Issues with Tiles – A Problem of Every Home
In the past few years, the use of tiles in home construction has increased by many folds. The main reason behind this is their lower cost of acquisition, which contributes widely towards the aesthetic beauty of a home. It is because of these reasons the use of designer tiles for home decoration has become a common sight in the nation. Further, with different designs and new varieties of tiles coming up every day, the use of tiles for flooring and wall tiling will continue to increase, with some homes using them to define their status symbols.
However, despite this wide-scale use of tiles – there are many common problems related to tiles and tiling that almost every home in India has to come across. Before we dive into the different issues and problems with tiles let’s take a look at, what is a tile!
What is a Tile?
A tile is a flat, usually square or rectangular, piece of material such as ceramic, porcelain, stone, or glass that is commonly used to cover surfaces like floors, walls, or roofs. Tiles are widely used in various applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Floor tiles are designed to be durable and withstand foot traffic, while wall tiles are typically thinner and lighter. Roof tiles, on the other hand, are specially designed to provide weatherproofing and insulation for buildings.
Tiles come in a wide range of sizes, colours, patterns, and finishes, allowing for diverse aesthetic possibilities. They can be glazed or unglazed, with the glaze providing an additional protective layer and adding various decorative effects.
Tiles are valued for their durability, ease of maintenance, and resistance to moisture and certain stains. They are commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, living areas, and outdoor spaces due to their aesthetic appeal and practicality.
Now that we know what a tile is, let’s dive into the different problems or issues with tiles.
Issues and Problems with Tiles
There are two major problems or issues with tiles, which almost every home in India has to come across. They are superficial problems and application-based problems. Let’s walk you through each problem in detail.
Superficial Problems with Tiles
The superficial problems with tiles reflect on decorative aspects of a tile, which gets affected because of the following factors:
Mould
Moulds are common in tiles exposed to moisture. It is one of the biggest issues with bathroom tiles. The bathroom creates an ideal environment for moulds and bacteria to grow.
Dry areas are at minimal risk of growing moulds. Moulds can grow at the smallest of cracks. If you see any growth of moulds in your tiles or grout, check it immediately. It might be time to have some repair work done.
Stains on tiles
Stains often come from the wrong cleaning solutions used on tiles. There are times, however, that stained tiles are a result of a much more serious problem. Water leaks are sometimes the culprit. When water gets beneath the tiles, stains are developed over time. Properly grouted and sealed tiles should be able to prevent this problem.
These stains caused by the penetration of water underneath your tiles may appear white on the surface. Milk and cloudy stains, on the other hand, are usually a result of the wrong cleaning product used on the tiles. It can also be caused by using an incorrect sealer on your tiles.
Application-Based Problems with Tiles
The application-based problem with tiles focuses on the issues related to the installation process of tiles or issues that occur due to improper installation.
The Installation process of tiles usually involves applying an adhesive or mortar to the surface and setting the tiles in place. Grout, a cement-based material, is then used to fill the gaps between the tiles, enhancing the overall appearance and providing stability.
However, during and after the installation process is performed there are many issues, which homes have to come across they are:
Uneven or unprepared surface
If the surface where tiles are being installed is not properly levelled, it can result in uneven tile placement and an unstable floor. This can lead to cracked or loose tiles over time.
Poor tile adhesion
Improper adhesive application or using the wrong adhesive can cause tiles to not adhere properly to the surface. This can result in tiles becoming loose or even detaching completely.
Incorrect tile alignment
If tiles are not aligned correctly, it can lead to uneven grout lines, visible gaps between tiles, or an overall crooked appearance. This can be due to misalignment during installation or the use of poorly cut tiles.
Lippage
Lippage refers to the unevenness between adjacent tiles, where one tile’s edge is higher than its neighbouring tile. This can occur when the tiles are not properly levelled during installation, resulting in an unattractive and potentially hazardous surface.
Grout issues
Grout, the material used to fill the gaps between tiles, can present problems if not handled correctly. These include using improper grout consistency, incorrect application technique, or inadequate cleaning of excess grout, which can leave a hazy residue on the tiles.
Tile breakage or chipping
Tiles can break or chip during handling, cutting, or installation if not done carefully. This can be especially problematic if the broken or chipped tiles are part of a visible area.
Expansion and contraction
Temperature fluctuations and moisture exposure can cause tiles to expand or contract. If this is not accounted for during installation, it can result in cracked or buckled tiles.
Staining or discolouration
Certain tiles, such as porous natural stone or unglazed ceramic tiles, are susceptible to staining. If not sealed properly or maintained regularly, they can absorb liquids and develop permanent stains or discolouration.
Grout cracking
Grout can crack over time due to the movement or settling of the substrate. Additionally, improper grout sealing or inadequate cleaning can cause grout to become discoloured or develop mould and mildew.
All these problems identified above related to both superficial and application-based issues related to tiles are some of the most common problems that almost all homes across the nation have to come across on a regular basis.
Hence to provide people with a perfect solution, at Sturdflex we have developed our product range absolutely dedicated to tiles-related problems. To know about solutions related to tile issues, keep an eye on our blog page.