How to replace a broken or missing tile in my bathroom?
Sources
How to remove and replace a broken tile | Flooring & Tiling - B&Q
www.diy.com
·
1
Quick Fixes: How to replace a damaged tile - Victoria Plum
victoriaplum.com
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2
How to Replace a Broken Tile - This Old House
www.thisoldhouse.com
·
3
How To Fix a Broken Tile Without Fully Replacing It? - DustRam®
www.dustram.com
·
4
Answer
To replace a broken or missing tile in your bathroom, follow these steps:
Materials Needed:
- Gaffer or masking tape
- Replacement tile
- Tile adhesive
- Grout
- Grout remover or electric grout remover tool
- Combi drill
- Tile drill bit
- Claw hammer
- Bolster or cold chisel
- Stripping knife
- Grout spreader (also known as a grout float)
- Tile spacers
- Soft cloth
- Dust sheet
- Sponge
- Dust mask
- Heavy-duty gloves
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Lay Down a Dust Sheet: Protect the surrounding area by laying down a dust sheet. If you are working over a bath, basin, shower tray, or kitchen sink, block the drainage hole to prevent debris from entering the drain.
- Loosen and Remove Grout: Use a grout remover to loosen and remove the grout around the damaged tile. Start with the vertical joints and then move to the horizontal ones.
- Drill a Hole: Place tape on the tile to prevent the drill bit from slipping. Drill a hole into the tile using a combi drill and a tile drill bit.
- Break the Tile: Use a hammer and a bolster or cold chisel to break the tile into smaller pieces, taking care not to damage the surrounding tiles.
- Remove the Tile: Remove the broken tile pieces and scrape away as much old adhesive as possible with a stripping knife.
- Clean the Area: Clean the area with a damp sponge to remove any debris.
- Apply Tile Adhesive: Apply tile adhesive to the back of the new tile and the area where it will be placed. Use a grout spreader to create channels.
- Position the New Tile: Press the new tile into place, ensuring it is flush with the surrounding tiles.
- Remove Excess Adhesive: Remove any excess adhesive from the grout lines.
- Wait for Adhesive to Set: Allow the adhesive to set according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Grout the Tile: Apply grout to the joints using a grout spreader. Wipe away excess grout with a damp sponge.
- Clean and Polish: Once the grout has set, clean the tile with a damp cloth and buff it with a dry cloth for a polished finish.
Safety Precautions:
- Wear protective eyewear and gloves to prevent injury.
- Use a dust mask to avoid inhaling dust and debris.
Additional Tips:
References
1. How to remove and replace a broken tile | Flooring & Tiling - B&Q2. Quick Fixes: How to replace a damaged tile - Victoria Plum3. How to Replace a Broken Tile - This Old House4. How To Fix a Broken Tile Without Fully Replacing It? - DustRam®5. How do I fix my bathroom tile? We don't have any spare tiles either.
Author: Wickes
Key insights
- Tiles can wear and age over time, but the good news is that they are very easy to fix.
- It is important to wear protective goggles and gloves as broken tile shards can be very sharp.
- It's best to keep a few spares so that if any tiles get damaged it's easy to replace them.
- ️ Safety equipment is necessary when removing and replacing broken tiles.