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 complete repair of the tiles in the bathroom, using various technologies and techniques to make the procedure as easy as possible.
What factors might lead to the need for repairs?
If tile is a durable enough finishing material, why is there a need for repairs? Nothing lasts forever, and even a ceramic stove needs to be replaced over time.
Tile repairs in the bathroom may be needed for the following reasons:
- Deformation of the masonry as a result of exposure to the surface of a large mass. For example, improper installation of heavy household appliances can lead to masonry curvature.
- The appearance of cracks, chips that occur due to impacts and falling heavy objects.
- Tile cannot permanently saveaesthetic characteristics. Over time, the material ages, which leads to fading of bright elements, loss of overall color.
- Problems with tile joints. The solution can be washed out by constant exposure to water. Often there is deep mold and fungus that is almost impossible to get rid of.
Such factors can significantly affect the further operation of the tile. Any of these situations requires urgent repair. It is not necessary to redo everything - sometimes it is enough to make a partial repair.
Mistakes in the repair process that can "closer" the need for a secondary intervention
In addition to external factors that can adversely affect the condition of the tile and lead to the need for repairs, it is worth considering those that arose during the laying. If mistakes were made during the repair of tiles in the bathroom and toilet, then replacement may be needed earlier.
What can negatively affect further operation during the laying of tiles:
- A solution that is prepared with the wrong proportions of its ingredients.
- Poorly prepared rough surface with bumps, pieces of old material, dust or construction debris.
- Preparation before laying tiles.
- Laying tiles in violation of technology can lead to the appearance of microcracks in the base of the material, which, with the slightest mechanical impact, will lead to great damage.
- Badprocessed seams, which in the future will pass moisture and accumulate bacteria, microorganisms.
Therefore, in the process of installing tiles, it is worth observing the technology, handling materials carefully and carefully. In addition, you need to choose quality materials, do not skimp on the purchase of a good product, so as not to make another repair soon.
When do you need a full tile repair?
Determine the need for a complete repair of tiles in the bathroom can be in accordance with several factors:
- If the finishing material begins to fall behind and fall in many places, then it is better to make a full repair.
- Deep violation of the seams and multiple damage to the tiles requires a complete replacement of the entire finishing material.
- When there is mold and fungus 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 pre-treatment of the walls.
- Destruction of the wall itself, on which the tiles are attached.
The faster the complete replacement of the finishing material, the less restoration costs will be incurred during the repair process.
Partial replacement of damaged tiles
Usually everyone tries, if necessary, to make a full repair, changing the tiles completely. It seems to many that it is difficult or even almost impossible to partially replace a decorative element. In fact, such a replacement is easier to make. To this kind of repair work leadthe following factors:
- Multiple tiles damaged.
- Lagging or complete removal of several tiles.
- Problems with wall integrity.
Partial replacement can only be done if there are several tiles of the same pattern. You can pick up tiles that show drawings that match the theme of those that are already on the walls. If the partial replacement procedure is carried out carefully, the result will not worsen. A photo of a bathroom renovation with partial replacement tiles shows that these works can be done carefully.
What to consider before doing a partial tile replacement?
Before proceeding with the partial repair of tiles, it is worth considering a few nuances that will help you cope with the task faster and better. To repair the tiles in the bathroom with a partial replacement in the apartment, you need to carry out the following preparations:
- Choose the required tile. If there is no material left after the previous repair, then you need to choose an option that will be suitable in terms of parameters and design.
- Assess the situation regarding the adhesion of tiles that are located around the damaged element.
- Choose the necessary tools for the dismantling and installation of the finishing material. Auxiliary brushes and other items.
- It is worth assessing the degree of damage to the tile and determining exactly if a complete replacement of the element presented is necessary.
Dismantling old tiles with varying degrees of damage
Depending onfrom what area will be replaced by a new tile, the method of dismantling is usually chosen. In the process of removing the old coating, it is important to preserve the integrity of the wall as much as possible. Much depends on which tile is being dismantled and from which surface:
- For a large area, it is easiest to take a perforator with a special nozzle. Old material can be easily removed without damaging the wall itself.
- If you need to remove only a few units that are close to each other, then you should use a building hair dryer.
- A unit of building material can be torn off the wall using the gradual dismantling method. It is worth taking a hammer and a chisel and removing the tiles piece by piece.
- If the tile is already lagging behind, then you can use a thick spatula or screwdriver to pry off the base. The material will fall off by itself with minimal plaster collapse.
In the photo of the tile repair 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 tiles will also cause difficulties, and the end result will not be perfect.
How is partial bathroom tiling done?
If a full-fledged repair frightens with its scale, then a partial one threatens to damage the surrounding surface. Such a problem is very easy to solve by choosing the right materials and technologies.
Principle of partial tile repair:
- Remove unusable items using one of thetechnique that best suits the situation. It is worth making such a choice so as not to damage nearby materials.
- Prepare the wall for laying new material: clean from dust and debris, putty and treat with antifungal agents, prime.
- Apply a mortar or a special tool for wall mounting with a spatula, and attach a tile under the level.
- When the tile is fully fixed, you can start processing the seams.
If everything is done correctly, then upon completion of the work you can see a photo of the renovation in the bathroom with tiles, which will show only positive results.
Which tool should I choose for tile repair?
Tile repairs in the bathroom cannot be done with only mortar and finishing material. You need to prepare special tools that will help in the process of work:
- A level that will help determine how skewed an element is.
- Trowels of various widths for easy application of mortar.
- Dispenser set.
- Spatulas of various widths.
The list may expand due to difficult situations, wall or tile damage. Sometimes the location of the material may lead to the need for additional tools.
Wall treatment before tiling
In order for a partial or complete repair of tiles in the bathroom to be of high quality, and the tiles to hold for a long time and not crack, it is worth properly preparing the wall:
- Sweep the dust off the wall where it wastile removed. To remove dust well, you can wash the rough surface with soapy water. To continue work, it is worth waiting until the wall dries.
- To prevent the appearance of mold and fungus under the tile or around it along the seam, it is recommended to spray the concrete with a special anti-fungal solution. You can buy the product at any hardware store.
- The surface of the wall needs to 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 the decorative material.
Next, you should wait about a day for the wall to dry. During puttying, it is worth using a special grid for plaster. This will preserve the integrity of the putty, and in the future will protect the tile from the appearance of microcracks, the seams will not be deformed.
Renovation of tiles in the bathroom without repair
Sometimes tile damage is minimal, but even small imperfections make a bathroom look much worse.
Designers who are engaged in interior design, using homemade decor elements and so-called life hacks, can offer these options for updating tiles:
- Completely color her in 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 with a print cut out.
- On the oldest tilesstick moisture-proof films with thematic drawings.
- Cover the most "terrible" places with shells, sea stones, starfish. Elements are attached to the tile with a glue gun.
In order for such updates to look fresh and of high quality, creating a completely new design and covering imperfections, it is worth updating the seams. It is better to choose new furniture in accordance with new color schemes. As a result, you will be able to get a photo of the bathroom after the tile repair is not worse than those published in fashion magazines.
General tile replacement algorithm
Before you start repairing the tiles in the bathroom, you should study the process algorithm for partial replacement of tiles. The principle of operation is as follows:
- Dismantle the old coating by choosing the right tool for this.
- Prepare the surface for laying new material.
- Prepare a mortar or other mixture for fixing tiles: silicone, liquid nails, foam.
- Mount the tiles according to the already laid rows of material.
- Treat the seams with a special solution.
The principle of partial replacement of tiles is the same as for a full repair. The difference lies in the dimensions of the repair.
Result after tile repair
Photos of bathrooms where partial tile replacement has been carried out may resemble images from interior design fashion magazines if all material replacement actions were carried out in accordance with the rules.
If a partialreplacement, it is important to make sure that those places where the tile is new are not noticeable. 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 setting of the level and preparation of the wall. But such a replacement will make it possible to realize the desired interior of any type.
Does it need to be repaired…
Repair of tiles in the bathroom and toilet may not only consist in replacing old elements with new ones. You can use other types of materials. Sea pebbles can be glued to the place where the tile was removed.
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. A simply aligned wall, which is then decorated, is also a simple and original solution.
