There are several common reasons behind tile arching, and understanding them can help prevent or resolve the issue. First, one of the main causes is when the expansion and contraction gaps between floor tiles and between the tiles and surrounding walls are too narrow. When temperature changes occur, the floor, cement layer, and ceramic tiles may expand or contract. If the gaps are too small, there's not enough space for the tiles to move, leading to arching. This problem is more common in northern regions where temperature fluctuations are greater. In contrast, southern areas tend to be more humid with smaller temperature differences, which reduces the likelihood of this issue.
Another reason is improper mixing of cement and sand during installation. If the cement grade is too low or too much sand is used, the lower cement layer may not properly adhere to the tiles over time, causing them to lift up or arch. This is a critical step that should not be overlooked during tiling work.
A less common cause is when the original cement floor is very smooth and the tiles are laid without being roughened or prepared properly. This lack of surface preparation can lead to poor adhesion, resulting in tile arching over time.
To fix tile arching, the first step is to check whether the affected tiles are isolated or part of a larger area. You can tap on the tiles to see if they sound hollow—this indicates that the tile has separated from the cement layer underneath. If so, the tile must be removed and re-laved. If many tiles are affected, a full resurfacing might be necessary.
When re-laying tiles, follow these important steps:
- Use a cutting machine to carefully saw the joint between the arched tile and adjacent tiles. Be sure to add water to the machine to reduce dust. Handle the tile gently to avoid breaking it during removal.
- Scrape off all the old cement mortar from the edges of the tile. Remove the existing cement layer beneath the tile, cutting away about 1-2 cm, and clean the area thoroughly.
- Apply a fresh layer of cement mortar evenly. For wall tiles, use a mix of 1:3 (cement to sand), while for floor tiles, a ratio of 1:2 to 1:3 is recommended. Use 32.5-grade cement. If using white cement, make sure to add 108 glue to enhance bonding between the cement and the tile.
- Reinstall the cleaned tiles, ensuring they are level. Then, use a caulking machine to reinforce the cement before it fully dries. This helps prevent future lifting or cracking of the tiles.
By following these steps and paying attention to proper installation techniques, you can significantly reduce the risk of tile arching. We hope this guide from Jiuzheng Building Materials Network has been helpful. Have you learned something new? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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