How to repair cracked outdoor balcony tile?

AstroBoi

I have a cracked outdoor tile on my townhouse balcony and I can't find a similar replacement tile.

It has cracked in three places and the center section has some movement when I press on it.

Is there a way to repair the tile?

• Either by injecting something into the crack and using some touch-up paint?
• Or pulling up the tile and then bonding the cracked pieces?

I assume given there is some movement beneath the cracked portion, the tile really needs to be pulled up, but that will also like crack the tile more?

I will be getting the grouting repaired professionally.

Note: On the balcony there is a black waterproofing layer that the tile is laid over.

The original tile name:
Beaumont Tiles – Touchstone Nero Porcelain Rectified Textured – 300x60

EricL

Hello @AstroBoi

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us and thank you for sharing your question about your tiled floor.

I'm sorry to hear you've got a damaged tile in your balcony. I've double checked with Beaumont tiles and that product is no longer available, and I could not find any equivalents at the Bunnings store either. To temporarily repair your tile, I propose carefully lifting the centre piece that is loose. If the other two sides are still firmly attached, please leave them in as is. Once you have lifted the centre section see if there is a large amount of tile adhesive on the back of the tile. Your goal is to scrape the old adhesive off to make space for the new adhesive you'll be putting on.

I suggest using https://www.bunnings.com.au/100mm-sharp-edge-paint-scraper_p1670156 to remove the old adhesive from the back of the tile. If there is loose tile adhesive on the floor, you can remove those as well. I don't recommend tearing off any of the fixed adhesive pieces as they are still anchored to the waterproofing membrane. The waterproofing membrane must not be damaged or compromised. I recommend using https://www.bunnings.com.au/dunlop-310ml-tile-all-plus-premixed-tile-adhesive_p6650104 on the back of the tile to re-anchor it back to the floor.

My best advice is to make sure that the tile goes back into its original position and have it at the same level. As for the crack at the top of the tile, I suggest using https://www.bunnings.com.au/pc-products-56g-black-epoxy-paste_p1560097 . Do not use the entire product, mix only what you'll need to do the repair. My best advice is to mix the product very well in your hand before applying it onto the crack. Push the epoxy deep into the crack and then feather it off with your thumb until it is close to the level of the tile. You can also try pushing the epoxy into the hairline crack of the tile to fill in the damage. Allow the epoxy to cure before sanding off any excess material.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric