Tile repair in the bathroom: features of the work, tips of experienced builders

The bathroom in almost every modern home is tiled. This finishing material is chosen by all builders because of the many positive characteristics. The main positive feature of the tile is its high resistance to mechanical damage, but sometimes situations arise when the material cracks or falls off. Then it is required to carry out a partial or full repair of the tiles in the bathroom, using various technologies and techniques to facilitate the procedure as much as possible.

What factors can lead to a repair need?

If the tile is a sufficiently durable finishing material, then why is there a need for repair? There is nothing eternal, and even a ceramic plate requires replacement over time.

Repair of tiles in the bathroom may be necessary for the following reasons:

1. Masonry deformation as a result of exposure to a large mass surface. Masonry can be distorted, for example, by improper installation of heavy household appliances.
2. The appearance of cracks, chips that occur due to shock and the fall of heavy objects.
3. Tiles cannot constantly maintain aesthetic characteristics. Over time, the material ages, which leads to the fading of bright elements, the loss of the overall color.
4. Tile seam problems. The solution may be washed under constant exposure to water. Often there is a deep mold and fungus, which is almost impossible to get rid of.

Such factors can significantly affect the future operation of the tile. Any of the situations presented requires early repair. It is not necessary to redo everything - sometimes it is enough to make a partial repair.

Errors in the repair process that can "approximate" the need for secondary intervention

In addition to external factors that can adversely affect the condition of the tiles and lead to the need for repair, it is worth considering those that arose during the laying. If mistakes were made at the time of repairing the tiles in the bathroom and toilet, then a replacement may be needed earlier.

What can in the process of laying tiles adversely affect further operation:

• A solution that is prepared with the wrong proportions of the constituent components.
• A poorly prepared rough surface, on which bumps, parts of old material, dust or construction debris remain.
• Preliminary preparation before laying tiles.
• Laying tiles with a violation of technology can lead to the appearance of microcracks at the base of the material, which, with the slightest mechanical impact, will lead to great damage.
• Poorly treated seams, which will subsequently leak moisture and accumulate bacteria, microorganisms.

Therefore, during the installation of tiles, it is worth observing the technology, handle materials carefully and accurately. In addition, you need to choose high-quality materials, not skimp on the purchase of a good product, so as not to make another repair in the near future.

When do you need a full tile repair?

The need for a full repair of tiles in the bathroom can be determined in accordance with several factors:

1. If the finishing material begins to lag and fall in many places, then it is better to make a full repair.
2. Deep violation of the seams and multiple damage to the tiles requires a complete replacement of all the finishing material.
3. In the presence of mold and mildew that cannot be removed. This means that the problem lies already in the solution on which the tile is held. It is worth resorting to a complete replacement of the finishing material with preliminary processing of the walls.
4. Destruction of the wall on which the tile is mounted.

The faster a complete replacement of the finishing material is made, the lower the cost of restoration will be made in the process of repair work.

Partial replacement of damaged tiles

Usually everyone tries, if necessary, to make a full repair, changing the tile completely. It seems to many that partially replacing a decorative element is difficult or even almost impossible. In fact, such a replacement is easier to make. The following factors lead to this kind of repair work:

• Damage to several tiles.
• Lag or complete removal of several tiles.
• Problems with the integrity of the wall.

Partial replacement can only be done if there are several tiles of the same pattern. You can choose tiles that depict drawings that are suitable for the themes of those already on the walls. If the partial replacement procedure is carried out carefully, the result will not deteriorate. A photo of repairing a bathroom with partial replacement tiles shows that these works can be done carefully.

What should be considered before making a partial tile replacement?

Before proceeding to a partial repair of a tile, it is worth considering several nuances that will help to cope with the task faster and better. To make the repair of tiles in the bathroom with a partial replacement in the apartment, you need to carry out the following preparations:

1. Choose the necessary tile. If there is no material left after the previous repair, then you need to choose the option that will be suitable for the parameters and design.
2. Assess the situation regarding adhesion of tiles that are located around the damaged element.
3. Choose the necessary tools for the dismantling and installation of finishing material. Auxiliary brushes and other items.
4. It is worth evaluating the degree of damage to the tile and accurately determine the need for a complete replacement of the presented element.

Dismantling old tiles with varying degrees of damage

Depending on what area will be replaced with new tiles, the method of dismantling is usually chosen. In the process of removing old coatings, it is important to maintain the integrity of the wall. Much depends on which tile is dismantled and from which surface:

• For a large-scale area, it is easiest to take a hammer drill with a special nozzle. They can easily remove old material without damaging the wall itself.
• If you need to remove only a few units that are located close to each other, then you should use a construction hairdryer.
• A unit of building material can be torn off a wall using a gradual disassembly method. It is worth taking a hammer and a chisel and remove the tiles in pieces.
• If the tile is already behind, then you can use a thick spatula or a screwdriver to pry the base. Material fall off by itself with a minimal collapse of the plaster.

In the photo of repairing tiles in the bathroom, you can see how to properly separate the cladding elements from the wall. If there are problems with dismantling, then further laying of the tile will also cause difficulties, and the final result will not be ideal.

How is a partial repair of tiles in the bathroom made?

If a full repair is frightening in its scale, then a partial one threatens to damage the surrounding surface. This problem is very easy to solve by selecting the right materials and technologies.

The principle of partial repair of tiles:

1. Remove unsuitable elements using one of the techniques that is best suited for this case. It is worth making such a choice so as not to damage the nearby materials.
2. Prepare the wall for laying new material: clean from dust and debris, putty and treat with antifungal agents, prime.
3. Use a spatula to apply a solution or a special tool for attaching to the wall, and apply a tile under the level.
4. When the tile is fully fixed, you can begin to process the seams.

If everything is done correctly, then upon completion of work you can see a photo of the repair in the bathroom with tiles, which will show only positive results.

What tool should I choose for repairing tiles?

Repair of tiles in the bathroom cannot be done only with mortar and finishing material. It is necessary to prepare special tools that will help in the process of work:

• The level that will help determine the degree of inclination of the element.
• Masters of various widths for convenient application of the solution.
• Set of valves.
• Spatulas of various widths.

The list may expand due to difficult situations, damage to the wall or tile. Sometimes the location of the material can lead to the need for additional tools.

Processing the wall before laying the tiles

In order for the partial or complete repair of the tile in the bathroom to be of high quality, and the tile lasts for a long time and does not crack, it is worthwhile to properly prepare the wall:

1. Sweep the dust off the wall where the tile was removed. To remove dust well, you can wash the rough surface with soap and water. To continue work, it is worth waiting until the wall dries.
2. To eliminate the appearance of mold and fungus under the tile or around the seam, it is recommended to spray concrete with a special antifungal solution. You can buy the product at any hardware store.
3. The surface of the wall must be primed. Previously, if there are large irregularities and cracks, you need to putty the surface. It is advisable to level the surface as much as possible before laying decorative material.

Next, you should wait about a day when the wall dries. During puttying, it is worth using a special grid for plastering. This will preserve the integrity of the putty, and in the future will save the tile from the appearance of microcracks, the seams will not be deformed.

Update tiles in the bathroom without repair

Sometimes the damage to the tiles is minimal, but even small defects significantly impair the appearance of the bathroom.

Designers who are engaged in the arrangement of interiors, using home-made decor elements and the so-called life facades, can offer such options for updating the tiles:

• Color it completely by selecting one or more colors.
• Partially decorate the worst elements with drawings. You can use stencils for this.
• Apply paint to the tile using a decorative roller on which the print is cut.
• Glue moisture-resistant films with thematic drawings on the oldest tiles.
• Cover the most “scary” places with shells, sea stones, starfish. Elements are attached to the tile with a glue gun.

To make such updates look fresh and of high quality, creating a completely new design and closing the flaws, it is worth updating the seams. It is better to choose new furniture in accordance with the new color schemes. As a result, you can get a photo of the bathtub after repairing the tiles no worse than those published in fashion magazines.

General tile replacement algorithm

Before proceeding with the repair of tiles in the bathroom, it is worth studying the algorithm of the process for the partial replacement of tiles. The principle of operation consists of the following steps:

1. Remove the old coating by choosing the appropriate tool for this.
2. Prepare the surface for laying new material.
3. Prepare a mortar or other mixture for fixing the tiles: silicone, liquid nails, foam.
4. Install the tile in accordance with the already laid rows of material.
5. Treat the seams with a special solution.

The principle of partial replacement of tiles is the same as with a full repair. The difference is in the dimensions of the repair.

Result after tile repair

Photos of the bathrooms where the tiles were partially replaced may resemble images from fashion magazines on interior design, if all the steps for replacing the material were carried out in accordance with the rules.

If a partial replacement is made, it is important to make sure that there are no noticeable places where the tile is new. To do this, you will need to update the seams around the perimeter. So that the new tile does not catch the eye, it is worth making a symmetrical replacement around the entire perimeter, creating an original pattern.

If the replacement was carried out fully, then you need to study all the subtleties, which mainly relate to the correct leveling and preparation of the wall. But such a replacement will allow to realize the desired interior of any type.

Do I need a repair ...

Repairing tiles in the bathroom and toilet may not only consist of replacing old elements with new ones. You can use other types of materials. At the place where the tile was removed, sea pebbles can be glued.

In addition to stones, shells or other decorative elements can be used. You can cover empty spaces with pieces of glass or plastic. In this situation, you can realize any ideas and fantasies.

Mosaic or fresco is also an interesting option. Just a lined wall, which is then decorated - this is also a simple and original solution.