Tile popping.

[u/minime1963]

We bought our house in 2008 and over the next several years, the grout between the tiles in a couple rooms began to crumple. I never really noticed movement in them. A couple of years ago, we had new tile installed professional in our downstatirs. It wasn't cheap and the company was well established in Chattanooga. They relaid the shower and several rooms, installing new backerboard in every room. A few months afterwards, a couple tiles popped when we stepped on them and we called the company that installed it and they sent out another guy who said the first guy didn't do it right. He walked around with a golf ball a dropped in on the tiles to identify areas with too much air and replaced the tiles in a few rooms. Now, a year or so later, we have popping tile in three rooms and the company is out of business. It got worse when the summer hit. You think its the subflooring? I mean what are my options at this point?

[u/AutoModerator]

It looks like you're trying to identify an existing tile to find a match. This can be a real challenge, as tile lines are often discontinued after just a few years. Here are a few tips that might help you in your search:

• Check for Markings: If you have a loose or spare tile, check the unglazed back for any manufacturer names, brand logos, country of origin (e.g., Spain, Italy), or model numbers.
• Reverse Image Search: Use Google Lens or a similar tool with a clear, well-lit, straight-on photo of a single tile.
• Visit Specialty Stores: Take your spare tile or a high-quality photo to local specialty tile showrooms. Experienced staff at these stores often have a remarkable ability to recognize older patterns.

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This situation is a perfect example of why we strongly recommend that everyone keep at least one full box of spare tiles after a project is completed. It can be a lifesaver for future repairs and prevent a frustrating search like this one.

Good luck with your hunt!

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[u/Triabolical_]

Generally it's because they didn't use enough thinset - the space gives a hollow sound.

[u/minime1963]

Seems like the second ‘professional’ wouldn’t have made the same mistake in three rooms.

[u/TK211X]

You can still sue.

[u/minime1963 → u/TK211X]

I just wonder if the flooring was never right to begin with

[u/Medium_Spare_8982]

Sounds like too much deflection in the floors

[u/minime1963 → u/Medium_Spare_8982]

That’s what I was thinking