How to Repair Cracked Porcelain Floor Tiles
A cracked porcelain floor tile (or any other kind) looks bad and can even be sharp and dangerous to walk on. In addition, it can ultimately cause damage to the entire floor. This is because the tile-and-grout system on the floor is designed to work together to seal out moisture. A cracked tile potentially can let moisture in, allowing it to get into the substrate and loosen other tiles. Deal with the problem promptly by extracting the damaged tile, replacing, re-grouting as necessary. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Grout saw (flat carbide blade on a handle)
- Thick steel putty knife
- Hammer
- Vacuum
- Replacement tile
- Tile adhesive
- Grout
- Grout float
- Sponge
Instructions
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1
Scrape the grout saw over the grout lines all around the cracked tile. Scrape it forward and back, applying steady downward pressure to dig down into the grout. Get out as much as you can, taking care not to scratch the surrounding tiles.
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2
Set your putty knife into one of the spaces left by the extracted grout, with the tip positioned against the bottom of the tile. Gently tap the putty knife with your hammer. Work your way around the tile, tapping it the whole time, until the tile comes loose and pops out.
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3
Scrape away any residual mortar off the floor with your putty knife. Vacuum up the debris.
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4
Spread tile adhesive over the back of the replacement tile with your putty knife, making it about 1/8th-inch thick and completely covering the back. Set the tile in place, making sure it's evenly spaced with the surrounding tiles. Let it set overnight.
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5
Scoop up a glob of grout with your grout float (flat rubber trowel) and press it directly into the open spaces around the new tile. Run the edge of the float along the tile face to squeeze off the excess grout. Let it sit in the lines for a few minutes, then wipe down the surface with a damp sponge to take up any residual grout.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear eye protection when extracting the old tile.
