How to Fix Hollow-Sounding Tiles

By HomeAdvisor

Updated December 8, 2016

Tile floor

An echoing, hollow sound coming from your floor is a sign of loose or improperly installed tiles. Loose tiles aren’t a home-threatening problem, but they’ll eventually crack and look bad. Here are some solutions:

Hiring a pro is the best solution for repairing loose tile. A professional will have the tools, knowledge and time to properly repair your flooring. Also, faulty tiles are sometimes related to other problems, like loose backing or bad grout. A tile setter will recognize any additional issues and provide a solution.

You can also DIY your tile replacement. If you’ve determined the problem is an unseated tile, your repair is simple. Here’s a quick how-to:

Step 1: Collect your tools:

  • Iron
  • Tile adhesive
  • Putty knife
  • Mineral spirits
  • Rags
  • Rolling pin

Step 2: Place your iron over the tile to loosen the adhesive.

Step 3: Pry the loose tile out with a putty knife.

Step 4: Use mineral spirits to dissolve adhesive.

Step 5: Scrape away the old adhesive with your putty knife.

Step 6: Apply the new tile adhesive.

Step 7: Set your tile in place.
Step 8: Roll the tile with a rolling pin to get rid of air pockets.

Step 9: Use a mineral spirit-dampened rag to wipe down the outside of the tile.

Ready to start your hollow tiles?
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3 Comments

  1. joe, August 13:

    how long drying time for 2 , 12 inch tiles to dry ?

  2. joe, August 13:

    I used thinset

  3. Arvind Kadam, November 15:

    After a lot of researching have finally found a sustainable and good solution to avoid hollowness sound from tiles. I use the admixture system Razon Master Mortar MM101B & TG-135 to eliminate the hollow sounds from the tiles when tapped. I prepare a mix in proportion using 1 part 53grade OPC 6 parts of sand and 1 litre of Razon MM101B & TG135. This system not only ensures a good workable mortar but also very good bonding and good strength in the mortar ensuring no hollow sound from the tiles placed.

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