Tile Repair: When to Do It Yourself and When to Call a Professional

Nothing is more frustrating than discovering a problem in your home. If you’ve noticed that some of your tiles have begun to chip, crack, or flake off, you may be wondering if it needs professional repair or if you can do the job yourself. Read on to learn when tile repair should be done by a professional and when it can be taken care of with DIY methods.

DIY Tile Repair 

For minor damage such as small chips or scratches, a DIY tile repair is an option. Before attempting any kind of repair, make sure the area is clean and free from dirt and debris. If the surface of the tile is uneven due to chipping, use an electric sander to smooth it out before starting the repair process. Once that’s done, you can apply epoxy putty or grout mixed with colorant until it matches the existing tile. Allow it to dry thoroughly before using any sort of sealer on top. 

Materials You Need 

Before you begin any tile repair project, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. For most tile repair jobs, you'll need sandpaper or a stripping wheel (depending on what type of tile you're working with), grout, sealant, adhesive, and a putty knife or trowel. You'll also need protective gear like gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from flying particles while sanding or grinding tile surfaces.

Preparing the Area 

Once all of your supplies are gathered, it's time to start preparing the area for ceramic tile repair or tile repair. Begin by removing any broken pieces of tile and cleaning up the area. Make sure that all debris is removed from the surface before applying any new materials. If you're repairing a larger area of tile damage, use a power sander or stripping wheel to remove old tiles and grout from the surface. Be sure to wear appropriate protective gear when using these tools.

Repairing Damaged Tiles 

Now that you've prepped the surface for repair, it's time to get to work. Depending on the extent of damage, there are several different methods for repairing broken tiles. For minor damage such as small chips or cracks in individual tiles, simply apply adhesive over the damaged area and press it back into place. For larger areas of broken tile, use adhesive and grout mix to fill in gaps between tiles before pressing them back into place. Once all tile chip repair is secured securely in place, let dry overnight before applying a sealant over top as a protective layer against future damage.

Professional Tile Repair 

For more extensive damage such as large cracks or missing tiles, professional tile repair is recommended. A professional will know how to assess the extent of the damage and determine which type of repairs are necessary to restore the floor tiles repair back to their original condition. They will also have access to specialized tools and materials needed for larger repairs such as replacing broken tiles or re-grouting cracked joints. In addition, they will likely be able to suggest preventive solutions that can help prevent future damage from occurring.