Tiles, when properly laid, provide a strong, long-lasting, and useful material for walls and floors around the house. However, this does not mean that they are problem-free. Your tiles may begin to break from time to time, and there are many causes for this.
If you can relate to this and are struggling with one or more cracked tiles, we are here to provide you with everything you need to know: what causes floor tiles to crack? Come along as we explore some of the causes that lead to floor tile cracking in more detail.
What Causes Floor Tiles To Crack?
Most often, wrong installation or other underlying problems lead to cracked tiles. Nonetheless, there are other possible causes of tile cracking, such as abrupt temperature fluctuations, substrate (the surface the tile is put on) fractures, bearing excessive weight, or even something as basic as a heavy object being thrown on them.
Finding the cause of the cracking and working your way down can help you better understand what causes floor tiles to crack and how to fix one. Here are some further details on some of the most typical causes of cracked tiles in your house:
Cracked Support
When it comes to floors in particular, a crack in the surface beneath the tiles can cause one or more cracks in the tiles above. This may be the result of tiny motions, such as the expansion and contraction of wood or concrete, or it may be the result of an installation without a screed or flexible barrier that stretches in response to substrate movement.
Hard Impacts
Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are very durable, but they can break if they come into contact with hard impacts, such as a large object being placed on them. This is especially likely to happen if there are other installation problems.
Low-Grade Tile
It’s reasonable to be concerned if the tile you recently purchased is low-grade. Accredited tiles will last longer and hold up better than low-grade tiles. Although the material’s durability might appear acceptable at first, it might chip and crack more quickly with prolonged usage. Make sure to inquire with your tile provider about the greatest possible solution for your house.
Not Properly Cured Concrete Substrate
Concrete must cure after the first pour for all of the water to evaporate. When all of the water has evaporated, the concrete then contracts. For optimal results, new concrete should cure for a minimum of 28 days or more. Insufficient curing time for freshly poured concrete increases the possibility of breaking and causing cracks in your tile flooring.
Poor-Quality Tiles
Not every tile is created the same, and some types aren’t appropriate for use in some situations. Installing wall tiles on floors or utilizing indoor tiles outdoors, can increase the possibility of wall or floor tile cracks over time.
Putting On Excessive Weight
While most tiles are made to withstand massive weights, not all tiles are intended for such a purpose. Installing wall tiles on floors, for example, might not be able to support a big appliance like a refrigerator or washing machine for a long period.
Temperature Fluctuations
The integrity of your tiles shouldn’t be significantly impacted by minor temperature fluctuations that occur inside your house. However, compelling fluctuations in temperature might increase the possibility of tiles splitting if you’re using frost-proof tiles outdoors, which aren’t meant for outdoor use.
Tiling Over Control Joints
Control joints are used in big spaces with concrete flooring to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the material. It is possible to notice cracks in these distinct areas if the tiles are improperly tiled over without a flexible membrane.
Control joints serve to ensure that the concrete beneath splits in a predictable, straight path because it is prone to cracking. Your contractor should never lay tiles on a surface that they are aware may eventually crack for this reason.
Wrong Installation
Appropriate installation is necessary for tiles to function at their best. If not, you might deal with a variety of problems, such as cracked tiles. Mistakes made during tile installation can be expensive.
It may affect the integrity of the tile and eventually lead to weak spots and cracks if there are any spaces or gaps between the tile and the surface. Tiles may crack due to wrong tile installation —such as using the incorrect grout or cement mix—or lack of a flexible membrane.
How Can I Prevent Cracked Tiles?
The best defense against tile cracking is prevention. It is possible to reduce the possibility of floor tile cracking and save yourself the trouble of having to fix a broken tile by acting cautious. To prevent cracked tiles, think about putting these suggestions into practice:
Check for Dead Spots
Make sure to carefully check the subfloor for any hollow or uneven spots before installing any tiles. The tiles may get weakened by these “dead spots” and are more prone to cracking. Before tiling, take care of any problems by strengthening or fixing the subfloor.
Choose Ceramic Or Porcelain Tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles have a very long lifespan and are not easily cracked. Choosing these types of tiles can drastically lower the possibility of tile cracking. Given that ceramic and porcelain tiles are strong and resilient to wear and tear, they are a great option for places with high traffic.
Put A Concrete Subfloor And Plywood On
Tile cracking can be prevented by properly prepping the subfloor. To provide a level and sturdy platform for the tiles, use plywood and a concrete foundation. This lessens the chance of foundation cracks caused by uneven weight distribution.
Think About Expansion
Consideration for expansion joints is essential in larger spaces and places subject to fluctuations in temperature. These joints stop stress-induced cracks permitting the tiles to move naturally. To find the proper spacing and position for expansion joints, consult with a professional contractor or stick to industry standards.
