I recently remodeled my primary shower, completely gutting it down to the studs, and about three weeks later, I noticed a hairline crack in one of the wall tiles. I'm worried this might indicate a problem with the installation, possibly because they didn't use a proper backer board or didn't secure it correctly, causing the tile to flex. I hired reputable contractors who are insured, but I'm trying to figure out the best course of action since this remodel cost a lot. Any advice would be appreciated!
3 Answers
I had a similar experience after a remodel. Sometimes, cracks only become visible under certain lighting—like when using a flashlight. Ask your installer if they have any photos from the installation process for peace of mind; they might have captured something that could explain it.
It’s important to clarify if the crack is in the actual tile or just in the grout. If it's on the tile itself, that’s not a good sign, and it suggests either insufficient thinset coverage or poor fastening of the backer board. Poor support can lead to flexing, which causes cracks. Can you provide a picture to help diagnose?
Your best move is to reach out to the contractors immediately. If they are reputable, they should be willing to come out and assess the crack. It's better to address it now rather than wait and see if it gets worse.
The crack is directly in the tile, right down the middle, near where it meets the shower glass. I can't upload a photo, but it seems like this shouldn't happen with a proper installation.