Repair Damaged Cork Tiles

Though seldom required, damaged Cork tiles can be removed and replaced with new tile following the procedures listed below. In order to achieve the best results, use either attic stock material or supply with actual floor samples with which to match replacement tiles. If these instructions are properly followed, floor repair is possible and in most cases undetectable.

Required Materials:

• Formica 100+ or other high quality solvent based contact cement.
• 2Â" Paint Brush
• Chisel & Rubber Mallet
• Razor Knife
• 2' Straight Edge
• 4Â" Razor Scraper

Removal and Re-installation Process

1. Cut tile seam with a sharp utility knife and straight edge about 1/2 of the tile thickness.
2. Make a 45° cut perpendicular to the edge of the tile, 1/8Â" in from the previous cuts. This cut should be made so that a small triangular piece can be removed from each side of the tile. After this step is completed, the tile to be removed should have a 45° bevel around its perimeter. This process removes tension and prevents damage to adjacent tiles.
3. Remove the four strips around the edge of the tile from the previous step and cut the tile seams to the sub-floor using the razor knife.
4. Starting in the center of the tile and working out, chisel out the damaged tile. For larger areas (more than one tile), cut a series of lines across the tile with a radial saw set to the thickness of the tile. This will further ease the tension in the tile and allow easy removal with a chisel.
5. After the tile has been removed, scrape the sub-floor with the razor scraper, again from the center out.
6. Scrape around the edges of the tiles that will remain, making sure to remove any foreign debris that could cause uneven tile seams.
7. Sub-floors must be scraped smooth prior to installation of replacement material. For wood sub-floors, application of a cementitious leveling compound may be required in order to provide a smooth surface upon which to install the tile. If a leveling compound is used, tiles must not be installed until the leveling compound has cured for 24 hours.
8. After the sub-floor has been prepared, measure and trim tile to size if needed. The tile should fit tightly into place when installed.
9. Brush contact adhesive on the back of the tile and on the sub-floor. Depending upon the porosity of the sub-floors, one additional coat may be required.
10. Allow the adhesive to dry to the touch (usually 5-10 minutes)
11. Install the tile and secure in place using a rubber mallet.
12. Clean any excessive adhesive from the tile with mineral spirits on a slightly dampened rag. Do not soak tile with solvent or rub hard. Mineral spirits will remove wax finish (wax will need to be reapplied) and can dull a polyurethane finish if used excessively.