How to replace one tile on the floor

Tiling is a very practical option. Tiles decorate any room and are easy to care for. However, sometimes chips or cracks may form on it. In this case, it is not at all necessary to change the entire coating; you can only replace damaged elements.

What you need to prepare

Replacing only damaged elements is much easier and cheaper. To do this you will need:

• New tile.
• Glue.
• Primer.
• Grout of a suitable color.
• Masking tape.
• Solvent.
• Knife.
• Putty knife.
• Crosses.
• Drill and hammer drill.

REFERENCE. It is very important to choose the right grout so that it matches the color of the one already applied.

Restoration work

When all the necessary materials are prepared, you can begin to replace the damaged area.

Removing grout

This is the very first stage in restoration work. This is done as follows:

• The seams between the elements must be moistened with solvent or water. This is necessary in order to soften the grout.
• When the material has become soft, the grout must be removed using a knife or screwdriver.

Removing cracked tiles

To remove the damaged element, you can use a hammer, chisel or hammer drill. You will also need a drill.

• Using a drill, you need to drill several holes at the site of the defect.

REFERENCE. In order not to damage entire elements, you need to set the minimum number of revolutions on the drill!

• A hammer drill or chisel must be installed in one of the holes. If you use a chisel, you need to tap it very carefully with a hammer.
• The manipulations must be repeated until all damaged tiles have been removed.

Cleaning the base from old glue residues

When all the pieces are removed, you can see the remains of the old composition underneath them.

Removing glue:

• All adjacent intact areas are sealed with masking tape. This way they won't get damaged.
• Using a spatula, carefully remove any remaining composition. Since the solution is quite dense, you can treat it with a solvent to soften the glue.

Choosing the right adhesive

The choice of composition depends on the size of the damaged element:

• If the product is small in size, water-soluble cement-based glue will be sufficient.
• If the tiles are large, then an epoxy-based adhesive with improved characteristics is needed.

Application of adhesive composition

Since the work area is small, applying glue will not cause difficulties.

• The prepared area must be thoroughly primed.
• The composition must be diluted according to the instructions.
• The surface is wetted with water.
• Using a spatula, the composition is applied to the base.

Laying new tiles

When all preparatory work is completed, you can proceed to installation.

• The product must be placed in the prepared place, and crosses must be inserted along the edges.
• Use a level to level it. If it lies unevenly, then you need to level it using a rubber hammer.

Grouting joints

When the glue is completely dry, you can apply the fugue.

• All crosses must be removed.
• The grout is applied with a rubber spatula.
• Leave the repair area until the fugue has completely dried.

Work to replace damaged tiles on the floor does not require special training, so you can do it yourself and replace one part.