Drummy Tiles: What They Are and How to Fix Them

Tiled floors are a popular choice for many areas in the home, from bathrooms and kitchens to outdoor spaces and garages. They offer a durable and easy-to-clean alternative to carpets or hardwood. However, even tiled floors have their downsides—especially when installation isn’t up to standard. One common problem is drummy tiles.

What Are Drummy Tiles?

Drummy tiles refer to tiles that produce a hollow sound when tapped, often with a sounding tool, pen, or even a stick. This sound is different from the dull, solid tone you would expect from well-bonded tiles. While drummy tiles may still function, they are a sign of underlying issues that should be addressed to avoid more serious problems later.

A man's hand doing tiling work

What Causes Drummy Tiles?

There are several potential causes for drummy tiles:

  • Insufficient Adhesive: The most common cause is inadequate adhesive beneath the tile, preventing a solid bond with the substrate.

  • Incorrect Adhesive Type: Using the wrong adhesive or failing to apply it within the proper time window can result in weak bonding.

  • Air Pockets: Trapped air under tiles can create hollow sounds.

  • Manufacturing Defects: Faulty tiles can occur due to production issues, potentially affecting a few tiles or an entire batch.

  • Timber Pests: Insects that attack the underlying floor structure can disrupt the tile bonding.

  • Moisture Damage: Leaks or floods, often from burst pipes, can compromise tile adhesion.

How To Fix Drummy Tiles

Fixing drummy tiles depends on the extent of the problem:

  • Small Areas: If only a few tiles are affected, they can be carefully removed, cleaned, and re-adhered using the correct adhesive. Spare tiles from the original batch can also be used.

  • Large Areas: If most tiles are drummy, it may be necessary to remove and relay all of them. In such cases, it’s advisable to contact a professional loose tile replacement company to ensure proper reinstallation.

Drummy Tiles Can Signal Structural Problems

While poor installation is often to blame, drummy tiles can also point to deeper structural issues. Pests or moisture may be affecting the substrate, and these problems must be resolved before tiles are reinstalled. Moisture is usually localized around plumbing fixtures, while pest damage can be more widespread.

If you uncover such issues during tile replacement, consult relevant professionals for pest control or leak repair before relaying tiles to avoid future problems.

Final Thoughts

Drummy tiles are not always a cause for immediate alarm, but they should never be ignored. If you hear that tell-tale hollow sound from your tiled floor, contact a trusted tile professional like TRIM to address the issue and restore your flooring with expert care.