Tile is known for being strong and long-lasting. It holds up to heavy foot traffic, moisture, and daily wear. But even good tile can crack if something goes wrong with the prep or installation. The worst part is that cracks usually show up after the job is done, when the surface should be finished and clean.
At Dynamic Tile & Stone, we have replaced more cracked tile than we care to count. Most of those cracks were not caused by the tile itself. They came from mistakes below the surface. If you are planning a tile project, understanding what causes tile to crack is the best way to prevent problems later.
Here are the five most common reasons we see cracked tile and what can be done to stop it from happening in the first place.
1. A Weak or Moving Subfloor
Tile needs a solid and stable foundation. If the subfloor moves, flexes, or sinks over time, the tile above it will crack. This is one of the most common causes of cracked tile, especially on floors.
You may not notice movement in the subfloor by walking across it. But even slight flexing from foot traffic or temperature changes can create stress on the tile. That stress shows up as hairline cracks or full breaks across the tile surface.
How to prevent it:
- Inspect and reinforce the subfloor before installation
- Use proper underlayment like cement board or an uncoupling membrane
- Make sure the subfloor is flat, dry, and secured tightly to joists
We never install tile on subfloors that do not meet these conditions. It is not worth the risk.
2. Improper Expansion Joints
Tile does not move much, but buildings do. Floors expand and contract due to temperature, humidity, and regular use. If there is no room for that slight movement, pressure builds up and cracks the tile.
Expansion joints are small gaps left between tiles at certain intervals or around the perimeter. They are filled with flexible material instead of grout and allow the tile to move safely with the building.
How to prevent it:
- Leave proper spacing between tile and walls, cabinets, or transitions
- Use movement joints every few meters on large floor areas
- Never grout tight against immovable surfaces
Leaving space does not weaken the tile job. It protects it.
3. Installing Tile Over Cracked Concrete
We get this one a lot. A homeowner wants to tile over a concrete slab that already has small cracks. They think the tile will cover it up or hold it together. The reality is that tile will copy every movement of that slab.
If the concrete continues to shift or settle, it will pass that stress straight through the thinset and into the tile. The result is cracking that usually follows the shape of the original crack in the concrete.
How to prevent it:
- Repair or patch cracks in the slab before tiling
- Use a crack isolation membrane if there is any sign of movement
- In some cases, consider floating a new surface on top of the slab
We always assess concrete for movement before beginning any installation. Covering up a problem never solves it.
4. Wrong Adhesive or Application
Tile needs a strong bond to stay in place and resist stress. If the wrong type of adhesive is used, or if it is applied poorly, the tile can become loose and eventually crack.
Common adhesive mistakes include:
- Using mastic where mortar is needed
- Applying too little adhesive so there are hollow spots
- Letting the adhesive skim over before placing tile
The bond between tile and substrate should be full, even, and suited to the type of tile and location.
How to prevent it:
- Use the correct thinset for the tile type and setting
- Mix and apply adhesive according to manufacturer instructions
- Back-butter tiles when needed for better coverage
We check every tile for full contact and adjust our technique based on the tile size and layout. It takes more time, but it prevents call-backs.
5. Heavy Impact or Poor Tile Selection
Sometimes cracks happen from outside force. Something heavy falls on the tile, a sharp object lands at the wrong angle, or furniture is dragged across the floor. These are accidents, and while tile is tough, it is not indestructible.
In other cases, the wrong type of tile is chosen for the space. Some tiles are too thin or soft for floor use. Some are not rated for high traffic. In wet areas, glazed tiles that become slippery may lead to drops and impacts that would not happen otherwise.
How to prevent it:
- Choose tile rated for its intended use
- Use thicker or more durable options in kitchens, entryways, and commercial spaces
- Avoid dragging sharp or heavy objects across tiled surfaces
We help clients choose materials based on both look and function. Some tiles are beautiful but not built for floors. We make sure those details are clear from the start.
What to Do If Your Tile Cracks
If a tile does crack, the first step is to figure out why. Replacing it without fixing the cause means the new tile will likely crack again. We inspect the area, check for movement, and look for signs of improper prep.
In some cases, a single cracked tile can be removed and replaced cleanly. In others, the issue may require pulling up a section of tile and addressing the base.
We always recommend calling a professional to assess before trying a patch yourself. It might seem like a small problem, but tile systems work together. Pulling one part can affect the rest.
Avoiding Problems Starts Before the Tile Is Set
Cracked tile is frustrating because it often shows up weeks or months after everything looks finished. That is why the most important work happens early in the process. At Dynamic Tile & Stone, we spend time on surface prep, material selection, and layout before the tile ever touches the floor.
It is not about overbuilding. It is about getting it right the first time.
We also educate our clients on how to protect their tile long after the installation is complete. That includes furniture pads, proper cleaning tools, and staying aware of movement in the home.
Need Help Diagnosing or Preventing Tile Cracks?
If you are seeing cracks in your tile or planning a new project and want to avoid problems, we are here to help. At Dynamic Tile & Stone, we install tile that lasts because we take care of the steps that others rush.Contact us for a consultation or estimate. We will make sure your tile is more than just good looking. We will make sure it holds up.
