laying them...

[bunnycd]

I have 3 tiles 33cm in my kitchen that are broken, I have removed them bought grout and adhesive. I am chipping away at some of the old adhesive but I don't really know what I am doing any tips?

 

[aqua blue]

Hi bunny, are they ceramic glazed tiles and what wall material were they stuck to?

 

[Rich]

Why are they broken? Was something dropped on them or could there be a problem with the substrate? More info please... Only tip I could give you now would be to wear gloves so you dont cut your hands to ribbons

 

[cass]

As above if the substrate is not sound under tiles thers no point replacing them again.

 

[bunnycd]

I don't know why they cracked, I have got the 3 of the tiles up and it looks like they have 3 bricks covered in adhesive as well as a flat bit so 50 percent of the layer underneath is slightly raised, so it is a square but at the top is a brick and that is all covered in adhesive which I have been trying to remove. I have removed some of the adhesive but it looks like I need to make sure it is all flush and flat but this is going to be difficult to do.

I think what has happened over the years when people stand on the tiles it was not level, which is why they cracked. They are in an area of the kitchen where people walk alot to get to the living room.

The tiles in the kitchen are ceramic but I have porcelain ones to replace them!

 

[Rich]

Hmm... I might have to see pics of this as I have no idea what you mean. Sorry.

 

[Bolter]

The tiles in the kitchen are ceramic but I have porcelain ones to replace them!

The porcelain ones will still fail if there is an underlying problem and it doesnt get fixed. Or indeed if they are laid wrong.

Pics would help

 

[scribbler]

So they were floor tiles that were on an uneven surface, with voids underneath. That explains the reason why they cracked. Floor tiles need to have full support underneath, so best to go back to solid surface and build up flat and level before replacing with new tile. You'll need a cementitious adhesive for porcelain tiles and aim for complete coverage once tile is pressed into place. (if your tile has voids on the back, fill them with adhesive and smooth off before putting it in place) Use rubber gloves because cementitious ahesive is alkaline and can attack your skin - same goes for most grout.

 

[scribbler]

p.s. the other tiles on your floor that haven't cracked, may be hiding similar problems underneath and might fail at a later date

 

[Rich]

Good advice above but it needs to be a polymer modified adhesive.