Perhaps the preexisting mortar has finally worn out, or maybe you’ve destroyed some of your tiles in an attempt to drill a hole – in which case, this section is for you
Photo by Andrew Buchanan on Unsplash.
Beneath your tile is a thin layer of adhesive or mortar, beneath that is the wall’s plaster finish, and beneath that is the concrete or brick of your wall.
The layers are usually the same for floors, but in areas that come in regular contact with water (bathrooms, kitchens, or balconies and other outdoor areas), there’s typically a layer of waterproofing laid directly on the structure and up the walls. Be careful with your scraping or you might need to replace that as well – and that’s a little more complicated.
A cross-section diagram of a typical wet area. Dimensions have been exaggerated for your ease of reference here.
1. You’ll need to crack and pry out the tile using a hammer and chisel, or the hammer function on your drill,
2. cut out the grout in between the tiles and scrape off the mortar, then
3. ensure that the thin layer of cement underneath is intact. If it isn’t, you may need to repair the wall first.
Once the offending tile has been removed, you’ll be able to proceed with replacing it.
Disclaimer
This article is intended to convey general information only. It does not constitute advice for your specific needs. This article cannot disclose all of the risks and other factors necessary to evaluate a particular situation.
Any interested party should study each situation carefully. You should seek and obtain independent professional advice for your specific needs and situation.
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