Before starting the drummy tiles services topic, let’s define what drummy tiles are. If you have tiles that are loose or that have lost their binding with the ground, you have drummy tiles. You can tell when this happens by listening out for a hollow sound when you tap the tiles or walk across them.
As with everything else in the world, myths and misconceptions have sprouted from drummy tiles, including what causes them and how to fix them. Here are some of the most common myths you may have heard, along with the truth.
Laying Tiles Is Foolproof
The most common causes of drummy tiles come down to tiler error. Now, this isn’t always the case. A tile can become loose after it has been laid for a few reasons. These might include:
- Faulty tiles
- Thermal exposure
- Pests attacking the floor underneath
- Moisture exposure
So, if there’s been a flood or a fire in a tiled room, don’t be surprised if you hear that characteristic hollow drumming sound. But a lot of the time, this issue can be prevented, and it often comes down to the tiling process.
A tile usually becomes loose because the binding agent, or the adhesive used to bind it to the floor underneath, has failed. It can fail if if the application of adhesives are not enough, or if you use the wrong kind of adhesive.
If the tiles are laid too slowly, it can impact how strong the bond is, which can therefore weaken the adhesive and loosen the tile. How you prepare the tiles can also affect the adhesive strength. If you don’t properly clean dust and other particles from the tile or substrate, it won’t bind well enough.
You also need to ensure that you have appropriate expansion joints between the tiles and, finally, that you give it plenty of time to dry and adhere before walking on the tiles.
So, get your tiles laid by a professional the first time, and you will likely prevent drummy tiles.
The Major Problem
If you have one drummy tile in an area that doesn’t get a lot of traffic, the chances are that it will still last a fairly long time. It won’t crack right away, so you have time to sort it out without having to worry too much about it.
You don’t need to replace your entire tiled floor if you have a couple of drummy tiles, for example. It is possible to lift and re-adhere the problem tiles on their own, but you have to be careful to properly clean them, remove all of the old adhesive, and properly prepare them before relaying the tiles. This is why it helps to get the professionals in, so you don’t have to repeat the problem.
Of course, loose tiles can be irritating in the meantime. Also, any job that suggests an issue with your flooring you should check, which leads us to our next point.
You Don’t Need to Worry About Drummy Tiles
If most of your tiled floor is loose, then you have a problem. In this case, the easier option is often to remove and replace all of the tiles, ideally with the skilled hand of a professional. The tilers at TRIM Loose Tiles can recommend the best solution for your tiling needs.
Another time to worry about drummy tiles is if they’re paired with broken grouting, cracks, or a noticeable dip or give when you put pressure on them. In this case, the tile is in danger of cracking or breaking.
While the cause of drummy tiles are tiler error, they can be a sign of a structural problem. So, it’s a good idea to check them out just in case you discover a more expensive issue underneath.
Easy Solution
Sometimes, you can lay tiles on top of tiles. This is not one of those times. Even if you tile over your floor, the drummy tiles will stay drummy. The most important binding is between the tile and the substrate underneath, so tiling on top of a loose tile won’t help anything.
Drummy Tiles Service
Rather than listening to the myths, the best option when you have loose tiles is to speak to the professionals. Get in touch with the team at TRIM Loose Tiles and we’ll be happy to help.