DIY: How to repair loose tiles

Loose tiles – repair without replacement

Loose tiles are a common problem in Danish homes. Tiled floors and walls with poor adhesion most often occur in bathrooms and kitchens, but can appear anywhere where tiles are laid on a substrate that is working or where the adhesive bond is weakened. For many, repairing loose tiles seems like a major project: one imagines that the tiles need to be removed, the substrate cleaned, new tile adhesive laid – and both time and expenses quickly add up.

It doesn't have to be that way. In most cases, where the tile is still intact, loose, or has areas of poor adhesion, the damage can be repaired with Adin Glue injection adhesive. The adhesive is injected under the tile through a small hole in the grout, distributes itself in the cavity, and re-bonds the tile to the substrate. The tile remains in place. The repair typically takes less than an hour.

How to tell if your tiles are loose

The earliest and clearest sign is the sound. Gently tap the tile with a coin or your knuckles and listen. A hollow, soft sound – instead of a firm, clear sound – means there is a lack of adhesion under the tile. What is colloquially called "skrukke fliser" (hollow-sounding tiles) is exactly this: the tile appears to be in place, but the connection to the substrate is broken.

React quickly. A single loose tile that is not repaired is very vulnerable. Over time, moisture can penetrate the floor or wall construction, increasing the risk of mold and moisture damage, which are both difficult and expensive to remediate.

Two methods for repair

There are two basic approaches to loose tiles. Which one is right depends on the condition of the tile and the nature of the substrate.

The traditional method involves chiseling up the tile, removing old adhesive and grout, cleaning and drying the substrate, and then laying the tile back in place with new adhesive. It is a proven method, but it requires the right tools, some experience, and time. There is also a risk of damaging neighboring tiles or the waterproof membrane behind the tiles – especially in the bathroom.

The injection method with Adin Glue works from above and leaves the tile in place. A 2-3 mm hole is drilled in the grout – not in the tile itself. Through the hole, Adin Glue is injected into the cavity. The adhesive spreads, bonds to the back of the tile and to the substrate, and cures. The hole is sealed with grout in a suitable color. The surface looks as it did before.

The method is suitable when:

The tile is intact but loose or has areas of poor adhesion
You want to avoid replacing multiple tiles
You want a durable solution

The injection method restores a lost adhesive bond – it ensures strong adhesion.

Step by step: How to repair loose tiles with Adin Glue

The repair requires no professional background. Adin Glue is developed for DIY use and contains what you need.

What you need:

Adin Glue injection adhesive (with syringe and needle)
Caulking gun
Drill with a 2-3 mm drill bit, and a 4 mm drill bit to open the cartridge
Grout in a suitable color to close the hole you drilled in the grout

Procedure:

Find the cavity: Gently tap the tile with the handle of a screwdriver. The hollow sound indicates where the cavity is largest.
Drill in the grout – not in the tile: Carefully drill a small hole in the grout around the tile. If the drill bit falls through easily with a small "clunk," you've hit the right spot. You can check by tapping lightly on the tile – if dust comes up, you're on the right track.
Inject the adhesive: Insert the needle into the hole and inject Adin Glue until you feel resistance. This indicates that the cavity is filled.
Let the adhesive cure: The tile or clinker can be walked on after 1 hour. The adhesive cures between 24 hours and 2 weeks.
Close the hole: Fill the hole with grout and smooth it out. When the grout is dry (approx. 24 hours), the repair is complete.

The result of a well-executed repair of loose tiles that are now firmly in place again – without replacing an entire tiled area.

Try it yourself - and see what Adin Glue injection technique does for your loose tiles.

Loose bathroom tiles require special attention

The bathroom is the room where loose tiles most often occur and most quickly develop into a larger problem. Here, it is especially important to react quickly, as moisture from showering can easily penetrate behind the tiles and can over time lead to moisture damage and mold.

If you discover loose tiles in the bathroom, you should therefore take action immediately. A quick repair can prevent the problem from spreading and becoming both more expensive and more extensive to fix later.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about loose tiles

How do I know if my tiles are loose?

Gently tap the tile with the handle of a screwdriver.

A hollow sound instead of a solid sound is a clear sign that you have loose tiles or clinker tiles with poor adhesion to the substrate.

Can I repair loose tiles myself?

Yes, in most cases. If the tile is intact and there is a cavity under the tile, the injection method with Adin Glue is designed as a DIY solution.

You typically need a drill, a 2–3 mm drill bit, and Adin Glue. If you follow the instructions step-by-step, the repair can often be completed in less than an hour.

What are "skrukke fliser" (hollow-sounding tiles)?

"Skrukke fliser" are tiles that make a hollow sound when you tap them.

The sound occurs because the tile adhesive under the tile has come loose or is not present, and a cavity has formed behind the tile.

The tile may still appear to be firmly in place, but the contact with the substrate is missing. Hollow-sounding tiles can often be repaired with injection adhesive without removing the tile.

How big a hole should be drilled?

The hole is drilled in the grout – not in the tile itself – with a diameter of 2–3 mm, depending on the size of the injection needle.

This is sufficient for the needle to be inserted and the adhesive to be injected into the cavity behind the tile.

Afterwards, the hole is sealed with tile grout and becomes almost invisible once the grout is dry.