While tile is an extremely durable wall and floor covering, there are times when they must be repaired or replaced. There are many ways that tile can become damaged however it usually comes down to 3 reasons. It’s very important for the homeowner to know what these reasons are so they can take care of them before they become a major issue.
The most common problem by far is damaged grout. Not only can damaged grout be extremely unattractive but it is dangerous for your tile. Damaged grout puts tile at risk for water damage. Why is water damage so dangerous? It’s because if water works its way under the tiles it can destroy the base of the tiles. And this can cause the whole installation to become compromised. A lot of wasted money for a seemingly small problem. Always make sure you remove and regrout grout that has been damaged. Don’t leave this job or problem for a later time; deal with it when you first see it or you will ending dealing with a much bigger and more expensive problem.
Another thing you must be careful of is damaged caulk. This problem is most often seen on backsplashes, in the shower or tub, and around sinks. This is because the joints of these spots are covered with caulk to protect them from water. And just like with damaged grout, deteriorating or damaged caulk provides water with an opportunity to get in and damage the base of the tile which can cause the homeowner a lot of money if they are not quick to react. Cut out damaged caulk and replace it with new caulking upon seeing the first signs of a problem
Broken tiles are another reason you need to repair your tile. While not as common as the first two reasons for repair, but accidents do happen. Many broken tiles are the result of someone accidentally dropping something heavy on the floor, however a more common cause, especially with wall tiles is accessories that were not installed correctly coming loose and either damaging or breaking the tiles near it. This could be anything from a soap dish to a towel rod. Broken tiles need to be replaced immediately and regrouted because just as with damaged grout and caulk, this leaves an easy point of entry for water. It would also be wise to make sure all accessories are anchored to wall studs or if they are screwed in, make sure to drill pilot holes and use plastic sleeves for the screws for a much sturdier install.
As with most things in life, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” And dealing with tiles is no exception. All 3 of these common problems are easy and inexpensive fixes if dealt with in a timely manner. However if left too long can turn into a much more expensive problem. Always make sure your grout and caulk are in good shape and accessories are installed correctly the first time around, and you will save yourself a huge headache and a pile of cash.
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