Why Do Marble Tiles Crack?
Do you have a beautiful marble tile floor that you’re just in love with? Or maybe you’re considering installing marble tiles in your home but are worried about their craking.
Marble is a natural stone that can be found in different colors, including white, black, green, and pink. It has a unique look and feels that can add elegance and sophistication to any space. But while marble is undoubtedly a luxurious choice, it can crack anytime.
So, why do marble tiles crack? According to a study published in the journal, “Engineering Failure Analysis” the main reasons why marble tiles crack are: a) unevenness of the concrete, b) insufficient concrete mix under the marble tiles, c) insufficient compaction of concrete, d) use of very think marble tiles to make the floor, e) large distances between expansion joints, and f) poor installation of the tiles.
But what are some other reasons? Is it even possible to fix them once they’re cracked!
Let’s take a closer look.
7 Reasons why your marble tiles are susceptible to cracks
Poor installation
One of the main reasons for cracked marble tiles is poor installation.
You can have a crack-free marble tile floor, but if your installer is not skilled enough, there are high chances that you’ll end up with cracks here and there on the floor.
Installing tiles correctly means you should consider factors like base conditions, how the tiles will be laid, and weather conditions.
Failure to do so can lead to cracks in your marble flooring. It is best to hire a professional who has ample experience when it comes to installing marble tiles.
Inadequate material selection
Essentially, instead of using natural stone like marble for your bathroom or kitchen floor, you can get tiles that are made of natural stone. These are usually cheaper than natural marble, but they run the risk of crazing or cracking.
Moisture-related problems
When you put Marble Tiles in the bathroom, if there is water constantly seeping through cracks or damage caused by groundwater, there is a possibility that it may result in the formation of cracks.
Moisture-related problems can also occur when you use marble tiles on your kitchen floor if it’s not sealed properly or if you live in a region where there are fluctuations in temperature and humidity, especially during the winter months.
Absence of anti-fracture membrane
The main purpose of the anti-fracture membrane is to prevent damage that can result in cracking.
Consequently, your tiles are more likely to crack when there is no anti-fracture membrane underneath them, especially if they’re constantly exposed to moisture. Exceptions are non-sealed marble tiles and polished tiles.
Floor movement
Floor movements are rare but are responsible for the splitting of some tiles, especially those that are made of natural stone.
If you notice any cracks on your marble tile floor, check if it’s making any unusual movements. If it’s moving up and down or side to side, this could be a sign that you have floor movement which can lead to cracks on your floor.
Ankle brushers
Yes, you read that right!
Ankle brushers are also responsible for causing cracks on marble tile floors.
The term “ankle brusher” was coined by the manufacturers of a mape product called Crack Fighter to describe instances where people walk across their marble floors in such a way that they damage the tile.
Don’t get us wrong, we love to walk around our beautiful floor but it is best to not tread heavily on your tiles or drag anything across them.
High temperature
Marble tiles that are most exposed to sunlight can be susceptible to high temperatures.
In addition, if your home is kept exceptionally warm in the winter months, this can also cause cracks on your marble flooring.
Some easy ways to fix marble tiles crack
So you’ve got deep cracks on your marble tiles, what can you do?
Grout over it
No, don’t grout over your entire floor. But you can definitely try filling the cracks up with some good-quality grout before sealing it.
Use an epoxy grout or a polymer-modified sanded grout for this job to get the best result.
Be careful while you’re applying grout to your cracked tiles. Make sure that the product does not seep into the cracks and damage your tiles further.
Epoxy filler or polyurethane filler
Another quick fix is using epoxy fillers. Epoxy fillers are some of the best options for repairing deep cracks on your marble tiles.
It’s not possible to completely fill the cracks with these products, but they can help you make them less visible. You can use an epoxy filler or polyurethane filler to fix your cracked tiles depending on the size of the crack- choose accordingly!
Use a professional resurfacer
If you don’t want to use an epoxy or polyurethane filler, your last option is to hire a professional resurfacer. Use this as a last resort because it can be expensive and may not give the best results.
A lot of times, resurfacing makes the cracks more visible than they were before so you need to choose the resurfacer carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
How do I know if there is a floor movement on my floor?
You can easily check for any unusual movements on your marble tiles. While pressing down on the edge of your tiles, see if they move up and down or back and forth. If there is no grout between them, place an object like a pencil under the tiles to check for any movements.
Ankle brushers are also responsible for causing cracks on marble tile floors.
Which glue is best for marble tiles?
There are many types of adhesives available for use on marble tiles. The best adhesive to use is a white adhesive. This works well because it doesn’t change the color of your tiles and can be used with other surfaces like glass, porcelain, ceramic, wood, etc.
Can I glue cracked marble?
If the crack is prominent and sharp, you can use a white adhesive to fix the crack.
But what we recommend instead is filling it in with epoxy or polyurethane filler for a quick and long-lasting solution.
How do I prevent my marble tiles from cracking?
As mentioned earlier, dropping an object on your floor could cause cracks on your tiles. So this is the easiest way to prevent cracks on your tiles.
What are some primers that I can use for marble tiles painting?
As mentioned before, you can use a water-based primer. Ensure that the primer has good adhesion properties.
Does grout help prevent tiles from cracking?
Yes, grouts do help prevent your marble tiles from damage, but only to some extent. So if you are planning to use your floor without using any grout between them, then you must use grout on your tiles.
It’s best to fill cracks on marble tiles with epoxy or polyurethane filler for a quick and long-lasting solution.
How do I remove paint from my marble floor?
You can first try using dry ice to remove the paint. If that doesn’t work, then you can use a commercial paint remover.
If these methods don’t work, take your tiles to a professional.
How do I remove rust from marble flooring?
Leave the room closed for about 48 hours and try removing the rust with household products like lemon juice or vinegar. If this doesn’t work, use an acid to remove the rust.
Wrapping up!
In a nutshell, marble tiles crack due to the change in the humidity levels, dropping heavy objects, or poor installation.
We recommend hiring a professional resurfacer for this job instead of using an epoxy or polyurethane filler because it can be expensive and may not give the best results.
