My Ceramic Tile Floor Is Cracking

Perhaps you dropped something heavy on the tile such as a cast iron skillet.

My ceramic tile floor is cracking.

In many cases the crack is not the result of an inferior tile. Ceramic tile can develop hairline cracks for a variety of reasons. Generally hairline cracks in the concrete will not present an issue to the tile floor above. 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.

If 1 or more of your floor or counter tiles have cracked whether from regular wear and tear or from having a heavy object dropped on them you don t necessarily need to replace the cracked tile. Grout hugs the edges of floor tiles and sometimes seamlessly blends with the tiles exposed surface. Occasionally a crack along the joint between grout and tile appears to be a crack in the tile s surface. Voids in the mortar under the tile allow the tile to flex and crack.

However cracks wider than 1 8 inch will eventually transfer to the tile it notes. Cracked tiles on floors and walls is a problem because it can be difficult to track down the source of the crack. For a larger more visible area of cracked tile contact a tile contractor for expert help. Or if your ceramic tile was installed over newly laid concrete the tile may crack as the concrete settles.

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. If your tile s crack seems to run along the tile s outer edge closely inspect the crack to determine if it s really on the tile or just. Ceramic floor tiles especially larger tiles need an even distribution of mortar underneath them. Whatever the cause you can remedy the cracks yourself without having to hire a professional.