🏆 National e-Governance Award Winner · C4C Industry Platform · 2019
Sealants & Tile Systems / Site problem guide

Hollow or debonded tile

Tiles sound hollow or detach after occupancy.

A practical decision sequence

Diagnose the cause, then verify the repair.

Use the site evidence to agree a project-specific method with the responsible engineer, concrete producer, manufacturer or specialist applicator.

01 / Symptom

What is happening?

Tiles sound hollow or detach after occupancy.

02 / Inspect and test

Evidence to collect

Lift representative tile to inspect adhesive coverage, substrate, cure and movement joints.

03 / Likely mechanism

Why it can fail

Insufficient coverage, contamination or incompatible adhesive can reduce bond.

04 / Technical response

Choose the system

Repair substrate and reinstall with adhesive rated for tile type, size and exposure.

05 / Site execution

Control the application

Key adhesive into substrate, use suitable trowel and back-buttering where required.

06 / Acceptance

Verify the result

Check coverage and bond on trial area before full reinstatement.

Avoid this shortcut

Do not assume grout will bond a loose tile to the slab.

These guides are editorial starting points, not a project specification. Confirm the design, product data, substrate conditions and inspection plan for the actual site.
Technical references

References inform the topic; they do not endorse a specific product for this project.

☎