Tile is one of the most popular flooring options for homes due to the many benefits it provides. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, easy to clean, and water-resistant, tile flooring is also highly durable. That said, tile flooring isn’t invincible. Over time, scratches, chips, and cracks can form if you do not care for the tiles properly. To keep your flooring looking great for years to come, implement these effective tips on preventing floor tiles from getting damaged.
Invest in High Quality Tiles
The first step in preventing tile damage from occurring is to invest in high-quality tiles. Ultimately, no matter what protective measures you take, if you install cheap, low-quality floor tiles, they will likely incur damage sooner rather than later. As such, it’s important not to skimp on quality when it comes to tiling—especially if you decide to install tiles that are dramatic and eye-catching, such as black mosaic tiles, as signs of damage will be particularly apparent.
Fill in the Gaps
An effective way to increase the lifespan of your floor tiles is to fill in the gaps between them properly. Grouting your tiles is essential to preventing their sharp edges from chipping as people and animals trudge over them. That said, it’s important not to overfill the gaps. Adding too much grout to the point that it isn’t level with the tiles could cause them to become chipped and will damage your tiles over time.
Keep Your Floors Neat and Tidy
Another effective tip for preventing floor tiles from getting damaged is to keep your floors neat and tidy. If you do not clean your floors regularly, abrasive materials such as sand or gravel can get tracked in and accumulate. Over time, such harsh debris can cause tiles to become scratched and damaged.
In addition to abrasive materials, bacteria and mold can start to grow in the grout between tiles, which may also cause damage. To prevent the accumulation of harmful substances, it’s important to sweep and mop your tile flooring on a regular basis.
Use Furniture Pads
If you plan on placing heavy furniture on top of your tile flooring, make sure to utilize furniture pads. Placing a simple felt pad beneath any part of the furniture that makes contact with your tile flooring will prevent the heavy object from scratching against the surface and causing damage.
