Retrofitting tile profiles - is it possible?

Tile strips For example, those made of aluminum, stainless steel or PVC not only protect the sensitive edges against chipping and impacts, but also set visual highlights and significantly enhance the room design. Tile profiles are either set under the tiles with mortar or with a special tile adhesive ( DURAL Speed-Flex mounting adhesive ). Normally, the installation of the profiles should always take place simultaneously with the setting of the edge tiles. But there are also exceptions in which they can or must be installed afterwards.

When can I install tile profiles retroactively?

You want to renovate your house or apartment and start, for example, in the bathroom. A complete bathroom renovation is planned. The first glance goes to the tiles on the walls and floor, and it turns out that some tiles are still perfectly fine, so you don't necessarily have to replace all the tiles. Due to walking and the stress of human use, the edges of the tiled surface are often affected by wear and chipping. Then it is possible to replace the already installed tile profiles with new strips. But beware, this is anything but easy and not recommended, as the tiles usually break. For this reason, we carry other profiles in our online shop that allow for subsequent installation without damaging the tiles.

Replace old tile strips with new ones.

If the house or apartment is a bit older, the tile covering has also been in place for some time. For this reason, the area where the tile strips were installed is usually very firm, and you should first carefully remove the old tile strips. Particular care must be taken here, as the tile edges must not be damaged. The tile strips are extremely firmly attached by tile adhesive or mortar, so you should remove this first. This can be done, for example, with a screwdriver or a narrow grinding attachment on a grinder. Very carefully work into the individual recesses and joints and free them from the mortar and adhesive. Gradually, the tile strip should now loosen, and you can install your new profile.

Here again, we would like to emphasize that we do not recommend this procedure. It requires considerable skill and, despite careful work, damage to the tiles may occur afterwards.

Install tile trims retroactively in the tiled area.

A recommended product if you want to install tile strips afterwards is our self-adhesive profiles.

Our Finishing profile VARIO made of aluminum provides a clean finish to your floor covering, as the self-adhesive tile strip can be mounted afterwards. The profile is equipped with a self-adhesive backing, which can be easily attached to the strips and thus perfectly covers the tile edge and creates an optimal finish.

Install tile profiles later as wall and edge protection.

Damaged corners and edges? No problem, we'll help with our Corner protection profiles made of aluminum and stainless steel . This profile is not only easy to install, but is also ideal for retrofitting and helps to hide visual imperfections and prevent new damage. Corner protection profiles are often used in high-traffic areas such as hallways or entrance areas in hospitals or restaurants.

We offer you corner protection profiles in a wide range of options. Whether triple- or single-folded, different surfaces and heights – you're sure to find what you're looking for with us.

Transition profiles as an alternative?!

To create subsequent edge protection for the tiles, the following applies: Transition profiles also a good alternative. Transition profiles are used when different floor coverings (laminate, tiles, parquet or carpet) are to be connected. Most transition profiles also compensate for small height differences between different coverings.

Retrofitting the transition profile is not a problem, as the rails are usually not pushed under the tile edges. In this case, the rail is above the edges and is screwed or glued to the adjacent floor covering.

Whether you should choose the self-adhesive or screw-fastening version depends on where you want to use the tile profile. Adhesive profiles are quick and easy to install, but not quite as durable as screwed-on ones. Therefore, we recommend a screwed-on transition profile for high-traffic areas.

Is it worthwhile to install tile strips retroactively?

We generally recommend subsequent installation with transition profiles, corner protection profiles and floor finishing profiles that are designed for subsequent installation. Regardless of whether they are screw-fastened or self-adhesive. Whether replacing already installed rails that have been pushed under the tile edge is economically viable should be carefully considered due to the high labor involved. Removing and reattaching requires considerable skill to achieve an optically satisfactory result.

Notes:

In general, the generally accepted rules of technology must be observed!

For all products/materials: The suitability for mechanical and chemical stress must be carefully checked in each individual case before installation. Protect material from prolonged exposure to sunlight.

If you should have any further questions, we will gladly help!

Best of luck!

the team from Everything for Tiles