Why do my new tiles make a hollow sound?

The hollow sound is usually caused by using traditional sand-cement slurry instead of proper adhesive. Vitrified tiles are non-porous and cannot bond with simple cement. Civil Creation recommends using Polymer-Modified Adhesives to create a permanent chemical bond.

How do I stop water from pooling in my bathroom corner?

Water pooling happens due to an incorrect floor slope. To fix this, the base must be leveled with a gradient of 1:100 towards the drain trap. Using a laser level during the base preparation phase is essential to ensure proper drainage.

Is white cement good for tile joints?

No, white cement is porous and absorbs dirt, water, and bacteria, turning black over time. For bathrooms and wet areas in Mumbai, we recommend Epoxy Grouting, which is waterproof, stain-proof, and durable.

Why do large format tiles crack easily?

Large format slabs (4x8 ft) often crack if installed on an uneven subfloor using the wrong adhesive. These heavy tiles require a perfectly leveled screed and a high-strength, flexible polymer adhesive (Type 3) to withstand stress.

How much extra tile should I buy for wastage?

For standard straight installation, calculate 10-15% extra for cutting wastage. If you are installing tiles in a diagonal pattern or have a room with many pillars, you should budget for 20% wastage to ensure you don't run out of the specific batch.

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5 Common Tiling Mistakes Mumbai Homeowners Make (And How to Fix Them)

Renovating a home in Mumbai, Thane, or Navi Mumbai is a major investment. You spend lakhs on premium Vitrified tiles or Italian marble, expecting a showroom-like finish.

But six months later, disaster strikes. Tiles start making a “hollow” sound. The bathroom floor collects water in one corner. The grout lines turn black with fungus.

At Civil Creation, we often get called to fix these disasters. The sad truth is, 90% of flooring failures happen not because of “bad tiles,” but because of bad installation techniques.

Here are the 5 Most Common Tiling Mistakes we see in Mumbai homes—and exactly how our team prevents them.

1. The “Hollow Sound” Nightmare (Using Cement for Vitrified Tiles)

This is the #1 mistake in Mumbai. Local masons often use a simple “sand-cement” slurry to install modern Vitrified Tiles.

The Problem: Vitrified tiles are non-porous (glass-like). Cement cannot grab onto them. After a year of building vibrations (common in high-rises in Thane and South Mumbai), the bond breaks. Air pockets form, leading to that dreaded “hollow sound” when you walk.
The Fix: We strictly use Polymer-Modified Adhesives (Type 2 or Type 3). These create a chemical bond that is flexible and permanent, ensuring your floor feels solid for decades.

2. The “Slope” Error in Bathrooms

Have you ever showered and noticed water pooling in the corner instead of flowing to the drain?

The Problem: Inexperienced contractors rush the “base preparation.” They lay tiles flat instead of creating a gentle gradient (slope). In Mumbai’s humid climate, stagnant water leads to leakage and moss growth.
The Fix: At Civil Creation, we use laser levels to create a precise 1:100 slope towards the drain before a single tile is laid. We test the water flow with a “bucket test” before handing over the site.

3. Ignoring Skirting Aesthetics

A beautiful floor can be ruined by ugly borders.

The Problem: Many tilers cut the skirting (the 4-inch border) from waste pieces of tile, resulting in mismatched joints that don’t align with the floor lines.
The Fix: We align the Skirting Grout Lines exactly with the Floor Grout Lines. It takes more time and skill, but it creates that seamless, “luxury hotel” look, especially in large living rooms in Navi Mumbai.

4. Using “White Cement” Instead of Epoxy Grout

That white line between your bathroom tiles? If it’s made of white cement, it will turn yellow or black within months.

The Problem: White cement is porous. It absorbs soap water, dirt, and bacteria.
The Fix: For all wet areas (Bathrooms, Kitchens, Balconies), we recommend Epoxy Grouting. It is waterproof, stain-proof, and comes in 50+ colors to match your tile perfectly.

5. Buying Tiles Without Calculating “Wastage”

We see this often: A homeowner in Dadar buys expensive tiles, but runs short by 2 boxes. When they go back to the shop, that specific “batch” is sold out.

The Problem: The new batch has a slightly different shade variation, ruining the entire floor.
The Fix: Always calculate 10-15% extra for cutting wastage. If you are laying tiles in a diagonal pattern, budget for 20% wastage.

Pro Tip: The 2025 Trend Warning

Large Format Slabs (4ft x 8ft) are trending in luxury homes in South Mumbai and Bandra.

Warning: These giant tiles are heavy and brittle. They cannot be installed on an uneven floor. The base must be leveled with a “screed” first, or the slab will crack under its own weight.