As a homeowner, you may wonder why your bathroom floor tiles are moving and how to fix the problem. Fortunately, we have done some research for you, and here is what we found.
Bathroom floor tiles move due to inappropriate cleaning, lack of adhesive, uneven floor, the use of old tiles, and low-quality bonding material. When this occurs, here are things you can do to fix the problem:
- Remove the tile.
- Take off old adhesive.
- Apply new adhesive to the tile and floor.
- Grout the tile's surroundings.
If you notice that your bathroom tiles are moving, fix them as soon as possible. Keep reading to get detailed information on how to fix loose bathroom floor tiles.
Why Are My Bathroom Floor Tiles Moving?
There are various reasons why your bathroom floor tiles are moving. Here are some of them:
Inappropriate Cleaning
When the floors are not properly cleaned before installing the tiles, it will not support the layer bonding and eventually lead to the shifting of the tiles.
Use Of Old Tiles
Using old tiles can also make your bathroom floor tile move easily. This is because old tiles can get brittle and as time goes on, they tend to get loose.
Lack Of Adhesive
When a little amount of adhesive is used and the tile of your bathroom is exposed to sunlight, it can become loose since sunlight causes tile expansion.
Uneven Floor
An uneven floor won't have uniform bonding with mortar and this will make the tile look unpresentable and uneven. It can also make it come loose easily.
If only a few tiles are moving, it is more likely to be a mortar problem, which can be fixed without reinstalling the tiles.
Low-quality Bonding Material
When fixing your tiles, use strong, high-quality bonding material and mix them properly. Using good boding material prevents tiles from getting loose.
What Should I Do If My Bathroom Floor Tiles Are Moving?
If you notice that your bathroom floor tiles are loose, here is how to fix it:
Step 1: Remove The Tile
The first thing to do if your bathroom floor tiles start to move is to remove the tile. To do this, you must cut the grout surrounding the tile you want to remove. Next, gently pull it off the floor using a chisel or a similar tool.
Step 2: Take Off Old Adhesive
Remove all the adhesive from the tile and floor if you are reusing the old tile because it is not broken. Don't forget to vacuum any debris. But if you are using a new tile, you can just remove the adhesive on the floor.
Step 3: Apply New Adhesive To The Tile And Floor
After cleaning your tile and floor, apply new adhesive to the tile and floor. Next, try setting the tile in place then gently press it until it is on the same as the other tiles.
Step 4: Grout The Tile's Surrounding
Grout the surrounding of the tile and wait 24 hours for the adhesive to dry. When it dries, your floor should look new, without moving.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Loose Bathroom Floor Tiles?
The cost of fixing bathroom floor tile varies depending on the type of tile, the size of the bathroom, and other factors.
Some companies charge hourly with materials at a minimum of $150 to $400 daily. This would even cost more if you are regrouting the whole bathroom.
Several factors determine how much you will pay; labor is the most notable and may differ based on your location. Professional and well-known installers will charge a premium rate over novice installers.
It is advisable to save extra materials during flooring to reduce the costs of future repairs. If you have enough leftover tiles, the cost of getting additional materials for repairs will be minimal.
How Can You Tell If Bathroom Floor Tiles Are Loose?
To determine if your bathroom floor tiles are loose, all you have to do is get a golf ball and bounce it on each of the tiles. Pay close attention to the sounds, you will notice the sound difference between the good and loose tiles.
If you don't have a golf ball, you can use the plastic end of a screwdriver to tap the tile and listen to the sound each tile makes.
How Long Do Bathroom Floor Tiles Last?
The lifespan of bathroom tiles depends on how durable they are and how you can maintain them. Also, if a floor tile is well installed, it can last longer.
Ceramic tiles maintained yearly can last for 60 to 80 years. But stone tiles can last longer than ceramic tiles.
Glass tiles are not as durable as others as they can get cracked, scratched, and also lose reflective quality. They can last for up to 20 years.
How Do You Fix Loose Bathroom Floor Tiles Without Removing It?
To fix your tile without having to remove it, you can follow the steps below:
Step 1: Prep Your Working Area
Before working on loose tiles, you should prep your working area. Disconnect the power that feeds your floor surface. You can turn it on later after you are done with the repairs.
You should use a voltage-tester to check if a current is flowing through. Get rid of any object around the repair area. If there is heavy furniture on the floor, you may need to move it so that you can work.
Step 2: Remove All Loose Grout
Remove all loose grout. This can be done by running the end of your putty knife on the cracks. If there are leftovers, use your hands to rub them off. Ensure you have a smooth surface. You can even use a wood block to sand down the remains.
Step 3: Take Off Any Levelling Compound
Remove all leveling compounds with a putty knife. This can be done by starting from one section and scraping it to your side. If it is small, use a wet sponge to eliminate the excess.
Step 4: Clean The Surface
Clean the surface with a clean rag. After this, your floor should be in good condition without taking out the tile for replacement.
Step 5: Test The Floor
Turn on the power and test the floor to see if everything is back to normal. If more areas need to be worked on, use sandpaper or grout to fix them.
Once every step has been completed, let the grout dry overnight and use a clean rag to wipe it up the next day. After that, you can return the furniture to where it was before.
How Do I Take Care Of My Bathroom Floor Tiles?
Taking good care of your bathroom floor tile keeps them in good condition. It also makes them last longer. The following are some things you can do to maintain your bathroom floor tile:
1. Clean your bathroom floor tiles regularly so they won't get dull.
2. Use a good mop for your tile. Use mild detergent and water with a mop rather than using a sponge. Mops are better for cleaning tiles because sponges can push dirty water to the grout lines.
3. Watch out for tile stains. if you notice any discoloration, get to know what caused the stain, and then use the right cleaner to clean it.
4. Be on the look for soap residue. If the tile looks unclear after cleaning, it may be soap residue. Use an all-purpose cleaner to get rid of it.
To Wrap Up
It is crucial to take good care of your bathroom tile. Whenever they get loose, fix them as soon as possible. To repair loose bathroom floor tiles, remove the tile and old adhesive, apply new adhesive to the tile and floor, and apply grout around the tile.
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