Case 1

Remedial

Step 1. Remove the Tile

Place tinfoil over the damaged tile and press a warm iron on the tinfoil until the damaged tile is pliable. Cut into the center of the tile with a utility knife and pry up the tile from the center cut using a putty knife. Do not pry from the edges of the tile because it might damage the surrounding tiles.

Step 2. Scrape Away Old Adhesive

Apply mineral spirits to the floor that was under the damaged tile and, using a putty knife, scrape away the old floor covering adhesive. Test fit the new tile to make sure it fits properly in the space. If the tile is too big, trim the edges with a utility knife until the tile fits.

Step 3. Replace With New Tile

Using a clothes iron, warm the new tile which has been covered with a sheet of tinfoil. (This avoids discoloration.) Once the tile is flexible, apply adhesive to the floor with a notched trowel and drop the tile into place. Press the tile down firmly and wipe away any seeping adhesive with mineral spirits. Use scrap wood under buckets of water to weigh the tile down until it dries.