What are the different kinds of tiles?

Before delving into the subject matter of floor tile repairs, we must, first of all, know the different kinds of tiles:

Porcelain

This is a man-made, water-resistant, and durable type of tile. It comes in many shapes, colors, and size options. This tile is generally denser than its ceramics counterpart.

Ceramic

Ceramic is cheaper to create, simpler to install, lasts longer, and resists water intensively. Like porcelain above, it too comes in many sizes, shapes, and color options.

Glass

Glass, though brittle, is just as strong as the ceramic and the porcelain tiles. Further to that, it is easier to clean. In most cases, it is used for luxury owing to its more beautiful and expensive nature.

Slate

Slate is a naturally occurring stone that is very strong, long-lasting, and resistant to scratches. It is great for floors that experience higher levels of traffic but is quite difficult to set up.

Vinyl

Vinyl tiles are derived from PVC, which is a special kind of plastic. It is a lot simpler to set up, resists water damages well, endures scratches, and deters staining. On the flip side, it is not eco-friendly.

Laminate

Laminate, like vinyl, is derived from man-made base materials. Its appearance is like that of ceramics and is hence more aesthetic given a photographic applique outlook. Also, it resists water damages besides staining and scratches.

Why it is vital to fix the broken tiles as soon as possible

Below are some of the reasons why you have to repair your broken tiles as soon as possible:

To slow down the pace of deterioration

Remedying this issue in a timely manner slows down the pace of the deterioration of the tiles with time. It strengthens the tiles in such a way as to minimize the damages that are brought about by intense pressure.

Up the aesthetic appeals

Timely repairs up the aesthetic appeal of the tiles in that it preserves the stature of the tiles for a longer time.

Minimize water damages

While repairing the tiles, any spaces in between are also sealed to prevent the seepage of water that may subsequently inflict water damages.

Boost the safety ratings

Broken tiles are sharper and likely to inflict prickles. It hence goes that repairing them boosts their safety especially on wet surfaces like those in the bathrooms.

Why my tile is broken

Your tile could be broken for these and many more reasons:

Accidents

Heavy objects may drop on the tiles and break the same apart. This mainly arises when moving heavy pieces of furniture like the sofas.

Existence of cracks

If there are already cracks on the tiles, the same may widen with time and impose further damages. The cracks may arise from sharp or heavy objects that are hauled atop the tiles.

Poorly-installed joists

Joists are the base upon which the sub and the top floors are overlaid. Any errors on them will ultimately play out insofar as the status of the tiles is concerned.

Should I hire tile repair or tile replacement services?

To determine whether or not to hire a tile repair or replacement services, consider the following factors:

The severity of the damage

Asked differently, “How bad is the damage?” If just one or two tiles are damaged, you may consider a do-it-yourself approach. Any more than that definitely warrants professional interventions.

How soon a renovation was done

If you notice a crack as soon as some tiles are overlaid, call the professional who did the job to have it remedied. The same goes for when you have not repaired or renovated your home for a longer duration.

Should I attempt the DIY tile repairs?

In case you have the necessary expertise, materials, tools, and time, you may consider a DIY approach. To do that, you will go through these steps:

• Cleanse the damaged tile using bleach, tile cleaner, and warm water
• Leave to dry
• Mix clear white epoxy with the same
• Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions as you do this
• Conceal the grout around the broken tile using a painter’s tape
• Apply epoxy to the crack by use of a toothpick and leave to dry for 30 minutes
• Apply paints that are of the same color as the floor
• Leave the paint untouched to cure
• Seal the paint using water-based urethane