TILE AND GROUT REPAIRS (Continued)

Some solutions to cracked tile and grout that we can suggest are as follows:

1. If extra tile is available from the original batch (the best of all worlds!) simply scrape out the old grout around the cracked tile to isolate it from adjacent tile, cover it with a cloth and break it apart with a hammer. After the tile pieces and glue are cleaned up, get some thinset glue and grout from your tile or building supply store and glue the tile back in the newly cleaned up space. The only thing that you can do wrong is put the tile in upside down!

2. If you do not have extra matching old tile but the floor is stable and not showing signs of coming loose you can tile over the old tile with new tile and latex modified thinset glue. Test the floor by tapping with a metal object and if it doesn’t sound hollow you are OK. The cracked tiles can be removed and the area filled in with thinset glue or Portland cement to make it level with the old tile. Then a crack suppression membrane is glued down over the area of the old cracked tile or substrate. The membrane will allow lateral movement under the tile without re-cracking the new tile. By tiling over the old tile you will save money and the mess of removing the old tile and glue. Transition to adjacent surfaces are easily handled with rounded or sloped metal edging or wood transition pieces.

3. This same “tiling over” procedure can be used on shower walls and ceilings and countertops to renovate a bathroom and kitchen and bring it to the 21st century without the mess and expense of tear out efforts.

Tile and Grout Repairs Continue