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I need help in repairing a broken tile front porch. My house was built in the mid 70’s with this type of porch. Now after 20+ years of winters, several of the broken tiles have “popped” up and need to be put back. What do I need to do the prepare the base, and what type of cement or concert do I need to secure and grout it with? any help would be great. Thanks in advance, Paul
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Paul,
If some of the tiles have popped, there is a good chance that others will also. First go over the whole area with a something the size and weight of a nail punch and lightly tap all the tiles. Any that are about to lift will sound hollow or "drummy".
Depending on the are of the porch and the condition of the sub-stratae, your choice is to either remove all the tiles and relay, ( preferably with new ones) or if there are only a few loose tiles, then replace just them.
To remove a tile that is drummy but locked in around some sound ones, first cut out the grout around the tile, then either prise it out or smash it and remove. ( by removing the grout first you don't put pressure on the surrounding tiles and cause them to pop or chip). The easiest way to remove the grout is with a small diamond blade in a grinder, ( or a masonary blade )
Once you have removed all the offending tiles and cleaned up the sub- stratae , you are ready to reglue and grout. Check with your local tile supply for a suitable glue, or someone here may be able to give you a brand specific ( I can't as I'm in another hemishere). Grout is available in a bag, or you can make your own with equal parts portland cement and fine sand.
Have fun.
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Agree with all the above but I re-"glue" with latex-added thin set. I like Hydroment products more than Custom (available at Home Depot). Just be aware that when you add more grout (next to old grout) you'll be essentially making a "cold joint" and expect cracking there. You could get fancy and buy special caulk made by Hydroment, color matched to your old grout, and sanded and use that instead.
Have fun.
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I need help in repairing a broken tile front porch. My house was built in the mid 70's with this type of porch. Now after 20+ years of winters, several of the broken tiles have "popped" up and need to be put back. What do I need to do the prepare the base, and what type of cement or concert do I need to secure and grout it with? any help would be great. Thanks in advance, Paul