Replace damaged or defective tiles

Replacing broken tiles: A step-by-step guide with all the information

Difficulty: Easy | Cost per piece: from 15€ | Workload for one tile: approx. 1.5 hours including sanding the floor

1. Why should broken tiles be replaced?

1.1 Avoid mold growth

When a tile is broken, moisture and dirt can penetrate more easily. This can lead to mold growth, which not only looks unsightly but can also cause health problems.

1.2 Optics and aesthetics

Broken tiles spoil the look of your room and can make an otherwise neat environment look unattractive.

1.3 Appreciation of the property

A bathroom with intact tiles is worth more than one with broken tiles. By replacing defective tiles, you can significantly increase the value of your property.

2. Tools and Materials

2.1 List of required tools

• hammer
• chisel
• Tongs
• angle grinder
• trowel
• joint rubber
• sponge
• diamond cutting disc

2.2 List of Materials Required

• New tile(s)
• tile glue
• grout
• bucket of water

3. Preparation

Good preparation is essential to achieve the desired result when repairing tiles and avoid possible damage to adjacent tiles.

3.1 Prepare surface

Before you begin, make sure the work surface is clean and free of obstructions. Cover adjacent areas to avoid damage.

3.2 Observe safety

Wear safety goggles, gloves, and hearing protection if necessary to protect yourself from injury.

4. Two methods of replacing tiles in direct comparison.

The two most common methods for replacing a single defective tile is Method 1 using a hammer and chisel and Method 2 using an angle grinder and a tile cutting disc .

method	Advantages	Disadvantages
Replace broken tiles with a diamond cutting disc and angle grinder	Precise cuts possible	Higher purchase costs for angle grinders and diamond cutting discs
	Suitable for harder and thicker tile materials	Louder working noises
	Faster work compared to a hammer and chisel	Higher risk of injury
	More even cutting edges	Requires more practice and experience
Replace broken tiles with a hammer and chisel	Lower acquisition costs for tools	Less precise work possible
	Quieter work compared to the angle grinder	Possibly longer working hours
	Lower risk of injury	More difficult with thicker and harder tile materials
	Easier for beginners and less experienced	Possibly more uneven cut edges

4.1 Method 1: Step-by-step instructions for replacing a tile with a hammer and chisel

Step 1: Remove broken tile

To remove the broken tile, gently place the chisel on the grout and hit it with the hammer to break open the grout around the tile. Be careful not to damage the surrounding tiles. Once the grout is removed, you can use the pliers to pull out the broken tile.

Step 2: Clean and prepare the subfloor to lay a new tile

After the broken tile has been removed, you need to thoroughly clean the subfloor. Use the chisel to remove tile adhesive and grout residue and vacuum up the dust.

Step 3: Cut new tile

Measure the size of the tile you need and cut it with the tile cutter or angle grinder . Be sure to break the tile along the cutting line for a clean result.

Step 4: Lay the tile

Use the trowel to apply the tile adhesive to the subfloor and spread it evenly. Carefully place the cut tile in the adhesive and press lightly. Make sure it is level with the surrounding tiles and is level.

Step 5: Apply grout and wipe off

Allow the tile adhesive to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then you can apply the joint compound with the joint rubber. Spread the joint compound evenly over the tile and remove excess compound with a damp sponge.

4.2 Method 2: Replace broken tiles with a diamond cutting disc and an angle grinder

One of the most effective ways to replace a damaged tile is to use an angle grinder with a diamond blade. This method allows for precise cuts, especially with thicker or harder tile materials.

Community User Video - Replacing a broken (defective) floor tile to replace it.

1. Step: Preparation of the angle grinder
   
   Make sure that the angle grinder is equipped with a suitable diamond cutting disc. Position the protective cover correctly and wear appropriate protective equipment such as safety goggles, gloves and hearing protection.
   
2. Step: Removing the broken tile
   
   Carefully place the angle grinder on the grout around the broken tile and cut along the grout. Be careful not to damage the surrounding tiles. After the joints are cut, you can use the pliers to pull out the broken tile.
   
3. Step: clean the ground
   
   Thoroughly clean the subfloor by removing tile adhesive and grout residue with the chisel and vacuuming up the dust.
   
4. Step: Cut new tile
   
   Measure the size of the tile you need and mark the cutting line. Position the angle grinder along the planned cutting line and cut the tile carefully and precisely. Do not apply too much pressure to avoid breaking the tile.
   
5. Step: Lay the tile
   
   Use the trowel to apply the tile adhesive to the subfloor and spread it evenly. Carefully place the cut tile in the adhesive and press lightly. Make sure it is level with the surrounding tiles and is level.
   
6. Step 1: Apply grout and wipe off
   
   Allow the tile adhesive to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then you can apply the joint compound with the joint rubber. Spread the joint compound evenly over the tile and remove excess compound with a damp sponge.

5. Follow-up

5.1 Cleaning and care

Once the grout is completely dry, you can wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove any residue. Maintain and clean the tiles regularly to extend their life and maintain a neat appearance.

6. Conclusion - Replacing a broken tile is relatively easy with the right tools

Replacing a broken tile is an easy and straightforward process with the right tools, materials and these step-by-step instructions.

Replacing damaged tiles can improve the look of your space, prevent mold growth and increase the value of your property.

Frequently asked questions when replacing a defective tile

1. How long does it take to replace a tile?

Replacing a tile can take anywhere from a few hours to a day, depending on the drying time of the tile adhesive and grout.

2. Can I fix broken tiles instead of replacing them?

In some cases, minor damage can be repaired with special repair kits . However, in case of major damage, it is better to replace the tile.

3. What alternatives are there to the tile cutter?

If you don't have a tile cutter handy, you can also use an angle grinder with a diamond blade. Pay attention to a precise incision and wear suitable protective equipment.

4. How do I find the right replacement tile?

Try to find out the exact tile name or manufacturer to get an identical tile. If this is not possible, you can try to choose a similar size, color and pattern tile to achieve a harmonious appearance.

5. How can I prevent tiles from breaking in the future?

In order to avoid damage to tiles, pay attention to professional laying and grouting, the right choice of material and regular cleaning and care of the tiles. Also, avoid placing or dropping heavy objects on the tiles.