By Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content

Basement Tile Troubles: Fixing & Preventing Cracks

Feb 10, 2025 | 8:56 AM

Durability is one of the top benefits of choosing tile. It’s also resistant to water damage and mold growth. These are all reasons that tile can be a great choice for a basement. So if a homeowner starts seeing cracked tile in their basement, they’re likely to question the durability. We ran this issue past Dennis from Arden Tile in Vernon.

“It sounds to me that the tile was directly bonded to the concrete slab in the basement, Dennis stated. “The tile will stick well to concrete, but problems with cracks can occur,”

Preparing the concrete

If the tile hasn’t been installed yet, he says the first question to ask yourself is ‘What is the condition of the concrete? Does it have any visible cracks?”

He explained that if the floor has significant cracks, you should consider installing a crack isolation membrane. There are many products on the market to choose from. Some are paint on, peel and stick, and thinset down. They are all designed to absorb the movement of the concrete cracks. This protects the tile and its thinset bed from the movement, which is likely the cause of the cracked tile.

Highway 6 Collision

Cyclist struck on Highway 6

15h ago

Removing the Tax on April 1

Consumer carbon tax in B.C. to be eliminated in April

15h ago

Allowing Additional, Expanded Events

Vernon Jazz Club looking to expand liquor service hours

15h ago

But what about the basement with the tile already installed and showing cracks? Like with most things, fixing a problem is harder than preventing it would have been. Still, Dennis had some step-by-step advice:

1. Remove the cracked tiles
2. Grind down the crack
3. Add a paint-on anti-fracture membrane
4. Retile

The last step is why it’s advisable to keep the extra tiles anytime you DIY a tiling job or have a professional installer. If you don’t have extra tiles on hand, it’s possible you can still source a good replacement for the cracked basement ones.

If you’re considering a tile project for your basement or anywhere inside or outside your home, talk to the team at Arden Tile. They’re happy to share advice on how to properly prepare the surface and have the best result possible.

Arden Tile is at 2800 48th Avenue in Vernon and online at Arden Tile.com.