Tile Repair and Grout Cleaning

Ceramic and stone tile floors can last 75 to 100 years with care and maintenance. Vinyl floors can last anywhere from 5 to 25 years.

But, accidents can happen, shortening the floor's life expectancy. A heavy dropped object can crack tiles. Dragged furniture can scratch them. Water seepage can eat away at the tile's subfloor.

Chips and cracks are the most common damage in floor and shower tiles. They should be replaced. Scratched tiles should also be replaced. Most tiles are glazed, making them waterproof. Scratches leave tiles at risk of seepage.

If tiles are loose, they should be replaced. However, if the tiles aren't damaged, liquid bonding can be injected into the grout lines, making the tile adhere once again.

Dirty tiles are a problem. Make sure to choose the right cleaning solution for ceramic tiles. Gritty cleaners can scratch them. Bleach, ammonia, and oil-based cleaners can also damage them.

Damage to vinyl tiles is more easily repaired than ceramic tiles. Simply mask off the damaged area with painter's tape, cut out that area with a utility knife, clean the area, dab on filler, and mix paint from a vinyl repair kit to match the tile. Dab it on and let dry. The damage will vanish.

Dirty grout lines are also a common complaint. Grout need not be replaced. Choose a cleaning product designed to clean grout and tile. Apply the cleaner according to instructions. Wash the tile with water.

The porous nature of grout may make it difficult to give tiles a normal DIY grout cleaning. If the problem is severe, bring in a pro. Professional companies are skilled at giving tiles and grout lines a good steam cleaning.

If grout is crumbling, scrape it out with a utility knife. Make sure all grout is removed from the area that needs repair. Be careful. Don't scratch the tiles. Give the area a thorough cleaning. Select a new grout mixture that matches the color of the old. Mix according to product instructions. Pack it in slowly with your finger or a grout tool. Wipe the area clean. Let it dry for a week. Seal the grout.

Water from leaky plumbing, failing appliances, and floods can do serious damage to tile floors and shower walls. Water seeps underneath the tile, damaging the membrane, and undermining the bond between tile and wall.

Mold, mildew, and bacteria also eat away at subfloors if untreated. Termites and other insects are attracted to rotting wood. Their chewing further undermines it.

Make sure tile and grout are properly sealed. This will prevent most of these problems.

Tile floors that have suffered serious structural damage, cracks, and loosening need to be replaced. Closely examine the floor or shower tile. If things shift, if tiles tent, or if the floor is slanted or buckling, let the professionals handle things.

During the first installation of a tile floor, make sure to save a few pieces for future needs. Professional tilers are good at finding matches to old tile. They'll be able to make it look exactly like it did when it was new.

In the long run, hiring a professional tiler will save time and money. The pro has the equipment, manpower, and knowledge to do the job right.