Tile tenting, for those of you who haven’t experienced it before, is where tiles lift off their base or “pop up” because of pressure under the surface. Unfortunately, this phenomenon is becoming increasingly common across Australia’s east coast due to temperature fluctuations, moisture issues, and aging installations. 

But don’t worry if you’re experiencing this issue: this tented tiles guide is here to help. We explore what tile tenting is, why it occurs, the warning signs to watch out for in Australian homes, and how to prevent it from happening in the first place. 

Why Tiles Tent in Australian Homes

Tiles can tent in Australian homes for numerous reasons, which is why it is sometimes challenging to diagnose. Therefore, we run through some common possible causes below so you’re more informed. 

Thermal Expansion

For instance, tiles can tent in Australia due to thermal expansion. Heat can literally warm the tiles unevenly, causing some parts to expand more than others.

Failed Adhesives

Tiles can also run into problems when adhesives fail. If they aren’t stuck down properly, they can start to lift up (when combined with environmental factors). 

Poor Installation

Basic installation errors are another factor. If crews don’t understand how to install tiles properly, it makes tenting more likely in the long-run. 

Lack Of Movement Joints

The absence of movement joints is another issue. If tiles can’t “breathe,” then it can contort them into strange positions.

Moisture Buildup

You will also sometimes see tenting due to moisture buildup. Water can weaken areas of the tiles, causing a change in their ductile properties and appearance. 

Direct Sunlight

Finally, direct sun exposure can cause tenting. The combination of repeated heat and cold cycles can change the structural properties of some tiling materials. 

Warning Signs Your Tiles Are About to Lift

So, how can you figure out if your tiles are about to lift or tent? 

Hollow Sounds

Hollow sounds mean that there’s growing space under the tiles where a void is forming. 

Hairline Grout Cracks

Hairline grout cracks indicate expansive forces operating in multiple directions. If the force grows too large, the tile has nowhere else to go but up. 

Tile Movements

If you see minor tile movements, that could be a sign of an issue. As with grouting, moving tiles is indicative of high pressure. 

Clicking When Walking On Tiles

Finally, if you hear clicking or cracking sounds when walking on your tile, that also usually means there’s a tenting risk. 

Always act quickly if you see any of these signs. Figuring out the problem early can reduce your costs significantly later on and prevent major damage. 

How to Prevent Tile Tenting

The good news is there are plenty of strategies available to prevent tile tenting. These reduce the risk of needing to make any repairs in the first place. 

Ensuring Proper Movement Joints

First, you want to check if your tiles have proper movement joints. These are essential for expansion and contraction, depending on the weather, temperature, and environmental conditions, including their age. (It’s a good idea to speak to tiling experts about this if you’re unsure).. 

Avoiding Direct Heat On Tiled Surfaces

Next, avoiding direct heat on the tiled surface also helps. This heat can come from above or below and cause a similar effect. Reduce temperature variation wherever possible. 

Maintaining Correct Expansion Spacing

Also, check you’re always maintaining the proper expansion spacing. Tiles can expand a little, so they need sufficient room to absorb all of the incoming heat or moisture without bumping into their neighbours. 

Scheduling Professional Inspections

Finally, you can reduce risks significantly by scheduling professional inspections. These can check the status of the tiles and if you need to make changes. 

The good news is that even if you have ongoing problems with your tiles right now, TRIM tile repair is available. This process works by injecting underneath tiles and re-glueing them to their original surface, preventing tenting from occurring. 

Why Loose Tiles (TRIM) Is A Trusted Choice For Resolving Tented Tiles

Loose Tiles is a top choice for dealing with tented tiles for many reasons. Customers trust us because of our diagnostic expertise and our advanced tile injection repair method. This combination ensures we can identify the problem correctly and provide Australian homeowners with long-term tailored solutions, based on their specific circumstances. 

If you have an issue with tented tiles, call TRIM for an assessment at 0408 789 598.