Question: I just installed new tile in my front entry way. Seems like it came out just fine but there is one tile that makes a funny noise.
When my wife walks on it in her high-heel shoes it sounds hollow underneath. Why is it doing that (is the tile broken—or breaking?) and can it be fixed?
Answer: The reason the tile is making a hollow sound is because it is hollow behind it.
What happened is that it didn’t get enough—or make proper contact with—the thinset you applied to your subfloor. It’s got enough behind it to stick and the grout is further holding it stationary, but it will continue to sound hollow and may be more prone to breakage over time.
The solution is to remove the grout and lift the tile. You may be able to get the tile out, but expect it to break (which means have a replacement tile on hand.) Next, remove the thinset that is there and get back to clean edges between the other tiles and the subfloor. Clean the area thoroughly (like with a vacuum.)
Next mix up a small batch of thinset and ‘butter’ it on the back of the tile with a notched trowel. You should be able to get 100% coverage. Next, install the tile making sure to get its top surface as even as possible with the tiles adjoining it. Once the thinset is dry, apply grout. Also, it’s worth pointing out that you should not use the entry way or let your pets run over it so the thinset can dry properly.
