Figuring out how to remove a kitchen tile is a
simple process if you know how to do it correctly, but it is more than
just pulling out the cracked tile and snapping in a replacement.
A properly grouted kitchen tile floor acts almost
like a single sheet of flooring. Simply hammering out the tile causes a
chain reaction that would damage all the surrounding tiles and create
more work than is necessary. The following steps on how to remove a
single kitchen tile will guide you down the right path.
The materials you will require to successfully
accomplish the task of how to remove a kitchen tile are: a grout saw,
hammer, chisel, a cloth, vacuum, matching replacement tile, adhesive,
putty knife, trowel, grout, grout float, and sponge.
Cutting the Grout
First, isolate the tile by cutting away the grout
connecting it to the surrounding tiles. This step is the most tedious
to accomplish, as the job of grout is to solidify like concrete to
strengthen the integrity of the tile floor.
The older the grout, the easier this will be to
remove. This can be accomplished by using a grout saw or an electric
rotary cutting tool (recommended considering the amount of time this
step takes). After all the grout is removed, move to the next step on
how to remove a kitchen tile.
Removing the Damaged Tile
Lay a cloth over the damaged tile and hammer to
break it into smaller pieces. A cloth is needed to protect the rest of
the floor from cracking from the vibrations. Wearing gloves, remove the
broken tile pieces until all that remains is the old adhesive under the
tile. Use a chisel to remove the adhesive without gouging the floor
beneath.
Vacuum up all adhesive fragments and repeat the
chisel process until the floor is completely clean. This step on how to
remove a kitchen tile is vital, as a new tile won??t stick properly if
the floor is not bare.
Setting in the Replacement Tile
Take your replacement tile and spread new adhesive
on the back using a putty knife. Use a trowel to smooth the adhesive
across the entire back surface so that no corner is forgotten. Set the
tile into the hole where the old tile used to be and tap it gently into
place with the soft handle of a hammer until it has adhered to the
floor.
Allow it to dry for 24 hours. The next day, press
grout around the edges of the tile using a grout float, and then wipe
the area clean of excess grout with a sponge. That is how to remove a
kitchen tile and replace it properly.
More Tips
A few closing grout removal tips as you follow the steps on how to remove a kitchen tile:
Patience is key when removing the grout
surrounding the tile. All the grout must be removed, not just a simple
cut separating one tile to the other.
Take care when removing the grout from the edges
near the good tiles. Damaging those edges could mean needing to replace
those tiles as well.
Do not fret. Removing grout is nott an exact
science so an extra damaged tile can sometimes pass if it is not
cracked. Just take care and watch what you are doing.
(cn-stonenet.com)