Have you ever faced the frustrating scenario where the tiles in your place come unglued from their substrate? If so, know that this isn’t an anomaly. Tile debonding is a very common and annoying issue. As a company that manufactures the best floor tile adhesive, we at Magnus Ventures know how prominent this issue has been in India for years.  

Tile debonding could happen for a variety of reasons. It could be due to improper installation, an incompatible substrate, or simply because of a poor-quality adhesive. 

If you notice a tile detaching itself prematurely, it would be in your best interest to address it as quickly as possible. Any delays could cause costly damage to your tiled surface. 

In this article, we want to explain what causes tile debonding and provide tips that could help you troubleshoot the issue easily. 

So without much further ado, let’s dive in. 

Why Tiles Debond?

As we mentioned before, tile debonding can happen for a lot of reasons. The most common of these reasons are as follows:

1. Careless Surface Preparation

It is important to clean your substrate thoroughly before a tile can be placed on it. If the substrate is riddled with dust, dirt, and other forms of residue, you are not going to get proper adhesion. We would recommend being thorough when cleaning your substrate. Try to use the best cleaning agents and ensure your substrate is dry and contaminant-free before starting tile installation. 

2. Incorrect Application of Adhesives

This is a major issue responsible for tile debonding. Inadequate coverage of a tile fixing adhesive, inaccurate mixing ratios, or incorrect application techniques could compromise the quality of adhesion in the long run. 

To avoid weak bonding, we suggest following the instructions dictated by the manufacturer when applying an adhesive. Make sure the adhesive is applied evenly and completely covers the tile’s back and substrate. 

3. Substrate Incompatibility

Not all substrates provide an ideal foundation for proper tile installations. Some substrates, like the ones made from wood or certain metals, are not really suitable for the installation of tiles. On the other hand, some substrates might be too unstable to facilitate longevity. 

If the substrate isn’t strong, it wouldn’t matter if you are using the best floor tile adhesive. Assess a substrate’s compatibility and stability before you embark on a tile installation project. Find out if there are any structural issues and take measures to fix them. This precaution will make sure your placed tiles don’t detach prematurely in the near future. 

4. Moisture 

People often underestimate the role climate and environment can play in the debonding of a tile from its substrate. Excessive levels of moisture or humidity will end up harming the performance of your adhesive over time, especially if the adhesive isn’t good in quality. 

To address this issue, we suggest buying adhesives from the finest tile adhesive manufacturers in India like Magnus Ventures. Other than that, we also suggest using moisture primers and conducting moisture tests periodically to stay ahead of the issue. 

5. Grouting

Grouting is another major reason behind the problem of tile debonding. Improper selection of grout or not giving the tile enough time to cure after placement could result in its bond weakening over time. 

We suggest always choosing grouts that are compatible with the type of tile or substrate you are working with. Carefully follow manufacturer guidelines for mixing, applying, and curing the substance. 

These are all common issues that can lead to tile debonding. You can take certain precautionary measures to ensure risks due to this issue are mitigated. 

Now that you know how to avoid the issue of tile debonding, allow us to shed light on steps you can take to address the issue once it has already caused significant damage.

Key Steps to Troubleshoot the Issue of Tile Debonding

1. Examination

Start by immediately inspecting the affected area. Inspect the surface thoroughly to find signs of debonding. Look for gaps that are visible to the naked eye. Alternatively, you could try tapping on the tile’s surface to check for hollow sounds. Check the entire installation area to understand just how severe the problem is. 

2. Understand the Cause

After initial inspection, you’ll need to understand what caused the problem in the first place. We would suggest checking installation records to find out whether manufacturer guidelines were followed when applying the tile or adhesive. If possible, try to speak to the installer to find out how they installed the tile and if they followed the appropriate application guidelines. 

3. Perform Tests

Start performing moisture tests. This will help you rule out excessive moisture as a potential cause of the problem. Also, perform adhesion tests to verify bonding strength. 

4. Take Steps to Fix the Issue

Once you’ve conducted the tests, it is time to address the issue head-on. Start by first removing all affected tiles. This will ensure that the damage to the surrounding substrate and tiles is minimal at best. After the tiles are removed, start cleaning the surface and make sure it is free from any form of residue or dirt. 

Check the substrate for any stability or structural issues and fix it. Finally, re-install the tile using the best floor tile adhesive. Ensure the adhesive is applied evenly and covers the substrate completely to ensure excellent longevity. 

Importance of using the Best Tile Adhesives

Ultimately, your tile’s bonding strength will boil down to the type of adhesive you use. There are a plethora of manufacturers in India supplying adhesives. However, not all of them meet the quality standards necessary to ensure strong adhesion. You need to be deliberate in your decision when buying a tile adhesive and make sure to purchase it from a manufacturer that’s renowned and respected in India’s construction industry. 

This is where Magnus Ventures comes into play. With decades of experience under our belt, Magnus Ventures is a widely-revered manufacturer of eco-friendly construction materials. Our catalog includes ready-mix plasters, fly ash bricks, block adhesives, and of course, tile adhesives. 

We are one of those rare players in India’s massive construction industry that are hell-bent on embracing and promoting sustainable development. We do so by offering products that are manufactured using up-cycled waste. 

We offer products that are the result of extensive research and development. We promise you tile adhesives that offer the following benefits

  • Ease of application
  • Eco-friendly
  • Superior workability
  • Polymer-Modified bonding strength
  • Compatibility with almost all types of tiles and substrates. 

You can count on our adhesives to ensure your tiles stay in place and withstand the harshest of conditions for many years to come. 

If you are interested in what Magnus Ventures has to offer, we suggest you give our product catalog a look right away.