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Tiles in a bathroom shower can come loose for a variety of reasons, including improper installation or just plain old wear and tear. Leaving this problem unattended will detract from your bathroom’s aesthetic value and could cause more major issues down the road. Understanding why the tiles in your bathroom are coming off is key to fixing the problem correctly. In some cases, it might be necessary to replace the whole shower unit.
Poor Adhesive Quality
Using poor adhesive is a leading cause of tiles coming loose in a shower. The quality of the adhesive has a direct correlation to how long the installation lasts since it is the key component that attaches the tiles to the surface. The wet conditions of a shower can weaken the bonding strength of low-quality adhesives even further. If you want your tile installation to last, it’s important to use an adhesive that can withstand the unique elements found in a bathroom shower.
Improper Installation Techniques
If something goes wrong during installation, the whole shower enclosure could be at risk. Common mistakes include not applying enough glue, not preparing the substrate correctly or not applying enough pressure when placing the tiles. Not “back-buttering” (fully covering the back of each tile with adhesive) is another major oversight.
This technique ensures that the tile has maximum contact with the substrate, which strengthens the bond. Installing tiles too closely together or with too little space between them can also create stress points, which can eventually cause the tiles to pop off. You can help prevent these concerns with professional installation by skilled tilers who adhere to industry standards.
Water Damage
The continual presence of water in showers makes water damage a leading cause of tile failure. Water can seep in through tiny fissures in the waterproof membrane, spaces around fixtures or cracks in the grout lines. The backing material can deteriorate from prolonged exposure to moisture, which in turn might cause the tiles to separate.
If the water damage is bad enough, it might ruin the bathroom’s framework and spread beyond the shower space. Some telltale signs of water damage in the bathroom include discolored grout, mold development or a musty smell. The only way to stop water damage from getting worse and requiring more repairs is to deal with it quickly with a professional repair.
Shower Movement and Flexing
Tiles installed in a shower enclosure are susceptible to movement-induced stress, which can cause them to loosen, crack or even completely detach. A number of factors can contribute to movement and bending in a shower, including insufficient subfloor support, shifting of the home foundation and improper installation of the shower base.
There’s a greater possibility of structural movement in locations with prefabricated shower units or those located on higher floors, making them more vulnerable to this issue. Bending can also occur in areas where the substrate isn’t sufficiently firm, such as near plumbing fixtures or drain holes. An expert can reduce the effect of movement on tile adhesion by placing the shower on a sturdy foundation and applying flexible sealants at key joints.
Thermal Expansion and Contraction
The temperature in a bathroom can change dramatically, especially after a hot shower. When the temperature changes, the materials, including the substrate and the tiles, expand and shrink. Failure to consider this thermal movement during installation might result in adhesive bond stress and, in the long run, tile detachment.
When the tile material’s thermal expansion rate is much lower than that of the underlying material, the problem becomes worse. The use of flexible adhesives and the provision of expansion joints around the outside of tiled surfaces are two methods that can facilitate this movement and protect tiles from thermal stress failure.
Inadequate Grout Application
Grout has two purposes. First, sealing the spaces between tiles and give the job its final polish. Second, ensuring the tiles remain securely in place. However, if there is inadequate grouting, water can seep through spaces left by the poor application and damage the adhesive bond between tiles.
Excessive grouting or pushing the grout too deeply into the joints, on the other hand, might cause the tile edges to not adhere correctly. Further contributing to the issue of premature deterioration is the use of grout that is not water-resistant or non-sanded. Sealing and fixing cracks in grout is an important part of routine grout care that will safeguard the tile installation from water damage.
Impact and Physical Damage
Heavy items, like shampoo bottles or shower caddies, can cause tiles to chip or crack, which can lead to water seepage. Homes with kids or pets are more likely to have tiles damaged by roughhousing or unintentional impacts. Shower doors or curtains can break the adhesive bond of neighboring tiles. Using high-quality, long-lasting tiles and making sure they are installed correctly will help reduce the likelihood of damage from regular use.
Aging and Wear Over Time
The materials used to lay the tiles can deteriorate over time due to contact with water, cleaning chemicals and temperature changes. With time, even the most meticulously laid shower tiles will show signs of wear and tear. The tiles can develop tiny fissures or become porous, while grouts and adhesives can become fragile or lose their bonding capabilities.
Factors like hard water deposits, which can etch tile surfaces, or the use of harsh cleaning agents, which break down protective sealants, can speed up this natural aging process. If you want your shower to last as long as possible, it’s a good idea to reseal the tiles and grout every so often.
Use of Incorrect Tile Type
Apart from personal taste, practical considerations like water resistance, slip resistance and simplicity of maintenance should be at the forefront of your mind when selecting tiles for your shower. Using tiles that aren’t made for use in areas with a lot of moisture can cause a lot of issues, such as detaching.
Certain ceramic tiles, along with some natural stones, have a high water absorption rate, which means that when they become wet, they can impair both the structure and the adhesive bond. Shower tiles that are too big or too heavy for vertical installation run the risk of slipping off owing to a lack of support. The low water absorption rate and durability of glazed porcelain tiles make them a popular choice for shower installations.
Knowing When to Replace the Shower
Even though it’s possible to fix or replace shower tiles, there comes a time when it could be more practical to refurbish or replace the whole thing. Widespread tile breakdown, substantial water damage under the tiles or persistent issues despite multiple repairs are all indications that it’s time to replace your shower.
Ask On Time Experts for advice on whether to replace your shower unit entirely or only mend the tiles. We also help homeowners in McKinney, TX, with HVAC installations, sewer line repairs, sump pump maintenance, air duct cleaning and more. Call us now to speak with an expert about our plumbing solutions.
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