Why do Tiles De-bond or Crack after Few Years of Application

Looking for a simple yet effective way to tile installation? Not to worry. This blog is undoubtedly one of the tricks of the trade to instruct you on the correct way of laying the tiles from stem to stern. Tile installation when carried out along the right lines gives your home a smooth finish and longer durability. We will help you mug up a few details about the use of a variety of tools and supplies which will be making your tile work easier and befitting. Let’s get start! Why do Tiles De-bond or Crack after a Few Years of Application?

Installation of tiles on floors or on walls is carries out in a set of five essential stages. Which include a proper substrate, planning a layout, adhesive application, placing, and grouting of the tiles.

Preparing the Surface

The preparation and cleaning of the surface are the backbones of the longevity of tiling. The bed preparation is done before the tiles are laying on the floor using both cement mortar and lime mortar as per IS 1443-1972, Clause 9.1.1, 9.1.2, 9.1.3, and 9.1.4. For a smoother finish, the surface should be dry, flat, and clean from any dust and debris. It should be leveled with no unevenness. While wall tiling the job done gets easier when the tiles are to be laid on drywall and plaster. With any surplus coating of paints, it is advisable to sand the surface prior to tiling the wall.

In wet conditions waterproof underlayment is essential; the provision of cement backer board is preferable as it can withstand any breakdown and prevent cracking. With deflection due to changes in load, temperature, moisture content, the fracturing of tiles comes out to be a matter of concern. When a tile is a mortar directly to the subfloor, even the slightest movement in the floor can develop cracks in the grout or the tiles themselves. Therefore, backer board installation is important to avoid poor preparation of the substrate. (As per IS: 1443-1972 Clause 7.4)

Wondering whether you can save time and avoid the hustle-bustle of ripping up the existing tiles by simply tiling over the tiles themselves? Well, then our answer is YES, why not!

All you need to keep in mind is that the existing tile surface should be on the level and free of any cracks, trapped moisture, or surface irregularities. If the existing tiles themselves weren’t originally installed in a good position, then
installation of tiles over tiles won’t be advisable as the results will be found wanting. So, in short, prepping the surface beneath the new layer of tiles is necessary. Laying the tiles over existing ones can carries out smoothly as long as the surface beneath is under good conditions.

Carrying Layouts

Planning a Layout is another important step to tile installation. Once the tile installation is complete, it is out of the question to turn back the time and do the desired adjustments. Therefore, horizontal and vertical layout lines should be created on the surface to gain an understanding of laying the tiles in the correct alignment to fit the proposed area, enabling better appearance and adjusting any inappropriate place in advance; most importantly when you get to a wall where cutting of tiles is requires as propound by IS: 1443-1972, Clause 10.5. When testing the layout, spacing for grout joints should also be permitted. Continue the trials with a dry layout, until correct placement is obtain.

Tile Bonding

According to ISO 13007-1:2014, Clause 3.6, tile adhesives should be buttered seamlessly (applying in lumps is a big no) throughout the backsides of the tile with the use of a notched trowel for efficient adhesion. Always choose the correct adhesive according to the type of tiles and their varied application. (instant bonding, fixing large tiles de-bond or stones, waterproofing, ready-mix, heat-resisting, etc.) Surface leveling is essential prior to adhesive application to avoid tile fragility. It is advisable not to soak the tiles completely in the water while using tile adhesives as it will adversely affect the adhesion giving rise to tile slipping and dislodging.

You are only limited by your imagination as Magicrete offers you a huge range of adhesives enabling easy and varied applications for every format. One of the best products is the on-site mix Magicbond 3X Tile Bonder with its excellent bonding properties and high strength; enhancing the workability of the cement with the benefit of reduced setting time. It is an ideal choice for fixing both ceramic and vitrified tiles.

As depicted by the name itself, Magicbond-Tile Adhesive. Instax offers instant spot bonding of large tiles and stones i.e. just 15 minutes. Magicbond Tile Adhesive- Ultima stands out from the crowd with the versatility of being an all-purpose cementitious ultimate adhesive.

Laying the Tiles

Put the tiles in place allowing spacers between each tile. This will ensure a uniform distance between them. Grouting should not done shortly after the tiling is complete. Wait for a few days for the tiles to dry and stay intact.

Grouting

As mentioned in IS Code 1443-1972, Clause 10.3. Once the tile adhesive is fully cure for 24 hours, grouting is done to fill the joints leaving no space. Pick a grout that will be similar to the color of the tile matrix. Hold the rubber grout float diagonally to press the grout firmly into the joint spaces. Change directions to spread the grout to enable full coverage. Scrape out any excess grouting from the surface. After 10 minutes, wipe out the redundant grout from the surface with the help of a damp grout sponge to give the tiles a clean and finished look.

Magicrete’s Magicbond and Tile Grout is comprising of high-quality Portland cement and comes with chosen pigments. It is waterproof i.e. best suit for wet areas. Its easy-to-use and non-shrink, sag-resistant properties make it ideal for application over a variety of tiles, stones, floors, and walls. Where materials tend to undergo heavy disturbance, abuse, and chemical aggression, with application in moisture-sensitive areas; Magicbond Epoxy Tile Grout EG is also the sensible choice.

Integrity to your house is important to you and so is to us. Hope you are well acquainte with all the steps to the correct installation of tiles. Magicrete is the most promising manufacturer of tiling products that offers you the most
practical, robust, and durable solution for the floor and walls of your home. You can check more tiling products by us for a better tile installation.