How to Prevent Cracking in Tiles

Due to their strength and aesthetic appeal, tiles are popular for flooring and wall coverings in residential and commercial settings. However, cracking is a problem that can reduce their attractiveness and durability. Cracked tiles are not only unappetising, but they may also require expensive repairs. Fortunately, you can take preventive steps to ensure that your tiles stay undamaged and spotless. Whether you're installing tiles in your kitchen, bathroom or any other area of your home, we'll go over some useful tips and best practices in this blog, and select the right ‘Tile shop near me’ or ‘floor tiles dealers near me’ to help you understand how to avoid tile cracking. 

Reasons for Crack in Tiles

Following are some typical reasons for cracks in tiles:

Subfloor Issues: Tiles might be stressed by uneven, unstable, or inadequately constructed subfloors.

Low-quality tiles: These tiles might not be durable enough to endure normal wear and tear.

Poor Installation: Cracks can result from poor installation, including using the wrong glue, uneven spacing, or embedding tiles too deeply.

Lack of Expansion Joints: Without expansion joints, tiles cannot expand and contract as a result of temperature variations.

Harsh Impact: Tiles may break if large things are dropped on them or if they are overloaded.

Inadequate Grout: Weakening the tile assembly might result from improper grout formulation or application.

Water Damage: Water seeping beneath tiles can cause them to rise and break. This is known as moisture infiltration.

Abrasive Cleaning: Tile surfaces can be harmed by abrasive cleaning agents and harsh cleaning techniques.

Age: Tiles may break over time as a result of natural ageing and wear.

Understanding these reasons will enable you to preserve your tile surfaces by taking preventive actions and dealing with any concerns as soon as they arise. Let’s explore some of the effective tips to prevent cracks in tiles.

Effective Tips to Prevent Cracking in Tiles

Prepare the Subfloor Correctly

It is essential to prepare the subfloor properly to avoid tile breakage. Make sure the subfloor is sturdy, level, and tidy. Any flaws or inconsistencies in the subfloor might cause tension to be transferred to the tiles above, causing fractures. Before installing the tile, fix any structural problems and level off the surface, if necessary by using a self-levelling compound.

Choosing High-Quality Tile

Pick premium tiles that are appropriate for the desired purpose. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are renowned for their longevity and ability to withstand cracking. Consider the tile's size, thickness, and type of tile that best suits the demands of your project. Look for a Tile shop near me, and you will be loaded with a ton of high-quality tile options.

Proper Tile Installation

For tile installation, get expert assistance or adhere to accepted practices. It's important to use the proper mortar, glue, and grout. Use tile spacers to ensure equal gaps between the tiles and make sure they are evenly spaced. Avoid air pockets when properly embedding the tiles in the glue to avoid stress areas that might cause cracking.

Movement Accommodation and Expansion Joints

Include movement accommodations and expansion joints in your tile installation. Due to natural material expansion and contraction brought on by temperature changes and structural movement, these components lessen the likelihood of fractures. Expansion joints can be intelligently positioned, particularly in sizable tiled areas. Various tile dealers offer such services. All you have to do is look for floor tiles dealers near me and select the ideal one for yourself.

Substrate Reinforcement

Use reinforcement materials like cement backer boards or membrane systems to strengthen the substrate in high-stress regions. These add to the stability and stop the flexing that may shatter the tiles. To choose the best form of reinforcement for your project, seek expert advice.

Utilise Grout Correctly

In addition to serving as a decorative component, grout also provides structural support. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions while mixing and applying grout. When mixing grout, do not use too much water and ensure it properly covers the spaces between the tiles. When the grout is properly sealed, moisture cannot penetrate beneath the tiles and cause cracks.

Prevent Harsh Impact

Even though tiles are made to resist normal wear and tear, harsh impacts can cause cracks. To lessen the chance of impact-related damage, avoid dropping heavy things on tiled surfaces and think about placing protective mats or rugs in high-traffic areas.

Continue Maintenance

Check and maintain your tiled surfaces frequently. If there are any loose or broken tiles, fix them immediately to stop the issue from worsening. Additionally, grout lines should be resealed as necessary to preserve their integrity and stop moisture intrusion.

Use Suitable Underlayment

Use a suitable underlayment that can withstand part of the pressure and movement that the substrate may experience. This can be particularly crucial in regions subject to structural movement or vibration.

Conclusion

To preserve the appeal and usefulness of your tiled rooms, it is crucial to avoid tile cracking. You can considerably lower the chances of cracks in your tiles by carefully adhering to the recommended installation procedures, utilising high-quality materials, and using movement accommodation elements. Keep in mind that regular upkeep and care are essential to maintaining your tiled surfaces. Additionally, Orientbell Tiles Boutique in Sangrur, Punjab, offers a variety of high-quality tile solutions that can improve the appearance and endurance of your rooms if you're searching for a Tile shop near me for the most durable tiles to avoid cracks.