Hollow Tiles Repair Singapore: Causes, Solutions, and When to Call 9Reno

Repairing Hollow Tiles? Here’s What You Need to Know for Marble, Granite, Ceramic, and More

Hollow tiles are a common issue in many homes across Singapore, and they can lead to bigger problems if left unattended. Whether you have marble, granite, homogeneous, or ceramic tiles, hollow sounds beneath the surface are a sign of underlying problems that may require immediate attention. But what causes these hollow tiles, and how can they be effectively repaired?

In this post, we’ll break down the common causes of hollow tiles, repair methods for different types of tiles, and how to prevent the issue from recurring. If you’re facing hollow tile problems, 9Reno is your go-to service for professional tile repairs.

Common Causes of Hollow Tiles

Before diving into the repair methods, it’s essential to understand what causes tiles to become hollow. When you tap on a tile and hear a hollow sound, it’s often due to improper bonding between the tile and the substrate. Here are some of the most common reasons:

1. Poor Adhesion: Tiles may not have been correctly adhered during installation. This could be due to insufficient adhesive, uneven application, or poor quality of the adhesive used.
2. Substrate Issues: The surface beneath the tiles may not have been properly prepared, leading to weak bonding. Uneven surfaces or dust and debris on the substrate can cause tiles to lift over time.
3. Moisture: Moisture seeping into the adhesive or substrate can weaken the bond and cause tiles to come loose. This is particularly common in areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
4. Thermal Expansion: In areas with fluctuating temperatures, tiles may expand and contract, causing gaps and hollow spots underneath the tiles. This is particularly relevant for outdoor tiling.
5. Heavy Traffic or Impact: Over time, heavy furniture or foot traffic can cause tiles to shift, leading to hollow sounds. Additionally, impacts from dropped objects can loosen tiles.

Repair Methods for Different Types of Tiles

The repair method for hollow tiles varies depending on the type of tile and the severity of the problem. Here’s a breakdown of how hollow tiles are repaired for different materials commonly used in Singaporean homes.

1. Marble and Granite Tiles

Challenges:
Marble and granite are natural stones that are prone to hollowing if not properly installed. These tiles are heavier and more porous, which makes proper adhesion even more critical. If you hear a hollow sound under marble or granite tiles, it’s usually due to improper adhesive application or a weak substrate.

Repair Method:
For marble and granite, the repair process is delicate and requires skilled craftsmanship. The tile may be removed carefully, and the underlying substrate will be cleaned and re-leveled. A high-quality stone adhesive is then applied before re-installing the tile. For smaller hollow areas, injection grouting may be used to fill the gaps without removing the entire tile.

You may need to consider to polishing your marble or granite floor after repair or replace.

2. Homogeneous Tiles

Challenges:
Homogeneous tiles are durable and less porous than natural stone, but they are not immune to hollowing. Improper tile placement, insufficient adhesive, or moisture issues can lead to hollow sounds over time.

Repair Method:
For homogeneous tiles, professionals often use a method called “epoxy injection” where a special grout or adhesive is injected into the hollow areas to restore bonding without removing the tile. For more severe cases, the tile may need to be lifted and reset with fresh adhesive.

If you don’t have the spare tiles, you can only source for the closer match tiles. Even though you can find the same tiles, different batch or stock of tiles and new/old tiles also will result in tonality variances.

3. Ceramic Tiles

Challenges:
Ceramic tiles are among the most commonly used tiles in Singapore homes, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. These tiles can develop hollow spots due to water seepage, improper installation, or substrate movement.

Repair Method:
For ceramic tiles, the damaged tiles are typically removed, the substrate is cleaned and leveled, and new adhesive is applied before the tiles are reset. If the hollow spots are minor, grout injection techniques can be used to fill gaps without lifting the tiles.

Similarly, If you don’t have the spare tiles, you can only source for the closer match tiles. Even though you can find the same tiles, different batch or stock of tiles and new/old tiles also will result in tonality variances.

Consequences of Leaving Hollow Tiles Unattended

Leaving hollow tiles unrepaired can lead to more severe problems over time. Here are some consequences of ignoring hollow tiles:

1. Tile Cracking: Hollow tiles are more prone to cracking under pressure, which could lead to expensive replacements.
2. Water Damage: In areas like bathrooms and kitchens, hollow tiles can allow water to seep through, damaging the substrate and even causing mold.
3. Safety Hazards: Loose or hollow tiles can become a tripping hazard, especially in high-traffic areas.
4. Structural Damage: If hollow tiles are left unattended for too long, they can cause damage to the underlying structure, leading to more extensive repairs.

Get Professional Hollow Tile Repair with 9Reno

Dealing with hollow tiles can be frustrating, but with the right repair approach, your floors can look as good as new. Whether you have marble, granite, homogeneous, or ceramic tiles, 9Reno offers expert repair services that ensure your tiles are properly fixed and secured.

Don’t let hollow tiles ruin your home’s aesthetics or cause further damage. Contact 9Reno today for a free consultation, and let our experienced team take care of all your hollow tile repair needs.

Further reading :

• Toilet Retiling vs. Overlay: Which is Best for Your Singapore Bathroom Renovation?
• 3 Most common Concrete/ Cement Floor Crack Repair Guide