How to Repair Broken Tile
Over time, tile will require maintenance. Whether tiles are loose, broken or chipped, not repairing the tile can result in a safety hazard. Luckily repair is not difficult or time consuming, but it will require patience. Many believe it to be a nuisance to deal with themselves, and end up spending too much money for a repairman. When it comes to repairing broken tile, you can do it yourself after a trip to a hardware store and without excessive expense. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Hardware gloves
- Goggles
- Screwdriver (or any tool with a long, thin base) or chisel
- Grout saw
- Ceramic tiles
- Tile nipper or tile cutter
- Thinset mortar or adhesive
- Grout
- Rubber float
- Damp cloth
Instructions
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1
Begin to repair each broken tile by using a grout saw to scrape away the remaining grout, to make for easier tile removal. Use the screwdriver or chisel to break off the remaining tile pieces and underlying mortar or adhesive, being careful not to damage the underlying drywall or other substrate, or neighboring tiles. Wear goggles and hardware gloves for protection.
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2
Wipe around and clean as well as possible to remove particles or debris that may be left in the empty tile space.
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3
Cut tiles (if necessary) with the tile cutter or nippers to fit the tile space.
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4
Apply the thinset adhesive or mortar to the empty area and onto the bottom on the tile. Put pressure onto the tile until it sets. Continue until all the broken tiles have been replaced and the tile area repaired, and wait 24 hours for the tiles to set.
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5
Mix the grout until it has a smooth but thick consistency. Start from the furthest tile and move inward if there is more than one broken tile being repaired. Apply a layer of grout with the rubber float and smooth it out.
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6
Using a damp cloth, wipe off any excess grout that may emerge from the sides of the tile. Wait another day for the tile and grout to fully dry and set.
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Tips & Warnings
Wait at least 24 to 48 hours before any activity can continue on that tile area, to avoid another repair, or a possible injury from a newly set tile.
If the tile is in an area exposed to moisture, apply a grout sealer once the grout has fully dried.
For a quicker and easy repair if your tiles are not terribly broken, use a Tile and Grout kit. Squeeze out the mixture into the damaged tile area. Smooth out the grout with a rubber float, and wipe off any extra grout. Wait 24 hours for it to dry.
Wear hardware gloves, a mask and goggles if you need to cut tiles.
