Ceramic & Porcelain Floor Repair

Sometimes, even a well maintained ceramic or porcelain floor can crack, chip or break and will need to be repaired. In some cases, homeowners can fix the problem themselves using hardware store-bought repair kits. In some cases, however, it is better to hire a professional to address not only the damage but the possible causes and any problems that might have appeared as a result.

Why is my ceramic or porcelain tile floor chipping and cracking?

Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles have a PEI rating which indicates how resistant the tile is to cracks under normal circumstances and when properly installed. Glazed tiles with PEI of 3 or more are the best suited for flooring in homes and should last an average of 50 years without chips or cracks

The main causes of ceramic and porcelain floor damage are:

• Accidents such as dropping a large cast-iron skillet, or something equally heavy and dense.
• Improper installation of ceramic, and porcelain with a low PEI, or that are not properly leveled and glued to the subfloor. Uneven or unsealed grout.
• Buckled or sagging subfloor due to floor joists and subfloors that aren’t strong enough to support the weight of the tiles. Exposure to moisture can also make the subfloors, beams and floor joists sag or buckle. That is a common problem in homes with humid, unsealed crawl spaces and wet basements. The source of the moisture can also be cracked and unsealed grouts.

When should I call a professional ceramic and porcelain repair contractor?

If more than a few tiles begin to chip and crack, or if the problem appears in more than one spot and in different areas of the house, it is probably time to call a professional and have them access the situation and investigate possible causes. Problems like structural damage to subfloor structure and moisture infiltration under the tiles will tend to get worse over time and should be addressed as soon as possible.