Shower Tile Repair

If you discover that tiles in your shower are cracked, buckled or otherwise damaged, it's urgent that you replace them quickly. That damage can allow moisture to get under the tiles and soften the wall behind it, causing further damage. Each damaged tile needs to be extracted from the wall and replaced with a new tile, then all the replaced tiles need to be regrouted and resealed. Plan on being without use of the shower for several days.

Things You'll Need

• Grout saw (small square blade with handle)
• Hammer
• Thin mortar chisel
• Replacement tiles
• Thinset mortar
• 4-inch putty knife
• Grout
• Grout float
• Sponge
• Grout sealer
• Brush
• Eye protection

Instructions

1. Dig out the grout around each damaged tile, using your grout saw. Scrape the saw back and forth over the grout lines, digging down gradually. Remove as much grout as possible without damaging the wall or the surrounding tile.

2. Set the tip of the chisel in the grout line so it's against the base of the tile. Tap the chisel with the hammer. Move the chisel around to different points on the tile, gradually loosening it until it comes out.

3. Repeat for each damaged tile. Use your chisel to remove any remaining debris.

4. Spread tile mortar on the back of a replacement tile, using your putty knife. Set the tile in place, spacing it consistently with the surrounding tiles. Repeat for each of the other replacement tiles.

5. Let the tiles set for a day. Apply grout with a grout float, pressing the grout into the joints around each new tile. Use a damp sponge to clean off the excess grout.

6. Allow the grout to set for at least three days. Seal the grout by applying two or three coats of grout sealer over the new grout lines with a paintbrush, letting the sealer dry for an hour between each coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear eye protection during the grout removal.

References

• HammerZone.com: Damaged Shower Tiles.