The condition of your floor tile can dramatically affect the appearance and value of your home or business. Here are some tips to help you decide if you should restore or replace old floor tiles showing signs of wear.
When Can You Restore Tile?
Don’t automatically assume that all tile damage warrants replacement. Companies specializing in tile flooring restoration Mount Vernon NY, advise their clients to consider polishing, cleaning and restoring old tiles that show signs of wear. These affordable options also help home, and business owners avoid the disruption that accompanies a total floor replacement.
Professional restoration companies can address common tile problems, including chips, holes, stains, and dullness. In addition, their experts have the necessary experience to choose the best materials to address specific concerns. For example, they may apply caulk to fill small openings, but larger ones may require a polyester resin filler that is paintable to match the surrounding tile color. Special polishing and cleaning tools and cleansers can restore luster and remove stubborn stains for otherwise intact tiles.
Tiles restorers also examine grout for signs of wear that may require attention. Grout is essential for preventing water from seeping beneath tile, where it can lead to mold formation. Robust cleaning techniques can remove dirt and stains, though minor cracks usually require epoxy adhesive fillers.
When Should You Replace Tile?
Sometimes, replacing old tile floors is the only option. For example, when a large percentage of a floor’s tiles have cracks and chips or are missing, repair attempts will not yield satisfactory results and may contribute to an unattractive appearance.
In addition to aesthetic issues, safety should be a significant factor when considering replacing old tile floors. For example, loose tiles can lead to injuries and trap moisture that can compromise the underlying floor’s structure, causing it to warp.
Home and business owners should not hesitate to replace tile floors when repairs can not restore their proper function.
The author, Dr. David K Simson is a trained radiation oncologist specializing in advanced radiation techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) / Rapid Arc, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). He is also experienced in interstitial, intracavitary, and intraluminal brachytherapy.