Chisel
Cracked tiles create openings allowing moisture to seep into the subfloor. Water can be embedded behind a cracked wall tile in a shower or bath, damaging the walls and subfloor. The best way to avoid water damage is to repair the cracked tiles as soon as you notice the breakage. This guide will show you how to repair a surface crack, but if it is of greater importance, your only option will be to replace the broken tiles.
Cracks in tiles can be repaired by filling them with epoxy. To repair them, you must first clean the damaged tiles as well as their surrounding areas.
Clean the crack with mild soapy water or ceramic cleaner.
Clean the tile with a cloth. Let it dry completely before using again.
Use clear epoxy and read the manufacturer’s instructions to mix it well.
Spread a small amount of epoxy on the surface of the cardboard.
To repair a crack, apply epoxy directly on it. Use a toothpick for tight cracks or a stick for larger ones.
Use the flat edge of a stick to spread the epoxy through the crack. Scrape off any excess with another clean microfiber-free cloth or paper towel before it dries.
The epoxy must be allowed to harden according to the instructions on the packaging.
Once the epoxy has dried, apply a small amount of paint or oil corresponding to the color of your tile with a brush. Let it dry completely. The drying process can take several hours or even a day or two, depending on the product you are using and its instructions. Once the paint is dry, apply a coat of sealant.
If the crack is too large to be repaired effectively with epoxy, you may need to replace the broken tiles. Replacing a tile is an easy process that involves only three simple steps.
Tip: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris. Broken tiles have sharp edges and can hurt your hands, so wear work gloves while handling them.
Place a dust sheet around the work area. Use a portable grout saw to gently scrape the grout off all sides of the broken tile, being careful not to damage the adjacent tiles.
Use a cloth to wrap the broken tile before removing the grout.
Crush the cracked tile with a hammer to break it into smaller pieces.
Carefully lift each piece of the tile from its adhesive bond with a chisel.
Be careful not to damage the underlying floor or support panels while removing any old adhesive from the concrete.
Clean the space with a wet/dry vacuum to remove dust or debris.
To fix the tiles, apply a thin layer of pre-mixed mortar on the back of the tiles and hold them in place.
Use the flat edge of a 1/4-inch trowel to spread a thin layer of mortar over the surface.
Use the notched edge of the trowel to create ridges in the thin mortar.
Gently place the new tile in place.
Align the edges of each tile with those around it and apply uniform pressure.
Allow to dry for 24 hours or up to 2 hours if using a quick-drying type.
For a small job like fixing one broken tile, pre-mixed grout is an easy solution.
Mix the grout
To fill the gap between the tiles, work a cross section of grout in the seam with a float. Moving at an angle rather than along its length will help the grout stay in place.
After about 15 minutes, wipe the surface of your tile with a damp sponge to remove any grout residue.
Let the tile dry for a few hours, then polish it with a clean cloth.
Avoid putting weight on the new tile for at least 24 hours.
Cracked floor or wall tiles are a problem that should be dealt with as soon as possible. If water flows through a crack, it can cause significant damage over time. Plus, the smaller the crack when you first notice it, the easier (and cheaper) it will be to fix it.
