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NANDIX Repairs · Mason or tile fitter

Hollow-sounding, loose or cracked tiles

A hollow sound means the tile is not fully stuck to the floor. It may stay like that for years, or crack and lift, especially in heat.

What usually causes it

  • Tiles laid on spots of mortar instead of a full bed of adhesive.
  • No gap left at the walls for the floor to expand.
  • Base mortar too dry or laid too long before the tiles.
  • Heavy load or impact on a hollow tile.

What you can check yourself

  1. Tap with a coin and mark the hollow tiles with tape.
  2. Note if the hollow area is growing or if tiles have lifted at the edges.
  3. Look for a gap between the floor tiles and the wall skirting.

Parts to ask the shop for

  • Spare tiles of the same batch (keep a few from every tiling job)
  • Tile adhesive suitable for the tile size and floor
  • Grout in a matching colour
  • Tile spacers
Send this list to a shop on WhatsApp

Take the old part or a photo of it: sizes and threads must match.

What to ask the worker

  • Will you lift and re-fix only the hollow tiles, or a whole area?
  • Will you use tile adhesive with a full bed this time?
  • Will you leave an expansion gap at the walls?