There are times, however, when you will have to replace a tile, or whole sections of tile, because of water damage, cuts or just general wear and tear. Replacing these linoleum tiles is a project that can be done within a few hours with basic tools.
Materials Needed
There is not a lot of specialized machinery involved in replacing a linoleum tile except for the vinyl tile cutter. You can use a utility knife, but a vinyl tile cutter works quicker and makes straighter cuts. They can be rented or bought at your local home center.
- Replacement tile
- Vinyl tile cutter
- Utility knife
- Vinyl tile adhesive
- Vinyl roller
- Scraper
- Sponge
- Bucket of warm water
If your linoleum tile has been on the floor for several years, there might be a good chance that the tile you need is no longer being manufactured. If this does happen you might have to replace all the tile in that room or area. It might be that the home center does not have them in stock, but can order them from the manufacturer.
Remove Damaged Tiles
Once you have all your tools and replacement tiles gathered you can then remove the old, damaged tiles. If there is a section already missing from the tile that you can insert the scraper under, then begin prying the rest of the tile up. If not, then use your utility knife to score the tile, along the seam, until you get to the underlayment. Insert the scraper and begin to pry up the damaged tile.
Clean Floor
One the damaged linoleum tile, or tiles, are removed then you begin to remove the remaining adhesive, glue residue or pieces of tile that didn't come up. Wet the sponge and scrub the area to loosen up the adhesive and residue. Then, using the scraper, go over the area to remove the debris until the surface is flat and smooth. Vacuum up the particles.
Lay New Tiles
Once the surface is free from any dirt, or tile particles, you can then spread out the new adhesive with a notched trowel. Spread out evenly over the entire surface keeping a uniform level. If you are using the peel-and-stick variety, you can simply press the tile into place.
Lay the new tile onto the adhesive and press firmly. Use a small, heavy roller to get rid of any air bubbles, and roll until flat. Check to make sure the seams are together and use seam adhesive to keep them from curling up and to form a barrier for protection from water.
Clean and Enjoy
Immediately clean any adhesive that escapes from under the tile while you are pressing it with the sponge and warm water. Let it set for a day and then mop, or use a sponge, to wash the entire area.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
