Maintenance
Hollow or Drummy Tiles in Singapore: Causes & Fixes
Tap a tile and hear a hollow, drummy sound and it means the tile has debonded — lost its grip on the screed beneath. Left alone, hollow tiles can crack, lift or become a trip hazard. Here’s what’s happening and how it’s fixed.
Key takeaways
- A hollow sound means the tile has debonded from the base beneath.
- Causes include poor adhesion, movement, or moisture.
- Drummy tiles can eventually crack, lift or pop.
- Fixes range from injection re-bonding to replacing the tile.
Why tiles go hollow
Hollow tiles result from weak adhesion when laid, building or screed movement over time, or moisture getting under the tile and breaking the bond — the latter common in wet areas with seepage or failed waterproofing. A few hollow tiles are common; widespread drumminess is worth investigating.
Why not ignore it
A debonded tile flexes underfoot and eventually cracks, lifts at the edges, or pops up — and in wet areas, the void beneath can trap water. Catching it early keeps the fix small.
How it’s fixed
Depending on the case, hollow tiles can be re-bonded by injecting adhesive into the void, or removed and re-laid where they’re cracked or badly debonded. If moisture is the cause, that source is addressed first so it doesn’t recur.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my tiles sound hollow? They’ve debonded from the base — from weak adhesion, movement or moisture.
Are hollow tiles a serious problem? They can crack, lift or pop over time, and trap water in wet areas — best fixed early.
Can hollow tiles be fixed without replacing them? Often yes — adhesive can be injected to re-bond them.
What if moisture caused it? The water source and waterproofing are addressed first, then the tiles.
Got hollow tiles?
We assess and fix drummy tiles — re-bonding or replacing as needed. See our handyman service or our flooring & tiling service. Get a free assessment.
