From unexpected leaks to storms, water damage to tile floors, ceilings, and other parts of the home is all too common in Florida. While the tiles themselves aren’t usually compromised, sustained exposure to water can wreak havoc on subfloors, dry walls, and other structural elements. Find out how to tell if there’s water damage under tile and what the repair process usually entails.
Can Tile Get Water Damage?
As durable and water-resistant as it is, water can damage tile. Tile is non-porous, which means it won’t absorb water like some other flooring materials. That said, many kinds of grout and thin-set used to install tiles are porous and may let water seep through.
Water damage can ruin tile floors as well as shower and ceiling tiles.
Read More About Water-Resistant Flooring
Signs of Water Damaged Tile
Depending on the type of tile, volume of water, and how long the water was allowed to penetrate the tile, spotting water damage can be incredibly obvious or a little tricky. When you suspect water damage, look for:
- Discoloration: Sustained water exposure will discolor tile and grout, turning both materials yellow or brown.
- Movement: Loose or moving tiles may indicate that the adhesiveness of glue, grout, or thin-set has been compromised, allowing tiles to move and shift.
- Warping: Water damage to the subfloor will cause it to buckle or warp. This leads to an uneven floor and, eventually, cracked and broken tiles.
- Mold or mildew growth: Mold growth on tile grout is a sign that it has absorbed a fair amount of water. Along with musty odors and peeling paint or wallpaper, mold is a sign that your tile may be exposed to too much humidity or moisture.
Water damage behind shower tiles is sometimes harder to spot because we rarely apply pressure to wall tiles. This means movement and warping are harder to detect. Make it a priority to visually inspect wall and ceiling tiles when cleaning to spot problems before they get worse.
How to Repair Water Damage to Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Floors
Tile repair begins with a thorough assessment of the damage, followed by careful inspection and removal of any mold or broken tiles. For mild damage, removing and replacing damaged tiles is usually all that is needed. If the subfloor has sustained damage or there are signs of mold growth, you may need professional water damage restoration.
Repairing water damage behind shower tiles follows much the same process. Identify the affected area and replace tiles as needed.
How to Prevent Water Damage to Tile
Prevention is always more cost-effective than repair. Make sure you employ these prevention tips:
- Inspect your tile floors regularly. Look for loose pieces, cracks, deteriorating grout, and signs of discoloration at least once a month.
- Control humidity. Humidity is ever-present in the Pensacola area. Consider using your air conditioning system or a portable dehumidifier to keep humidity levels in check. Always use bathmats to prevent standing water in the bathroom, and address spills as soon as they happen.
Pensacola’s Experts on All Things Tile
Floor Coverings International® of West Florida Panhandle offers a wide range of quality, durable tile flooring options uniquely suited for our tropical region. Find the right aesthetic to elevate your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room, and enjoy a convenient, in-home floor shopping experience with our Mobile Flooring Showroom®. Discover what’s possible; schedule a free in-home consultation with us today!
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