A cracked or hollow-sounding tile can signal a bigger problem. Here is how to tell whether to repair or re-tile.
A cracked tile or a hollow "drummy" sound underfoot can be cosmetic — or a sign of a problem beneath. Here is how to judge whether to repair or replace.
Why Tiles Crack or Lift
- Movement in the substrate (especially flexing timber floors)
- Poor original preparation or the wrong adhesive
- Water getting behind tiles and weakening the bond
- Impact damage from a dropped object
Repair
A single cracked tile from impact, with sound tiles around it, can be cut out and replaced — provided you have matching spares. Re-grout and re-seal afterwards.
Replace (Re-Tile)
If several tiles sound hollow, are lifting, or water has got behind them, the issue is usually the substrate or waterproofing. Patch repairs won't last — re-tiling onto a properly prepared, tanked surface is the real fix.
Don't Ignore Loose Tiles
Lifting tiles in a shower let water into the wall, risking damp and rot. Address them promptly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my floor tiles sound hollow?
A hollow sound means the tile isn't fully bonded to the substrate — often due to movement or poor adhesive coverage. A few may be fine; many suggest a substrate issue needing re-tiling.
Can you replace one tile without redoing the whole wall?
Yes, if you have matching spare tiles and the surrounding tiles are sound. Without spares, matching exactly can be difficult, which is why we leave clients spare tiles after a job.
