When to replace tiles, and can old tiles be reused?

Tiles last a long time, but not forever. Sometimes the tile is fine and the problem is underneath; sometimes the room simply looks tired. This guide covers the signs that tiles need attention, when you can tile over the old ones, and whether lifted tiles can be used again.

Signs your tiles need replacing

• Cracked or chipped tiles: one or two can often be replaced on their own if you have spares.
• Hollow or drummy tiles: tap them with a coin handle. A hollow sound means the tile has lost its bond and may crack or lift.
• Failing grout: cracked, missing or permanently stained grout lets water in. Regrouting can help if the tiles are sound.
• Leaks and water damage: swollen skirtings, flaking paint outside the shower or stains on the ceiling below point to failed waterproofing. In that case the tiles usually have to come up so the waterproofing can be redone.
• Mould that keeps coming back: often a sign of moisture behind the tiles or poor ventilation.
• The room no longer works: a dated colour or layout is a perfectly good reason to renovate.

Can you tile over existing tiles?

Sometimes. Tiling over tiles can work on a dry floor or wall where the old tiles are firmly bonded, flat and clean, and where the extra height will not upset doors, skirtings, floor wastes or the fall of a shower. It is not a fix for a leaking shower: if the waterproofing has failed, the old tiles need to come off. Ask your tiler to check the bond and the levels first.

Can old tiles be removed and reused?

Rarely in practice. Most tiles are fixed with cement based adhesives designed to bond permanently, so lifting them usually cracks a good share. Cleaning old adhesive off the back is slow, and the surviving tiles may still be chipped at the edges. Small numbers of tiles laid on a weak bond may come up intact, and that can be worth trying for a heritage tile you cannot replace.

The better plan is to keep spares. When you order, allow about 10 percent extra for cuts and keep a box or two for future repairs. Colours vary between production batches, so spares from your original order are the best match.

Replacing just a few tiles

If a tile cracks, a tiler can usually cut out the grout, remove the broken tile and fit a spare without disturbing the rest. This is another reason to keep spares labelled with the range and batch.

Planning a full replacement

1. Book a free measure so quantities are right.
2. Choose tiles by job: floor tiles, wall tiles and feature tiles.
3. Read the bathroom renovation planning checklist.
4. Ask us to quote installation by our qualified trades, a paid service, or use your own tiler.

Common questions

How long do bathroom tiles last?

Well installed porcelain and ceramic tiles can last decades. Grout, sealant and waterproofing usually need attention long before the tiles themselves wear out.

Can I just regrout instead of retiling?

If the tiles are firmly bonded and there is no leak, regrouting can refresh a room. If water is getting behind the tiles, the waterproofing needs fixing first.

Is it worth trying to reuse old tiles?

Usually not, because most tiles crack when lifted. It can be worth trying for a few heritage tiles that cannot be replaced.

How many spare tiles should I keep?

A box or a few spare tiles from the same batch is ideal for future repairs.

Visit us or shop online

See the range in person at our showrooms: Geelong at 35A Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220, phone (03) 5223 2765, and Reservoir at 214 Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073, phone (03) 9867 5051. Both are open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm, Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.

Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, and ask us to include installation by our qualified trades if you would like it quoted. Prefer to shop from home? Order online with Australia-wide delivery, or pick up from either showroom, usually ready in 2 to 4 days.