First, the tile is empty. To check for this, a small hammer is used to tap each tile on the floor and walls one by one. The sound can help determine if there's an empty space beneath. A dull sound usually means the tile is fully adhered, while a crisp sound indicates an empty drum. According to Beijing's inspection regulations, wall and floor tiles should not have more than 5% of their area as empty.
Causes of empty tiles include several common issues. First, tiles may not be soaked long enough before installation, or they might be over-soaked. Second, improper mixing of cement mortar or incorrect proportions can lead to poor adhesion. Third, unskilled workers may fail to compact the tiles properly, reducing their bond with the surface. Lastly, in modern construction methods like keel and cement pressure plate walls, structural changes due to temperature fluctuations or material shrinkage can cause tiles to become loose over time.
To prevent empty drums, it's recommended to install a steel mesh layer or use an interface agent before tiling. This helps improve adhesion and reduce future issues.
Treatment for empty tiles depends on the severity. If only a corner or a small spot is affected, it’s usually acceptable. However, if multiple areas are affected or more than one-third of the tiles are loose, the entire area must be removed and re-tiled.
Second, tile arching and falling off is another common problem. Causes include using incorrect cement-sand ratios, skipping the “resting†time after mixing, or failing to press the tiles firmly against the wall. Poor base preparation, such as not cleaning the surface before tiling, or insufficient water soaking of the tiles, can also contribute to this issue. Experts suggest that when two or more of these factors occur together, tile detachment is almost certain.
If tiles fall off, they can often be reattached using tile adhesive. It's important to address the root cause to avoid recurrence.
Third, tile cracking can occur in different ways. Large cracks on the surface may result from building settlement, especially in new homes. If several tiles show regular or irregular cracks, it could indicate a deeper issue with the base. In some cases, cracks in the floor screed or underfloor structure can cause tiles to crack as well. If the problem is isolated and doesn’t affect other rooms, it may not be a major concern. However, if the cracks are extensive, it could signal structural instability.
For smaller cracks on the tile surface, the causes may include poor tile quality, lack of water conservation before installation, or inadequate waterproofing on the base layer. These cracks usually don’t affect functionality but may impact aesthetics. If they’re not too severe, they can be left as is, though monitoring is advised.
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