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
- Tap with a coin and mark the hollow tiles with tape.
- Note if the hollow area is growing or if tiles have lifted at the edges.
- 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
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?