Wall tiles came off and won't fit back on

AliceBanned

Hi


Several wall tiles buckled outwards and I had to remove them, behind my cooker and further along on the same wall. Would this happen if they weren't put on properly in the first place? Meaning they weren't spaced out enough?


Trying to put them back in I will need to cut two of them as there is insufficient space. I presume the wall expanded but there is very little grout space in between the tiles. I bought a small manual tile 'cutter' in B&Q but it really just scrapes off a tiny amount. Can anyone advise how I cut off maybe 2-3mm from a tile? Thanks.

Mr.Generous

with a grout space all round tile I don't see hw they won't fit back in - you can trim a tile with a wet diamond type tile cutter

greatgimpo

Mr.Generous wrote: »

with a grout space all round tile I don't see hw they won't fit back in - you can trim a tile with a wet diamond type tile cutter

Or if it's just a shave, maybe a good rub along both sides over a flat surface with abrasive cloth/paper.

Tothepoint.

I wouldn't even entertain fitting them back until you know why they came off in the first place.

AliceBanned

Thanks everyone. I've posted a pic. Not sure why they came off but been on there for about 13 years. It looks to me like they were fixed too closely together in the first place?


I have just attached one to each side and two below the space left to fill - no grout yet but there is only tiny space for the grout. As you can see it is behind the cooker so maybe some condensation got in.

AliceBanned

http://www.diy.com/departments/light-duty-330mm-tile-cutter/1120042_BQ.prd?icamp=recs&rrec=true


Before I go out and spend money on tools I don't need, would this be the best for such a small job, or would clippers do it? I believe 'cutting' tiles is a bit of an anomaly as you can snip them and then snap the bit off?

Norman_Castle

Try turning the tile 90 degrees.

Use a brick wall or a slab as a tile file.

Le_Kirk

That tool you indicate is overkill for a one-off job and anyway it is hardly likely to help as you want such a small piece removing. As advised in other posts, you could try abrading the edge. If you want to try to remove a small piece from the edge you still need to mark a line with a diamond cutter (tile scribe like this) and then try to break small pieces off with snips. Be careful though it is very easy to break off large pieces - I know from personal experience!!

AliceBanned

Well I finally managed - used a tile scribe and then snipped bits off with pliers. I went to buy a file then saw in Homebase the same tiles, a tiny bit smaller so bought two new ones. the white is slightly different but it looks ok.


The whole lot needs redoing at some point so it isn't a bad job as a temporary measure. I am now going to tackle some bits behind the sink where the tiles are loose and I also need to re-do the seal there.


It is hard to get the grouting neat when you are new to this but I guess I am getting some practice on cheap white tiles. Not sure whether I would do the whole job myself, when I do redecorate - think I'd prefer to get a pro to do it as it will look so much better. Will try to post a pic..