How to Repair and Replace Travertine Tile
Even though you take good care of the travertine tile, unexpected accidents may occur and tile might need repairments or replacement. One of the most common problems that destroy the tile is related to the subflooring or to the improper installation. Fixing or replacing them when needed is the best way to keep your floor beautiful and exquisite.
How to Repair a Loose Tile
At first you need to identify the loose tiles. This can be deduced by listening to the noise when walked on the tile or you can look for a hollow sound when the tile is hit. You can either replace the tile (recommended) or inject an epoxy glue solution underneath the tile in order for it to rebond tot the subfloor.
In order to repair the loose tile you will need tools: drill, carbide tipped blade equal to or slightly smaller than the grout joint size, a large construction syringe, a high quality two part epoxy and matching grout.
For gluing, carefully drill holes into the grout joints on either side of the loose tile. Inject the epoxy glue solution into one hole until it’s enough (it should work its way through the tile to come out the hole on the other side). You may also use a golf tee in the other hole to ensure that the glue fills all voids and not just comes on the other side. Allow it time to cure and afterwards fill the holes with the matching grout. And so, you have just repaired a loose tile.
How to Repair a Damaged Subfloor
If you know you have a damaged subfloor, make sure you repair it before the installation of a new flooring. This should be done in order to prevent nasty complications and problems as time passes by. If the damage is made after the installation of another floor, tile must be removed in order to expose it. This way you will have a lot more to work on. Appropriate tools for these kinds of problems would be: reciprocating saw, circular saw, jigsaw or handsaw. Use them to remove (carefully!) any damaged subfloor material. When using these tools, don’t forget to wear safety clothes in order to protect yourself from accidents. Try to avoid hurting the areas that are not damaged (be careful with the other tiles). After removing the damaged material, replace it with new materials and secure it properly. Once all of these tasks have been fulfilled, install the new tile floor and don’t forget to read instructions about it as well.