How to check for drummy tiles
Tap the tile gently with a knuckle, the handle of a screwdriver or a coin, and compare it with the tiles around it. A solid tile gives a dull, firm "tock". A drummy tile sounds hollow or rattly. Check near the floor and the base of the shower, along balcony edges and door thresholds, and anywhere you've seen cracked grout.
What causes drummy tiles?
- Water getting under the tiles: through cracked grout or failed silicone in showers, or through failed grout and perimeter sealant on balconies. Over time it weakens the bond.
- Not enough adhesive when the tiles were laid: tiles stuck with "dabs" instead of full coverage can sound hollow from day one.
- Movement and temperature: balconies in the Melbourne sun heat and cool every day, and the movement can break the bond, especially without proper movement joints.
- Age: older adhesive and beds can simply break down.
When drummy tiles are a warning sign
Be more concerned when drummy tiles come with:
- Cracked, missing or crumbling grout around them
- Water stains, bubbling paint or damp on the other side of the wall or on the ceiling below
- White powder (efflorescence) coming out of the grout lines on a balcony
- Tiles that move, rock or have cracked
These suggest water is moving under the tiles, which is how many shower and balcony leaks start.
How drummy tiles are fixed
| Situation | Usual fix |
|---|---|
| A few drummy tiles, still firmly in place, no cracks | Often left alone, or injected with adhesive to re-bond them, then the grout around them is sealed |
| Drummy tiles caused by water getting in through grout or sealant | Fix the water entry (epoxy regrout and reseal) and re-bond or replace the affected tiles |
| Loose or cracked tiles | Lift, re-bed or replace them (matching spare tiles help), then regrout |
| Drummy tiles across most of the area | Often a sign the bed or membrane has failed. A rebuild may be needed |
Drummy tile repairs are quoted individually, because it depends on how many tiles are affected and why.
Do drummy tiles mean I need to retile?
Not necessarily. If only a few tiles are drummy and the cause is water getting in through grout or sealant, sealing those entry points and re-bonding the affected tiles is often enough. If most of the tiles are drummy or loose, or the membrane has failed, retiling may be the right answer, and we'll tell you so.
Drummy tiles on balconies
FAQs
Are drummy tiles a problem?
Not always. A few drummy tiles with sound grout may never cause trouble. Drummy tiles in wet areas, or with cracked grout, damp or white powder nearby, should be checked.
Can drummy tiles be fixed without lifting them?
Often, yes. Tiles that are still firmly in place can sometimes be re-bonded by injecting adhesive, and the grout around them sealed. Loose or cracked tiles need lifting and re-bedding or replacing.
Can I regrout over drummy tiles?
Only once the tiles are firmly bonded. Grouting around loose tiles won't last.
Does home insurance cover drummy tiles?
It depends on your policy and the cause. Many policies exclude gradual wear or slow leaks. Check your policy or ask your insurer.
How do I get a quote?
Send us photos of the area and tell us where it sounds hollow. We'll tell you what it looks like and what it would take.
Send photos for a fixed quote
Send a photo of the whole shower or balcony and a close-up of the grout. We assess the visible condition and explain whether regrouting and resealing are suitable.