Why Do Tiles Crack or Fall Off Even With Good Materials?

Tiles and adhesive are fine, but tiles still fail? The problem might be in the application process! Here are 4 common mistakes that reduce adhesion, leading to hollow spots and loose tiles:

Mistake #1: Uneven adhesive application

❌ Problem: Using a trowel in fast, curved strokes creates inconsistent ridges—thick spots cause cracks, thin spots weaken adhesion.
✅ Solution: Apply adhesive evenly in straight, uniform ridges with a notched trowel.

Mistake #2: Not pressing & sliding tiles

❌ Problem: Simply placing tiles without pressing and sliding prevents full adhesion.

✅ Solution: Press firmly and move tiles up/down to spread adhesive evenly—no visible ridges should remain.

Mistake #3: Altering Mix Formulas - Chemistry Gone Wrong

❌ Problem: Mixing cement, sand, or water into adhesive, disrupting polymer-cement ratio (P/C), killing flexibility and weakening the adhesive's bond

✅ Solution: Always follow the mixing instructions on the package;  Never add water to dried adhesive—discard after 2 hours if hardened.

Mistake #4: Working on Too Big an Area at Once

❌ Problem: Adhesive dries before you can lay all the tiles, making them bond poorly.

✅ Solution:  Work in small sections (1m² or less at a time) and dampen walls in dry conditions.

If you are struggling with similar issues, please contact our experts at <info@derekchem.com> to discuss solutions for your specific project needs.