|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
| Tile Restorer |
| Put the life back into your worn-out tiles. |
|
|
|
|
If you live in a house that was built around the turn of the century, your tessellated tiles might be in desperate need of attention. With the help of tile restorer, Peter Ives, we look at how an old, tiled veranda can be returned to its original state.
Tile Background
In many cases tessellated tiles, that were popular in homes around the turn of the century, are now beginning to show their age. Tiles are breaking up - not because of any fault of the tiles - but rather the movement of the tile bed. Tiles can shift outwards, resulting in gaps that encourage weeds, shrubs and even tree roots to force their way through the tile pattern.
With his 40 years experience, Peter Ives knows all there is to know about working with tiles. For the past seven years he has worked full time as a tile restorer - removing, cleaning and replacing tiles in their original layout. Although fiddly and time-consuming, if you're a bit of a handy person you can undertake this renovation job yourself.
1
Take photos of the original layout to keep a track of how to re-lay them.
2
Remove all damaged tiles. You can determine which tiles can be easily taken out by tapping on top of the tiles with a chisel. If you hear a drumming, dull sound then the tile is loose. If the sound has a ring to it, the tile is still attached to the bed underneath.
Take the loose ones out by hand or with a trowel. For the more stubborn ones, working from the outside in, use a heavy hammer to "shock" the tiles by hitting the mortar from the sides to vibrate the tiles off the bed. These can then be removed by hand. If that doesn't work, use a crow bar or pick to ease a small section of tiles out (with mortar still attached). A chisel and hammer can be used to chip off the mortar.
3
Soak the removed tiles in a solution of three parts water and one part hydrochloric acid for 48 hours to dissolve the cement in the mortar, and also the soil remnants off the back of the tiles. This process does not adversely affect the tiles. After spending another day in clean water to rinse off the acid, they are ready to be re-laid. Stack the tiles across each other to drain and dry.
Tip
Use protective rubber gloves when removing tiles from the acid solution.
4
Remove the old base with a shovel so it can be replaced with stabilised crushed rock or concrete. Replace the stone edging.
5
Working on one section at a time, spread a new layer of mortar evenly over the concrete. While the mortar is still wet, arrange the tiles back into their original layout, using the photos as a guide (use a string line or straight edge for an accurate layout). Continue until all tiles are re-laid.
6
Using a rubber squeegee, fill the joins with traditional pure cement grout and wash off any excess with a sponge and a bucket of water. This takes about 30 minutes to set. Leave for one day and then wash the tiles with a milder solution of hydrochloric acid and water for a clean finish.
7
Here's a colour-enhancing maintenance tip for your old tiles (use it to finish off the renovation job above). Apply a mixture of raw linseed oil (10 percent) and kerosene (90 percent) with a soft cloth to bring out the shine in your tiles. Repeat once a year. This is preferred to most modern tile sealers, which can sometimes show up scratches. Kerosene get rids of the grain and dust, while linseed oil provides a satin finish.
The cost is comparable to having new tiles laid, but this process ensures the preservation of your valuable, and in some cases, antique tiles.
|
Cost
Tiles restored and re-laid, $2500
Re-concreting and stone edging, $2500
Total: $5000 (including labour)
|
More Info
Contact Peter Ives:
Tessellated Tiling Restoration,
11 St. David's Drive, Wantirna VIC 3152
Ph: (03) 9801 2930.
|
Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
|
|
|
|
|
