04 Mar 2024, Read Time : 7 Min

Understanding Tile Popping: Causes and How to Prevent It

Tiles remain a favoured choice among interior designers, architects, and property owners, thanks to their attractive features. Their easy maintenance, visual appeal, and cost-effectiveness make them an ideal and versatile option for various applications, including flooring and walls. However, tiles can suffer damage from a variety of issues, all of which can be categorized as improper installation and maintenance. 

One prominent problem that seems to have become quite common in recent times is tile popping- a phenomenon that can seemingly happen due to a plethora of reasons. In this guide, let us have a brief look at tile popping, the reasons why it happens, and what you can do to prevent, repair, and resolve it. 

What Is Tile Popping?

Tiles are a popular choice for property owners due to their durability and longevity. However, they are not without their imperfections. Tile popping, especially with ceramic and porcelain tiles, is a common issue. This occurs when tiles bulge and push against each other, creating a tent-like shape. Popping tiles are not just unsightly; they can also be harmful. They can make your space look shabby and disheveled and may even cause accidents, posing a risk to the inhabitants.

Most popped tiles can end up breaking down, cracking, or shattering completely. In the case of broken tiles, there is nothing that you can do except replace them completely; however, if the tile is not shattered, there’s still a chance that you can end up saving and reusing the tile. 

There are many causes of floor tiles popping up-, whether it is the quality of the construction, errors in installation, or maintenance malfunction. Let us have a look at some of the major causes that are responsible for an ugly, popped tile floor. 

Popped Tiles: Reasons and Causes

Several factors can contribute to tiles popping, and accurately identifying the root cause is crucial for effective resolution. It’s highly advisable to be aware of the various reasons behind this issue, enabling the application of both preventive and corrective solutions. Let us go through some of the major reasons that can be the leading cause behind the popping of tiles.  

Poor Installation and Workmanship

While the DIY approach has become quite popular in recent times, where more and more people want to install various elements in their properties themselves, it has been observed that incorrect installation of these elements, including tiles can prove to be problematic in the longer term. 

Poor workmanship and installation can also prove to be a problem if an unskilled or inexperienced installer is hired, as it can then lead to the popping of tile. This is a huge reason for tiles popping up. Unskilled or inexperienced masons may ignore irregularities to seep in and thus create improper and shoddy flooring. 

For instance, improper concrete mixture can produce air bubbles underneath the tiles which then can lead to popping later. Another installation issue that may lead to popped tiles is the lack of gap between the tiles. It is necessary to have some gap between the tiles (generally 2 mm) so that the tiles get enough space to shift, contract, or expand. If such a space is not allocated to the tiles, they may end up getting damaged, including cracking and popping. 

Improper Preparation of the Surface

It is necessary to install tiles on a levelled and well-prepared surface to enhance their longevity. A rough and unlevelled subfloor can lead to the development of air pockets under the tiles which then can cause popped tiles. Similarly, uneven floors also do not provide a proper base for the installation of the tiles which means the bond between the subfloor and tiles is not strong enough to sustain use. 

Low-Quality Materials

Along with the skills and experience of the installer, it is also necessary to have high-quality materials available for a proper installation. Using low-quality materials such as bonding agents, grout, cement, etc. may lead to popped tiles. 

Oversized Tiles

Large tiles often require special techniques and methodology to ensure proper installation and if these methods are not used, then there is a huge chance for installation issues and ultimately popping of tiles. 

Climatic Issues

Tiles, especially ceramic tiles are often marketed as weather-proof and while this claim does hold true it does not mean that tiles are completely impervious to the forces of nature. Extreme and rapid temperature shifts can be dangerous for tiles’ health. This includes both extreme and rapid high temperatures and extreme and rapid low temperatures as well. Due to the rapid change in temperature, the tiles tend to expand or contract suddenly which results in a lack of adhesion between the tiles and the screed. With time, the stress becomes unbearable for the tiles and the surface making the tile pop. 

Wear & Tear

Most good-quality tiles are designed in such a way that they can last for a long time if maintained properly, however with age, they do get damage which includes not just the tiles but the screed as well. In such cases, the tiles ultimately begin to become loose and then may even pop out eventually. 

How To Prevent Tiles From Popping Up: Preventive Measures and Ideas

Let us have a look at some tips that can help you keep your tiles safe and prevent them from popping.

• Before the installation of the tiles, make sure that the subfloor is levelled properly. It should be smoothened carefully without any kind of roughness so that the tiles have a proper base for installation. The subfloor i.e. the base, should be as smooth as a properly plastered wall. 
• Once the tiles are in place, gently tap them to verify that they are perfectly aligned in their designated positions. This attention to detail can significantly contribute to a successful tile installation.
• Use good-quality adhesive, concrete, and grout while installing the tiles. This will help you prevent air bubbles or air pockets which can prove to be a big issue later.
• While installing tiles, only hire experienced and competent installers.
• While installing tiles, provide at least 2 mm of gap between the edges of the tiles so that they have enough space to settle down with time.

How To Fix Popping Tiles: Tips and Solutions

Taking care of your tiles to prevent popping is crucial for their long-term health, but in case you do encounter tile popping issues, there are effective tips to minimise further damage. Let’s explore some practical suggestions to fix tiles popping up.

• Levelling: If you notice the corners of your tiles coming up without any noticeable damage to the tile itself, you can try to put some downward pressure on it to fix it in its position. Press the tile gently until you can feel some sort of resistance. Once you begin to feel a resistance, lift the pressure gently while looking for any kind of air bubbles or movement.
• If the tile has unfortunately developed cracks, remove any kind of dirt and debris and clean the base carefully. Carefully discard the broken tile. If possible, wear gloves while handling the broken tile as the edges of a broken tile can be quite sharp. Once you have discarded the broken tile, place the new one on the base with a generous and even application of screed. Press the tile gently and tap it with a wooden hammer to secure it.
• If you cannot find a similar tile that matches your old tiles, you may choose to install a different one at the cost of visual appeal. If you would like to maintain a uniform look, you may have to replace your entire flooring.
• Do not walk on the new tiles for at least a day or two as they need some time to become fixed. 
• Instead of trying to DIY your way out of broken and popped tiles, it is recommended to hire an expert or a professional who can not only analyse the level and severity of damage but can also help you repair it efficiently. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right kind and style of tiles can help you make your space look attractive and highly functional, but tile will only last for a while if it is installed properly. By following this simple guide, you can prevent tiles popping off the floor and walls so that your property stays good for a long time. To find out more about care tips regarding tiles along with a wide range of attractive tiles, do visit the nearest Orientbell Tiles store today!