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Carpet, Tile & Floor Covering

2012-02-28 13:38:48

Repair or replace broken tiles

Q: I have a broken floor tile in my entryway and want to know if it is best to replace it, repair it, or just leave it alone. Right now, I have a rug over it, so at least it is not visible.

A: You did not mention the severity of the tile damage so it is difficult to advise one option over another. What I can do is give you an overview, and you can decide which is best for your situation. In most cases, a repair is preferable to replacement when possible. This is because trying to remove one tile may cause surrounding tiles damage. Depending on the color of grout, replacing one or several tiles may look more obvious than a simple repair. If your tile is cracked or chipped and you have the pieces, you have several repair options. For example, if you have a chip and you still have the piece, it may be possible to reattach it using an epoxy glue or grout. If the piece is missing, a tinted epoxy that matches the tile can be used as filler. Cracks too are possible to repair and the results are often less visible than a replacement. If the tile cannot be repaired, replacement is the next option. If you have tiles left over from the original placement, that is ideal, as different runs may be slightly different and have color variations. You want to remove the broken tile as gingerly as possible, first scraping out the grout with a utility knife, then working to loosen the tile. Be certain to save a sample of the grout, so you can match the new grout as closely as possible. Repair or replacing a broken tile is one of those jobs that seems like it is a quick fix but can end up taking much more time and effort than anticipated. You may want to have a professional take a look at the offending tile and save yourself the hassle.