Tiles are one of those house touches that can make or break a room’s overall look and feel. Unfortunately, they are susceptible to damage such as cracking or chipping.
A cracked floor tile may need to be replaced for various reasons, including wear and tear, an accident, or a natural disaster.
Regardless of the cause, learning how to repair a broken floor tile is a simple process that can be accomplished with the proper tools and materials.
This blog will walk you through how to replace cracked tiles correctly.
The Tools and Materials You’ll Need
- For a basic tile replacement, you’ll need the following tools and materials:
- Tile adhesive
- Grout (pre-mixed or dry)
- Chisel/hammer
- Notched trowel
- A putty knife
- Sandpaper
- Safety glasses and gloves
Step by Step on The Easiest Way to Restore Your Floors
1. Preparing the Work Area for Replacement
Before starting, make sure to put on your safety gloves and other protective items if you consider it necessary.
Then, you’ll need to remove the grout from around the broken tile. This can be done with a putty knife or chisel and hammer.
Once you’ve removed the grout, you’ll need to use a damp cloth to wipe away any debris from the area.
You’ll also need to make sure the area is clean and free of any dirt or dust before applying the adhesive.
2. Applying the Adhesive
After the area is prepped, you can begin to apply the adhesive.
Using the trowel, spread a small amount of the tile adhesive on the posterior tile surface. Be sure to cover all surfaces that will come in contact with the floor when laying it down.
Once the adhesive is applied, place the new tile in the designated spot and press down firmly. Allow it to sit for at least 24 hours before using the grout.
3. Applying The Grout
Depending on which type of grout you are using, you’ll want to follow the instructions accordingly.
If you’re using dry grout, mix it with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then use a trowel to spread it over the tile.
For pre-mixed grout, you’ll just need to use a trowel to spread it over the ceramic tile.
Once the grout is applied, you’ll want to use a damp cloth to clean any excess off of the tile and adjacent areas.
4. Finishing Up
After the grout has had time to dry, you can buff out any uneven surfaces with sandpaper.
If the tile edges are still slightly higher than the surrounding tiles, you can use a grout saw to reduce them.
Professional Grout Restoration for Your Home
Consider contacting a specialist for a more professional approach to replacing a broken floor tile.
Here at Florida Tile & Grout Restoration, we provide a full range of services for the safety and good appearance of your home.
We’ll handle everything from installing, cleaning, and repairing tiles and grouts, so you can relax knowing the job is correctly done. You can reach us at (561) 633-1590 or by completing our form.
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