Repairing & Replacing Ceramic Tile

In most cases, moisture is the cause of grout deterioration and tiles loosening. Check the floor (from underneath if possible) carefully to find the source of the moisture. Call a professional if necessary. If the tiles are loose, half the job of replacing the tiles is done otherwise removing them will likely be a challenge. The most important thing to keep in mind is to wear proper eye protection. A ceramic chip can cause serious eye damage.

Step 1: Break the old tile
wearing safety glasses, use a chisel and hammer to break out the damaged tile. Start by gently tapping the tile with the hammer to make small cracks. Then insert the chisel to widen the crack. Be careful not to use excessive force and damaging the subfloor. Work the chisel from the center to the outer edge.

Step 2: Scrape the surface
Once the majority of the tile is chipped away by the chisel, use a stiffed putty knife to scrape away the remaining tile and adhesive. Take extra care not to damage the subfloor, use the putty knife to scrape away the grout from the joints. Fill any depressions with mortar and allow it to dry before applying any adhesive.

Step 3: Apply adhesive
For small tile repairs, use flooring adhesive. Otherwise, mix up enough thin-set mortar to attach the tile. Apply the adhesive with the appropriate size notched trowel. You can either apply the adhesive directly to the subfloor or to the back of the tile. If adhesive is used, let it set for 15 minutes before installing the tile.

Step 4: Set the tile
Careful to match any patterns, position the tile and drop it onto the adhesive. Press the file firmly into place and twist it slight to help spread the adhesive. If necessary, use a soft rubber mallet to help set the tile into the adhesive. Wait for the suggested number of days for the adhesive to dry before applying the grout.

Step 5: Grout and seal
Mix and apply the matching grout to the joints. Allow the grout to haze over and then wipe away the haze with a damp sponge. Make sure to match the depth of the new grout lines to the existing lines. Apply sealer onto the grout after the grout has dried. Wipe away any excess grout immediately with a clean soft cloth.