Metallic tile falling off fireplace

16 years ago

Several years ago my wife hired an interior designer to design the backsplash for our kitchen range and the surround of our gas fireplace. We never used the fireplace becasue our kids were young and curious, but started using it this winter. After about 3 uses some of the tiles started to fall off. They used a bronze/metallic tile that I am guessing isn't meant for fireplaces. Is there anyway to save this fireplace tile? My wife loves the look of it, but I'm thinking its going to have to be removed. My second question is, assuming I have to scrap the tile and start over, what are the best ways to remove the tile.

I have four links below to show the issues.

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii32/klugfamily/IMG_7204.jpg

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii32/klugfamily/IMG_7202.jpg

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii32/klugfamily/IMG_7201.jpg

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii32/klugfamily/IMG_7199.jpg

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Comment (1)

ventupete
16 years ago
My guess would be that since metal has a high rate of expansion and contraction with heating and cooling, the movement is breaking the bond with the mortar (probably thinset). Before ripping them out, you might try to reinstall the ones that fell off using one of the relatively new "flexible" thinsets that are out there (HD carries it). Make sure it is fortified (if not add a latex fortifier when mixing it up) and don't get the pre-mixed kind. The flexibility and additional holding power provided by the fortifier might enable the bond to withstand the movement of the metal tiles - it's worth a try.
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