Replacing Cracked Tile

That makes work gloves and eye protection critical.

Replacing cracked tile.

If the tile only has a thin hairline crack in it you can fill it with an epoxy. If the tile is too badly cracked to repair it you can just replace the damaged tile. Damaged tiles allow moisture to get under the tile so replace broken ceramic tiles right away. Once it s up remove the rest of the tile with your hands.

If your cracked or chipped ceramic tile is too big to repair as described above then replacement is probably necessary. On the following pages are ferrante s steps for a perfect repair. Find a nail polish or a combination of polishes and mix to match your tile. If replacing a tile isn t in your budget or if the tile isn t badly damaged you can repair the tile.

Patching hairline cracks is. Professionals often replace a damaged tile but this isn t necessary with a hairline crack for which epoxy filling provides an effective way to seal and hide the crack. Perhaps it would be better to replace the entire floor. Work the grout into the seam using a grout float.

Replace broken or missing ceramic tiles to prevent further damage. For a small job like replacing a broken tile use pre mixed grout. You can add mastic to raise a replacement tile that s too thin but a tile that s too thick calls attention to the repair. Move the float across the seam diagonally rather than along the gap to avoid pulling the grout out.

Stir the grout to eliminate any settling and to loosen the material for easier application. Watch the grout lines around the tile to ensure the grout and surrounding tiles don t also crack. Or for a more diy option try using wood glue and nail polish. If you have ceramic glazed tile and cracks here is an easy fix.

Breaking the old tile can scatter jagged chunks and small sharp slivers. It s a job most any homeowner can handle says joe ferrante a tiling contractor who s worked with the this old house television show for nearly 20 years. Slowly pry the tile up with the cold chisel. Debris from this project also can scratch acrylic tubs and showers.

But even then you ll be glad to have tile underfoot because replacing a broken or chipped one is pretty simple to do. If not you ll need to either. Ditto for clay tiles.