JASON PETTINATO TILE HAS BEEN SELECTED AS A PARTICIPANT FOR UPDATING
THE:
2011 TILE (C54) CALIFORNIA STATE EXAM
Learn How To Fix Those Chipped and Broken Tiles!With over 20 years of tile experience, I have done my share of tile repairs. Little has changed in how I repair tile. The key is to NOT create more damage to the surrounding tile and here's how:
The first step is to make sure and cut the grout and caulk completely around the tile. This can be done with a $5 grout saw or a 4" grinder with a dry cutting tile blade. Make sure to cut the grout all the way down to the thinset. Reason why is because once you start hammering and chiseling the broken tile, the vibrations can travel right through an "un-cut" grout joint and crack the next tile.
That is why it is super critical in making sure the grout is completely cut all the way around the tile. If the tiles are "tight joint", just use a utility knife with a new blade to cut through the unsanded grout. Take your hammer and chisel or flat blade screwdriver and chip out a corner of the broken tile to gain access "under" the tile. Once you can get under the tile, it becomes much easier as the tile will lift out. After all the tile has been removed, carefully remove all the existing grout around the surrounding tiles with a sharp knife. Next, scrape all the thinset away and sponge off the dust. Now you are now ready to mix up some thinset and glue your new tile down. Let it set and grout using my How To Color Match tip. This exactly how a ceramictilepro replaces chipped tile!
