Tile Repair: What You Should Know
Although typically a low-maintenance flooring and surfacing material, there may be times when your porcelain or ceramic tile is in need of repair or restoration. The good news is that the durability of tile products make them relatively simple to care for on your own.
It's important, though, to know the difference between what makes for a smart do-it-yourself project, and which types of tile repair should be left to the professionals.
Here we'll explore the different circumstances that may lead to the need for tile repair, how you can attempt to restore the material on your own, and when you should consider requesting the help of an expert.
Cracking & Chipping
For tile restoration, try a DIY repair kit
For fine cracks and minor chips or holes, you may be able to patch up your tile with an at-home kit. Although hardware stores typically sell a wide variety of these types of kits, it's important that you find one that will work well, match your current tile, and last for a long time.
In general, it's best to stick with a transparent epoxy that can be tinted in order to blend in with the look of your surface. This is especially true of newer tiles which are being designed with more earthy tones, or to resemble marble.
Wear & Use
Prevent the need for tile repair by regular cleaning and sealing
Since tile is generally so tough, the largest underlying cause of damage is improper maintenance. By purchasing a quality cleaning compound, you can keep stains off of your tile surfaces and prevent the buildup of mold, mildew, and other grime in your grout. This can save you a lot of time and hassle down the road.
It's also smart to seal your tile regularly so that it does not become so porous that it absorbs bacteria and other materials. In the event that your tile is already stained, an abrasive cleaning product can get the job done quite easily.
Grout Damage
Grout replacement is for the ambitious DIY'er (or best left to a pro)
After time, the grout between your tiles may begin to wear down, chip, crack, or become covered in mold and mildew. When this happens, the old grout will need to be completely removed and replaced.
For the ambitious DIY'er: If your grout joints are larger than 1/8 inch, use a sanded grout, whereas non-sanded should be used for joints smaller than 1/8 inch. Completely seal your grout joints, and allow it to harden for 10 minutes before cleaning up any excess. After this you should allow the grout to cure for a minimum 24 hours.
Although grout replacement can be done on your own, it's very tedious work. Sand grout and lower grade grout jobs are much easier to work with, but when if you have grout that's been done well and treated with an additive you will have a hefty job on your hands that can cost you more in time and money in the end.
If you have any doubt in your abilities, contact a professional.
Tile Replacement
Work with a professional to replace severely damaged tiles
If your tile repair exceeds minimal touch-ups, you may be best served by requesting the help of an expert. Major chips, cracks, or holes that create sharp edges on your ceramic or porcelain surfaces should be addressed quickly, and any replacement tiles should be carefully matched with your current surface for size, color, and texture.
For the most part, tile repair can be prevented through regular maintenance, and minor issues can be remedied at home. By sticking with these tips, your tile should have a long, healthy life.
Want to Know More About Tile Repair? We're here to help! We'll be happy to walk you through the steps of tile restoration and answer any further questions you might have regarding the restoration and maintenance of your natural stone and tile. Call 561-997-2636 and one of our staff will be happy to assist you.
It's important, though, to know the difference between what makes for a smart do-it-yourself project, and which types of tile repair should be left to the professionals.
Here we'll explore the different circumstances that may lead to the need for tile repair, how you can attempt to restore the material on your own, and when you should consider requesting the help of an expert.
Cracking & Chipping
For tile restoration, try a DIY repair kit
For fine cracks and minor chips or holes, you may be able to patch up your tile with an at-home kit. Although hardware stores typically sell a wide variety of these types of kits, it's important that you find one that will work well, match your current tile, and last for a long time.
In general, it's best to stick with a transparent epoxy that can be tinted in order to blend in with the look of your surface. This is especially true of newer tiles which are being designed with more earthy tones, or to resemble marble.
Wear & Use
Prevent the need for tile repair by regular cleaning and sealing
Since tile is generally so tough, the largest underlying cause of damage is improper maintenance. By purchasing a quality cleaning compound, you can keep stains off of your tile surfaces and prevent the buildup of mold, mildew, and other grime in your grout. This can save you a lot of time and hassle down the road.
It's also smart to seal your tile regularly so that it does not become so porous that it absorbs bacteria and other materials. In the event that your tile is already stained, an abrasive cleaning product can get the job done quite easily.
Grout Damage
Grout replacement is for the ambitious DIY'er (or best left to a pro)
After time, the grout between your tiles may begin to wear down, chip, crack, or become covered in mold and mildew. When this happens, the old grout will need to be completely removed and replaced.
For the ambitious DIY'er: If your grout joints are larger than 1/8 inch, use a sanded grout, whereas non-sanded should be used for joints smaller than 1/8 inch. Completely seal your grout joints, and allow it to harden for 10 minutes before cleaning up any excess. After this you should allow the grout to cure for a minimum 24 hours.
Although grout replacement can be done on your own, it's very tedious work. Sand grout and lower grade grout jobs are much easier to work with, but when if you have grout that's been done well and treated with an additive you will have a hefty job on your hands that can cost you more in time and money in the end.
If you have any doubt in your abilities, contact a professional.
Tile Replacement
Work with a professional to replace severely damaged tiles
If your tile repair exceeds minimal touch-ups, you may be best served by requesting the help of an expert. Major chips, cracks, or holes that create sharp edges on your ceramic or porcelain surfaces should be addressed quickly, and any replacement tiles should be carefully matched with your current surface for size, color, and texture.
For the most part, tile repair can be prevented through regular maintenance, and minor issues can be remedied at home. By sticking with these tips, your tile should have a long, healthy life.
Want to Know More About Tile Repair? We're here to help! We'll be happy to walk you through the steps of tile restoration and answer any further questions you might have regarding the restoration and maintenance of your natural stone and tile. Call 561-997-2636 and one of our staff will be happy to assist you.
