. Does anyone have any
ideas as to how to secure the tiles in place yet allow some
flexibility to prevent cracking? I suspect that I might end up with
some cracking of the grout but I would rather replace the grout in
these areas than replace the entire tile.

Norm