Repair, Maintenance and Installation of Ceramic Tiles

Repair, Maintenance and Installation of Ceramic Tiles

Installing and replacing a tile requires high accuracy and skill, especially due to the sensitivity of other tiles, placed besides it. The worker needs to make sure that he doesn’t damage the other tiles when dealing with a broken piece. The tiles are generally placed with adhesives, thinset or mortar. Mud or mortar is still commonly used for restrooms and shower-enclosure floors, while thinset is similar to mortar, as it is a cement-based product. However, it differs from the same as it can be applied directly over plywood or tileboard without the need of metal-mesh reinforcements.

How to Replace a Tile from the Floor?

The function of the grout is to seal the area between the tiles, protecting the floor from moisture which eventually loosens the tile and damages the substrate. In case, if you try to remove the tile without removing all the grout, there is a possibility that the adjacent tiles might chip.

1. Remove the grout from around the tiles

If the grout is soft and unsanded, you can scratch it out with a utility knife; be careful that it does not slip and scratch adjacent tiles. Or, if you dealing with a sanded floor grout, which tends to be tougher, you can use a small chisel (1/4” inches). After breaking the surface of the grout, you can use the utility knife with the dull blade. You can also use a grout saw that is intended to remove grout. However, it is useless unless the grout line is wide.

2. Remove the broken tile

If the tile is loose, just lift it out and go on to the next step. For floor tiles, wrap on the edge using a hammer and a cold chisel or other suitable tool. Do not touch any of the adjacent tiles as it may loosen them. Just some simple knocks on the tile can help it break from its adhesiveness. You can also use a carbide drill bit (1/4” to 1/2″ diameter) and drill a series of holes in the tiles, which breaks it easily.

3. Prepare the Hole and Fix the Tile

Once you vacuum out all debris and scrape out lumps or bumps in the mortar or adhesive, test fit the new tile to ensure that it sits firmly without much movement and doesn’t sit higher than other tiles. Scrap out the remaining adhesive/mortar if required. Then apply a 1/8” layer of adhesive to the back of the tile with a putty knife. It is not essential to use a tile adhesive applicator for such a small repair.

Also, do not apply the tile adhesive, closer than half-inch, to the edge of the tile. You would not like the stuff to squeeze out on the area between the tiles when you place it. Press the tile into its place with a slight motion which spreads the adhesive and ensures a good bond.

4. Let the adhesive dry for 24 hours

If the adhesive squeezes out between the tiles, use a utility knife or a thin screwdriver and scrape as much of it as you can. Mix the grout as per instructions (no less than 2 cups of grout). This way, you will get the proper mix of chemicals and pigment. You can use a damp sponge to push the grout into the cracks. To place the grout in the tiles, wear good fitting rubber or latex gloves.

How to Maintain Floor Tiles

Maintaining floor tiles is an essential way to render longevity and optimum performance. It is a cost-effective method that requires low maintenance, keeping away dirt and grit from the surface and keeping the user free from any harm or disease. Here are some of the ways in which you can take care of your floor tiles.

1. Remove excess dirt regularly

If you’re having dinner or lunch on your table and an accidental spill occurs that drips towards the tiled floor, then it is mandatory for you to clean it up in quick time so that there are no marks or stains left. You can sweep or mop the floors and lay mats at each doorway to keep away unwanted particles from entering and keep your floor shining for a long period.

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2. Use of grout

Grout, as the name implies, is used to keep the tiles intact against various factors, such as high traffic, frictional forces and sharp objects. At times, it is visible on the surface (if applied in excess), which reduces its look and appearance. For food stains and ground-in dirt, work with a paste of baking soda and water into the grout lines that renders a clean and crisp border. Also, avoid scrubbing the tile with steel wool or any other sharp objects, as they can scratch the tile surface. Lastly, you can also use a soft bristle brush or a white eraser.

3. Keep shoes off the floor

As discussed before, you need to keep a mat or rug at your doorstep of every room so that guests or family members can leave their footwear outside. Accidentally bringing in your shoes or slippers would cause dirt particles to adhere to the surface and damage the protective layer which would lead to early deterioration and increased repair costs.

4. Repair or replace damaged floor tiles

Consistent scratches and deformation is possible if you do not clean your tiled floor regularly. In case of a crack or rupture, you would need to replace or repair the tile as required. Scratch repair kits, toothpaste or brass polish can be used to repair hairline cracks and chips on porcelain and tiles. Acetone or epoxy can help restore a marble floor.

5. Take care of the grout

Grout is a necessary part of a tiled floor as it keeps the individual pieces intact against heavy traffic and moisture ingress. However, if there is excess grout present on the tiles (upon changing or repairing), then you will need to remove it as it reduces the attractiveness of the entire room. Use a combination of baking soda and water or use a soft brush to remove the grout present.

How to Install Floor Tiles

Installing floor tiles is a hard task, especially when dealing with chemicals (cement and grout) which requires proper safety gear and equipment. You would also need an inch-tape, tile cutter and other essentials to work your way for a perfect floor.

These are some of the ways in which you can install floors.

1. Prep the Subfloor

If you are installing tiles on a used surface, ensure that the surface is free from imperfections and dust-free. Or, if you’re installing it over wood, then have a subfloor that is 1.5” inches thick. If, in case, the subfloor is not up to the requirement, you can use a concrete backer board layer to match the thickness. Normally, the backer board comes with a width of 1/4” and 1/2” inches.

2. Lay the Floor

When working on the floor, use chalk lines and make straight lines with a 90 degree intersection at the center of the room. Follow the layout by installing loose tiles on the floor with the spacers attached to each of them, right up to the walls. Start at the intersection and make a path forming a 90 degree angle with the tile. If the layout is approved by the customer, then proceed to the next step.

3. Mortar Mixing

Store your mortar materials at a temperature of 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix the mortar in water until the consistency is obtained. Allow some time for the water to react with the mortar component; remember that the mix should be used within 30 minutes of mixing with water. Please note that once you start using the mix, do not add water to it. This will weaken and affect the mixture.

4. Apply Mortar

The mortar is applied using the flat side of the trowel. Apply it at an angle of 45 degrees, spreading the mortar uniformly. Continue with this pattern to maintain the same height and spread adequate amount that can patch up with the tiles.

5. Install the Tiles

Press the tile on the mortar with a rotatory motion and hit it with a rubber mallet so that it can adhere. Let the mortar dry for atleast 24 hours and avoid stepping on it. See that the lines are uniform and use spacers between each tile. Work on the walled tiles in the end, while removing excess adhesive from all.

6. Cut the tiles

Cut the tile with a nipper or wet saw. Use a pencil to mark the area that requires severing.

7. Grout Tiles

Mix the grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions until a smooth consistency is achieved. Use adequate quantity of the chemical which you can use within 20 minutes. Mix until all the pigment is dispersed and a uniform color has been obtained. Let it stand for five minutes and then mix again. Use a float to apply the grout to the joints and remove the excess with a damp sponge or cloth.

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8. Seal the Grout

You can seal the grout at least 72 hours after it has been applied. This process help maintain the color of the grout for extended periods. The sealer also reduces the amount of water seepage below the floor tile. Lastly, wipe off excess sealer with a dry cloth.

Conclusion

Ceramic tiles are known for their aesthetic appeal and long-lasting nature, along with their shiny exterior. They can be installed and maintained easily, provided all the tools and materials are available for the task. The use of grout in tile repairing is an essential task, as it keeps the floor together. However, you need to make sure that the excess grout is removed from the top once it is applied with a trowel.

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