Can I Make My Concrete Tiles?
Can I Make My Concrete Tiles?
Yes, concrete tiles have the spontaneous warmth of stone or clay. Making the tiles yourself allows you to tailor their sizes and forms to the job, such as a backsplash, hallway flooring, or a tiled table top.
To make a shape for the tiles, you may use premade concrete tile molds, shallow baking pans, or even sand. Here’s how you can go about it:
- Lay a plastic sheet over the work area and place the molds on top. Working on the ground outside is excellent since spills beyond the tarp will be less bothersome than spills inside.
The more molds you have, the more tiles you may manufacture at once; otherwise, you must wait for the cement to cure before reusing each mold.
- Spray a mold release within the molds to guarantee that the hardened concrete comes out easily.
- In a bucket, combine the concrete and water according to the package guidelines, which may vary by brand. Use a wooden spoon or a paint stir stick to stir the material.
- Pour part of the concrete into each mold, or spoon it in if it’s easier for you. Fill the molds to the top.
Wiggle the molds back and forth to help eliminate air pockets and bubbles. Allow the concrete to set overnight or for as long as the box specifies.
- To release the tile, place your palm over the set cement in one mold and turn the mold into your hand. If the tile does not come out right away, carefully place it on the tarp so that the mold is upside down. Gently tap it with your fingertips until the cement comes out.
- Using sand as the mold form, make replicas of a preferred tile. Fill a cardboard box with playground sand that is bigger and deeper than the tile. To create an exact imprint, use enough sand to allow you to press the sample tile into the sand thoroughly.
- Use your hands to compact the sand.
- To make a handle, wrap a loop of adhesive tape around the back of the tile, such as packing tape.
Press the sample tile into the sand, face down, for a complete impression of the top and sides of the tile. Remove the tile using the tape handle.
- In a bucket, combine the concrete and water according to the package guidelines. Spoon or pour the wet concrete into the sand imprint until it is filled.
Allow it to dry overnight or according to the specific package instructions. Remove the concrete tile from the sand and brush away any loose sand.
Can Concrete Roof Tiles Be Repaired?
Yes, you can repair concrete roof tiles. Your roof is your home’s most important barrier from the elements, such as wind, sun, and rain. Naturally, your roof tiles will require some TLC from time to time.
The good news is that your concrete roof tiles may be restored regardless of their condition. Whether you need a few roof tiles fixed or a larger-scale project done, a reputable roofing company should be able to assist you.
Let’s look at a few circumstances where your concrete roof tiles could need to be repaired and provide some alternatives.
After years of exposure to the weather, concrete roof tiles may fracture or shatter. This is completely normal and should cause no worry.
While damaged concrete tiles can ultimately lead to leaks if not addressed promptly, there’s a strong possibility your roofing company can prevent this from happening before it’s too late.
Your roofing professionals may repair the tiles with silicone or cement, extending their life as functional roof tiles. Alternatively, replacing the concrete with new or recycled tiles may be more cost-effective. This is something you should talk about with your roofer.
