Tile Floor Cracking In New House

Most tiles comply with astm c648 breaking strength standards.

Tile floor cracking in new house. Sometimes hairline cracks in tile floors are one of the first tell tale indications that soil or moisture is affecting a foundation. Voids in the mortar under the tile allow the tile to flex and crack. Did the refrigerator s dead weight cause the tile to crack. In many cases cracked tile floors are signs of foundation issues.

In a case where cracking is minimal or has occurred in only a small number of tiles and or the floor is in a location where aesthetics don t matter to you the easiest most inexpensive solution is diy patching. In this test floor tiles are run through a machine that exerts loads on an unsupported 1 inch square area. It s possible that soil movement or water has caused your foundation to shift move or even be pushed in an upward direction. Fourth a foundation problem can cause tiles to either pop at the grout lines or to form cracks in the tile surface.

This will sometimes occur while the house settles because the subfloor will move more than the tile floor covering which is the most fragile point can tolerate resulting in cracks and popped tiles. Ceramic floor tiles especially larger tiles need an even distribution of mortar underneath them. Occasionally a crack along the joint between grout and tile appears to be a crack in the tile s surface. As a general rule tiles larger than 12x12 inches should have mortar applied to the back of the tile as well as the floor to help ensure adequate coverage.

For a larger more visible area of cracked tile contact a tile contractor for expert help.