Sometimes, when walking on a tiled surface, you may notice that some tiles have lifted or become loose. The reasons for floor tile lifting are varied, but some are more common than others. If you don't address the issue promptly, the tiles may crack or break. Therefore, after identifying the cause, it’s important to repair the buckling tiles.
In this article, we will explore the causes of tile lifting and how to fix this issue. Stay with us until the end.
Causes of Floor Tile Lifting
When floor tiles lift from their place and put pressure on other tiles, a tent-like bulge forms on the floor. This issue can occur with all types of tiles. The most common causes of floor tile lifting include :
1. Dust Behind the Tiles During Installation
Tile and ceramic sellers always recommend thoroughly cleaning the back of floor tiles before installation and removing any dust. If the back of the tile isn’t cleaned properly, the dust acts as a barrier, preventing the tile from adhering fully to the surface.
2. Tile Expansion
Expansion can also cause floor tiles to lift. Like any material, tiles have a thermal expansion coefficient, and if proper grout spacing and movement joints are not implemented, the tiles may lift due to the expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes. However, using porcelain tiles with appropriate grout spacing can prevent this problem.
3. Uneven Surface
An uneven substrate is one of the main reasons for tile lifting. If the surface underneath is not smooth, the tiles won't adhere uniformly, and they will start lifting after a short period.
4. Walking on Freshly Installed Tiles
Newly installed tiles should not be walked on immediately. Each type of adhesive or mortar requires a specific drying time. If you walk on the tiles before they’ve fully set, the tiles may appear fine at first, but they will likely lift and become loose over time.
5. Reusing Old Tiles
Reusing old tiles can also lead to tile lifting. While it might save money, old tiles lose flexibility over time and become fragile, making them more prone to lifting.
6. Using Poor-Quality Adhesive or Mortar
Using low-quality adhesive or mortar is one of the main reasons for tiles cracking or lifting. The quality of the adhesive is crucial, as temperature changes and moisture can directly affect its bonding properties.
7. Tile Installation
Installing large tiles differs from installing smaller ones. The method of spreading adhesive, the amount of adhesive used, and how the tiles are tapped into place are all factors that play a role in tile lifting.
8. Improper Grouting
If the tiles aren’t grouted correctly, the lack of proper spacing between tiles and the pressure from expansion and contraction can cause the tiles to lift.
How to Repair Buckling Tiles
Now that we've covered the causes of tile buckling, let's look at how to repair lifted tiles. Follow these steps for proper repair:
- First, use appropriate tools to carefully remove the lifted tiles. Take care not to break any intact tiles during this process. Even if there is thick mortar beneath the tile, use tools like a spatula to first detach the tile, and then a suction cup to fully remove it.
- After removing the tile or its broken pieces, thoroughly clean the underlying surface. This step is crucial for preparing a solid base for reinstalling the tile. As mentioned earlier, an uneven surface can cause tiles to lift, so clearing away any debris is essential to prevent future issues.
- Finally, after preparing the surface, use a strong mortar suitable for the type of floor to reattach the tile. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the tile into place, ensuring proper bonding between the mortar and tile. Once the tiles are level, grout the joints with high-quality materials to prevent water from seeping underneath.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed the causes of floor tile lifting. As you have read, tile lifting can occur for various reasons. By following simple but important guidelines, you can prevent this issue, and we have outlined all these preventive tips.