Q: My 18-year-old home has 12-inch floor tiles throughout. However, about 50 tiles are loose. I’ve gotten bids on lifting the tiles, cleaning them and regluing them in place. But there is the possibility that the tiles could crack during the process. Then we couldn’t replace them because they’re so old. But one company insists that they can do the job without cracking the tiles? Is that possible?
A: It’s difficult to believe that anyone could make that promise. You’d better ask for references and do some thorough research before moving ahead. I’d also recommend that you have a moisture test of the slab under the tiles because that’s most likely the reason why the tiles have come loose. You have to eliminate the source of the moisture and then dry it out before you put the tiles down again.
For more do-it-yourself tips, go to rosieonthehouse.com. An Arizona home-building and remodeling industry expert for 25 years, Rosie Romero is the host of the syndicated Saturday morning Rosie on the House radio program, heard locally from 8-11 a.m. on KNST-AM (790) in Tucson and KGVY-AM (1080) and -FM (100.7) in Green Valley. Call 888-767-4348.
