How to Repair Broken Tile in Showers
Often a single tile in a shower will break, such as along a window inset, near a corner or around a soap dish. The cause may be settling of the foundation. You can replace these broken tiles and extend the useful life of your shower. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Grout saw Angle grinder Small chisel Hammer Mastic Small trowel Replacement tile Painters tape Utility knife Grout Rubber float Sponge
Instructions
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Replacing Broken Shower Tile
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1
Remove grout around tile(s) you wish to replace with grout saw. Use care not to damage surrounding tiles. Cut around tile as closely to edges as possible with angle grinder. Don't cut too deeply into the backer-board behind the tile.
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2
Use the hammer and chisel to gently work broken tile pieces free. Angle the chisel toward the center of the tile and work it underneath. Use the hammer if necessary to break tile into smaller pieces for removal.
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3
Scrape the wall flat where you removed the tile. With a small trowel, apply mastic to the wall and to the back of the replacement tile. Press the tile into place, smacking it with your palm to release any air bubbles. Wiggle it into place, using spacers to center it. Make sure it is flat in relation to the surrounding tiles.
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4
Run strips of tape in a cross to hold tile level and let cure 24 hours. Remove tape and spacers, and use a utility knife to clean up protruding bits of mastic.
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5
Mix grout slightly thick, about the consistency of peanut butter, and apply with a rubber float, pressing into grout joints. Let the grout set 15 minutes, then remove the excess with a damp sponge. Let dry overnight. Remove haze with a damp cloth
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Tips & Warnings
If many tiles are broken along the tub edge, consider cutting out the bottom row or two and replacing with all new tile. You can use a completely contrasting color for multiple tile replacements for an art deco effect. An angle grinder can be rented for a day at Home Depot.
Extreme caution must be used when taking out old tile to avoid breaking nearby tiles. When purchasing new tile, buy a few extra in case of breakage.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Photo courtesy of Flickr user Rezlab http://www.flickr.com/photos/rezlab/2448348286/
