Replacing floor tiles in pictures

Ceramic tile is one of the most durable floor and wall coverings. With proper laying and maintenance, it can last a lifetime. Tile is indestructible until something falls on it or you hit it with something. Although, the tile can crack on its own, without external effort, if it hides a manufacturing defect or if the base sags too much.

Therefore, you may sooner or later have to replace broken ceramic tiles. The good news is that you can handle it yourself. All you need is the tile itself and tools.

Read also about laying tiles

Preparing to replace tiles

The hardest part of the replacement process is finding exactly the same tile. First, you need to check the balcony, basement, garage and other storage areas. You may have a few tiles left somewhere. If not, then buy a similar or similar one in the store. But if the floor is old, it may be impossible to find the right tile. Manufacturers often stop producing old patterns and colors while introducing new ones.

Old ceramic tiles: removal

It is clear that you want to remove the cracked tiles without damaging the adjacent ones. You have to work carefully and be patient. For added protection, you can place pieces of cardboard around the tile.

First, use an electric drill to drill a row of holes diagonally through the damaged tile. The distance between the holes is 2-3 cm.

Read also How to remove broken tiles

Then, wearing goggles and gloves, split the tile along the hole using a chisel and hammer. Do not hit the chisel too hard so that the adjacent ceramic tile is not damaged.

Remove shards of tiles. Then, using a chisel, carefully remove the remaining solution. Separate the old mortar from the base. Clean it of dust and debris.

Read also How to make a hole in a tile

New ceramic tiles: installation

After the damaged ceramic tile has been removed and the area for the new tile has been treated and cleaned, thin out the tile adhesive. Then, spread the solution over the surface, go over the solution with a notched trowel.

The new ceramic tile can now be installed on the fresh mortar. Tamp it down by placing a piece of wood on top and tapping with a hammer handle. Level the tile and let it dry. The solution underneath will dry overnight.

Then process the seams of the new tile with grout, fill the seams between the tiles.

Read also Checking the quality of tiling

After waiting a few hours, carefully polish the entire area where you worked with a clean, dry towel. You should not walk on the new tiles for at least another 24 hours.

So, the problem has been eliminated. The new ceramic tile has successfully replaced the broken one. As you can see, the work is not so difficult. The most important thing here is accuracy and patience. And, of course, good luck. After all, replacement tiles can not always be found.