Don't Put Up With Damaged Stone Tiles When They Can Be Repaired Instead
Posted on: 25 April 2018
Stone tiles are durable and they usually last a long time, but they're not indestructible. If you drop a heavy object on stone, the stone can chip or crack. Fortunately, repairs may be possible without having to pull up the tile and replace it. Other times, the tile might need to be replaced. Here's a look at how stone is repaired.
The Stone Is Cleaned
The area is cleaned first to remove dirt and grit. Then the surface is allowed to dry completely. The damaged area might be sanded to get rid of sharp edges along the chip or crack. If it is sanded, all the dust must be cleaned away so the filler will adhere well.
A Filler Is Applied
To repair a chip or crack in stone tile, a filler is applied to the area. The filler may be white, earth tone, or clear. Dye can be added in small amounts to make the filler a close match to the color of the stone. When the color is just right, the filler is pressed into the chip or crack to fill in the damage. The top is scraped level with a razor or other sharp tool so the surface will be smooth. It may take several minutes for the filler to harden in place.
The Surface Is Gently Buffed
The final step in stone repair is to buff the surface of the repairs so there are no rough edges left from the dried filler. Since most stone has some flecks or grain lines, the repair job should blend right in and not be noticeable. You may want to seal the stone once repairs are complete so the filler is protected from damage.
The Tile May Need To Be Replaced
Sometimes a tile is knocked loose or has extensive damage when something heavy drops on it. Your tile repair person will consider the damage and decide if repairs are possible or if the tile should be replaced. You could opt for repairs first and if you think the results are too noticeable, then you could replace the tile. It's possible to damage other tiles when a broken one is removed, so the work must be done carefully. Finding an exact replacement might be difficult too, which is why it is recommended that you save a few spare tiles when the floor is first installed. If a new tile doesn't match exactly, you might place it in a less conspicuous place and move the old tile to the damaged area.
A professional will know the best way to replace a broken tile if it's necessary. Loose tiles are easy to repair by adding more grout. Cracked and chipped tiles are fairly easy to replace too. No matter what kind of damage you have, a tile professional can help you repair it so it isn't an eyesore in your home. To learn more, contact a company like Marble Tec Systems.
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