Why Are My Floor Tiles Loose and How to Fix This?

There are several reasons why floor tiles can become loose or hollow. Knowing how to fix them can save you stress and money, and in this blog, we’re going to discuss the reasons why floor tiles can become loose, and the ideal solutions to get them back to normal.

Poor installation is a common reason for loose tiles. If the tiles are not installed correctly, they can de-bond over time and become loose. This could be due to improper adhesive application, such as a dot and dab method which leaves large voids underneath the tiles, as well as not allowing enough drying time for the adhesive.

Secondly, the cause of loose tiles can be down to sub floor issues and preparation. Natural sub floor issues like building settlement, fluctuations in heat or improper installation can all affect your finished floor covering leading to even more further issues down the line.

Lastly, expansion and contraction seem to be one of the biggest factors that causes problems for both tile and wood flooring. This could simply be from not installing proper expansion joints, to tiling onto plyboard in first floor bathrooms, to sudden changes in temperature with underfloor heating. Areas where tiles have been applied on top of the plyboard are particularly vulnerable to debonding over time due to the natural expansion and contraction of the wood during the hot summer months followed by a cold winter spell. Eventually, the tiles will come loose and signs of this could be that you hear a crunch in your tiles as you walk across them, cracked grout and even movement of the tiles.

Why has my grout cracked?

It can be a pain when we find something wrong with our floor tiles that need fixing. One day everything is fine, the next you notice cracks in the grout around your tiles. There are several reasons why your grout has cracked or is failing but the most common is due to movement in your substrate. Other reasons why grout has cracks can be due to improper installation, excess moisture and lack of expansion joints in larger areas.

Most people believe removing the grout and regrouting will solve the issue only to find the same area begins to crack further down the line. The best method to prevent grout from cracking going forward is to tackle the cause of the issue by filling the void underneath the tile. Apply Fix-A-Floor repair adhesive to the void around the cracked grout as it is designed to be super strong whilst being flexible, meaning the tiles and substrate will not only be held together using a super strength floor repair adhesive but also allow for natural movement in your house without debonding.

What will happen if I don’t repair my hollow or loose floor tiles?

It is vital that all repairs are carried out with loose or hollow floor tiles, as leaving these unfixed can cause hazards and various issues.

Safety hazard: Loose or hollow tiles can pose a tripping hazard which can cause injury.

Structural damage: When tiles are loose or hollow, they can cause stress surrounding tiles and the subfloor. This can lead to cracking, shifting or other damage, which can be expensive to repair.

Water damage: Loose tiles can allow water to seep through the grout lines and penetrate the subfloor. This can cause rot, mould and other water damage issues which could end up more costly, such as replacing the floor itself!

Aesthetics: Loose or hollow tiles can be unsightly and detract from the overall appearance and feel of the room.

It is important to repair loose or hollow tiles as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of your home and its occupants. It also ensures that you won’t have to be forking out large expenses on more extensive repairs at a later date.

Why should I use Fix-A-Floor?

Here at Fix-A-Floor, we have heard people ask, “Why don’t I use expanding foam, PVA, silicone, CT1, Gripfill or even a watered-down tile adhesive?” All great products in their own right but none of them would be suitable to fix loose, hollow or creaky floors. But why? Well, it really is down to the composition of Fix-A-Floor having the perfect blend of strength and flexibility whilst having low viscosity properties which allow it to penetrate and fill the voids under your flooring.

There are many reasons why you wouldn’t use some of the items above, such as being too thick, expanding foam could potentially leave you with uneven tiles, other adhesives dry too brittle and creating your own mix of watered-down adhesive would not adhere manufacturers ratios, meaning the tiles could once again become loose. Fix-A-Floor has been specifically formulated to repair loose and hollow flooring.

Explore our supply of Fix-A-Floor adhesive, the UK’s leading solution for fixing loose and hollow floors. Get in touch with us to learn more or check out our detailed guides to learn more about how to use the adhesive and how it can help.