Few flooring choices are as gorgeous and completely durable as ceramic tile. It’s a low maintenance solution that many homeowners enjoy, but once a tile is broken, is there actually anything you can do to restore the appearance of your beautiful floor? Absolutely. This guide can help.
For Smaller Chips or Holes in Your Tile
A small chip is one of the easiest tile repair jobs out there. Start with a quick visit to the pharmacy, and find some nail polish that will match the tile. Dab it on the chip, and you have a spot you may never notice again. In the event it darkens with time, though, remove it with a bit of nail polish remover, and redo it. If you have a larger chip or a hole, grab some ceramic filler to complete the job, then seal it with lacquer.
For Bigger Chunks
Once a tile is in a position where it’s missing a whole chunk, nail polish and filler aren’t going to do the trick. Ideally, you have a few spare tiles on hand. If you don’t, though, remove the broken piece and head for our shop. We may be able to help you match it or at least find a complementary pattern to create a nice accent. It’s actually one of the easier floor tile repairs you’ll have to make.
For Cracks in Tile
Cracked tiles are a bit easier to handle than an entire broken tile. You can usually find some silicone caulk to fill in the crack, and then paint it after it’s dry to blend it with the design.
For Loose Tiles
Once a tile is loose, dealing with it immediately is a must before it becomes chipped or cracked. Pry it up with a putty knife, but go slowly. This is not a race, and the quicker you go, the more likely you are to break something. Remove it and the old adhesive, and then coat it with new adhesive to help it stay in place once you replace it.
For Worn Tiles
Once your tile floor starts to show the standard signs of wear and tear, you don’t necessarily have to replace it. Instead, you can actually refresh the entire surface with paint. Lightly sand it, and then use a roller or sprayer to cover the old tiles. Let it cure at least 24 hours before you seal it with floor finish.
What About Grout?
Broken tiles aren’t the only potential problems you might have with your tile floor. Grout issues can make it look just as disgusting. Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to remove the old grout and add new. Just avoid walking on it for a few days to allow it some curing time. Be sure you seal it to make certain you won’t deal with filthy grout in the near future.
Not sure your tile is even worth repairing at this point because it’s too outdated, worn, or dirty? We can help. Contact us today to learn more. In some cases, we may even be able to lay new tile over the existing flooring to help save you time and money!