Q: I had new ceramic tile installed in my kitchen a few months ago. My wife dropped a bowl on the floor and chipped one of the tiles. I have the chip, is this repairable with glue? My contractor said if he replaced one tile it may loosen the ones around it.
A: It is not advisable to try to repair a chipped tile with
glue. Contrary to what your contractor told you, it is entirely
possible to replace a single tile without affecting the tiles
around it, as long as the technician practices patience and uses
the right tools. That's not to fault your contractor, however.
It's always advisable for a professional to pass on a job if he
is unsure that he can perform the job to a customer's complete
satisfaction.
In fact, the tile contractor who originally set the tile is often not the person to call; in the current construction boom, licensed tile contractors are usually too busy to even make repairs. For best results, you need a tile repair specialist, the type of person/business that also replaces grout. They make their living doing this sort of thing.
Hopefully you saved a few tiles from the original project to cover this very circumstance. If not, you may still be able to buy some more, and if so, pick up a few extra! The color might vary slightly since tile is a natural product and each batch can turn out slightly different, but a new tile will be better than one with a glued chip. You might also consider putting some rugs in the kitchen where you are most likely to drop dishes.
Visit Service Magic, fill out a service request (it's free) and be matched with the ideal tile repair specialist in your area.
by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of Service Magic
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