Understanding the Causes of Tile Cracking

Cracked floor tiles can be caused by various factors, including poor installation, stress from heavy objects, or natural settling of the building. Each of these factors can lead to the tiles breaking or cracking over time.

One surprising cause of tile cracking is inadequate subfloor preparation. If the subfloor is uneven or not properly cleaned, it can lead to stress points under the tiles, causing them to crack when pressure is applied.

Temperature changes can also cause tiles to crack. Tiles expand and contract with temperature fluctuations, and if there isn't enough space for this movement, the pressure can cause the tiles to crack.

Excess moisture can weaken the adhesive holding the tiles, leading to cracks. Water can seep into the subfloor, causing it to swell and push against the tiles, resulting in cracking or lifting.

Heavy objects or impacts can stress tiles beyond their breaking point. Surprisingly, even a minor impact, if the tile is already under stress from other factors, can cause it to crack or break completely.

In earthquake-prone areas, even small tremors can cause tiles to crack due to the intense vibrations and shifting of the ground.