Solutions To Try If Your Waterproof Peel-And-Stick Tiles Won't Stay Put

Household updates are more DIY-friendly than ever thanks to ongoing innovation, and waterproof peel-and-stick tiles may be the ultimate example. Now, anyone can effortlessly update backsplashes, flooring, and other surfaces without the stress of complicated processes that are easy for the inexperienced to mess up. Simply take off the backing, and lay it down for an attractive look belying the straightforward installation. 

Of course, anything this fuss-free and inexpensive is sure to have some downsides. And one of the primary drawbacks of peel-and-stick tile is the hold. Sticky adhesive doesn't create the same steadfast connection as tongue-and-groove boards or ceramic tile's thin-set mortar. Although these stick-on tiles can last up to 25 years, it's common for them to come loose or make noises when you step on them. But much like the tiles themselves, the fixes for these problems are quick and uncomplicated to put in place.

YouTube channel mazerwholesale explains that one of the best solutions for a loose tile is HOMEEasy double-sided transfer tape. Remove the tile, and lay strips of the tape on the floor to fit the tile from edge to edge. Take off the paper backing from the top of the tape. Lay the tile over the tape, applying pressure evenly across it with weights or a roller to stick it firmly and finish the project. It's a simple fix but only one of several ways to prep and repair a waterproof peel-and-stick tile for lasting performance.

Failing to prepare the surface is an easy mistake when using peel-and-stick tiles, whether you're laying new tiles or fixing one that came loose. Surfaces should be clean and free of grease or other substances that could weaken the adhesive. Textured backing may need leveling compound to even the surface, since gaps can loosen the tiles even if you add adhesive. With proper installation, the tile's adhesive should stick well without reinforcement. In fact, the YouTuber notes in another video that you shouldn't add adhesive to new tiles. If the adhesives counteract one another, they could worsen the bond. The only time to use an extra layer is when an existing tile loosens.

When your waterproof peel-and-stick tiles lift or shift, check the manufacturer's repair instructions. In some instances, you can easily reactivate adhesive with a heat gun or hair dryer and reinstall it. If that doesn't work, this double-sided tape hack is a reliable fix. Or you can use any number of heavy-duty adhesives, such as the other product this YouTuber recommends, Loctite adhesive. The only consideration is the difficulty that extra adhesives will create when you're ready to remove the tiles. But if you want a lasting installation, these cheap fixes can ensure your waterproof peel-and-stick tiles stay put for years to come!