It doesn’t matter whether your tiles are newly installed or have been on your floor for quite some time. If you notice hairline cracks or bigger ones, then repairing them is necessary to avoid further damage or accidents. But before you do, it’s important to know what caused it, so you can keep them from happening again.
Low quality tiles
Because the tile is cracked, and the tile is the only visible portion of the installation sandwich of mortar and substrate, most homeowners assume that the tile is at fault. Usually, this is not the case; but it is possible that you or a previous owner has installed sub-standard tiles.
Tiles purchased through established retail lines such as home improvement stores and reputable online outlets, tend to be in compliance with ANSI and ASTM testing standards, which regulate tile strength. Always check the specifications section of the manufacturers’ site or printed literature about the tile. Source: TheSpruce
Cracked concrete
If you have concrete under your tile and you notice a long crack that runs through several pieces, chances are it’s because there’s a crack underneath. The concrete shifts when it cracks, and the adhesive used to lay the tile demands the tile moves with it. The tile responds by cracking along with the concrete.
Not enough curing time
When you lay concrete, it’s a good idea to leave it for a good while and let it cure, or harden. And when we say a good while, we mean a month or so. Otherwise, the water in the concrete will evaporate, causing the concrete to shrink. If the tile has been laid on top of concrete that’s shrinking, you’ll start seeing a lot of cracks as they try to keep up. Source: HomeDecorBliss
Weather or wear and tear
Natural circumstances such as moisture penetration, pressure changes, or aging can also cause cracks. If the tiles are on your patio, a common cause for cracking is the freeze-thaw cycle. In areas with cold winters, porous tiles like terracotta contract at freezing temperatures and then expand during mild spells, eventually leading to cracking. Source: Networx
Don’t let the damage on your tile flooring get worse before you have it repaired. Call us right away!
