Removing Wall Tile Without Breaking Them

Step 3 remove the ceramic floor tiles.

Removing wall tile without breaking them.

The trick is to get the old tile out without damaging the surrounding tiles. A wide blade putty knife is helpful in prying the tiles loose. How to remove ceramic floor tile without breaking it. The easiest way to prevent damage is to use masking tape.

Corner tiles have two free sides making them easier to access and remove. Use a grout removing tool to remove the grout around the entire perimeter of the tile. Of course that you can do this operation mechanically by using a drill machine with hammering function but if you want to remove the tiles without breaking them it is better to do it by hand. Take your time to tap out the first one then attack the exposed.

Hammer the tile carefully with your chisel working from the center outward until part of the tile breaks off. If the tiles break instead of coming away try an air chisel instead. Ceramic is a type of glass. Start by removing all the grout using a grout saw rotary cutter oscillating tool or utility knife.

If the tiles are firmly attached you may not be able to remove them without breaking but here s how to give it a try. Next position a chisel in the grout line under the bottom of the tile and tap it gently with a hammer to see if the tile will pop loose be careful not to chip or crack the adjoining tile. Any type of vibration can cause ceramic floor tiles to crack. They are often secured with less adhesive.

Rip off two pieces and cross them in the center of each tile so as you are trying to pry them off the floor the masking tape can absorb the vibrations and minimize the risk of cracking. Protect your eyes and lungs from ceramic dust particles by wearing safety goggles and a heavy duty dust mask. There are a myriad of tools designed for this job which include grout saws carbide tipped tools and a grout removing bit that works in a dremel tool. In order to remove wall tiles one needs several tools.

The first tile is generally much harder than the rest. Pay particular attention to areas around doors and windows where decorative moldings and edging strips change direction. Once those tiles loosen pry them off. Tiles installed with thinset or another tile adhesive often require more work to remove them.

Remove the grout by using a rotary cutting tool to cut along all of the grout lines. A hammer a good chisel with two ends and a scraper. By working along the edge there are always two edges.