Grouting is a cement-based sealer applied to walls or floors to create an attractive finished look. It can also be used as an adhesive to secure the tile to the existing floor, wall, or ceiling surface.
The application of grouting can be straightforward, or it can be tricky. When done incorrectly, grouting can leave unsightly voids between the surface of the masonry and the tile itself. It is called “hollow tile.” Read More: How to Seal a Brick Wall in Shower?
The best way to prevent unsightly voids is to identify the problem before performing the grouting on your next project.
The Fastest and Easy Way to Fixing Hollow Tiles
If you hire a contractor to install your tile, ensure they don’t leave your tiles hollow and fix them properly before grouting. It may be a bit more expensive and time-consuming, but it’s worth it in the long run. Here we share the most affordable and most accessible way to fix your hollow tiles.
- Find the hollow tiles.
- Make the difference between normal tiles sound and hollow tiles sound.
Now, choose the biggest drill bit without damaging your tiles.- Drill into the grout in the strategic location to get underneath the hollow tiles.
- Create one or two holes per tile side.
Ensure that, not go through the subfloor. And perfectly clean out all the holes.- Use a caulk gun to fix a floor in the holes that you already created.
Wash off the glue.- Place a full 5-gallon bucket or weights on the tiles.
Wait a few minutes after putting weights on and clean the remaining glue-up.
After 24 hours, remove the weights. Now, filling the holes with the matching grout. - After applying the grout to the joints, use spacers to keep the joints even. Clean excess grout off the tile, wait for the grout to set, and then wipe the tile with a grout sponge.
In summary, the best thing you can do is to try to find an adhesive that will work to fill the hole, but if that’s not possible, you’ll have to try to fill the hollow space in the best way you can.