{"id":1438,"date":"2022-08-02T07:06:05","date_gmt":"2022-08-02T07:06:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/?p=1438"},"modified":"2023-02-23T08:59:28","modified_gmt":"2023-02-23T08:59:28","slug":"stop-tiles-tenting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/stop-tiles-tenting","title":{"rendered":"9 Ways To Stop Your Tiles From Tenting (Bending And Moving Upwards)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Tiled surfaces are popular for floor and wall applications because they are durable, low maintenance, and easy to keep clean. Occasionally though, the unthinkable happens, and tiles start popping off the smooth, neat surface. Sometimes quite dramatically! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inadequate space to allow for tile and subfloor expansion is the most common reason tile tenting occurs.   Insufficient, substandard, or incorrect adhesives are also contributing factors. Tenting frequently happens when tiles are poorly installed or subject to significant temperature changes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The phenomenon of tiles lifting off the floor is referred to as tenting. The shape created by two tiles balancing against each other once they have become dislodged from the surface resembles the pitched shape of a tent. Let\u2019s explore why tile-tenting occurs and how to prevent and fix it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Causes Tiles To Tent?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All tiles expand and contract<\/a> slightly due to changes in the tiles’ temperature or exposure to moisture. The substrate or floor that the tiles are attached<\/a> or laid onto also expands and contracts to some degree. Tiles tent when they become dislodged from the surface that they\u2019re attached to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tiles made from natural substances such as ceramic and vitrified porcelain<\/a> are prone to expansion when heated and contraction when it is cold. Although not visible or noticeable when looking at the tiles, it does occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tiles are usually bonded securely to a surface using one of the various tile adhesives<\/a> or tile cement available today. The floor and tile form a solid bonded surface. When enough movement occurs, even very little in some circumstances, something\u2019s got to give – either the tiles move upwards, or they simply crack<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n

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A few cracked tiles after tenting issues underneath<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

9 Ways Of Preventing Tile Tenting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to the TCNA<\/a>, the best way to ensure that tile installations don\u2019t exhibit tenting is to create space for expansion and contraction and always use the correct adhesives<\/strong>. Let\u2019s explore the nine most common causes of tile tenting and how to prevent this from occurring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1 – Expansion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As the tiles expand due to moisture absorption or when heated by the sun shining onto them, they expand<\/a> in all directions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the grouting gap<\/a> between the tiles is too tiny, the only room for movement is in an upward direction<\/strong>. When the bond between the tile and adhesive, or the adhesive and floor fails, the tile pops up, often taking the adjacent tile along, causing tenting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2 – Poorly Cleaned Tiles<\/h3>\n\n\n
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A tiler using a sponge for grouting and wiping water over tiles<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Human error, lack of knowledge, or over-enthusiasm to get started on a project are leading causes when tiles are not well laid. Even a thin coating of dust can weaken the bond between the tile and the adhesive. Tiles, even when new, need to be cleaned before being laid<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cleaning a tile takes a little effort but is as simple as wiping the tile down with a damp cloth or sponge. Cleaning and inspecting the tiles will expose any problem areas on the tile and give the adhesive a good surface to bond onto<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3 – Uneven Or Poor Quality Subfloor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Laying the best ties using the best possible materials will still most likely end in the tiles coming adrift from the subfloor if the floor is uneven<\/a> or of poor quality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uneven floors make it difficult for the adhesive to be applied correctly using a notched trowel<\/strong>. When the trowel doesn\u2019t glide over the surface easily and evenly, the result is an inadequately coated tile that is hollow underneath. Poor adhesive application<\/a> results in only certain areas of the tile being supported and attached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A subfloor should be perfectly stable, smooth as a plastered wall, clean and free of loose sediment and dust, and not have dampness issues<\/strong>. Hardwood floors that form the subfloor<\/a> of a tiled surface need to be adequately reinforced to ensure no movement occurs that can lead to the tiles tenting when the tile expands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4 – Too Little Or No Tile Adhesive Used<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Using too little or no tile adhesive (It happens) is a sure bet disaster waiting to happen. Tiles rely on a firm foundation to form a rigid, durable surface<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Placing a dab of adhesive onto the tile and relying on the grouting to hold the tile in place to save money and time is not the way to get the job done successfully. You should always lay tiles onto a full bed of adhesive:<\/p>\n\n\n

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Floor tiles being laid onto a concrete floor and then tile adhesive<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

#5 – Poor Quality Or Incorrect Adhesive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to tile adhesives, stay with well-known reputable brands. Using poor-quality adhesives compromises the only bond that the tile has between the tile and the subfloor<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A common mistake is using the incorrect tile adhesive type and creating a weak adhesive bed. Tile adhesives are available in five basic types; although the first two are most commonly used, these are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n