Tiles are a great option for your flooring, and they look aesthetically pleasing depending on the theme of your home. However, damaged tiles can ruin their appearance and you will be forced to change or replace them as soon as possible.
It’s important that you know what the causes of cracked floor tiles are to ensure you can prevent it from happening someday. Hopefully with this information, you won’t be replacing them anytime soon!
- Something heavy was dropped
If the crack is isolated within a specific area (or even a specific tile), it’s likely the damage was caused when something heavy was dropped. Think back to the last time you could have dropped something heavy. Was it a piece of furniture you were moving in through the entryway, a plate or ceramic bowl? The iron in the bathroom? Did you accidentally drop a cast-iron pot while you were trying to wash it? All of these things may only show a small dent at first, but the damage can spread over time if the area sees continual pressure like constant foot traffic.
Also, keep in mind that certain rooms in your home may be more vulnerable to cracked tile flooring from a drop. For example, your kitchen tiling can become cracked if heavy pots and pans drop onto your tile flooring and when you have people constantly moving in and out of the area. You may be looking to remodel your bathroom if a crack is forming and continues to spread from moisture. Source: Complete Flooring & Interiors
- Incorrect installation
Poor installation practices can lead to tile cracks. Inadequate adhesive coverage, improper grouting, or insufficient substrate preparation are common installation mistakes that can result in cracked tiles. Hiring a professional tile installer who follows proper installation techniques is crucial to prevent such issues.
- Bearing too much weight
Excessive weight or pressure on the tiles can cause them to crack, especially in areas with inadequate structural support. This can happen when heavy objects are placed directly on the tiles or when there is concentrated weight on specific spots. Be mindful of the weight distribution on your tiled surfaces and use proper support to prevent cracking. Source: UltraTech Cement, Ltd
- Improperly spaced joists
Tiles placed over a plywood subfloor face different issues from tiles placed over a concrete substrate. One such issue is improperly spaced joists. These beams hold up the entire subfloor, including any materials and appliances resting on top of it. The wooden joist beams help tiles survive the constant give and flex of wood, so improperly spaced joists cause tiles to crack prematurely as they move along with the wood. In other words, the wooden subfloor bows between the joists, and the tiles crack to keep up. Source: Angi
Hopefully, this has been helpful to you, and it will be useful in ensuring your floor tiles remain intact. If you ever need to schedule a consultation or repair from a professional, we can provide that service to you. Just give us a call!
