Cracked tiles are not only unsightly to look at, but they’re a serious problem worth addressing immediately. If left unattended, cracked tiles can cause a whole host of issues like mould/mildew growth, damaged subfloors, and more.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the reasons why tiles crack and what you can do to help repair cracked tiles.
Why do tiles crack?
When it comes to cracked tiles, one of the main reasons is that the tile surface experiences too much stress, causing the material to give way and fracture. These cracks can appear anywhere as hairline cracks or more severe shattering depending on how much strain the tile was put under.
Tiles that are made from porcelain or hard ceramic undergo high heat and pressure. This allows the materials to withstand heavy loads, extreme temperature fluctuations, moisture, and even impacts. The problem comes when other external factors end up compromising their strength and durability.
Tiles have a very rigid structure, meaning there’s little to no give in tiles once they’re in place. Each tile relies on its neighbouring tile for support to ensure they remain intact. When installed correctly by a reputable tiler in Perth, tiled floors can last for many years without experiencing significant cracks.
In most cases, you can tackle cracked tiles without having to spend thousands of dollars. Here’s how you can repair both minor and major tile cracks.
Minor cracks
Just because minor cracks aren’t that noticeable, that doesn’t mean you should completely ignore them. If you fail to address these, you could end up with a bigger problem in the future as moisture, dirt, and general wear can lead to bigger tile cracks. the line, like dirt, moisture and
Fixing small, hairline cracks is quite simple given you to have the right tools for the job. All you need is a small amount of clear epoxy and some paint that matches the colour and texture of your tile.
1. Clean the tile thoroughly using a washing detergent or a specific tile cleaner. Let the tile fully dry as this will ensure the epoxy adheres to its full strength.
2. Apply the epoxy over the crack, making sure it seeps into the gaps. Epoxy glue dries quickly, so make sure to work fast and cover all the affected areas as soon as possible.
3. Once the epoxy is dry, use a Stanley knife to remove any excess glue from around the cracks. Lastly, apply the colour-matching paint and blend in the cracks with the rest of the tile.
Major tile cracks
If you’re dealing with bigger cracks or shattered tiles, you’ll need a different approach for repairs Your best option is to remove the damaged tile and replace it with the same one. If you don’t have any spare tiles, you’ll need to contact your installer and have them order the correct tile for you.
Keep in mind that tile batches may vary in colour and appearance even with the same tile model, so expect some differences when you install the new tile(s).
As far as tile fixes go, fixing large cracks can be quite challenging. If executed incorrectly, you can potentially damage the surrounding tile and cause an even bigger problem. We highly suggest contacting a professional to do the job but if you feel confident enough, here are the following steps for repairing major tile cracks.
1. Use a grout scraper to remove the grout from the damaged tile. It’s important to remove all the grout up to the edges so that you won’t affect the neighbouring tiles during the repair.
2. Lay a cloth towel over the cracked tile and smash it on the centre using a lump hammer. By removing the grout and smashing the tile in the centre rather than picking it out from the side, you avoid stressing the neighbouring tiles and preserving them
3. Remove the broken tile shards and chip out any remaining pieces with a chisel and hammer. Do the same with the remaining grout and adhesive from the substrate before sweeping everything off.
4. Mix up a small amount of tile adhesive and apply it underneath the tile using a notched trowel. Make sure the surface is fully covered to prevent air pockets once the adhesive bonds.
5. Place the new tile carefully at the centre of the hole and press it firmly in place. Make sure the new tile lines line up with the existing ones for a consistent look. Once in position, allow the tile adhesive to dry fully.
6. Once the tile is set, apply grout into the gaps using a grout float. Wipe off any excess using a damp sponge. Let the tile grout sit overnight to fully dry.
And there you have it! Our step-by-step instructions on how to repair minor and major tile cracks. Addressing these problems early on can save you a lot of time and money so don’t neglect cracked tiles and fix them as soon as possible.
Of course, there’s always an option of contacting a professional tiler in Perth to fix the job for you. The great thing about hiring a professional is that you benefit from their experience and expertise. This results in a flawless tile repair that can conceal even the tiniest of cracks. If you’re looking for a reputable tile installer within the Perth area, give us a call and we’ll gladly attend to your needs.
