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How to Fix a Loose Floor Tile Without Removing It
Nobody wants to come across loose floor tiles. They cause unpleasant noises such as crunching and grinding and can lead to tiles becoming cracked or broken. Fixing uneven tiles without removing them can seem like a daunting task but will be invariably cheaper than replacing them when they inevitably break. Thankfully, there are easy ways to do this without even having to remove the offending tile.
So, here at Fix-A-Floor, we’ve put together our guide on how to repair a loose tile as well as how to repair a cracked tile without removing it.
Understanding Loose Floor Tiles
Why Do Floor Tiles Become Loose?
Understanding why your floor tiles have become loose is important as it will inform how you go about fixing them.
Incorrect installation - The first reason your floor tiles may have become loose is incorrect or poor installation. If the adhesive keeping the tiles secure was not applied correctly during initial fitting, the tiles won’t bond properly and will become loose over time.
Poor quality adhesive – Tiles can also become loose over time when a poor-quality adhesive has been used, as it won’t provide the length or strength of hold that it needs to.
Aging adhesive - Over time, the adhesive used to secure floor tiles can deteriorate due to moisture exposure, temperature changes or simply time. All these factors lead to loose and unstable floor tiles.
Subfloor issues - Over time, subfloors can move or settle, causing tiles to lose their grip. Changes in temperature, humidity or structural problems with the building can all cause this. Also, pressure points from an uneven subfloor can cause tiles to loosen or crack. Irregularities should be fixed before installing tiles. Problems with moisture in the subfloor can also weaken the adhesive or lead to material warping and buckling.
Subfloor material incompatibility - Finally, one of the other issues causing loose tiles is if the subfloor material wasn’t meant for tile installation in the first place. Extra preparation might be needed to stop tile movement, especially for plywood subfloors.
Now you know what can cause tiles to become loose or break, it’s time to learn the best techniques for tile repair without removal.
How to Fix a Loose Tile Floor
We have three easy tile maintenance techniques that have been tried and tested, sure to provide a long-term fix with minimal fuss.
Re-Adhering Loose Tiles with Adhesive
One of the easiest answers to the question ‘How to fix a loose floor tile without removing it?’ is to re-adhere it with adhesive. We recommend using our Fix-A-Floor Adhesive, which is specifically designed to tackle loose floor tiles as well as various other flooring issues you may have. Additionally, Fix-A-Floor loose tile adhesive is designed to work on all manner of floor materials – from wood, porcelain, stone, marble and even tiles with underfloor heating.
Applying Fix-A-Floor Adhesive is simple. You’ll just need an adhesive tube, a caulk gun to apply, a drill, a non-abrasive cloth and some sort of weighted object (this can be partially filled buckets of water).
- Drill holes in the grout lines around your loose tile (2-4 holes is a good benchmark), unscrew the cap from your Fix-A-Floor tube, cut the end of the tube to match the size of your drilled holes.
- Next load the adhesive into the caulk gun before slowly injecting the adhesive into the holes.
- The adhesive should eventually rise out of one of the opposing drilled holes, letting you know the space has been filled!
- Any excess adhesive can be easily wiped away with a damp cloth.
- All that’s left now is to apply weight to the fixed area and allow the adhesive to cure for at least 24 hours.
For more assistance on how to use Fix-A-Floor adhesive, check out our guide on how to fix loose tiled or hollow floors.
Using Fillers and Grout
Sometimes, maintaining your tiles just requires a little filler and grout. Make sure to choose a grout colour that matches your existing lines unless you want some funky-looking floor tiles! Grout can be purchased from most DIY or tile stores.
The tools you need are also easy to get your hands on, including a filler or adhesive, for larger areas a grout float for spreading the grout (otherwise for small holes you can just use your finger), a sponge to clean excess grout, a bucket for mixing the grout (unless it’s pre-mixed) and some protective gear for your hands and eyes.
- Start by cleaning the loose tile and surrounding area to remove any dirt, debris or loose grout. If your existing grout is cracked or simply deteriorated, remove it using a utility knife or a grout rake while being careful not to damage the tiles themselves.
- With the grout mixed, use your grout float (or finger) to press the grout into the gaps between the loose tile and the surrounding tiles, ensuring the gap is filled. Smooth out the grout and remove any excess.
- Next, press the tiles in place firmly, making sure they are level with adjacent tiles. You could even use a rubber mallet or wooden block to gently tap them into place.
- You may also have some gaps or cracks around the edges of the tile that haven’t been or can’t be filled by the grout. If this is the case, use a filler to correct them.
- Once placed, allow the grout to dry for typically 24 to 48 hours, and make sure to keep the area dry during this period and prevent anyone from walking on it.
- You could opt to seal the grout with grout sealer once it has cured. This will provide additional protection against moisture and staining.
Finally, clean the tiles with a damp cloth to remove any residue from the grout and filler. Sorted!
Injecting Epoxy Underneath the Tiles
Our final resolution for ‘How to fix a loose floor tile’ is epoxy. Epoxy, a type of adhesive formed by mixing epoxy resin and hardener, is an alternative way to fix loose floor tiles. These two substances are stored in separate containers and are only mixed when used. The process of injecting epoxy underneath the tiles is practically the same as using an adhesive. However, the best way to get the epoxy underneath the tile is to use an injector kit for precise application.
When epoxy is used correctly, it can also provide a long-lasting solution, ensuring the tile remains secure for years to come, although this is a relatively expensive option.
Fix-A-Floor provides long-lasting fixes for loose floor tiles, without the need to remove them, at a fraction of the cost (and mess) of an Epoxy Resin. Explore our range of adhesive products and repair kits to manage all types of floor tile repairs.
How to Fix Different Tile Issues Without Removing Them
1 – Fixing Uneven Tiles
We’re starting with an anomaly here because, unfortunately, there is no way to fix uneven tiles without removing them. However, the process is relatively simple and can be done with basic tools.
Uneven tiles are caused by poor installation or warping in the wall or floor they’re attached to. To get them even again, you need to carefully remove them, address the underlying issue and then refit them using these steps:
- Use a tile saw to break up the grout around the edge of the tile before digging it out.
- Take a chisel, apply the tip to where the tile meets the wall or floor, angle it, and gently tap your way around the tile to free it.
- Using a scraping tool, remove any mortar from the back of the tile and the floor or wall – if the wall or floor itself is the issue, these will need to be levelled too.
- Apply new adhesive to back of the tile, and set it back into the hole, level this time.
- Let the adhesive cure for the recommended time.
- Place fresh grout into the gaps around the tile using a grout float and wipe away any excess before allowing to dry.
2 – Repairing Cracked Tiles
Repairing a cracked tile without removing it is a relatively simple process.
- Clean the affected area and asses the scale of the crack.
- Mix an epoxy resin and apply to the crack using a toothpick or other fine tool to create a smooth surface.
- Remove any excess epoxy and allow to cure.
- If necessary, you can paint over the crack in a matching shade to disguise it.
- Regrout any edges where grout was also damaged.
3 – Addressing Chipped Tiles
The next question we’re going to address is ‘How to fix a chipped tile without replacing it?’
- Clean the affected area and remove any loose debris.
- Mix an epoxy resin and use it to fill the chip, or, if you have the loose piece, use the epoxy as an adhesive to re-adhere it – make sure either the epoxy replacement or missing piece is level with the rest of the tile.
- Remove any excess epoxy from the surface and let it cure.
- If the repair is too visible, you can paint over it using a matching colour paint.
- Repair any damaged grout.
4 – Managing Grout Issues
The final issue we’re going to provide a solution for is how to repair grout on a tile floor.
- Clean any problem areas and remove loose materials.
- Mix your grout per manufacturer's instructions.
- Use either a grout float, other flat tool or your finger, depending on the size of the damage, and press the grout into any gaps, ensuring to leave a smooth surface.
- Wipe away any excess grout with a damp sponge or cloth.
- Allow the grout to harden.
As a final step, you can choose to apply a grout sealer which will protect the grout from moisture and staining.
