You may have encountered floor tiles becoming damp or wet in your home. The reasons for this can vary—sometimes it's due to the quality of the tiles, other times it's related to the type of grout used, and in some cases, other factors contribute to moisture absorption in the tiles. In this article, we will discuss the causes of wet floor tiles and provide solutions to prevent this issue. Stay with us until the end.
What Causes Floor Tiles to Absorb Moisture?
Moisture can accumulate beneath the tiles, on the floor, and sometimes on the walls of your home. The reasons for moisture absorption in all these cases are generally similar and common. Below, we'll explore the most important causes of moisture in floor tiles:
1. Moisture Due to Pipe Leakage
If a pipe bursts, the leakage will undoubtedly become apparent at some point. In this scenario, the tiles may become damp or wet. If the pipes are old and worn out, even a small leak might go unnoticed for a long time, eventually leading to significant damage. To ensure peace of mind, make sure your pipes are in good condition, as pipe leakage could be the reason for your floor tiles absorbing moisture.
2. Moisture Due to Tile Quality
One of the main reasons for moisture in floor tiles is the quality of the tiles. If the tiles are of low quality, they have a high water absorption rate, drawing in moisture from the grout and causing discoloration. In such cases, there is no solution to prevent moisture absorption. However, if you use high-quality tiles, such as porcelain tiles, you will face fewer issues.
3. Moisture Due to Improper Insulation
Since moisture can damage the structure of a building, proper insulation is essential throughout the building. If the insulation is not done correctly and there are gaps, even the smallest amount of moisture can seep into the tiles, causing them to absorb water.
4. Excessive Use of Cleaning Agents
Overusing cleaning agents can damage the surface of the tiles, strip away their glaze, or erode the grout between the tiles. The thicker the grout layer, the better the tiles can resist these cleaning agents. However, excessive use of these agents can cause water to seep into the gaps beneath the tiles.
5. Improper Slope
If the tiles are not laid with the correct slope, water can accumulate in one corner. Even a small gap is enough for water to seep under the tiles, leading to moisture absorption. This is another potential cause of wet floor tiles.
Preventing Moisture in Floor Tiles
After identifying the cause of wet floor tiles, it’s time to address the problem using the following solutions:
1. Use High-Quality Tiles
If you use tiles with low water absorption or products like Pama Imperio porcelain tiles, which have near-zero water absorption, you can ensure that the tiles' quality won't be the cause of moisture.
2. Regular Grout and Tile Sealing
Periodically re-grout and seal the tiles, as the grout can wear away over time due to floor cleaning and the use of cleaning agents. It’s advisable to use acid-resistant and antibacterial grout, which offers high durability and effective moisture insulation.
3. Use Tile Adhesive Instead of Mortar
If you use cement mortar and the tiles have high water absorption, light-colored tiles may discolor and absorb moisture. However, using white tile adhesive instead of mortar can reduce this risk.
4. Inspect Building Pipes
The most crucial cause of moisture in floor tiles is often related to issues with the building’s pipes. The installation process should be carefully executed, and all aspects should be thoroughly inspected afterward. This will reduce the likelihood of moisture absorption in the tiles.
Conclusion
In this article, we examined the causes of moisture in floor tiles. As discussed, floor tiles can absorb moisture for various reasons. If you use porcelain tiles, you can prevent moisture absorption due to their zero water absorption rate.