How to Repair Cracks in a Slate Shower Floor

Aside from being unsightly, a crack in a slate shower floor can cause accidents when not immediately repaired. There are two ways to repair it: (1) fix the issue on the cracked slate, or (2) replace the cracked slate with a new one. Whichever way you want to solve the problem, follow the simple steps below.

Step 1 - Determine the Problem

Sometimes the crack is mild that the slate tile can be repaired using an epoxy glue. However, when the tile has more than just a crack, say chipping, it is best to remove the damaged tile and replace it with a new one. For minor repair, proceed to Step 2. For tile removal and replacement, proceed to Step 3.

Step 2 - Seal with Epoxy

Clean the damaged tile with detergent and water. Disinfect it with oxygen bleach solution. Dry the cracked tile thoroughly. Use a hair dryer to dry the cracked spot completely.

Mix epoxy glue in proportions as indicated at the back of the packaging. Incorrect mixing can lead to poor quality. Using a toothpick or a small makeup spatula, apply the epoxy glue in small quantities into the crack. Push the epoxy down and apply more epoxy until it overflows. Remove excess epoxy with a cloth. Cure the epoxy using the set curing time by the manufacturer.

Sand the filled area to level the epoxy glue with the surface of the stone. Proceed with Step 4.

Step 3 - Remove and Replace

Measure the slate tile and buy a replacement.

Use a thin chisel to remove the grout around the cracked tile. Next, hammer on the center of the damaged tile until the crack widens. Use the chisel to speed up the process. Remove the fragments, and chisel the hard to remove fragments (those that are stuck with the mortar) until they fall off. Dry the space left by the slate tile with a hair dryer. Chisel off the remaining mortar or cement tile adhesive and grout around the area and use a sandpaper to even out the floor.

Prepare the thinset mortar or cement tile adhesive and apply it on the tile. Attach the tile. Follow manufacturer’s set drying time. Mix the grout with water and apply it around the space on the tile using a rubber float. Wipe excess film off. Let it dry.

Step 4 - Neutralize

Wash the stone with a natural stone cleanser and rinse it off with distilled water. Dry the tile. To speed up the drying time, use a hair dryer.

Step 5 - Apply Sealer

Apply several coats of sealer on the repaired or newly replaced slate tile. Allow to dry thoroughly.