Why do shower wall tiles crack?

Have you ever wondered why your shower wall tiles crack? Yesterday they were in perfect condition, so what has caused the crack today? Cracked tiles on your shower walls can be unsightly and frustrating.

Cracks in shower wall tiles can be caused either by the poor quality of the tile used or – in most cases – the instability of the surface beneath the tile, which is usually caused by improper installation, poor adhesive, water damage, and more.

There are a few options to explore when it comes to fixing cracks, ranging from replacing the tiles to painting over the grout with a suitable color that matches the rest of the tiles.

Why do shower tiles crack?

Your shower wall tiles may have cracked for one of the following reasons:

• Improper installation – Improper installation method is one of the main reasons for cracks in shower wall tiles. When laying the tiles, it is crucial that the tiles are placed correctly. Dimension, arrangement, and other necessary elements must be considered when installing the tile. Otherwise, there is a high likelihood that the tiles will develop cracks a few weeks or months after installation.
• Low-quality tiles – The type and quality of tiles used for your bathroom wall matter. High-quality tiles will perform well when used and even last longer than expected, while low-quality tiles will lead to many issues, including larger cracks after a few weeks or months.
• Sharp blow on tiles – Strong pressure on any tile surface can lead to cracks, and shower wall tiles are no exception. Applying sharp blows or heavy pressure to the shower wall tiles while cleaning them or manipulating them with an object or in any form will result in cracks.
• Wrong type of adhesive used – When installing tiles, using the wrong type of adhesive can cause the tiles to not adhere properly to the shower walls. Without a strong adhesive to hold them firmly in place, a tile is more prone to develop major cracks.
• Water behind the shower wall – In some cases, water could seep behind your shower wall, causing it to swell and leave cracks in the tiles.
• Greater spacing between floor joists – Joists simply refer to the massive beams beneath your subfloor that anchor anything placed on top of it. If the spacing between the joists is too far apart, it allows room for the plywood to flex. When there is a flexible surface under the top layer, it creates a gap that eventually leads to instability and later cracks in the tile.

Why are cracks a problem?

It is important to act quickly when you notice cracks on your shower wall, as this will protect your tiles and your shower from further damage. Here are some reasons why cracks can quickly become a problem:

1. 1. Cracks in shower wall tiles can create openings that lead to water leaks, which can cause various types of damage to your shower.
   2. The same water leaks can cause structural damage that is difficult to detect behind the tiles; repairing this damage can also be costly.
   3. Any type of tile crack can be a sign of foundation problems and should therefore be taken seriously.
   4. Mold and other harmful organisms can grow in the broken tile once water has penetrated.

How to repair cracks in shower tiles?

Once you notice a crack/cracks in the shower wall tiles, it is best to act immediately. You can take measures by fixing the problem yourself or hiring an expert to do it.

Repairing it yourself

If it is a hairline crack, you should repair the affected area instead of replacing the tile(s) entirely. To do this:

1. 1. 1. Start by cleaning the affected area. The affected area should be cleaned with diluted sodium percarbonate (oxygen bleach powder) only. This solution should also be applied to the grout. This will remove any dirt, dust or fine tile particles on the surface.
      2. A few minutes after completing the first procedure, the next step is to lightly scrub the grout.
      3. Then apply some adhesive to the affected area. It is important to use a high-quality adhesive (an example is a waterproof two-component epoxy adhesive available on Amazon). You should make sure to apply the adhesive to the surface until the tile is properly balanced.
      4. Use a brush or cotton swab to smooth out the affected surfaces. Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations for the proper drying time. However, when in doubt, wait 72 hours.
      5. Immediately after the adhesive has dried, apply a good coating substance – with urethane – on the surface to prevent dirt from adhering to the paint; this ensures that it remains in good condition and durable.
      6. When finished and both the adhesive and protective coating are dry, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface clean.

How to repair larger cracks in shower tiles

If you notice large or multiple cracks on a single tile, it is best to replace the tile or tiles entirely. You can achieve this by following these steps:

1. 1. 1. Remove the tile from the wall: To do this, first place a cloth on the surface of the tile.
      2. Use a hammer to tap on the tile: The cloth placed on the tile will prevent any small tile pieces from flying around. Make sure to wear protective eyewear when doing this.
      3. Use a chisel to chisel out the remaining part of the tile. Use the same chisel to remove the old adhesive underneath.
      4. Spread some adhesive on the back of the new tile using a notched trowel. Carefully place the new tile in the vacant spot and let it dry. Use fresh grout to fill in any gaps around the new tile. Once the grout is also dry, clean the surface with a damp cloth.

Note: If you decide to completely remove and replace the affected tile yourself, you may consider following the guidelines from this WikiHow article.

Hiring an expert

If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, it is advisable to hire an expert. It may incur additional costs, but it saves time, energy, and also guarantees a quality fix for the shower tiles. When hiring an expert, look for one who is properly certified and has good experience in repairing shower wall tiles.

How to prevent shower tiles from cracking

Prevention, they say, is better than cure. You can prevent future cracks in your shower wall tiles before and after installation by following these guidelines:

1. 1. 1. For the shower walls, purchase and use high-quality tiles.
      2. The tiles should be installed using the correct materials.
      3. During the installation of the tiles, it is recommended to use a membrane between the shower wall and the tiles. This membrane can be properly attached with the right adhesive and other materials by a professional.
      4. Ensure that the right adhesive is used during the installation. In most cases, a mastix-type adhesive is used instead of a thin-set adhesive, which can cause the tiles to not adhere properly to the shower wall and result in future costs. This is highly recommended.

Conclusion

As we all want our bathrooms to look attractive and be safe to use, it is appropriate to take good care of every part of it. The shower wall tiles are no exception. Once you notice a flaw, you should take the necessary steps to fix it to avoid future complications.

References:

How to Repair a Shower Wall Tile – Doityourself.com

How to Replace Broken Shower Tiles – Tilecleaning.org

Causes of Cracked Tiles – Gharpedia

What’s Behind Damaged Tiles – Baltimoresun

How to Quickly Repair a Bathroom Shower – Wikihow

Homedecorbliss.com

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