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Troubled with tiles popping up? Here are the most common causes of tiles popping reasons and helpful tips to prevent it.

Tile popping is a pretty common and annoying problem faced by homeowners. But you can prevent this trouble by just simplifying following the tips. Nobody likes popped-out tiles, especially because of how they can ruin the aesthetics of the space. If not taken care of, these problems may burn a hole in your pocket with the costly floor tiles and wall tiles repair. In some cases, replacing the whole floor or wall tiles plan becomes necessary.

In this article by AGL Tiles, we will discuss the most common causes of tile popping and helpful tips to avoid them!

Table of contents

What is Tile Popping

Ever noticed a tile randomly popping out while walking on the floor or gazing at the wall? Well, that is what tile popping is, a common happening. Tile popping happens when tiles come loose from their place. It can be due to bad installation or moisture. Loose tiles are not safe and can ruin the look of a floor or wall. Let's take a look at some of the most common causes of tile popping and how to prevent it.

Common Tiles Popping Reasons

Moisture and Water Damage

Moisture can seep into the grout or adhesive beneath the floor tiles, causing them to lift. This often happens with bathroom tiles, kitchen tiles and other such areas prone to water damage. This water damage may ruin the tile installation and even cause safety hazards due to slippery surfaces. Such tiles popping not only hinders the aesthetic appeal but the functionality of the space too. By just selecting water-proof floor tiles and wall tiles you can significantly minimize the risk of tiles popping.
Prevention tip: Install water-resistant kitchen tiles and bathroom tiles to enhance longevity.

Poor Installation

Poor tile installation is the most common cause of popping, be it floor or wall tiles. A couple of things can go wrong during the installation, due to poor workmanship. If tiles aren't sticking well, it might be because the adhesive wasn't put on right. Maybe it didn't have enough time to dry, or the surface wasn't prepped properly. These mistakes can cause tiles to come loose or not stick at all, messing up the installation.

Prevention tip: Make sure to follow the installation instructions carefully for the best results. It's best to hire a professional for the installation job instead of DIY if the project is challenging.

Subfloor Issues

Uneven subfloors, marked by dips or bumps, are a recipe for trouble. Over time, these imperfections can wreak havoc, causing tiles to loosen and lift. A rough base prevents the tiles from sticking properly, causing them to eventually come loose. Subfloor issues are more common than you would think, so make sure to address this beforehand.

Prevention tip:

Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and clear of any dirt or substances. Get rid of old adhesive, paint, or other coverings that could disrupt the tile installation.

Temperature Changes

Extreme temperature be it hot or cold can cause the tile's materials to expand and contract. This can result in tiles popping up, especially in the outdoor area. It happens because different materials react differently to temperature shifts. Such issues hinder the look and functionality of the spaces in the long run.

Prevention tip: To prevent this, it's important to install tiles carefully. Also, choose tile materials that can handle temperature changes well.

Low-Quality Materials

Using low-quality materials such as tiles, adhesives, or grout can compromise the overall project. Such poor products can surely result in tiles popping up prematurely. Not just the aesthetics but your safety may get compromised because of it. Local tiles are cheap compared to branded tiles, but the lack of quality is not worth it. Investing in good materials means they last longer, saving money on repairs or replacements later.

Prevention tip: Only go for branded tiles for the best quality and a lasting appeal. AGL Tiles has the best collection of floor tiles and wall tiles suitable for every project.

Heavy Impact

If heavy things hit tiles hard, like dropping heavy items or hitting them sharply, they might crack or come loose. So next time be careful while carrying or moving heavy objects around the house. Damage to just one tile can affect the entire flooring. Floor tiles such as vitrified tiles, ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles are strong. But not strong enough to handle such heavy impacts.

Prevention tip: Inspect your tiled floors regularly for any signs of damage or loose tiles. To protect heavy furniture and appliances, use felt pads or rubber protectors underneath to spread the weight and prevent damage from bumps.

Wear & Tear

Over time, even durable tiles succumb to wear and tear. Affecting not just their surface but also beneath it. Despite quality craftsmanship, over time the tiles will wear out, especially if it is a high-traffic area. Regular maintenance can help prolong the lifespan and minimize the damage.

Prevention tip: There is nothing much you can do to prevent the wear & tear of the time. However, selecting the best floor tiles and wall tiles along with proper maintenance can help.

Final Thoughts

Floor tile pop-ups are annoying, troubling and costly to get rid of. The best preventive measure is to follow the above-discussed tips to reduce the likelihood of tile pop-ups. In case you are already struggling with tile pop-ups, it is ideal to seek professional help to fix them soon.

Before installing floor tiles, make sure you've taken these precautions to prevent tiles from popping up. AGL Tiles has the best collection of floor tiles and wall tiles to help you select the perfect match.

Explore the wide range of floor tiles and wall tiles by AGL!

FAQs

Both floor tiles and wall tiles can pop up for a variety of reasons. Such as moisture damage, poor installation, substrate issues, heavy impact on the tiles, poor tile quality, and many more.

To fix pop-up tiles follow these simple steps:
Remove the affected tile

  • Clean the area underneath.
  • Apply the adhesive evenly.
  • Press the tile firmly into place and allow it to dry completely.

Yes, heat can cause tiles to lift because it can weaken the adhesive underneath. Thus, causing the tiles to lose their grip and become detached from the surface.

To stop tiles from popping up, make sure the surface is flat and clean. Use enough adhesive, spread it evenly, and press the tiles down firmly. Let them dry completely before walking on them. Check for loose tiles and fix them promptly.