Floor tiles popping up is a common problem for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners alike. It can be frustrating to find tiles starting to buckle, especially if you have kids and pets running around. In this blog, we will explore what causes floor tiles to pop up so we can tackle this issue head-on.
Improper installation
Inadequately installed tile becomes loose over time. For example, a tile contractor may decide to save a few dollars by using a low-grade, unmodified thin-set with porcelain tile. Unmodified thin-set does not adhere to porcelain tile, and the pieces will eventually come loose. Check for the amount of thin-set left on the substrate after removal — if the tile comes up clean, leaving most of the thin-set on the substrate, chances are a low-grade thin-set is the culprit. Additionally, an improper substrate — such as tile installed on drywall in a shower — causes tile to fail. Source: Hunker
Movement within the foundation or subfloor
House movement can wreak havoc on a tile floor. If house settling is slight, it might only affect a few tiles, which you can individually remove, clean, reset and regrout. It’s a bigger problem, however, if the movement results from the tile floor resting on a floor truss system. Floor trusses, as opposed to floor joists, are designed to move slightly, called “deflection,” and many tile setters will not guarantee their work if floor trusses are present. Even if the correct tile backer and adhesive are used, the tiles are likely to continue coming loose or cracking. If you have floor trusses, the best solution is to remove the tiles and install different flooring. Source: HomeGuides.SFGate
Excessive humidity
Moisture can damage both the subfloor and tiles. Moisture that comes up from a crawl space can saturate the subfloor causing it to separate, mold and rot. This damage can push a tile out of alignment. A tile can also bulge if it absorbs moisture either from the subfloor damage caused from below or from repeated water spills. Even a small amount of water spilled onto the tile every day can cause rot and mildew on the subfloor below. An isolation membrane applied to the subfloor before tiling can prevent subfloor damage from spills. Source: eHow
To avoid this issue or fix the ones at home that are already causing you a headache, call us so we can help you right away! With our years of experience dealing with tile repair, you’ll never have to worry about any kind of tile problem again.
