Loose and Lifting Floor Tiles: What are the Causes and What Should You Do About It?

09 March 2022

Nothing beats the look of natural stone tiles on your floor. They have become more popular in recent years because they give the space an organic field and reflect the natural world. You have many new options when it comes to stone tiles, and they have many advantages. They can also be a hassle if you happen to notice the crackingof tiles becoming loose and lifted. This is not only unsightly, but it can also cause a tripping hazard. Here are some of the common reasons for loose and lifting tiles in your home.

 

  1. Moisture

Moisture is one of the main causes of uplifting tiles in your home. Whether your substrate is concrete, plywood, or something else, moisture can creep in and cause your tiles to lift or tent. This can also cause mould to develop on your tiles. The only way to resolve this issue is to find the source of the moisture and fix it at its source. Then, the tile can be reinstalled.

 

  1. Substrate Movement

Another common reason for uplifting or loose tiles is that the substrate below the tiles moves. One common cause is cement board that has been improperly installed and expands over time. This happens on both floors and walls. If your concrete slab is cracked or undergoes extreme expansion, this can also cause your tiles to lift.

 

  1. Improper Installation

Another common reason for tiles lifting is an improper installation by an inexperienced contractor. If the person who had the tiles installed was more concerned about doing it cheaply, then this may have forced the contractor to use low-grade materials in the thin-set and tiles themselves. This will cause poor adherence and cause the tiles to lift over time.

 

  1. Uneven Subfloor

Many homeowners fall into the trap of believing that setting tile is an easy job that can be done on a weekend. The problem is that there are a lot of tricks of the trade, and if it is not done right, the tiles will lift. One of the steps that many homeowners skip is making sure that the subfloor is level. This is one of the most common reasons why tiles become loose, and it is a good reason to hire a professional in the first place.

 

  1. Poor Quality Tiles

Another reason for loose floor tiles is trying to save a little money by using old, recycled, or poor-quality tiles. Tiles that are already bent or are thinner than high-quality tiles are more likely to buckle or become loose quicker than high-quality ones. Spending a little more money, in the beginning, will save you more in the end.

Century Tiling and Stone can help discover the cause of your cracked or tenting tiling and help devise a permanent solution to fix it. We perform waterproofing services and will listen to your needs to make sure that the project suits your personality and preferences. We can also tile kitchen countertops, walls, and bathrooms. Our company has a solid reputation in the Melbourne area, so give us a call, and we can help you solve your floor tile needs.

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