Home improvement tasks aren’t always what people want to be doing with their day. It is sometimes necessary. You probably didn’t wake up this morning wanting to fix a tile on your floor, but here you are.
How to fix loose floor tiles (without removing them)
- Drill into the grout beside your loose tile. It should be deep enough for the adhesive to reach the bottom of the tile.
- You will need to place the epoxy or spout of adhesive into the hole that you have drilled. Then, squeeze the material into the hole.
- Allow the material to settle underneath the tile. Continue to squeeze until it stops settling beneath the tile.
- Place something heavy on the tile to help remove air bubbles and set the tile into the adhesive(some adhesive may seep out of the holes, this is okay)
- Using a damp cloth or sponge, wipe away any extra residue.
- After 24 hours remove the heavy object
- Put new grout into and over the holes, you drilled
- After everything is wiped off and cleaned up, you are done!
Click here to see the best Tile Adhesive.
It is easy to fix a tile yourself. This doesn’t take too many tools and honestly doesn’t take too much time either. Knowing what causes loose tiles might give you a chance to prevent it, but in the event that you can’t, having the correct materials and knowledge.
How to Fix a Broken Tile
Loose Floor Tiles
As stated above, fixing loose tiles isn’t hard, nor is it a lengthy process. A few tools are all you need.
- Drill and drill bit (no bigger than the size of the space between tiles)
- Epoxy or tile adhesive
- Grout
- Damp rag
- Something heavy (to place on the tile while the adhesive dries)
Once you gather your supplies, you can start the process of fixing your loose tile. This method can help you save money as you don’t have to purchase new tiles or hire a contractor to fix them. Sometimes, the tile you own is no longer available. In this case, you will need to replace or choose the closest match to ensure it matches all other tiles. If this is the situation, it’s worth contacting the manufacturer to ask if they have a plan for replacing tiles. It may not work, but it’s a good option to start with.
Cracked floor tiles
You may run into a problem where your tile is not only loose but also broken or cracked. When fixing a broken tile, you have a couple of options:
- You can remove the entire tile.
- You can use epoxy to fill the crack and then paint it over with a paint that matches your tile.
You can usually call the manufacturer to ask for a paint color that is equivalent or recommendations. Oftentimes, this isn’t a permanent fix, but will allow you a little more time before having to replace the entire section of tile.
It may help you identify the reason your tile is cracked or damaged. If you don’t figure out why it happened, chances are it can and will happen again, causing you to fix it over and over.
You should pay close attention to your tile when you are fixing it to ensure you don’t miss any signs of wear or other factors that might be affecting the tiles.
What Makes Floor Tiles Loose?
Type of Bonding Used
When you need to fix a tile to the floor, you want to make sure the adhesive you use is strong enough and will continue to keep the tile stuck to the floor years and years later. No matter what you do, adhesives will weaken over time, even the strongest.
If you choose a versatile adhesive or one that is specifically designed for your type of tile, it will last longer. The cheapest tile adhesive is not always the best.
When bonding your tile to the floor, you want to make sure you don’t apply the adhesive too thick, too thin, or not place enough on the tile. Spot bonding is a method that uses adhesive to bond tiles. You place one dot in each corner, and one in the middle, then you place it down.
This leaves too much space underneath the tile which can lead to cracking and loosening. Spread the adhesive evenly across the tile.
House Settling
Once a house is built, it starts to settle. The foundation will shift and the walls will move. Everything will also shift to adapt. Most contractors will leave enough room in the tiles for the tiles to move and shift. If this isn’t done, it can cause the tiles to crack and shift, which can make them become loose.
Changes in Temperature
Everything grows and shrinks between hot and cold temperatures. It is a very minor change in the size of the object that you won’t notice. These small changes in size can lead to cracks and loosening of the adhesive. This can result in tiles falling off the floor.
Differences in Surfaces
The surface that tiles are placed on will expand and shrink as temperatures changes as well. The tile will loosen faster if it is placed on different floors.
Moisture
Most materials are porous. Because they are porous, most materials can absorb water. Your grout and tiles will absorb water if you splash water on them or use a hot shower. The adhesive can become less effective if this happens, and the tile may fall off.
There isn’t much you can do. However, sealing grout can make it more durable. Make sure to clean up any spillages quickly to prevent moisture from getting in.
Poor or Incorrect Installation
When tiles are being placed by contractors, they can make quite a few mistakes that can cause them to become loose prematurely.
Not using the correct adhesivePlacing the tile on the wrong surfacesUsing grout that is old or expired Not leaving room for the growth and shrink when temperatures change
Heavy Loads
If you have tile under your refrigerator, washer, dryer or freezer, it’s possible you have a tile cracked or loose. Most likely, the tile was not able to support the weight of your appliance.
Tiles are made to meet the requirements for strength. This means that every tile must be capable of sustaining 250 pounds of pressure. Many tiles meet this standard and appliances don’t exceed 75 pounds for the tile they would be placed on.
This test is only applicable to dead weight. But if someone drops the appliance onto a tile, the same weight will cause it to crack.
Weather
If you have tiles outside, the weather is going to greatly affect whether your tiles stay placed correctly or not. The adhesive’s ability to withstand any type of precipitation can have an impact on how long it lasts. You also have to consider the possibility of tiles being damaged by acts of God.
Tile in the Wrong Place
When you place tiles, you want to be very careful if you have to place them over joints in the floor or on the wall. It is possible to place tiles over joints, but you will need to do some research.
It is difficult to place a tile on top of a joint because it is already unstable. If the house settles or shifts, the joint will move more than any other part of the house. This will most likely cause the tile’s to fall apart.
Choosing the Right Adhesive for Fixing a Loose Floor Tile
When figuring out what adhesive to use when fixing your tile, you need to know what adhesives are used for what. When fixing a floor tile, you don’t have to worry about working against gravity, but you do need to worry about water and constant wear and tear due to people walking and dropping things.
When choosing an adhesive, another factor to consider is what flooring you plan on placing the tile.
Thinset Tile Mortar
With this adhesive, you have two options
Standard – comes as a bagged powder that is mixed with water and starts setting once it is mixed. You must use it all at once, or throw it away.Pre-mixed thinset – comes in big tubs and is ready to use. This is usually the most expensive option, but it offers greater convenience as you don’t have to use all of it at once.
There are many positive aspects to thinset mortar.
Thinset mortar has many positive characteristics.
Resistant against moisture and mold growth. Heat resistant, so it won’t lose its grip when heat is thegoneapp.comnsionally stable, so it will not shrink or contract. Flexible. You can account for uneven surfaces when using mortar. Now, you can’t level out extreme levels of differences, but you can level out slight level changes or bridge gaps.
The cracking problem with thinset mortar is a real problem. This can be fixed by mixing thinset mortar with a latex additive. It is the best option for bathrooms, due to its water resistance.
Epoxy Tile Mortar
This type of adhesive comes in two or three separate tubes that must be mixed right before you use it. Epoxy sets quickly so you’ll need to work quickly. However, this allows you to fix the grout in a few hours. This mortar works best with certain materials, such as ceramic, glass, metal, tile, woodblock flooring, rubber flooring, and pebbles.
Positive characteristics of epoxy-based mortar:
High compression strengthSticks rather well to resin backed stones. It is easy to use and very simple to maintain. It is resistant to many chemicals. The epoxy should be cured in good time at temperatures between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The curing time is faster if the temperature is warmer than normal. However, it will take longer if the temperature drops. It is great for wall tiles because it grips immediately after it has been placed.
On the downside, epoxy sets so quickly you won’t have much room for error or to change anything after placing the tile. After about 45 minutes, epoxy isn’t usable if it is not on the material you are adhering to, so you will need to work quickly. Epoxy mortar is more expensive than thinset mortar. An epoxy mortar is best for professionals than for anyone trying to fix it at home.
Choosing a Grout When Fixing a Floor Tile
When fixing or replacing tiles, you will need grout to fill the holes and cracks between the tiles.
Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout
Sanded grout is more resistant to shrinking and cracking than unsanded grout. Usually, you would choose sanded grout when the tiles are less than ⅛ of an inch. Unsanded grout gives a smoother look but doesn’t hold up as long as sanded grout.
Cement vs. Epoxy Grout
You also have the choice of cement versus epoxy grout. Although epoxy grout is more resistant against stains, water and chemicals, it can be harder to find and is often harder to install, particularly if you are doing it yourself. Cement-based grout however is easier to find, more affordable, and more versatile.
Grout Color
You want to be very careful when choosing your grout for your tile fix. If you place the grout next to it, the difference in color will be apparent. It is important to maintain consistency in the color to maintain the aesthetic of your space.
Tips for Making Your DIY Work
When fixing or laying your tile floor, there are a few tips we can give you to help things go smoother.
Clean surface. Clean the area where you plan to place tiles. The adhesive will hold tighter if there is less dirt and dust. Drying time. It is crucial to allow adhesive to dry for the proper time. Most people recommend waiting at least 24 hours. Accurate measurement. Take measurements of everything many times. You need to measure every inch of your space, no matter how small or large it is. This will allow you to determine how many square feet you require and how many tiles you need. Even application. Apply adhesive to the wall and then place tiles. Make sure that the adhesive is evenly distributed throughout the space.
Picking The Right Tile For Your Floor
Ceramic
Ceramic tiles are made from a mix of clay, water, and minerals. Glass tiles are glazed and are covered with liquid gases before being fired at high temperatures. The combination of the liquid glass with high temperatures creates a scratch resistant surface that is ideal for areas where there is a lot activity.
Ceramic tiles are easy-to-install and available in a wide range of colors. Ceramic tiles are not recommended for areas with high impact, where heavy objects could be falling or dropping. However, ceramic tiles can be more difficult to crack than other materials. Ceramic tiles average between $2-$7 per square feet unless you have custom art, which can become very costly.
Porcelain
Porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic tile, but they are fired at a higher temperature, which makes them less porous, denser, and capable of withstanding more impact. This tile can be used for backsplashes and floors as well as walls. This tile can also be found at a lower price, around $2-$7 unless custom art is added.
This type of tile has one drawback: it requires special adhesive that can work with porous materials. The wrong adhesive could cause too many air bubbles underneath the tiles, leading to loose tiles. If you use the right adhesive, it is much cheaper and quicker to fix tiles than to have them repaired too quickly after installation.
Glass
Usually, glass tiles are simply glass forms on mesh backings. Glass tiles can be sold individually, but they are most commonly sold as a large mosaic with other materials. They are best used for backsplashes and walls, as few tiles have floor impact ratings. These tiles are popular for areas with high traffic or where entertaining is a priority due to their reflective and bright colors.
Glass tiles can be expensive. Most glass tiles cost between $7 and $30 per square foot. Sometimes, it costs more. Due to its transparent nature, glass tiles are difficult to install and can be very expensive. If you don’t have a highly skilled carpenter, it will be possible to see every bubble and flaw in adhesive through the glass after it has been put on.
Cement
Cement tiles are mostly handmade of natural materials and are made with bold colors that are rarely seen. Cement tiles are durable and resilient, making them ideal for floors, backsplashes, walls and other applications. Cement is difficult to work with, and most contractors aren’t familiar with the material, so it can also be very expensive to install.
Cement tiles cost $9-17 per square foot. With the labor involved, cement tiles could also be very expensive.
Stone
Stone tiles are natural made stone cut into squares. Because of their natural beauty, these tiles have a unique design. The types of materials you can get into stone tiles are:
GraniteSlateTravertineMarbleOnyxSandstone
Stone can be used for walls, floors or back splashes due to its ability to withstand high amounts of traffic. It must be sealed when it is installed and again every 10 years.
Stone can be easily damaged by water, acid, and pigment. This tile is not recommended for use in places like work spaces or art studios. It will cause your floors to become very worn and damaged.
Got Some Leftover Tile? These are some ways to use your leftover tile.
You can make fun of leftover tile, even though tile is most commonly used for floors and walls.
Tile Coasters– Using leftover tiles, you can cut them into smaller equal sizes and use them as colorful coasters for your drinks. Menu Board – You could get really creative with this option. The tile can be adhered to any surface, in a way that looks like a calendar. It can be used to plan your monthly meals in a unique and colorful manner. Tile Trivets – Similar to the coasters, except they would be larger and placed on your counters to protect them from heat damage. Tile Headboard – using any kind of base, you can use leftover tiles or a collection of broken tile, to make a unique looking headboard. It is unlikely that anyone would want the same one as you, but you can customize it to your taste. Mosaic Plant Pots – Using broken tile pieces, you can adhere the pieces to pots you put plants in to create colorful design pieces. Making a Mosaic – A Mosaic is a collection of broken or different colored tile that is used to make up an art statement or colored arrangement.
Reasons Not to DIY Tiles
While most people successfully DIY their repairs or laying of tile, there are quite a few reasons that professionals recommend to not fix or lay tiles yourself. The only reason people recommend not to do this is to save you time and money, but let’s talk about more specific reasons.
It’s a long term investment – Tiles are not something you can change your mind on the next day. They are expensive and can be difficult to lay or remove. If you lay them yourself, you have to rent tools, which cost money, and if you decide you don’t want them tomorrow, that is quite a bit of money and time wasted.Risking the lifetime of your floor – Laying tiles yourself can open you up for several mistakes. Mixing the grout wrongly, spacing things incorrectly or using too much or too little adhesive can lead to cracked tiles. Costing you more money and time in the end, whereas if you just asked a professional, you wouldn’t be doing it twice. Water damage – placing tiles yourself opens the tiles for water damage if you don’t do the grout or sealant correctly. This can prove to be more expensive than hiring a professional. Voiding the warranty – Most tiles come with a warranty. However, written in some fine print is that if you don’t hire a professional, it voids your warranty. Make sure you read everything before you begin any process. This will ensure that you have the right to file a claim if necessary. Aesthetic – You may just get to the end of your placement and realize you placed tiles crooked or in the wrong pattern, which just messes with the aesthetic of the piece you are working on.
Tile is an excellent choice for covering any space. If you pick the right one, it’s cheap and easy to install and will last a long time before you have to fix or replace anything. You don’t have to replace or fix it. These steps are easy and can usually be done by yourself with some research.
If you do your homework, you shouldn’t have any trouble completing your DIY. There are many things you need to remember when putting in tiles. However, once your space is complete, it will be worth the effort. It’s a great feeling to do the work yourself.
