Epoxy Injection – reattaching tiles without uplifting

The loose tile repair via epoxy injection is exactly what it sounds like. It basically involves forcing epoxy adhesive under pressure through a drill holes in grout. The adhesive fills up all spaces under the tiled floor, reattaching all areas that have lost contact with the sub-floor. What is it good for?

loose tiles breaking

Firstly, to avoid the scenario you see on the left. Tiles which are not fully supported by the adhesive are prone to: a/ breaking under load (when stepped on), b/ breaking due to forces on expansion and contraction. The sub-flooring is in constant motion due to temperature or/and moisture content changes. The wooden part of sub-flooring contracts and expands after every shower session, as wood absorbs moisture and then dries. The “masonry part” (tiles and/or concrete slab under them) contract and expand with temperature changes. Those forces are huge and given enough time they can do amazing things, as shown in the photo. Cracks and broken tiles are just the beginning. In extreme cases, improperly supported tiles can lead to larger-scale damage (e.g. compromise waterproofing layers). Addressing these issues early can prevent significant repair costs and keep your flooring intact for years to come.

Check for loose tiles

Every property owner who invested money in tiling should check the tile adhesion on a yearly basis. It’s trivial. All you need is a broom stick and ears. Just sweep the surface with the broom stick and try to catch the sound changes. Tapping tiles with your knuckles works in small areas, but not deck-size things (too hard on knees, spine and knuckles…).

As you “drive” the stick you will catch EVERY drummy tile on your route. Once detected, mark them. Than, grab a phone and call The Extractor. The cost of epoxy injection is nothing in comparison to ending up with broken tiles that are no longer available on the market! You cannot replace tiles if you can’t buy them. Moreover, waiting too long could result in loose tiles becoming a safety hazard, especially in high-traffic areas of your property.

Another indication of tiles becoming loose are “spider web” cracks in the grout. It’s a sign we need to address the forces of expansion and contraction. If left aside, this might lead to delamination of tile adhesive layer. The tiles don’t necessarily have to sound hollow. It is hard to catch by monitoring sound, but it’s visible after close examination of the grout surface. Such small cracks might seem insignificant at first, but they’re often the earliest warning sign of deeper underlying issues.

No substitute for epoxy injection inside showers or on decks

There is no substitute for epoxy injection if you want to save a waterproofing membrane (showers, decks) or underfloor heating. Only the most clueless of all “grout restoration professionals” replace tiles inside showers or on decks . One has to treat the waterproofing membrane as a holy cow/ Humpty Dumpty. Once breached, it will NEVER be whole again. It is quite terrifying that even some tilers allow themselves not to be fully aware of this fact. The damage to the membrane might not be visible immediately, but over time it can lead to leaks, water ingress, and structural problems.
Proper tile restoration using epoxy injection isn’t just about preserving aesthetics—it’s about maintaining the structural and functional integrity of your flooring system. Remember, prevention is always better (and cheaper) than dealing with extensive repairs down the line.

When epoxy injection is done correctly, it not only restores the structural integrity of the tiles but also helps preserve the longevity of the waterproofing membrane. This ensures that your investment in tiles and underfloor heating remains protected for years to come. It’s always worth taking the time to address these issues properly rather than risking shortcuts that could lead to costly repairs in the future.