Top Reasons Your Floor Tiles Are Cracking and How to Prevent It

Floor tiles come in various materials and add a luxury and elegance to different areas in a home such as kitchens and bathrooms. Cracked floor tiles can be unsightly and happen for different reasons, with these fractures either being barely noticeable to a visual and structural cause of concern.

The experts at Fix-A-Floor have put together this guide on the top causes of tile cracks and the best and most affordable ways to prevent this type of damage.

Common causes of floor tile cracking

Why do floor tiles crack? There are several key reasons why this can happen.

Poor installation practices

The first main reason as to why floor tiles crack is improper installation. Your home may have dealt with inexperienced or cowboy builders before you moved in or during a floor renovation. Proper tile installation involves applying a consistent and even application of tile adhesive, suitable distribution of adhesive and correct grouting.

If these techniques are done poorly, tiles can end up with hollows underneath or become uneven and unstable which ultimately leads to several stress points and results in tiles cracking.

Substrate issues

Following on from poor installation are substrate issues. The substrate is beneath the tiles and plays a crucial role in tile longevity. If the substrate is not properly prepared or is uneven, the tiles cannot distribute weight evenly which again can lead to cracked floor tiles.

Heavy impact or excessive weight

One of the other causes of tile cracks is when heavy objects like furniture are dropped directly onto the tiles. Heavy areas of foot traffic can also reduce tile durability which means even dropping lighter objects (Especially if any of the above situations are present) can lead to breakages, cracks and fractures.

Thermal expansion

Temperature changes around your home can have adverse effects on several features, with floor tiles being one of them. Floor tile materials contract and expand with changes in temperature, and tiles need to be installed with sufficient room to allow for this or they’ll rub and press against each other resulting in, you guessed it, cracks!

Low-quality materials

Cheaper isn’t always better. Using cheap materials for floor tiling typically won’t have the strength to withstand daily wear and tear, leading to early failures and cracks. When we mention low-quality materials, we mean everything from the body strength of the tile and glaze thickness to the colour accuracy, with insufficient quality resulting in peeling, staining uneven hues and poor durability which lead to tile cracks.

How to prevent floor tile cracking

Now you know the root causes of cracked floor tiles, let’s explore the remedies and ways to prevent tile cracks.

Ensure proper installation techniques

If you’re thinking about renovating your current cracked floor tiles, ensure you hire reputable and trusted contractors who will make sure proper installation takes place. However, if you’re thinking about installing your flooring yourself, a few tips include:

• Prepare the subfloor/substrate by cleaning the area and levelling the surface.
• Ensure you are using the correct and a quality adhesive for your tile type.
• Allow tiles to set properly before grouting - avoid walking on the area until fully set.
• Lay the tiles evenly across the substrate.

Prepare the substrate adequately

Preparing the substrate is crucial. Make sure it is clean, level and sturdy. Using a levelling compound on uneven substrates and ensuring any bounce in the floor is addressed before laying the tiles is a sure way to prevent tiles cracking in the future. Plywood and concrete are your two best friends when it comes to preparing the substrate. They both evenly distribute weight and provide an enhanced and stable foundation.

Choose durable, high-quality tiles

Invest in high-quality tile materials, suitable for your specific needs and room. Porcelain tiles, for example, are denser and more durable than ceramic tiles, making them a much better choice for high-traffic areas.

Regular maintenance practices

Regular maintenance is an ideal solution to prevent floor cracks. This includes cleaning the tiles properly to avoid the build-up of debris that can cause abrasion, as well as checking and repairing grout and sealant as needed.

If you notice any looseness, shifting or creaking, maintaining these issues is a must and fortunately can be done quickly and easily. If you do notice cracking grout or tiles moving slightly, we recommend using our extra strength bonding adhesive which is an ideal product to fill these areas and re-bond the tiles securely which will help prevent cracks and resolve issues of loose and hollow tiles.

Prevent floor cracks and other issues with Fix-A-Floor

Understanding the reasons behind tile cracking and taking steps to prevent such issues can prolong the life of your flooring, helping you save money and hassle. Investing in quality materials, properly installing flooring and regular maintenance all help to enhance the appearance of your home.

For further guidance on various flooring issues you might be facing, visit our list of guides, browse our tile repair kit and other products or simply get in touch with our team regarding any questions, advice or assistance you may need.