A leading choice for its versatility, durability and timeless appeal, tile flooring is perfectly suited to high-traffic areas, kitchens and bathrooms.
Whether they’re ceramic, stone or porcelain, they blend practicality with style and can elevate your scheme from lacklustre to luxe.
But what happens when signs of wear and tear set in, cracks appear, or they feel loose underfoot…. and you haven’t budgeted for new flooring?
Expensive, at the best of times, especially once labour and materials are included.
As Adrian Cox, managing director of Fix-A-Floor, winner of Best Innovation award 2023 at The Tile Association, and exhibitor at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show, points out, tiles which feel loose or sound hollow don’t always need replacing.
In most situations, he says the tile itself remains undamaged and the issue typically stems from movement in the subfloor expansion from underfloor heating; or from adhesive that has deteriorated over time, or was incorrectly applied in the first place.
This results in gaps forming beneath the tile, he explains, causing instability, a hollow sound when walked on, and over time, cracking or deterioration of the grout.
Thanks to modern repair techniques, Cox says completely removing and reinstalling tiles is frequently unnecessary – and can be far more disruptive and expensive than needed.
“Homeowners tend to assume the tile is at fault,” explains Cox. “In most cases it’s actually the underlying layer that has failed.
“If the tile itself is still sound, replacing it is not usually the best starting point.”
Common issues, and how to address them
Repairing tiles without removing them
Provided the tile is intact and the issue lies with the adhesive beneath, Cox says it’s possible to fix them. He says small holes can be drilled into the grout lines around the affected area, allowing a low-viscosity bonding compound to be injected underneath.
“This fills any gaps and restores full adhesion to the subfloor,” explains Cox. “The result is a stable tile without the need to lift it or disturb the surrounding.”
Tackling loose tiles
Just because the tile is loose, Cox says it doesn’t necessarily need replacing. “Injection adhesives are formulated to spread beneath tiles, sealing gaps and reinstating structural support.”
If the tile is structurally sound repair, he says this should be sufficient.
Sounds you shouldn’t ignore
An echo underfoot may not be cosmetic and could be an early indication of adhesive failure, warns Cox. Moreover, he says if a hollow sound is ignored, it can lead to cracked tiles, grout deterioration, water damage and further movement.
Re-grouting isn’t always the best go-to
While re-grouting can improve appearance, Cox says it doesn’t tackle the root cause. “Proper repair requires an adhesive that can penetrate beneath the tile and rebond it securely to the substrate.”
Benefits of repairing tiles
There’s a misconception that fixing tiles is only temporary, suggests Cox, based on older patch-style solutions.
“Today’s adhesives are engineered to flow beneath tiles, remain flexible, tolerate temperature changes and provide lasting stability… a well-executed repair can last the lifetime of the floor.”
Tiles and underfloor heating
Tiles over underfloor heating can be fixed, as long as the right adhesive is used and it’s designed to cope with heat fluctuations and movement, advises Cox.
He says leaving voids untreated can reduce heating efficiency, create cold spots and increase energy usage.
Why replacing tiles isn’t always the best solution
As Cox points out, replacing tiles is labour intensive and involves multiple stages. “Lifting tiles, removing old adhesive, preparing the base, re-laying, re-grouting and sealing.”
There’s also a risk of damaging surrounding tiles, he warns, particularly in past installations. Not to mention the inconvenience of having to clear the space, dust and noise levels.
Matching replacement tiles can also prove difficult, highlights Cox, especially if the originals have faded or are no longer available. Resulting in visible inconsistencies, or having to retile a much larger area than planned.
When to call in an expert
“There are cases where replacement is unavoidable,” notes Cox. “When tiles are badly cracked or shattered, the subfloor is compromised, or there’s significant water damage.”
In these instances, he says underlying structural issues must be resolved before any further work.
“That said, for tiles that are loose, hollow or noisy, repair is often the more practical and cost-effective first option,” he adds.
