Tile is easily one of the most durable and beautiful materials you can incorporate into your home. It makes a beautiful floor, turns countertops into stunning features, and adds a touch of color and flair to backsplashes and walls. And while tile is durable, it’s not indestructible. In fact, it’s relatively common for homeowners to discover cracks in their porcelain tile over time. Luckily, most of those cracks are preventable if you know how to care for your tile. Here are a few tips to help.
Use Carpets Strategically
Dropping hard or heavy items on your tile can easily cause it to crack. And once a crack appears, you’ll need to replace the tile to fully repair the damage. The best way to prevent these cracks is to use carpets strategically. Consider adding a washable runner in your kitchen to help absorb the impact of dropped utensils, glasses, and food. Use an area rug beneath dining tables to reduce the risk of dropped items doing damage.
Avoid Dragging Heavy Items
Impacts aren’t the only events that can cause cracks in your tile. Sometimes, something as simple as rearranging your living room can cause damage that you weren’t expecting. Dragging heavy items like couches, entertainment centers, bookshelves, and tables can damage your tile. The supports on those items can crack the grout and catch on the tile, cracking the surface as you move them. Instead of dragging those heavy items, team lift them and carry them to their new locations. Set them down gently and repeat the process for every piece of furniture you move.
Be Mindful of the Tile’s Load Capacity
Leaving overly heavy items on tile can cause the tiles themselves to crack over time. If you can, install furniture pads to help spread the weight over a larger area. This will bolster the tile’s natural strength and reduce the risk of the materials cracking or breaking down. You may also want to consider installing different types of flooring in areas where heavy furniture could damage the tile. Natural stone tiles, wood-like tile, and even high-quality luxury vinyl tile flooring may be more durable and better able to support the weight of your items.
Avoid Placing Hot Items on the Tile
Tile countertops are great for kitchens and bathrooms alike. But they’re not without their risks. Hot items like pots and pans and hairstyling equipment can shock the tiles if placed on top of them. This can result in significant cracks and damage that can only be repaired by replacing the damaged tiles. Instead, use trivets to act as a barrier between the tile and the hot items. Trivets absorb the heat and help it dissipate more quickly without penetrating the tiles.
Keep These Tips in Mind
These are just a few simple ways to reduce the risk of cracked tiles throughout your home. But they won’t guarantee that your tile will stay safe and in good condition indefinitely. If you notice a damaged tile in your home, don’t ignore it. Replace it with new tile to restore the look and feel of your space. Contact
Natural Stone Sales today to discuss your needs.