Red Seal Tilesetter Practice Exam

What should be done if a tile cracks during installation?

1. Leave it as is

2. Replace the cracked tile

3. Cover it with grout

4. Try to repair it with adhesive

The correct answer is: Replace the cracked tile

If a tile cracks during installation, replacing the cracked tile is the best course of action. This ensures that the integrity and aesthetic quality of the tiled surface are maintained. A cracked tile can compromise the overall look and performance of the installation, leading to potential issues down the line, such as further cracking or water infiltration. Leaving the tile as is could lead to problems not only with appearance but also with durability, as a crack can propagate and make the tile more susceptible to breaking entirely. Covering the cracked tile with grout would not address the underlying issue and would likely result in an unsatisfactory finish. Repairing with adhesive may provide a temporary fix, but it doesn’t restore the tile to its original condition, and the repaired area may fail over time. Therefore, replacing the cracked tile is the most reliable and effective solution to ensure a long-lasting installation.