Even with careful planning and application, issues can sometimes arise in tiling projects. Recognizing these problems early and knowing how to address them can save time, money, and frustration. In this section, we’ll explore common issues related to adhesives and grouts, their causes, and how to troubleshoot them effectively.
Adhesive-Related Problems
1. Hollow-Sounding Tiles
Cause: Insufficient adhesive coverage or voids beneath tiles.
Troubleshooting:
- For minor cases, inject adhesive through a small hole drilled in the grout joint.
- For severe cases, remove and re-lay the affected tiles.
Prevention:
- Use the correct trowel size and technique.
- Back-butter large format tiles.
- Periodically check coverage during installation.
2. Tiles Debonding or Falling Off
Cause: Poor adhesion due to inappropriate adhesive choice, improper mixing, or application on a dirty or unstable substrate.
Troubleshooting:
- Remove affected tiles and clean the substrate thoroughly.
- Re-apply using the correct adhesive and proper technique.
Prevention:
- Ensure the substrate is clean, stable, and properly prepared.
- Choose the right adhesive for the tile type and installation environment.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and application.
3. Lippage (Uneven Tile Edges)
Cause: Substrate unevenness, inconsistent adhesive application, or poor levelling during installation.
Troubleshooting:
- For minor lippage, carefully grind down the higher tile edge.
- For severe cases, remove and re-lay the affected tiles.
Prevention:
- Use a levelling system for large-format tiles.
- Ensure the substrate is level before tiling.
- Apply adhesive consistently and check for evenness during installation.
Grout-Related Issues
1. Grout Cracking
Cause: Substrate movement, premature traffic on newly tiled floors, or improper mixing/application.
Troubleshooting:
- For hairline cracks, apply a matching grout colourant.
- For larger cracks, remove the affected grout and re-grout the area.
Prevention:
- Use flexible grout in areas prone to movement.
- Ensure proper curing time before allowing traffic.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and application.
2. Grout Discoloration
Cause: Inconsistent mixing, over-watering during clean-up, or efflorescence.
Troubleshooting:
- For efflorescence, clean with a specialized efflorescence remover.
- For other discolouration, apply a grout colourant or stain.
- In severe cases, remove and replace the grout.
Prevention:
- Mix grout consistently and avoid adding extra water.
- Use clean water for mixing and clean-up.
- Apply grout sealer after curing to prevent staining.
3. Pinholes or Voids in Grout
Cause: Air bubbles in the grout, insufficient compression during application, or shrinkage.
Troubleshooting:
- For small areas, touch up with matching grout.
- For larger areas, remove and re-grout.
Prevention:
- Mix grout slowly to minimize air entrapment.
- Apply grout with firm pressure to ensure joints are fully filled.
- Use non-shrink grout formulations.
Case Study: Troubleshooting a Commercial Kitchen Tiling Project
Scenario: A newly tiled commercial kitchen floor is showing signs of tiles debonding and grout cracking after just a few months of use.
Investigation:
- A hollow sound was detected in multiple tiles.
- Grout cracks were observed, particularly near heavy equipment.
- Some discolouration was noted in grout lines.
Diagnosis:
- Inadequate adhesive coverage due to rushed installation.
- Regular thermal shock from hot water cleaning causes stress on tiles and grout.
- Harsh cleaning chemicals affect grout integrity.
Solution:
- Remove and re-lay affected tiles using an appropriate high-strength, deformable adhesive.
- Re-grout using a high-performance epoxy grout resistant to thermal shock and chemicals.
- Install movement joints around fixed equipment and at regular intervals in the floor.
- Provide clients with guidelines for appropriate cleaning products and methods.
Preventive Measures for Future Projects:
- Specify high-performance, flexible adhesives and chemical-resistant grouts for commercial kitchens.
- Ensure adequate curing time before putting the floor into service.
- Educate clients on proper maintenance to extend the life of the tiled surface.
When to Seek Professional Help
While many minor issues can be addressed by a skilled DIYer, some problems require professional intervention. Consider contacting a professional tiler or consultant when:
- Large areas are affected by debonding or cracking.
- There are signs of underlying structural issues.
- Moisture problems are suspected (e.g., in showers or exterior applications).
- The cause of the problem is not clear or persists after initial remediation attempts.
The Tiling Association of New Zealand (TANZ) can provide resources and connect you with qualified professionals. For complex troubleshooting or expert analysis, consider consulting with Specialized Tile Solutions Consultants (STSC) to ensure the best outcome for your project.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Proper planning, product selection, and application techniques can help avoid many common tiling issues. In our final section, we’ll discuss best practices for maintaining tiled surfaces to ensure their longevity and continued beauty.