When you think of having luxurious and elegant flooring in your home, marble tiles come first in mind. They offer a unique statement along with multiple benefits. They are durable, scratch-free, easy to clean, and allergy-free. All the more, they increase the property value of your home. So, you know that when you want, you will get the return back in the future.
But considering marble’s most delicate attributes, a little bit of care is always needed. If marble flooring is hit with cracks, it will show up easily. The look will resemble a broken showpiece that you want to fix immediately.
So, whether you have begun the planning of laying marble flooring or you already have one in your home. This read will help you anyway.
Top 6 Reasons Of Cracks In Marble Tiles
Cracks in marble tiles can be due to a number of reasons. By identifying how cracks hit the flooring, you can avoid such instances in the future. Or, this will also be useful when you need to repair a cracked tile.
A Heavy Physical Impact
Sometimes, you can see a crack extending across only one or two tiles. This most likely happens when a heavy object hits the tile. Doorways are another commonplace for such cracks. A bang of the door may drop a heavy object kept nearby, resulting in cracks. Such cracks are usually found near the edge of the floor.
Inappropriate Marble Tiles Choice
Choosing the wrong type of marble tiles may also lead to floor damage. Many homeowners purchase marble based only on colour and pattern.
However, it is important to check if the chosen marble floor tiles are suitable for a specific weather condition. They should be resistant to weather-related wear and tear. Moreover, the processing technology of particular colours may not be advanced. And this could also lead to cracks.
Flooring In Humid Environment
The primary component of most marble flooring is calcium carbonate, which becomes weak in a wet environment. In case the surrounding is full of water, the loose part of the stone structure may break open, leaving splits on the floor.
No Proper Maintenance
Marble tile floorings are protected with sealants that resist water. However, over time, if a crack occurs, it should be repaired immediately. Because, if the tiles are not repaired on time, the foundation of the stone may destroy gradually.
Cracks Underneath Concrete Substrate
If a concrete substrate is used below the marble tile flooring, it has its own challenges. Over several years, the substrate may crack. This movement transmits to the tiles above in the form of reflective cracks. Cracks in this matter are mostly long, continuous, and extending across many tiles. The only cure is to remove the tile and install a crack isolation membrane and reinstall the tiles.
Improper Installation
The newly built concrete layer is full of water. As the concrete cures, the water evaporates, and the concrete contracts. This helps the particles and aggregate inside concrete bind tightly together. If the marble tiles are laid before the concrete cures, it may result in stressing the tiles. What if you see hairline cracks in your new marble flooring? There is a possibility that concrete did not cure when marble floor tiles were laid.
How To Determine The Quality Of Marble Floor Tile?
Appearance
The natural beauty of marble lies in its artistically distributed veins, cracks, and fissures. Check closely if these fissures or cracks are large and extend on the backside of the tile.
Because such tiles are of low quality and weak. Marble suppliers apply fiberglass or epoxy mesh reinforcement on the backside of weak tiles to prevent cracks. With this backing, marble tiles can not adhere to a thin-set containing cement. Instead, you need an epoxy-based thinset.
Dimension
The thickness of a marble tile highly determines its quality. The thicker the tiles, the better will be its performance. The natural flaws which make the stone beautiful can break the tile if it’s too thin. In addition, check that each tile has a perfect square shape. If one or more tiles are not properly cut, it is incapable of creating tight and equal grout lines.
Restored Tiles
Sometimes, marble manufacturers add fill-in areas with chips and cracks on tiles. Check by holding a tile, if you notice dull areas under a light at an angle when most of the surface has a glossy finish. High-quality marble tiles possess no holes or breaks that require such fills.
How To Repair Cracked Marble Tiles?
Cracks in marble floor tiles occur across joints, board joints, or between spaces. This happens due to movement below the floor and needs cleaning out. After cleaning, a filling with the correct epoxy resin filler designed for natural stone is required.
These fillers require nearly 10-20 minutes to dry hard. If the area is large some more time is needed. After the repair is done, it is recommended to polish the floor to help mask the filler. Avoid using acidic cleaners on marble tiles. Acid can disintegrate calcium carbonate in the tiles.
Highest Quality Marble From Quality Marble Exports (India)
Quality Marble Exports (India) is a leading manufacturer and supplier of marble. For almost three decades, we have been exporting the best quality marble tiles and slabs to different parts of the world.
Thanks to our most advanced manufacturing facilities that produce premium quality marble. Each marble tile or slab undergoes a thorough inspection before leaving the facility. We follow a stringent testing procedure to ensure that only the best quality marble reaches our customers’ doorstep.
If you are looking for damage-proof natural stone products and services, get in touch with us, the top marble exporters of India!
