Floor & Wall Tiling Works

Often they should be, because tiling over loose, hollow or uneven tiles can fail. Fixing over sound existing tiles is sometimes possible but adds height and needs careful preparation. The base is checked first to decide, and removal adds dust and debris to plan for.

Common causes are a base that was not flat or fully bonded, insufficient adhesive coverage, movement, and missing expansion joints. Heavy loads on hollow spots can also crack tiles. Proper preparation and full adhesive contact are the best prevention.

The floor should be clean, level and waterproofed, with a slight fall toward the drain so water does not pool. The waterproofing is allowed to cure and is commonly tested before tiles go on. Tiling over an unprepared wet floor risks leaks to the unit below.

Ceramic is common for walls and light-use floors. Porcelain is denser and generally more suited to heavy traffic or wet areas. Natural stone has a distinctive look but usually needs sealing and more care. Choose by location, traffic, slip resistance and upkeep.

Large tiles do not follow small undulations, so unevenness leaves gaps, lippage between edges or hollow spots that can crack. A flatter base, correct adhesive and careful levelling during fixing give a tighter, more even result.