Laying tile is a practical and visually impactful way to transform any space, whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom, or living area. However, like any home improvement project, achieving a flawless result requires more than just picking out stylish tiles and getting started. 

The success of your tile installation depends on proper preparation, the right materials, and attention to detail. Many homeowners face issues with tile failure, where tiles loosen, crack, or fail to adhere properly, leading to costly repairs and frustration. 

This article will explore the most important things to do when laying tile, the common causes of tile failure, and how to fix tiles that didn’t stick, ensuring your tile project is both beautiful and long-lasting.

What is the Most Important Thing to Do When Laying Tile?

Laying tile is a common and rewarding home improvement project. Whether you’re renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or flooring, tiling can drastically change the appearance of a space while adding functionality. 

However, like any home project, the success of tiling depends on how well it is done from the very start. The most important thing when laying tile is proper preparation. This involves ensuring the surface is clean, smooth, and structurally sound before applying any adhesive or tiles.

Preparing the Surface for Tiling

Proper surface preparation is crucial for the longevity of the tile installation. Without it, tiles are more likely to become loose, cracked, or uneven over time. Here’s how to prepare:

Clean the Surface

Before beginning, thoroughly clean the surface where the tiles will be installed. Remove dust, dirt, grease, or any old adhesive. If you’re working with an old floor, it might require scraping off remnants of previous tiles, grout, or glue.

Check for Level

The surface must be level. Even small deviations can cause uneven tile laying, which leads to lippage (when one tile edge is higher than the next). Use a leveling compound to smooth out the surface if necessary.

Ensure the Surface is Dry and Stable

Water or moisture can prevent tiles from sticking properly, and an unstable surface can lead to movement that may cause tiles to crack. Ensure the surface is completely dry before you begin tiling.

Use a Backer Board

For certain areas, such as bathrooms or kitchens, using a cement backer board can add strength and water resistance, ensuring the tiles adhere securely and last longer.

By properly preparing the surface, you’ll ensure that your tiles stay in place and don’t fail prematurely.

What Causes Tile to Fail?

Tile failure can occur due to various causes such as improper surface preparation, incorrect adhesive choice, poor installation techniques, or environmental factors like moisture and temperature changes. Additionally, using low-quality tiles or inappropriate grout can also contribute to tile failure.

For glass tiles, failure may happen due to improper cutting, using unsuitable adhesives, or lack of proper expansion joints. As for artificial grass, failure can occur if it is not installed on a properly prepared surface or has insufficient drainage.

Understanding these factors and being careful during the installation process can help prevent failures in tiles, glass tiles, and artificial grass.

Improper Surface Preparation

As mentioned earlier, an unclean, uneven, or unstable surface can cause tiles to become loose or cracked. Surface preparation is essential to ensure that tiles bond securely.

Incorrect Adhesive

Using the wrong adhesive for the job can result in tile failure. For instance, a glue meant for ceramic tiles might not hold well for natural stone tiles, which require a specific adhesive. Always choose an adhesive that suits the tile material and the type of surface.

Inadequate Adhesive Coverage

If the adhesive is applied incorrectly or insufficiently, the tiles will not stick properly. It’s important to spread the adhesive evenly with a notched trowel to ensure full coverage across the back of each tile.

Excessive Moisture or Humidity

In areas with high moisture, such as bathrooms, it’s crucial to use waterproof adhesives and grout. Moisture can weaken the bond between the tile and the surface, leading to delamination or mold growth.

Improper Grouting

Grout plays an important role in keeping tiles in place. If grout is not applied properly or there is a gap between the tile and grout, it can result in gaps, cracks, or even tiles loosening over time.

Thermal Expansion and Contraction

Tile surfaces can expand and contract with changes in temperature. In some cases, this can cause tiles to shift or crack. It’s important to use the correct expansion joints and leave a gap around the perimeter to allow for this movement.

Substrate Movement

If the foundation or floor beneath the tiles moves or shifts, it will cause the tiles to crack or lift. This is especially common in older buildings with unstable foundations or in areas prone to earthquakes.

Heavy Traffic and Impact

Areas that experience high foot traffic or heavy impacts, such as commercial spaces, can be more prone to tile failure. Choose durable tiles and adhesive for such high-stress environments.

How to Fix Tile That Didn’t Stick

Even with the best preparation and installation techniques, sometimes tiles just don’t stick as expected. Fortunately, fixing tiles that didn’t stick is often possible. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to address the issue:

Identify the Problem Area

The first step in fixing tiles that didn’t stick is to identify which tiles have failed. If a tile is simply loose, it might be able to be re-adhered, but if it is cracked or broken, it will need to be replaced. Check all affected tiles carefully to determine the extent of the problem.

Remove the Loose Tile

If a tile has failed to adhere, carefully remove it by prying it off the surface. You may need to use a putty knife or chisel to lift the tile without damaging the surrounding tiles. Be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves when removing tiles, as they can break easily and pose a risk of injury.

Clean the Surface

Once the tile is removed, you need to clean the surface. Scrape off any remaining adhesive or grout using a scraper or putty knife. The surface should be smooth and free of debris before reapplying adhesive.

Check for Moisture or Damage

Before re-laying the tile, check for any moisture or damage to the surface. If there is moisture present, let the surface dry completely. If there is significant damage to the substrate, such as cracks in the subfloor or wall, it must be repaired before proceeding.

Reapply Adhesive

Once the surface is clean and dry, reapply the appropriate adhesive. Use a notched trowel to spread the adhesive evenly over the surface. Make sure to apply enough adhesive to cover the back of the tile when it is placed.

Place the Tile

Carefully place the tile back into position, pressing down firmly to ensure it adheres well. You may need to twist or slide the tile slightly to ensure it sets properly in the adhesive.

Conclusion

Laying tile can be a rewarding task, but it’s important to approach the job with care and attention to detail. The most important thing when laying tile is proper surface preparation, ensuring the area is clean, level, and dry. 

Tile failure is often caused by inadequate surface preparation, the wrong adhesive, or improper installation techniques. 

If a tile doesn’t stick, it’s often possible to fix the issue by removing the tile, cleaning the surface, and reapplying adhesive. By following these steps and taking the time to do the job right, you can enjoy beautiful, durable tiles that will last for years to come.