Can My Tile Flooring Get Water Damaged?

You might be wondering how this can even be a question; tile is the most water-resistant flooring material most often used for flooring. Though the actual tile is water-resistant, the adhesives and grout that is used to install the tile can be affected by water and cause damage. You may begin to see and/or feel loose tiles, but the damage is most likely under more than just those loose tiles and has spread across an entire area. So what should you do when your tile floor becomes damaged?

How Much Water Can Tile Retain?

It all depends on density. The less dense the tile, the less water your tile will retain. Two of the more popular tiles are porcelain and travertine with travertine not being as dense as porcelain tile. This means that porcelain tile will retain more water than travertine tile. The more water that a tile retains the more water that will then seep out of the tile to and through the substrate. 

Signs of Water Damage Under Tile Floors

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Some tiles like porcelain are marketed as waterproof, but no tile is waterproof, only water-resistant. The grout and thin-set that are used to adhere the tile to the substrate are also porous which will also water to travel through them. Knowing this, there are signs of water damage to watch out for. There are many signs of water damage under tile floors and what you see first will depend on the type of damage. When you notice black or green stains on the corner of tiles that will most likely be mold spores that are growing due to water underneath the tile. There may be cracked tile or loose tile because of water weakening the bond between the grout and the tile. These loose tiles may shift or give way because of the water damage. Sections of the tile may also seem to give as you walk across them, and this can be caused by the substrate becoming weakened by water damage. The tile may also sound hollow when tapped and this is because the grout has given out between the tile and the subflooring. If the tile does not look or feel level but warped the subfloor may be damaged and warped causing the tile to become warped. Water damage that can affect your tile may also first be seen on the ceiling below where the tile is installed.

Avoiding water damage to your bathroom tiles

To avoid further water damage more than the loose, broken, or discolored tiles need to be removed. All of the tiles need to be removed, the grout from the tile needs to be removed from the tile, and the particleboard and other substrate needs to be replaced. The area cannot begin to be put back together until the area is completely dry. 

How to Prevent Tile Water Damage

One of the first steps to preventing water damage with tile floors begins before the first tile is laid, but when the old tile is removed. Ensure that you work with a dustless tile removal contractor to properly remove and prepare your space for proper tile installation. As the tile is installed make sure that the proper grout is used, and more importantly for protection from water damage, that the grout is properly sealed. Improper sealing of the grout will allow water to stand under the floor staining the grout and for bacteria, fungi, and mold spores to grow. 

What Can I Do to Prevent Water Damage in My New Build or Remodel?

When inspecting a new build or remodel look for the following processes to have been completed to help prevent water damage:

1.    Silicone sealant applied to help prevent water from seeping behind tiles. 

2.    Use of epoxy grout that is made from two different resins that provide durability against water damage. 

3.    Work with the designer and contractor to use the most water-resistant materials to complete the desired effect of the space. 

4.    Clean up spills and leaks as the occur instead of letting the liquid stand on the tile. 

We want you to rely on Jonathan's Flooring for damage repair and mold and water remediation. We know that your time and money are valuable to you so we want the best return on your flooring investment. During our consultation we will discuss an array of options that will help repair and restore the tile damage that was caused by water. We will gladly field all your questions and concerns about tile repair and restoration. Call us at 850.429.4380 or contact us online.