Marble floors offer an elegant and durable flooring option; however, they may become damaged over time and need restoration.
The good news is that it’s simple to repair the damage and restore your floor’s original aesthetic.
The key to successful home repair is taking action when you notice minor issues. Doing this will help keep the repair costs low and avoid the problem from getting worse.
Cracks
Cracks in marble flooring are common and can be caused by a number of things. These include movement beneath the floor and a concrete substrate, heavy furniture or appliances placed on top, as well as doorways being hit by an object.
These cracks should be remedied promptly, as they can deteriorate with age. Doing so could damage the foundation of the marble and ultimately lead to its destruction.
If the cracks in a marble surface are widespread and spread across multiple tiles, this is likely caused by movement beneath the surface due to changes in temperature or humidity.
Marble tile floors can be stabilized by applying a thin coat of sealant to their surface. This should be done periodically, preferably once annually, in order to keep them free from moisture and dirt accumulation.
Sealants help prevent water infiltration into stone surfaces, leading to cracks. However, they will not protect the floor from other factors which may damage its stone.
For example, acidic cleaners can disintegrate the calcium carbonate present in marble. Furthermore, high traffic can cause the tile to wear more rapidly due to increased wear and tear.
When purchasing marble, inspect the surface for veining or fissures. Minor fissures can be tolerated in most places of the stone; however, large cracks that extend across the entire tile suggest low quality materials.
Test a marble tile’s porosity to determine its quality. Simply apply some lemon juice on the marble and observe how quickly it absorbs liquid; impure marbles will absorb much faster than high-grade ones.
Another way to evaluate marble tile quality is by comparing it with another tile. Look for tiles that match in size and thickness; if the pieces appear out of alignment, these could indicate improper cutting.
Manufacturers sometimes add filler to dull areas in tiles, which you can inspect by holding the tile up to a light at an angle and looking for spots that are less reflective than others on the surface. These typically indicate lower quality marble.
Chips
If your marble floor has chipped or cracked, it may be time to consider repair. Not only will this save you from having to replace all of the tiles, but it will also give your home a fresh new look.
The initial step in repairing cracked or chipped marble flooring is to clean the affected area. Use a cleaner that’s safe for your floor and non-abrasive; this will guarantee that the repair will last.
Next, mask off the affected section with masking tape to help identify where the chips are and how best to repair them.
When it comes to fixing your marble floor, having the correct tools is key. A chisel works great for small cracks and chips, but for larger repairs you may need a larger hammer.
Additionally, you should have a sanding sponge, epoxy mix, pair of pliers and nitrile gloves on hand. These tools will make the job simpler and faster for you.
One of the simplest ways to fix a chip in your marble floor is with light-curing acrylic (LCA) gel. You can purchase this product at most local hardware stores; although it’s more expensive than other epoxies, it works effectively and comes in various colors.
Another solution for fixing chips in your marble flooring is by filling the hole with a patch that specifically matches. This process is quick and effortless, but make sure you use a rag to wipe away any excess adhesive from around the edges of the hole.
If you need a more permanent solution, consider having an expert assess the damage. They can tell if there’s more serious damage than just a chip or crack and whether a repair would be more cost-effective than replacing the entire floor.
Terrazzo flooring is a popular option for flooring. It consists of three layers, beginning with 3 to 4 inches of base concrete, followed by 1 inch cement concrete. Finally, the third and final layer consists of fine marble chips which may be color-pigmented. Once ground and polished to create an even surface, terrazzo can be enjoyed by all.
Loose Tiles
If your marble flooring has become uneven and a tile has come loose, there are several ways to fix the issue. The first option is replacing it with a new tile which will create an even surface and improve how your floor appears.
If a replacement tile is not readily available, you can try to locate a loose tile that matches the color and pattern of other tiles in your room. However, this may prove challenging since marble is an organic material with unique hues or patterns.
Another option is to reattach the broken or missing tile using adhesive. Either thin-set adhesive or tile mortar works best here; just use a small amount and mix according to manufacturer’s instructions. Spread evenly over back of tile, set into hole, press firmly then adjust so tile is flush with surrounding tiles on all sides. After set has dried, your thinset should dry completely.
Once your tile is in place, it’s time to grout it. Grout helps keep the tile secure while also acting as a shield against water damage or other spills. You may wish to purchase grout sealer in order to make this process simpler.
Following the manufacturer’s directions for this step is essential, and use a margin trowel. Furthermore, it’s wise to clean up the area and scrape away any extra thinset that wasn’t used on the original tile before applying grout.
When installing new tile, it is recommended that you use grout sealer for easier cleanup. This will protect the tiles from staining and help the replacement tile blend in with the rest of your marble work.
Another way to secure a loose tile is to fill the crack or hole with epoxy. This solution works great on most marble floors without damaging the existing stone.
This repair is a fast and straightforward task, but you should do it quickly before the epoxy hardens too much. For best results, use an epoxy specifically designed for marble and stone repairs; it will be more durable than other options and provide longer-lasting results.
Stains
Marble is a porous stone, meaning that spills or other liquids can easily stain it. To prevent these stains from occurring, take care to clean up spills quickly and use marble cleaners with a PH neutral or phosphate free formula that won’t harm the surface of your marble.
Marble surfaces commonly experience oil-based, organic and rust stains. Each requires unique cleaning procedures and solutions for removal.
Oil-based stains are typically light brown or yellow in hue, and can be caused by cooking oil, hand lotion, cosmetics or grease. To effectively remove them, chemical dissolution must take place first – you can do this using a liquid cleanser with bleach or household detergent or even 12% hydrogen peroxide (hair bleaching strength) plus some drops of ammonia.
Organic stains are more challenging to remove, but you can lighten them using a marble poultice. Combine a solution of liquid cleaner or chemical with white absorbent material and spread over the stain at about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. Cover with plastic wrap and allow it to air-dry for 24 to 48 hours.
Depending on the type of stain, you may need to repeat this process several times before your marble floor is free from spots. Rust stains in particular are notoriously difficult to eliminate completely.
If a rust stain is particularly stubborn, try applying a paste made of baking soda and ammonia. Apply the mixture, cover it with plastic wrap for at least 24 hours, and you should see the stain disappear.
A pasty poultice can also be used to eliminate stains on marble flooring. It’s simple to make and effective at eliminating rust, dye/ink/shampoo, as well as organic stains.
Once the stain has been lifted, gently wipe it up with a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using harsh chemicals as these can leave your marble dull and discolored.
Some stains on marble are so stubborn that they require professional tile stain removal or marble poultices to completely eradicate them. If you have any queries about repairing your marble floors, don’t hesitate to contact a marble expert for assistance.
