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Hollow, loose or tenting tile.

A tile contractor should pull test tiles and do the repair, with dust control on all cutting and grinding.

Customers put it like this

  • tile sounds hollow
  • tiles popped up
  • floor tented up in the middle
  • tile is rocking
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Stop first if

  • Grinding or cutting tile or grout is planned.Hold until the crew has dust control and breathing protection.
  • Old vinyl or black adhesive sits under the tile.Stop. Leave it undisturbed until it has been tested.
  • The slab is or may be post-tensioned.Do not drill, cut or core. Get the engineer's tendon layout first.
01

Ask on the call

5

Homeowner? These are the questions a good technician will ask you. Having the answers ready makes the first visit count.

  1. How large is the hollow or raised area?
  2. When was the tile set, and when was it grouted?
  3. Is there a membrane, gypsum topping or heated floor under it?
  4. Is it lifting along walls or in the middle?
  5. Was the room hot, dry or sunny during the install?
02

Bring

5
  • Tapping rod
  • Tape measure
  • Straightedge
  • Respirator
  • Flashlight
03

Check on site

5
  1. Tap the field and map the hollow areas.
  2. Remove base at two or three walls and look for grout or mortar packed tight.
  3. Map field joints and compare their spacing with the makers' reference.
  4. At a removed tile, note whether mortar is soft, powdery, chalky or hard.
  5. Identify any gypsum topping or membrane under the tile.
04

Keep on the record

4
  • Map of hollow areas
  • Photos of the mortar at a removed tile
  • Perimeter gap findings
  • Setting and grouting dates

General guidance for a qualified person, not a finding about any home. The person on site decides.