How do you know if you should replace or repair your tiles

Durable, functional, easy to maintain, and versatile, tiles are often the preferred option for flooring. However, as tough and scratch-resistant as they may be, they are not susceptible to chips and cracks due to daily use. 
This is what brings us to the big question- whether to replace or repair your tile floors. 
This blog simplifies this decision for you and shares key factors that you need to consider before repairing or replacing your tile floors.
Continue reading to know more.
 
What are some common tile issues?
 
Before we talk about repairing or replacing your tile floors, let’s understand some common tile issues. 
Wear and tear and lack of proper maintenance often leads to issues such as:
 

 
Repair or replace: What should you choose?
 
Deciding between repairing or replacing your tile floor is mainly dependent on two factors:
 

 
When is tile repairing the right decision?
 
It is a known fact that repairing is an economical and faster option, which requires just a few hours and minimal tools. On the other hand, it offers a temporary solution and you may not be able to find the exact material. 
Replacing your tiles gives your home a design uplift and offers a permanent solution. At the same time, it is expensive and takes a long time. Not to mention, it is a major project and requires you to hire professionals. 
Having said that, let’s look at scenarios where repairs are advised:
 
Tiny holes 
 
Holes on your tiles are a telltale sign of damage. These may happen due to accidental drilling or removing switch plates. Fortunately, this is minor damage and can be fixed quickly. 
All you need to do is to clean the tile hole off the debris and fill it with a foam sealant or polyester resin and let it dry. 
 
Dullness
 
Over time, tiles tend to lose their newness and sheen. This leads to dullness and fading setting in, which may make your house look worn out. But you don’t have to live with faded tiles.
To shine your tiles, combine water and vinegar in a 2:1 ratio and scrub your tiles in light circular motions. Rinse the residue using clean water. 
 
Stains
 
Tile stains are mostly caused by cleaning chemicals, acid spills, or calcium deposits from leaky water faucets. 
Thankfully, stains are easy to clean and you don’t need to replace your tile floors. Just mix one cup of bleach and ten cups of water and place this mixture on the stain using a piece of cloth. Leave the mixture on for about 10-15 minutes and clean with warm water. 
 
When is tile replacement the right option?
 
Tenting 
 
When your tiles look pushed up or in the shape of a peak, they are said to be tenting. The most common reason for this is when there is thermal expansion. When the room gets heated due to heaters or sunlight, the tiles get heated up and expand upwards. 
This not just causes the floor to look unkempt, but makes it difficult to walk also.
When there is extensive tenting, then we recommend replacing the tiles. Not doing this in time, may cause the tiles to shatter and cause injuries. 
 
Loose tiles
 
Several reasons cause the tiles to become loose. These include using the wrong adhesive while laying the tiles or welling up of moisture or water under the flooring due to leakages. 
Loose tiles not just creak when you walk over them, but are also a safety hazard. They may cause people, especially children and the elderly, to fall and hurt themselves. This certainly warrants a replacement.
 
Extensive chipping and cracking
 
Although tile floors are durable and resistant to cracks, certain factors may cause them to crack or chip extensively. For instance, dragging or dropping heavy pieces of furniture on them can lead to cracking. Appliances such as refrigerators, when placed on ceramic tiles, may cause them to break. 
These cracks and chips may cause severe injuries, especially to pets, the elderly, and children walking over them. 
Such tiles shouldn’t be ignored and must be replaced immediately. 
 
Summing up
 
Deciding between repairs and replacement is never an easy decision. There may be tricky situations when you may feel that repairs will refresh your floors, only to learn later that replacing will be a better option. The same goes for replacing the tiles. Whatever, be the case, for addressing the problem and preventing future damages, you need a professional opinion. Justtilesetters makes it incredibly simple to connect with experienced, credible, and affordable tile professionals in your area. Download the app today to rejuvenate your tile floors.