How to Remove a Tile over DITRA-HEAT

[@Wavelover33]

The other is to use a lightweight rotary hammer - I have a Makita 18v one for instance. Use a pointed chisel attachment and very gently crack the tile with it without letting it go through the tile. Just crack it . Pull out the pieces as they crack and once you’ve done a bit you should see the cable. From then on it’s hammer away in between the cables ( as they should’ve be 3 circles apart). I did about 30 tiles this way. Easy. The blunt whack with the hammer looks way more dangerous to the cable.

[@mixarmendoza4016]

How to fix this cable. Do you have a video ?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hey there! Can you provide some more information so we can point you in the right direction?

[@MaureenWRC]

This so helpful! the mylar sheet and thermal imaging will be great tools. The tiles that we have are discontinued; looked everywhere cannot find them. We only need 4 tiles so we thought we'd switch out two under the fridge and stove and replace those with similar that we were able to find. My question is, how do you remove the tile without breaking it? Is it even possible? Thanks so much in advance for your reply. Maureen

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Maureen. If the tile is bonded well, removing it without breaking it is next to impossible.

[@MaureenWRC]

@@schlutersystems1 I could cry. Not the answer I want to hear...... :(.

[@schlutersystems1]

It depends a bit on how well the installation was done... we do see jobs where the tile is barely bonded... that certainly wouldn't be good, but in your case, maybe? Wish we had better news to share. Best of luck with the project.

[@61spindrift]

@@MaureenWRC Well, you have learned a valuable lesson on your issue. ALWAYS store a few extra tiles for future problems on your next tile job. I have 3 different tile colors in my house in kitchen and 2 bathrooms. I have stored them in cellar for 8 years and they take up very little space. We saved 2 each for bathrooms and 4 for kitchen. A couple years ago I dropped a hammer on a kitchen tile and broke it. It was as simple as calling a tile installer and providing him with a replacement. I believe the job was less than $300 and is back to original. The installer commented that most customers have tile saved in case of an emergency.

[@jmack619]

@@MaureenWRC I would try it ,very gently, with a wide chisel . You said you could replace them with something close, so it might be worth a shot. Guitar string might work

[@emcdowell2884]

Very helpful video, well described! Thank you

[@tileguys6951]

just curious and it doesn't show it in your video, how would you clean up the hardened thinset without damaging the wire so you can put a new tile in?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hey there Tile Guys! So here's the answer: Carefully. Removal of all of the original thin-set mortar won't be possible, but getting the high points addressed is critical so the new tile can be installed without it sitting higher than the surrounding tiles. A appropriate attachments to an oscillating tool or a rubbing brick can be used to grind down the original thin-set mortar lower. Hope this helps!

[@jacobwillow050]

See, that's the most hardest part of the job. Yes, you'll have to use an oscillating tool with same attachment he's using to cut into grout, and go flat on it very slow and gentle until you see the wires. After, you have to dig around like a dentist, little by little, small sections at the times, very carefully not to hit the wires. Usually use small chisel and a 5 in one tool. Cleaning the grout and thinset around the remaining tiles is hardest. Always you have to be extra careful where the wires are not to pinch them. It is very tiring and tedious process.

[@stealthm8879]

Hello, great video.. Will be trying this. I was just wondering which camera are you using? FLIR LT or the Flir pro?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi there! We used the Flir One Pro. Thanks so much and give us a shout if you need to during your removal. 888-472-4588. :)

[@steveh2568]

Where can you get the mylar sheet?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi RocketFan 88! Search for "LCS-77, LCS-86" in your web browser. Those are the two sheets we have used. Hope this helps and thanks for checking out our channel!

[@vmax4575]

What is the basis for removing a tile? If it is to find a damaged wire, wouldn’t that make find the wires with thermal imaging impossible?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Vaughn, this video is just that... in case you need to remove a tile because of a damaged wire, or other reason... these are tips to do so. :)

[@vmax4575]

I understand that but if your cable is damaged it would not be hot so thermal imaging would be a mute point. It wouldn’t show, Correct? Otherwise this is good information.

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Vaughn. You're right. I was just trying to say, you can use these tips to remove the tile for any reason. If you know you have a damaged wire and where the damage is, it can be helpful for that as well. If you don't know where the damage is, you would contact your Schluter rep for help. They would usually be able to help get the cable back into a state where the camera would be used to find the damage. Generally people need these tips if a tile is damaged for some reason and they want to replace. Hope this helps!

[@61spindrift]

@@vmax4575 I would hate to be a you tuber. Everyone wants to comment and prove they know everything. This man is just trying to help and like he said MANY TIMES there are other reasons. But you just had to prove him wrong. Or at least you "tried to". So here is my "know it all" comment. If the mylar sheet shows NO thermal image in that area but can in others then that "mute point" as you say would be very relevant. So it WOULD show a damaged cable in that area. How do you feel now cause I feel great!

[@vmax4575]

@@61spindrift thanks. I think? I was just trying to seek a little clarification. I meant no harm.

[@tileguy1981]

He already f up put your hand under the tool to hold your depth

[@GJLCreativeStudios]

Why doesn't pencil neck get dirty in any of these videos? Is he a theoretical tile guy?

[@giovanniftonin1455]

Assistant to the regional manager