In my bathroom, there is a tile that has become lose. Can I just pry it out, then put new grout around it and it will be okay? I really don't wan to have to redo the entire floor.
Also, around the tub, the caulking no longer completely fills the gap. can I just add new stuff in the new gap, or should I remove all before doing so? I really want to put as little effort into this as possible.
and one last question. what's a good way to clean the grout (to get it back to a nice white)? when we moved in, it was already discolored, and I am kind of scared to bleach it because maybe it's too hard on the tiles? What do you think?
2006-09-10 22:27:39 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If you pry out the tile and it resists, you could easily break it. So be careful. A new tile won't match the old ones, they fade over time and each batch is slightly different.
While it's possible to get it back in there, it will not be with "little effort". You'll have to find a way to grind off the old grout to make room for a new adhesive. Could be the old grout never stuck right in the first place, who knows? Try getting it off, you'll see.
You have to get the old caulk out before new caulk will stick. Make sure it's clean and dry before adding more caulk. A vaccum cleaner and hair dryer make that go faster.
Tiles or other cleaners can get the grout white again. But if the stain is highly resistant, you'll need a grout saw to grind off the top layer and add a new layer. If you did that, you would want to follow up with grout sealer (like the last guy did NOT do).
If that's too much effort, you can tape it down "as is" with clear postal tape and let it be. I have seen clear duct tape, but it's opaque.
2006-09-11 05:56:00 · answer #1 · answered by n0witrytobeamused 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Firstly u can lever the loose tile up , make sure underneath is dry, then put down some floor cement (ideally u need to use a special kind for wet areas) to make it adhere to the floor, push tile down, use a spirit level to make sure its straight, then wipe away any access cement, when its dry u can put the grout around it
You really need to remove all the old caulking before putting new stuff in, just take an hour to scrape all the old stuff away, let it dry properly, preferably for a few days then redo
Bleach is fine on grout, it wont harm it .
ALthough u dont wanna take too much trouble to do these things, if you cut corners ur gonna be doing it again in a short while, do it properly now and it will last forever
2006-09-10 22:38:38 · answer #2 · answered by livachic2005 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A better question is why did the tile loosen in the first place? Most tile floors are leveled with a layer of mortar or backer board before installation. If you have tiles popping up, then either your house is beginning to settle or the tile was installed incorrectly. When re-installing, make sure that the floor is level under the repair, and that the mortar has enough contact with the tile to adhere. (Any of the newer grout cleaners will work on the discoloration, try Lowe's or Home Depot)
2006-09-11 00:57:12 · answer #3 · answered by mouse2006 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the loose one cannot be put back in. you will never get the back of the tile clean. you will need to get new tile, remortar it, then regrout it. always remove all old caulking before applying a new bead. there are grout cleaners available at hardware stores. bleach will not harm tile or grout
2006-09-10 22:36:26 · answer #4 · answered by eddy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
answer 1 is yes but clean tile, answer 2 is remove all chalk then add new, answer to 3 is, any hardware store sells grout cleaner
2006-09-14 12:14:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋