Tiles give our spaces a polished look, resist spills, and hold up well under the heavy foot traffic. They are the unsung heroes of our homes.
But like everything else, tiles depreciate. Overtime, you will see chips or grout or cracks. The biggest concern is whether to replace or repair the damaged tile?
If you are unsure, it is wise to search online for a ‘handy man near me’ and find a pro. They are in the best place to tell you what needs to be done.
Besides, you can hire them to do it because they have the skills, tools, and experience to handle the tile project.
Finding a skilled local contractor and handyman across the US is made easy with online platforms designed to connect customers with experts.
When to repair tile……
Repairing tile is often a quicker and more affordable option than replacement. Here are a few situations, where a repair makes sense:
- Small cracks or chips: If your floor shows a couple of tiles with minor damage, repairing them is usually the way to go.
A good handyman with fill the cracks with epoxy or replace a single damaged tile skilfully without earing up the entire floor.
- Loose tiles: Loose tiles can often be positioned back with fresh adhesive. As long as the surrounding tiles in good shape, a repair is all you need.
- Stained grout: Discoloured or grimy grout can make your tiles look dull and old. Re-grouting or using a grout cleaner can bring that fresh look back without tile replacement.
- Budget constraints: Full tile replacement is costly. If you have a tight budget, repairs can extend the life of your tiles, until you are financially capable for the bigger project.
When to replace tile……
Sometimes the need is more than repairs. Here are situations, where you need to say goodbye to your old tile:
- Widespread damage: If multiple tiles are loose, cracked or chipped, it is more cost-effective to replace the entire area.
If you ignore, the damage may get worse forcing you to an extremely expensive full replacement tile project.
- Outdated design: Trends change, what was once considered as stylish can quickly feel outdated. If your tile is giving the ‘80s’ vibes, a replacement can help to give your space a modern look.
- Water damage: Kitchen and bathroom tiles are prone to water damage. If you see moldy grout or tiles lifting because of moisture, it is sensible to replace them.
If not addressed on time, water damage to the tiles can lead to bigger issues in near future.
- Structural issues: Sometimes, damaged tiles are a sign of a bigger issue like foundation shifting or rotting subfloor. In such cases, fixing the underlying issue and tile replacement is essential.
Wrapping up
Deciding whether to repair or replace your tile depends on the damage extent, your budget and your aesthetic goals.
Minor issues get fixed with a simple repair but widespread damage or outdated tiles call for a full replacement. Remember, to hire local professionals to ensure the job gets done right the first time!