How to avoid tile drumming

_____________________

Lisa Antonia Nalugwa, a sales officer at Casabella Homeware in Industrial Area, describes tile drumming as that hollow, drum-like sound produced when a tile is stepped on or tapped. It indicates that the floor is loose and the tiles were not properly bonded well to the underlying surface.

Also, Joshua Twinomurinzi, a construction manager, says tile drumming is a defect in tiling and a result of poor workmanship or improper installation. In other words, it occurs when the tiles are not properly bonded to their substrate. As a result, air pockets are created, and these turn the floor into a sound chamber. Then, as water keeps penetrating through, over time, it weakens the adhesive, which breaks down. Thereafter, the tiles peel off.  

The installing materials depend on the type of tiles you pick. (Courtesy)

How to avoid tile drumming

“Some masons don’t know how to fix tiles, and they won’t disclose that to you. So, be careful while hiring a tiler. Ensure to look at their work first,” Twinomurinzi says. For instance, some individuals are indifferent to the ratios used during the mixing process.

Ideally, adhesive should be used alone, but due to cost implications, it is often mixed with cement. But, there are also masons that mix sand, yet in some projects, the tile manufacturer recommends using only adhesive. If not then, a little cement should be added, not sand.

Additionally, the adhesive one uses matters, keeping in mind that it should be compatible with the tiles you choose. Ceramic tiles, for instance, have a suitable adhesive different from that used on porcelain tiles. Twinomurinzi says, “Some masons and project owners overlook this important aspect. They put cost before quality only to regret it when the floor drums.”

Drumming can be caused by uneven leveling, especially at screeding stages. Also, moisture and temperature variations in different areas compromise bonding strength.

Therefore, to avoid the drumming, Nalugwa recommends a proper selection of installation materials, especially the correct adhesive in relation to the tile material purchased. But also, before installing the tiles, check the surface and moisture level, especially if you stay in waterlogged areas. In the same way, ensure the water areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and balconies, are tiled well.

Precise substrate preparation is also important, according to Richard Kazibwe, a tiler. For general floor application, he advises adhering to a 1:2 ratio when mixing adhesive with other materials like cement to ensure proper bonding.

In the same way, use skilled tile masons with the correct tools and avoid amateurs. Remember, the impact of tile drumming goes beyond the annoying sounds. It also reduces your property value in case you are into real estate or even the hospitality industry. In addition, water seeping through these pockets weakens the integrity of your structure, causing damage to the floor. This leads to high maintenance costs. 

Porcelain.

What to do when your floor drums

Not every tile drumming requires floor replacement. Kazibwe says professional assessment and targeted repairs can resolve that issue efficiently and cost-effectively. If the majority of the tiled area is affected, remove and replace all tiles. If a small area is affected, the tiles may be lifted, cleaned, and re-layed. That said, it is advisable to remove the old adhesive and clean the surface well before relaying the tiles. “In tiling, silence indicates professional craftsmanship,” Kazibwe says.