Replacing Broken Tiles
Ceramic floor tiles are used within the home because of how they are hardwearing. One problem that can arise though is when one tile becomes lose or develops a crack in it as it can be a hassle to change. If you are competent at DIY then you should be able to replace the broken tile yourself instead of having to pay for a professional company to come and replace it for you.
Before you begin any DIY task such as replacing broken floor tiles, you should ensure you wear the correct protective clothing and eye protection to make sure you don't injure yourself. Safety wear for home use can be bought from most local DIY shops.
The main reason people replace broken tiles is not only because they look unsightly but because a broken seal around your tile could result in water leaking behind other tiles which could result in you having to replace the rest of the tiles. Another reason is that broken floor tiles could result in injury if you are walking around bare foot in your kitchen or bathroom and stepping on a broken tile could result in a bad cut to your foot. If you are only replacing one tile then you will need to get hold of a new tile which is the same size. This may prove difficult so have a look for discount tiles and be prepared to cut the tile to make it the right size.
To perform the process of removing the tiles you will need the correct tools to remove the old ones because having the wrong equipment could result in you damaging some of the other tiles. Tools you will require include a grout saw, chisel, hammer, thin mortar, notched trowel, grout, sealant, hoover and a sponge. To begin work, cover the area around the broken tile to reduce the risk of breaking any further tiles.
Begin by removing all of the grout which has come loose using the hoover which will make removing the tile a lot easier. Once all of the grout is removed, take out the broken tile/s. To do this, tap the bottom of the tile with the hammer and use the chisel in any small areas where the grout was removed. Continue this process and the tile should start to come lose and if you do this around all edges of the tile you should be able to remove it in one piece.
Once the tile is out you will need to remove any further grout that was under the tile using the chisel to make sure the wall is flat. Spread the thin mortar over the wall and smooth the area using the notched trowel. Place the tile in the space and use tile spacers to ensure there is even space all around the tile. Leave the grout to set for around 48 hours then you will need to seal the tile in place, making sure that it is water resistant as you don't want your tiles to leak water.
Give the replaced tile a quick rinse and rub down and your tiled wall or floor will be as good as new.
Before you begin any DIY task such as replacing broken floor tiles, you should ensure you wear the correct protective clothing and eye protection to make sure you don't injure yourself. Safety wear for home use can be bought from most local DIY shops.
The main reason people replace broken tiles is not only because they look unsightly but because a broken seal around your tile could result in water leaking behind other tiles which could result in you having to replace the rest of the tiles. Another reason is that broken floor tiles could result in injury if you are walking around bare foot in your kitchen or bathroom and stepping on a broken tile could result in a bad cut to your foot. If you are only replacing one tile then you will need to get hold of a new tile which is the same size. This may prove difficult so have a look for discount tiles and be prepared to cut the tile to make it the right size.
To perform the process of removing the tiles you will need the correct tools to remove the old ones because having the wrong equipment could result in you damaging some of the other tiles. Tools you will require include a grout saw, chisel, hammer, thin mortar, notched trowel, grout, sealant, hoover and a sponge. To begin work, cover the area around the broken tile to reduce the risk of breaking any further tiles.
Begin by removing all of the grout which has come loose using the hoover which will make removing the tile a lot easier. Once all of the grout is removed, take out the broken tile/s. To do this, tap the bottom of the tile with the hammer and use the chisel in any small areas where the grout was removed. Continue this process and the tile should start to come lose and if you do this around all edges of the tile you should be able to remove it in one piece.
Once the tile is out you will need to remove any further grout that was under the tile using the chisel to make sure the wall is flat. Spread the thin mortar over the wall and smooth the area using the notched trowel. Place the tile in the space and use tile spacers to ensure there is even space all around the tile. Leave the grout to set for around 48 hours then you will need to seal the tile in place, making sure that it is water resistant as you don't want your tiles to leak water.
Give the replaced tile a quick rinse and rub down and your tiled wall or floor will be as good as new.
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