Cracks in tiles can be more than just an eyesore—they can also lead to further damage if left unchecked. Understanding the causes of tile cracks can save you time, money, and effort.
Common Causes of Tile Cracks
- Substrate Movement: One of the most common causes of tile cracks is movement in the substrate, or the surface beneath the tiles. If the floor or wall beneath the tile shifts, the tile may crack under the stress.
- Improper Installation: If tiles are not installed correctly, such as being placed on an uneven surface or with insufficient adhesive, they are more likely to crack. Additionally, using the wrong type of grout or not allowing for expansion joints can also cause cracks.
- Heavy Impact or Load: Dropping heavy objects on tiles or placing excessive weight on them can cause cracks. This is particularly common in high-traffic areas or where heavy furniture is placed.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Tiles can expand and contract with changes in temperature. If they are not properly installed with flexible adhesive and grout, this movement can lead to cracks.
- Poor Quality Tiles: Sometimes, the quality of the tiles themselves can be the issue. Low-quality tiles may be more prone to cracking, especially under stress.
What about Hairline cracks, or ‘Crazing’?
While hairline cracks in tiles aren’t typically a major cause for concern, it’s wise to monitor them. If you notice the crack widening rather than just extending in length, it could be a sign that the underlying surface is damaged. In such cases, it’s a good idea to have a tiling professional inspect the area. Generally, a thin crack, such as Crazing, is more of an aesthetic issue than a structural one, but keeping an eye on it ensures any potential problems are addressed early.
Read more about Tile Crazing here.
How Tile Rescue Deal With Cracked Tiles
First we will assess the damage to determine if the crack is repairable or if a replacement is necessary.
Filling Small Cracks: For small cracks, a tile repair kit can be used. These kits often contain filler material that matches the colour of your tile. Clean the area thoroughly before applying the filler and allow it to dry completely.
Replacing the Tile: If the crack is beyond repair, we’ll need to replace the tile. Home owners often have spare tiles to match however if not you will need to source a suitable replacement. Once the cracked tile is removed, we clean the area and apply fresh adhesive before placing the new tile, ensure it’s level with surrounding tiles, and then regrout the edges.
Prevent Future Cracks: We use high-quality materials, including flexible adhesives and grout, to accommodate some movement or temperature changes, however cracks can still concur if the causes above are still present.
Conclusion
Cracks in tiles can be a nuisance, but with the right approach, they can often be fixed effectively.
