Hollow sounding tile
 

Any one have problems with ceramic tiles sounding hollow when dropping something on them ? Any idea what causes this and is it a problem

It usually means the tile has not been laid securely. The "mud" used was either not mixed right or they didn't use enough of it. Eventually, the tiles could pop out and they would have to be re-set.

We do have some tiles that sound hollow. I called the warranty office and they said they would be fine. Hmmmm. We have been here 2 2/3 years and so far they are. Hope it stays that way.

In our last new house in Norcal in 1999 we went around with a golf ball and tested every ceramic tile for hollow sound; marked them and the builder had them reset. They missed some - never became an issue. Probably the grout between the tiles keeps them in place.

Didn't test our new house here because of the prior experience.

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The hollow sound means there is an open void between the bottom of the tile and the cement or slab. This could cause the tile to crack if something heavy is dropped on the tile or placed on top of it. I believe most tiles become more brittle with age. Not something that will happen today but years from now it could be a problem.

Very correct
 

How much of a problem it is depends on the size of the hollow and the thickness of the tile. As the slabs age they shrink a little. I was told they continue to shrink a tiny bit over several years. We had tiles in our Atlanta house crack after two years. If I were you I would make them reset them or at least get extra tiles so if they crack in the future you have ones that match if they do crack. IMHO