If you’ve ever walked across your tile floor and noticed a hollow, echo-like sound beneath your steps, you’re not alone — and you’re not imagining things. Hollow-sounding tiles are a common concern among homeowners, especially in Utah’s dry climate where structural shifts and installation flaws are more noticeable over time.
So, what causes that sound — and should you be worried?
1. Improper Adhesive Coverage
One of the most common reasons tile sounds hollow is incomplete coverage of thinset or mortar beneath the tile. If air pockets are trapped during installation, the bond between tile and subfloor is weak, leaving space for sound to bounce around — and increasing the risk of cracking over time.
What you hear:
A tap or footstep creates a drum-like echo due to the empty space underneath.
2. Subfloor Issues
In Salt Lake homes, especially older ones, subfloors can shift or settle. If the surface beneath the tile was uneven, not reinforced, or not properly prepped before installation, the tile may lift slightly over time, creating gaps underneath.
Look for: Soft spots, sagging areas, or creaking near the affected tile.
3. Delamination (Loss of Bond)
Over time — especially in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms or mudrooms — water intrusion or structural movement can cause the tile to separate from the mortar bed entirely. This is known as delamination.
It doesn’t always mean the tile is loose yet, but it may be on its way.
4. Movement or Expansion Issues
Tile needs movement joints (especially in large spaces) to allow for expansion and contraction. If none were used or they weren’t installed properly, pressure builds up and causes tile to lift in areas — creating that hollow sound when you walk across them.
This is particularly common in Utah homes that experience extreme seasonal shifts in temperature and humidity.
5. It May Not Be a Problem… Yet
Believe it or not, not all hollow-sounding tile is a structural issue. In some installations, especially with larger format tiles or natural stone, slight hollowness may occur in areas without full thinset coverage — but the tile remains secure.
Still, it’s a warning sign that’s worth checking — especially if:
- The tile is beginning to crack
- Grout is chipping
- You notice movement underfoot
- The area is near water sources
When to Take Action
Hollow tile won’t always fail right away — but it rarely fixes itself. If you suspect a tile has lifted or is bonded poorly, it’s best to address it before it leads to water damage, cracked surfaces, or complete failure.
At Salt Lake City Tile, we inspect floors with professional tools that can assess hollowness, bond integrity, and moisture levels — without ripping everything up first.
Need Help?
If your tile sounds off, it might be trying to tell you something.
Contact Salt Lake City Tile for an in-home evaluation and recommendations from Utah’s trusted tile experts.
Salt Lake City Tile. Solid Floors. Solid Craftsmanship.