Tiles – cracking

Cause

Building movement or impact damage 

Repair

  • extremely fine cracks may be disguised with glaze or epoxy resin applied with a toothpick. Ask tile suppliers or hardware stores for suitable products
  • tile manufacturers typically require that expansion or movement joints for floors and walls be carried through both the tiles and bedding material
  • it is good practice for flexible sealant to be used instead of solid grout to allow for movement (a) around the perimeter where the tiles abut a rigid element, (b) where there are movement control joints in the substrate, (c) within the body of the tiled area, and (d) where two tiled surfaces meet such as an internal corner or a floor/wall junction
  • rake out existing grout. Replace any damaged tiles, carefully following manufacturer’s/supplier’s instructions. (Some suppliers and hardware stores have step-by-step guides and videos.) Clean the joints then refill with suitable flexible sealant to corner joints and movement control joints and grout to the remainder. Only use flexible sealants/grouts specifically designed for the purpose and follow the manufacturer’s instructions
  • epoxy grouts are an option for the grouting. They are usually more expensive, but are non-absorbent, colourfast and more permanent and unlikely to support mould. They must not be used where a flexible joint is required, so do not use over a construction joint or at wall/floor junctions or wall/wall junctions
  • if the cracking was caused by impact damage, work out how this may be avoided in future

MMH Tiles Cracking Repair

 

 

Cause

No movement control (sealant) joints at junctions 

Repair

  • if the substrate and the tiling were installed in recent years, call back the tradespeople who did the work
  • tile manufacturers typically require that expansion or movement control joints for floors and walls be carried through both the tiles and bedding material
  • flexible sealant is recommended in some locations – see the first repair above

Cause

Voids in the adhesive (which makes tiles easier to damage)

Repair

  • if the tiles were installed in recent years, call back the tradespeople who did the work
  • rake out existing grout. Replace any damaged tiles, carefully following manufacturer’s/supplier’s instructions. Clean the joints then refill with suitable flexible sealant to corner joints and movement control joints and grout to the remainder. Only use flexible sealants/grouts specifically designed for the purpose and follow the manufacturer’s instructions