Winter creates specific conditions that can damage hard surfaces in ways that warm, dry conditions do not. Understanding the causes helps you address damage promptly — and in many cases, prevent it.
Thermal Cycling
Hard surfaces expand and contract with temperature changes. In winter, the differential between the cold of the surface (from external walls and unheated rooms) and the warmth of the interior creates stress at the weakest points — seams, joints, the edges of tiles, and cutout corners in worktops.
Cracks that appear in winter without any obvious impact are often the result of thermal stress. These cracks are repairable and should be addressed promptly to prevent propagation.
Condensation and Damp
Condensation in poorly ventilated bathrooms and kitchens creates conditions for grout deterioration, tile delamination and water ingress behind tiles. If water gets behind wall tiles, the adhesive can fail and tiles can begin to loosen.
Early intervention — regrouting and re-sealing — prevents more extensive repair later.
Frost Damage
External tiles on balconies and terraces can be damaged by frost — water in the tile body or behind the tile freezes, expands and causes chips or delamination. This is particularly common on tiles that were not rated for external use.
Heating System Activation
When central heating is turned on after a period off, the expansion of materials — particularly wooden floors — can cause existing minor damage to worsen.
What to Do
Inspect your hard surfaces at the beginning of winter and address any existing chips, cracks or failing sealant before the cold weather sets in. Early repair is always cheaper than allowing damage to develop.
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