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How to fix loose tiles |
| Vanessa Brown |
If your kitchen or bathroom is looking a little worse for wear, often just fixing up loose tiles can make all the difference; making it look like a brand new room.
Of course one of the first things you need to do is work out why the tiles have come loose in the first place; some causes are:
When initially layed the surface wasn't in the correct condition; it must be: dry, clean, flat and firm.
A leak in the plumbing surrounding the tiles may cause a loss of adhesion. You'll know if this is the case as it will be damp underneath.
The wrong or insufficient adhesive was used initially.
The grout used in the joints could be deteriorating allowing moisture in behind the tiles.
Once you've diagnosed the cause for the loose tiles, it then becomes a matter of fixing the problem and replacing the loose tiles.
Before repairing the tiles, speak to your local hardware store etc. to make sure you have the correct adhesive and grout etc.
When you're ready to start, remove any plumbing fixtures that may be close to where you need to work (to avoid damage) and then remove the loose tile(s) making sure you don't drop, chip or break them in anyway (getting a matching tile maybe next to impossible depending on their age etc)
Carefully scrape or sand the back of the tile(s) to remove any adhesive or dirt etc and do the same to the surface you removed the tile(s) from. Clean both surfaces with a strong detergent and rinse off well. If the surface is painted, remove any paint flakes etc. if it's uneven, plaster it smooth with a suitable filler.
Roughen the surface with a sandpaper to allow for a better bond.
Once this is done, allow it all to dry properly.
Using the correct adhesive, spread it evenly over the area to be tiled.
Press the tile(s) into position, working from the bottom up. Make sure the replacement tiles match up with the existing tiles. Use spacers (you can use matches etc) to maintain an even joint. (eg space between the bottom of the tile and the sink etc.)
When the adhesive has dried, mix up the grout into a paste and then press it firmly into the joints with a putty knife. Make sure you sponge off any excess grout straight away; never allow the grout to dry on the face of the tiles otherwise it will set there permanently.
Once it is all dry, polish the area with a dry cloth.
By simply re-attaching those loose tiles, your once worn looking kitchen/bathroom etc will be a given a whole new look.
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