Common Causes of Cracked Tile Flooring
Cracks in your floors can not only be ugly, but they can be dangerous to walk on. In some cases, they may indicate an issue with your home’s structure. Below are the top seven causes of cracks in tile floors:
- A large object falls and breaks the tile.
- There is too much pressure and weight on the tiles.
- Installers place the tile over a control joint.
- The supportive joists are too far apart.
- The tile is of poor quality.
- The concrete substrate has cracks.
- The concrete substrate didn’t cure properly.
Each of these poses its own problems for homeowners with tile flooring, but some are much more serious than others. Dropping a heavy item on the floor and causing it to crack usually happens by accident. This scenario doesn’t impact the entire floor but rather one small area.
On the other hand, laying down tile over a control joint or on a defective concrete substrate could present more widespread damage. It’s important to identify what causes cracks in your tile so you can address the problem with help from a professional like Krause Flooring.
How To Prevent Cracked Tile Flooring
Keeping your tile floors in good shape starts during the installation. If your flooring contractor ignores some of the structural issues that can lead to cracking, you’ll likely see your tiles split over time. Make sure you hire a reputable contractor with years of experience.
Ask them about the steps they follow during the installation process. Flooring companies that don’t examine the concrete substrate or measure how far apart they place joists can leave you with damaged tiles. Repairing cracked tile flooring can turn costly, so protect your investment and trust an installer that is thorough.
Once experts install the flooring, it’s up to you to prevent damage. Avoid placing heavy objects on the floor if you aren’t sure whether the tile can support the weight. Always be cautious when carrying large items to prevent dropping them and shattering the tile.
Should You Repair or Replace Cracked Tiles?
Evaluate any new cracks on your tiles and try to determine the cause. You can easily repair small cracks in a tile with epoxy. If the damage is contained to one small area, you could also rip up the tile and place new ones with grout.
Experts recommend repairing cracked tile flooring if the damage is minor or due to an accident. For instance, if you drop a heavy pot on the floor and it breaks the tile, you can repair it and avoid further issues. Other scenarios may require replacing the majority of the floor.
Inferior tiles that aren’t sturdy are more susceptible to cracking. Distant joists beneath the floor can’t support the weight above and impact the quality of the tiles. You can’t resolve these issues until you replace the flooring.
Best Types of Tile Flooring
The best type of tile is one that suits your home’s style. The ideal tile floor will match your design vision and be sturdy enough to hold all of your household items. You must choose a material that complements your interior design plan and offers superior quality.
Keep the following tips in mind while selecting tile for your floors:
- Choose a reputable supplier to install your floors.
- Make sure the tile complies with industry weight standards.
- Select a tile that is durable and can withstand accidents or heavy objects.
If you choose a high-quality material and install it correctly, you should be able to avoid cracks in your tile floors.
Contact Our Experts for Professional Tile Flooring Installation
Now that you know what causes cracks in your tile flooring and how to protect it, you’re ready for a successful installation. Krause Flooring offers a wide range of tile options that will add style and durability to your home. Reach out to us today at (985) 373-3817 or submit our convenient online form to receive a quote for custom flooring.