Tile Repair and Reinstatement Services

At Ramon Dings Tiling, we specialize in professional tile repair, tile restoration, and grout repair and replacement, ensuring long-lasting, high-quality results. While our expert tile installation services minimize the need for repairs, we recognize that tile problems can occur due to water damage, faulty installation, improper substrate support, or environmental factors.

We offer tile repair services for cracked tile repair, loose tile repair, bathroom tile repair, and shower tile repair in residential and commercial properties.

Sub-Surface Water Issues in Tiled Areas

One of the most common tiling defects is tile de-bonding or grout deterioration due to sub-surface water infiltration. Hydrostatic pressure from rising damp can push moisture into walls and flooring, leading to tile adhesive failure, mold growth, and cracks.

Effects of Sub-Surface Water Damage

• Loose or broken tiles due to adhesive weakening

• Grout cracking and discolouration from prolonged moisture exposure

• Structural shifting due to shear movement in slabs

• Mold, mildew, and fungal growth in damp areas

Solutions for Sub-Surface Water Issues

Since tile and grout repair is only effective if the water issue is resolved, our approach focuses on collaboration with concreters and drain layers to:

✔ Waterproof retaining walls to prevent ongoing moisture penetration

✔ Divert water using drainage systems such as soakholes

✔ Install moisture barrier systems to protect tiles from water damage

If tile failure is extensive, tile reinstatement is recommended, which may involve:

✔ Replacing affected tiles with reinforced waterproof tile systems

✔ Applying waterproofing membranes to protect against future moisture issues

✔ Installing advanced moisture barrier systems for long-term tile protection

While Ramon Dings Tiling does not directly replace concrete slabs or drainage systems, we provide expert moisture barrier installation to help mitigate water-related tile failures.

Faulty Tile Installation Issues

Poor tile installation methods often lead to tile de-bonding issues and grout failure. Some of the most common installation mistakes include:

• Lack of movement/control joints, causing stress fractures in tiles

• Spot-fixed tiles, which result in weak adhesion to the substrate

• Improper substrate preparation, such as failing to clean, prime, or level surfaces

• Exceeding tile adhesive thickness limits, leading to weak bonding

• Water pooling on tiled surfaces, creating long-term moisture damage

Repair Solutions for Faulty Tiling Workmanship

✔ Epoxy grout repair for stronger, more flexible grout joints

✔ Silicone sealant replacement to prevent water leaks in wet areas

✔ Tile re-grouting to refresh and reinforce existing tile joints

Replacement Solutions for Faulty Tiling Workmanship

 If the extent of tile failure is too severe, a complete tile replacement is required. This may involve:

✔ Removing all damaged tiles and adhesives before reinstallation

✔ Ensuring proper substrate preparation for long-lasting adhesion

✔ Replacing compromised waterproofing layers in wet areas

Insufficient Structural Substrate Support

Another cause of tile failure is insufficient structural substrate support. If the substrate lacks stability, tiles can crack, release, or de-bond over time.

Common Structural Support Issues

• Plaster or fibre cement boards not properly fixed to frames

• Wooden substrates expanding or contracting due to moisture exposure

• Lack of adequate floor reinforcement, causing flexing under tile weight

Solutions for Structural Support Issues

✔ Using tile underlay to create a stable base for tiling

✔ Ensuring plaster and fiber cement boards are properly secured to framing

✔ Applying moisture-resistant materials to prevent expansion or contraction

Unsuitable Substrates for Tile Installation

Tiles must be installed on dimensionally stable and structurally sound substrates to prevent cracking and failure. Common unsuitable substrates include:

 • Plywood, timber, and particle board without proper tile underlay

• Plasterboard or fibre cement sheets that are not properly secured

• Pre-fabricated shower trays (foam, acrylic, or stainless steel), which lack stability

Repair Solutions for Unsuitable Substrate Issues

✔ Flexible sealant or epoxy grout repairs as a temporary fix

✔ Strengthening existing substrates with tile underlay

Replacement Solutions for Unsuitable Substrate Issues

✔ A complete rebuild of the tiled area for long-term durability

✔ Applying waterproof, reinforced substrates before tiling

✔ Replacing pre-fabricated shower trays with a solid, tile-ready base

For expert advice on tile installation, waterproofing, and substrate preparation, visit our main services page at Ramon Dings Tiling.