As concrete tiles age, erosion of the cement and exposure of the mix aggregate causes them to become more absorbent. The result is that they absorb moisture increasingly easily as they get older. As concrete tiles near the ends of their useful lives, they reach a condition in which they can become completely saturated. Clues that concrete tile are nearing the end of their long-term service lives are:
- Efflorescence forming on the tile;
- Moisture dripping from the underside of the tile;
- Thinning of the glaze;
- Displaced or missing tiles;
- Cracking; and
- Pitting