One would be surprised how often tiling fails in even the most high end properties due to inadequate substrate preparation. Once the tiles are loose and there is movement then the grout lines will always crack and start to disintegrate with most cement based grout.
We offer a complete service whereby we will clean the tiles or stone and then attempt to strengthen the bond between the tiles and substrate by getting as much material into the grout lines as we can. This is not always a guaranteed fix however we have had allot of success. We are then able to regrout using a special glue like solution aimed at bonding the tiles together.
This is not an easy job and takes some time however this is usually the only option to keep your lovely tiles looking good and feeling stable underfoot.
Why do substrates fail?
Movement in all the layers of the substrate , both vertical and horizontal movement plays a large part in the tiles coming loose. Inadequate bonding to the substrate allows them to come loose aswell. Once the tiling is loose they will begin to weaken with foot traffic and eventually may crack.
There is a product called Ditra mat that really sorts this problem out and we would recommend you get your builder or tiler to install it every time . See how it works http://ceramico.co.uk/ditramat-ditra-matting-installation/