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Replacing and Regrouting Tile [07/16/2004]
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Hard-surface flooring is durable and long lasting and stands up well to hard wear. But occasionally a tile cracks or chips. Such damage cannot be repaired out the cracked tile can be replaced without disturbing the rest of the floor. The tools required to make the repair yourself are a hammer, cold chisel, notched trowel, and sponge. Be sure to wear some form of eye protection when working with a cold chisel.
1. Begin by chipping out the old grout with a hammer and a cold chisel held at an angle. As you work, be careful not to damage sound adjacent tiles.
2. When all of the old grout has been loosened, clean out the joints on all sides of the tile with a stiff-bristled whisk broom.
3. With the joint spaces cleaned, you now have room to chip away and remove the damaged tile. Again using a hammer and cold chisel, begin chipping at the center of the tile and work toward the edges.
4. To set the replacement tile, use a notched trowel to apply adhesive evenly to the back of the tile.(Check with your tile supplier about the type of notched trowel that best suits the kind of adhesive and flooring material you intend to use.)
5. When overlaying a wood or resilient floor, use an epoxy cement. For concrete surfaces, dealers recommend a thin-set mortar.
After applying adhesive, carefully center the tile and press (don't slide) it in place.
6. After the adhesive has had at least 24 hours to dry, fill the joint spaces with grout. Wipe off the excess grout with a clean, lampened sponge.
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