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How to Properly Remove Ceramic TilesThe first and most important step is scraping out all the grout from the borders of the tiles that you want to remove. This can be done by using a sharp utility knife or a razor blade mounted in a special holder. If the grout is soft, it can be scraped out easily, and since hard caulks will soften with heat, you can make the task easier by using a heat gun at a low setting or even a hair dryer.
When all the tiles are free of grout and caulk, lightly tap on the tiles to see if any are slightly loose, particularly tiles that are loose due to some water seepage. In fact, this deterioration in the walls behind the tiles is the frequent cause of most regrouting or recaulking jobs that unexpectedly turn into small renovations. These loose tiles can be most likely found near tub corners or places with moisture, and locating one will make the rest come off easily. To remove the tile, gently but forcefully push a thin putty knife 2" to 3" wide between the first tile you want to remove and its surrounding tiles, breaking any leftover grout that seals them together while moving around the edges. Each tile should be forced open away from the wall, with the tile corners easier to chip. You will also need to break the tiles if the wall is mortar. Despite all the care and patience you can muster while working, there is still a probability that you will break one or more tiles. Keep in mind that working too quickly will ensure tile breakage in one form or another. If breakage does occur, dont despair. Instead, use this as an opportunity to be creative, by using replacement tiles in another color that complement the existing tiles, or you can choose from a wide selection of available tile designs to come up with a unique tile pattern.
, Using Ceramic Tiles.com |
