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Simple Guide to Replacing a Damaged Tile

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A broken shower tile is not merely an eyesore. If this tile is not fixed in due time, your shower becomes at risk of harbouring mould and mildew since water ingress will be occurring through the broken tile. Not to mention that a cracked tile on your shower floor can also pose a safety hazard as you could easily nick your feet when taking a shower. Thus, it is prudent for every homeowner to know how to fix this type of damage as it could save you a lot of money regarding mould abatement costs, waterproofing replacement expenses and even medical bills. Here is a straightforward guide to replacing a damaged shower tile.

Step 1: Use the crack to your advantage 

Although a cracked tile can become the bane of your existence, the good news is that you can use this damage to your benefit. If the crack in the tile is large, it means you will have an easier time prying the tile away from the floor. All you would have to do is slide your chipping tool underneath it. If the crack is minimal, use a hammer to make the break in the tile more defined so you can have room to chisel out the damaged tile. Ensure all bits and pieces of the tile are eliminated before you can proceed with tiling the shower.

Step 2: Prep the floor

Once the damaged tile has been removed, you can then start prepping the floor for the new tile. The first thing to do would be thoroughly cleaning the area that the former tile lay. Any sand, debris and pieces of grout on the site will affect the adhesion of the new tile. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you put in some elbow grease when using the scraper and eliminate the previous thin set that was used to secure the tile in place.

Step 3: Apply thin set and place the tile

After cleaning the area, use a cotton towel to dry the site. Take note that cloth fibres do not stick to the floor as this will introduce debris that could affect the new thin set. When satisfied with the area, apply the new thin set. Do not over use the thin set, as this would make the level of the new tile uneven with the floor. Instead, spread the thin set as evenly as possible then use a spatula or a trowel to place the new tile on the floor carefully. Gently apply pressure to the new tile so that it fits snugly into the site. Leave your shower floor undisturbed for at least a day so that the thin set cures and new tile becomes firmly secured.


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