Tiles are a great way to make your bathroom look great and provide practical benefits such as water resistance, longevity and durability against heavy traffic, with minimal cleaning and maintenance. However, when they get accidentally damaged, all of that goes out the window. So whether its from dropping a heavy object such as a perfume bottle, a tradie dropping a tool, movement in your house, or wear and tear – damaged tiles can be a real eyesore to your bathroom. The good news is that you’ve got several options that won’t break the bank or require the expense of a complete bathroom renovation!
Common Causes of Tile Damage
Impacts and Pressure:
- Dropping heavy items like hair dryers, glass perfume bottles, shampoo bottles, or even a wayward phone can chip tiles instantly.
- Placing excessive weight on tiles that aren’t properly supported underneath can cause cracks to develop over time.
Installation Issues:
- Improperly installed tiles without enough adhesive or uneven subfloors can lead to cracks as the house settles.
- Insufficient grout or sealant allows moisture to penetrate beneath tiles, causing them to loosen or crack.
- When installing bathroom taps or spigots, holes can be cut slightly larger than needed which can result in gaps showing.
Temperature Fluctuations:
- Dramatic changes in temperature (especially in bathrooms with inadequate ventilation) can cause tiles to expand and contract, eventually leading to cracks.
Water Damage:
- Persistent leaks or standing water can weaken adhesives and damage the tile substrate, causing tiles to become loose or cracked.
Your Repair Options
Single Tile Replacement: If you have spare tiles from your original installation (always a good idea to keep a few!), replacing a single damaged tile is possible. However, this can be tricky without professional tools and expertise, and the new tile might stand out if the others have faded or weathered over time. There is also the risk that nearby tiles and the underlying waterproof membrane may be damaged as part of this process.
Creative Concealment: For unique situations, decorative elements like bath mats, small furniture pieces, or strategically placed accessories can hide damage until a proper repair or replacement can be arranged.
Professional Tile Repair: The most convenient and often most cost-effective solution is a professional repair. Specialists, like FIX ‘N’ CHIPS, can fix individual chips and cracks in ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles, matching colors and textures so precisely that the repair becomes incredibly hard to see. Professional repairers will be upfront and honest with you on the standard of repair you can expect so you can make an educated decision to suit your outcome and budget. This option saves you from the expense and hassle of retiling your entire bathroom.
DIY Patch Kits: For minor chips or small cracks, DIY epoxy or tile repair kits are available at hardware stores. These can be effective for temporary fixes but often don’t match the original tile’s texture and finish perfectly.
Complete Retiling: As a last resort for extensive damage across multiple tiles, retiling might be necessary. However, many homeowners are pleasantly surprised to learn that professional repair services can address even significant damage without requiring a full renovation.
Don’t let that damaged tile ruin your bathroom’s appeal or your day! With modern repair techniques, most tile damage can be fixed quickly, affordably, and with results that will have you forgetting the damage was ever there. Your bathroom can be back to its beautiful best without emptying your wallet on a major renovation.
If you want a no-obligation free quote to get your tile damage repaired, get in touch with us today via the chat in the right hand corner or via the enquiry form on our website. All we need is a photo of the damage to connect you with your local franchisee repair expert who can give you a free accurate quote, and once approved, get the job booked in.
