Replacing Damaged Ceramic Tiles

by B.E. Conrad

Even though ceramic tiles are among the most durable of materials, problems can and do occur, and it is important for homeowners to know how to replace those damaged ceramic tiles when such replacement is warranted.

The reasons for ceramic tiles becoming damaged are many, but one of the most common involves substandard installation. If the ceramic tiles are installed over a surface that is not sufficiently solid, damage can result. In addition, accessories installed on the tiles may damage them, and the tiles may need to be replaced.

As with any job, it is important to gather the right supplies and materials before getting started. The tools and supplies needed to replace damaged ceramic tiles include the following:

After the supplies needed have been gathered together, the procedure for replacing those damaged tiles is as follows:

1. Be sure to protect the area by laying down a canvas drop cloth or other type of covering. This will help to protect nearby surfaces like floors, bathtubs and countertops.

2. It may not be necessary to remove the grout from around the damaged tile, but doing so may reduce the chances of causing damage to adjacent tiles. A grout saw can be used to remove grout from around the damaged tiles, but it is important to work slowly and carefully to avoid causing further damage.

3. The next step is to break the damaged tile using a chisel or a mason's hammer. The damaged tile can be broken into as many pieces as necessary to remove it, being careful not to damage the base material. It is also important to wear some sort of eye protection, such as safety goggles, in order to protect against grit and other contaminants.

4. The surface can be prepared using a stiff putty knife to remove any old adhesive or pieces of tile. If a hole was made in the wall during the removal of the tile, a patching plaster should then be applied with a putty knife. If the hole is deeper than 1/4" it should be filled before proceeding.

5. The next step is to apply the adhesive by coating the back of the replacement tile with a water based adhesive using a putty knife. The coat of adhesive should be even but not too thick, and it is important to read the instructions carefully before proceeding.

6. After the adhesive has been put in place, the next step is to press the tile carefully into place. The tile should be pressed firmly in place, ensuring that it is flat and level with the surrounding tiles. The corner of the putty knife can be used to clean out any excess adhesive that may seep out between the tiles. Any excess adhesive can be removed from the face of the tile using a cloth or damp sponge.

7. After the tile has been pressed into place, the adhesive should be allowed to dry for at least 24 hours. After the adhesive is dry, the grout should be mixed according to the manufacturers' specifications and pressed into the joints using a rubber spatula or a flexible plastic spreader. When applying the grout, be sure to press firmly and move across the tile joints in a diagonal manner.