Tile wall repair method and removal tool

Abstract

To provide a method for repairing a tile wall, which enables a joint to be repaired without staining tiles, in the tile wall in which the tiles having uneven pattern parts on surfaces are arranged via the joint.SOLUTION: A method for repairing a tile wall 1 in which tiles 2 having uneven pattern parts 6 on a surface 2o are arranged through joints. The repairing method comprises: a coating step of coating an uncured joint repairing material 8 on an outer surface 1o of the tile wall 1 so as to cover the tile 2 and the joint; and a removing step of removing the joint repairing material 8 from the uneven pattern part 6 of the tile 2 while securing a sticking state of the joint repairing material 8 to the joint. The removing step includes a step of bringing filaments 14 of a removing tool 11 having a brush part 12 provided with a large number of filaments 14 into contact with the front surface 2o of the tile 2 and rubbing them.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tile wall repair method and removal tool. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 below describes a tile wall structure for a building. This structure includes an adhesive layer disposed on the outer surface of a wall substrate and a plurality of tiles fixed to the adhesive layer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-82073 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The tiles are arranged with joints in between, and generally, cracks and other problems can occur in the joints due to deterioration of the adhesive layer over time, so they need to be repaired using joint repair materials.

[0005] One such repair method is the so-called plastering method, in which a joint repair material is applied to the entire surface of the tile wall, and then the joint repair material is wiped off the tile surface with a towel or sponge before it hardens.

[0006] However, in the case of tiles with an uneven pattern on the surface, the joint repair material tends to get stuck in the unevenness and remain, staining the tile, so there is room for further improvement in the application of the joint plastering method.

[0007] The present invention was devised in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its main object is to provide a method for repairing tile walls in which tiles with a textured pattern on the surface are arranged through joints, which can repair the joints without damaging the tiles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention is a method for repairing a tile wall in which tiles having a textured pattern on their surface are placed with joints in between, and includes an application step of applying unhardened joint repair material to the outer surface of the tile wall so as to cover the tiles and the joints, and a removal step of removing the joint repair material from the textured pattern of the tiles while ensuring that the joint repair material adheres to the joints, wherein the removal step includes a step of contacting and rubbing the filaments of a remover having a brush portion with multiple filaments against the surface of the tiles. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] By adopting the above-described steps, the tile wall repair method of the present invention makes it possible to repair the joints in a tile wall in which tiles with a textured pattern on their surface are arranged through joints without damaging the tiles. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view showing an example of a tile wall. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tile wall of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of a tile wall onto which a joint repair material has been applied. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a removal tool. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for repairing a tile wall. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of a state in which a joint repair material is removed from a patterned portion of a tile. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of a tile wall in which the joint repair material has been removed from above the uneven pattern portion of the tile. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings include exaggerated representations and representations that differ from the dimensional ratios of actual structures in order to facilitate understanding of the contents of the invention. Furthermore, identical or common elements are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the embodiments, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the specific configurations shown in the embodiments and drawings are for the purpose of understanding the contents of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in the drawings.

[0012] [Tile wall] Fig. 1 is a partial perspective view showing an example of a tile wall 1. Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tile wall 1 of Fig. 1. The tile wall 1 is installed in, for example, a general building such as a house or office building. The tile wall 1 of this embodiment is configured as an exterior wall, but may also be configured as an interior wall.

[0013] The tile wall 1 of this embodiment has a plurality of tiles 2 arranged with joints 3 interposed therebetween.

[0014] [tile] The tiles 2 are fixed to a wall substrate 4 via an adhesive 5. The wall substrate 4 of this embodiment is fixed to a frame or the like (not shown) and is made of, for example, a ceramic siding material, ALC (lightweight aerated concrete), a calcium silicate board, a gypsum board, a gypsum slag board, or the like. The adhesive 5 of this embodiment may be, for example, an elastic adhesive or mortar.

[0015] In this embodiment, the plurality of tiles 2 are arranged in a horse-joint pattern, but this is not limited to this, and they may be arranged in a cornice pattern, for example.

[0016] The surface 2o of the tile 2 of this embodiment has an uneven pattern portion 6. Such uneven pattern portion 6 gives the tile 2 a unique texture and improves the appearance of the tile wall 1. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the uneven pattern portion 6 refers to a portion where a large number of protrusions 6a and recesses 6b are formed by forming at least one of a large number of small depressions (concave portions) 6b, a large number of voids, and a large number of holes on the surface 2o of the tile 2. However, the uneven pattern portion 6 is not limited to this form.

[0017] [Joint] The joints 3 of this embodiment are formed between multiple tiles 2, 2. As shown in Fig. 1, the joints 3 of this embodiment include vertical joints 3A extending in the up-down direction and horizontal joints 3B connected to the vertical joints 3A and extending in the horizontal direction, but this is not particularly limited and, for example, the joints 3 may be composed of only one of the joints. Furthermore, although the vertical joints 3A and horizontal joints 3B of this embodiment extend linearly, this is not particularly limited and, for example, the joints 3 may be partially curved.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the joint 3 of this embodiment has a joint bottom 3b and side surfaces 3s, 3s extending from both sides of the joint bottom 3b toward the surface of the tile 2. The joint bottom 3b of this embodiment is formed from a hardened product of the adhesive 5. Note that if the tiles 2 are fixed with mortar or resin mortar, the joint bottom 3b may also be formed from these hardened products. The side surfaces 3s, 3s of the joint 3 of this embodiment are formed by the side surfaces of the tiles 2, 2.

[0019] Incidentally, cracks may occur in the joints 3 due to deterioration over time of the hardened adhesive 5 and other materials, and therefore, they must be repaired using a joint repair material (not shown). One possible method for repairing such joints 3 is the plaster joint method. Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of a tile wall 1 to which a joint repair material 8 has been applied.

[0020] In the plaster joint method, first, as shown in Fig. 3, a joint repair material 8 is applied to the entire outer surface 1o of the tile wall 1 so as to cover the tiles 2 and the joints 3. Next, before the joint repair material 8 hardens, the joint repair material 8 adhering to the surface 2o of the tile 2 is wiped off using a towel or sponge (not shown), while ensuring that the joint repair material 8 adheres to the joints 3. In this way, the joint repair material 8 is applied (adhered) only to the joints 3, and the joints 3 can be repaired.

[0021] However, in the case of tiles 2 having a concave-convex pattern portion 6 on the surface 2o as in this embodiment, even if the joint repair material 8 adhering to the surface 2o of the tile 2 is wiped off, the joint repair material 8 remains stuck in the concave-convex portions (recesses 6b), causing the tile 2 to become soiled. Furthermore, the joint repair material 8 remaining in the concave-convex portions hardens in a relatively short time (for example, 15 to 30 minutes after application). For this reason, it is difficult to remove the hardened joint repair material 8 remaining in the concave-convex portions from the concave-convex portions. Therefore, the plastering method has not generally been applied to tile walls 1 such as this embodiment that include tiles 2 having a concave-convex pattern portion 6.

[0022] In the method for repairing a tile wall 1 of this embodiment (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "repair method"), in a tile wall 1 on which tiles 2 having the above-mentioned uneven pattern portion 6 are arranged, the joint repair material 8 is prevented from remaining in the unevenness. This makes it possible to repair the joints 3 without soiling the tiles 2. In the repair method of this embodiment, a remover is used.

[0023] [Removal tool] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of removal tool 11. Fig. 5 is a plan view of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of Fig. 4. In this embodiment, the position of each component of removal tool 11 may be specified on an orthogonal coordinate system consisting of an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis that is orthogonal to the x-axis and y-axis.

[0024] The remover 11 of this embodiment is for removing the joint repair material 8 from the surface 2o of the tile 2 having the uneven pattern portion 6 shown in Fig. 3. This remover 11 is held by, for example, a worker repairing the tile wall 1.

[0025] 4 and 5, the removal tool 11 of this embodiment is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view (plan view of the x-axis and y-axis), but this is not particularly limited and may be formed in, for example, a circular shape or an elliptical shape. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the maximum length L1 in the x-axis direction and the maximum length L2 in the y-axis direction of the removal tool 11 can be appropriately set in consideration of, for example, the size of the hand of the worker holding the removal tool 11 and the removal efficiency of the joint repair material 8 shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the maximum length L1 in the x-axis direction can be set to 80 to 120 mm, and the maximum length L2 in the y-axis direction can be set to 130 to 170 mm.

[0026] The remover 11 has a brush portion 12. Furthermore, the remover 11 of this embodiment includes a water-absorbent sponge portion 13. This sponge portion 13 is used to supply the water absorbed therein to the joint repair material 8 (shown in FIG. 3 ) attached to the surface 2o (patterned portion 6) of the tile 2 via the brush portion 12.

[0027] [Brush section] 4 and 6, the brush portion 12 includes a large number of filaments 14. The large number of filaments 14 are used to contact and rub the surface 2o (shown in FIG. 3) of the tile 2. Furthermore, the brush portion 12 of this embodiment further includes a substrate 15.

[0028] In this embodiment, the multiple filaments 14 and the substrate 15 are made of the same material. This allows the multiple filaments 14 and the substrate 15 to be integrally formed. Note that the multiple filaments 14 and the substrate 15 are not limited to being made of the same material, and may be made of different materials, for example. In this case, the multiple filaments 14 may be embedded in the substrate 15.

[0029] The brush portion 12 (the numerous filaments 14 and the base material 15) is made of a resin material (resin fiber). Such a resin material can improve the abrasion resistance and chemical resistance of the brush portion 12 compared to, for example, animal fiber or plant fiber.

[0030] The resin material can be appropriately selected depending on, for example, the type of tile 2 shown in FIG. 3 and the type of joint repair material 8. Examples of resin materials include polyester, nylon, polypropylene, and polyethylene. Polyester is used as the resin material in this embodiment. Such polyester has excellent moisture absorption resistance and abrasion resistance, which prevents moisture absorption into the brush portion 12 and improves the durability (strength) of the brush portion 12 against friction with the surface 2o of the tile 2 shown in FIG. 3.

[0031] The resin material may be composed of a single polyester or a combination of multiple types of polyester. In this embodiment, the brush portion 12 (including multiple filaments 14 and the substrate 15) is composed of a thread-like (fibrous) resin material in which multiple types of polyester are combined in a core-sheath structure. Such a core-sheath polyester allows for adjustment of the shape stability and hardness of the multiple filaments 14 and the substrate 15. In this embodiment, the fiber material uses a regular polyester for the core and a low-melting-point polyester for the sheath. For example, Bell Couple (a registered trademark of KB Seiren Co., Ltd.) manufactured by KB Seiren Co., Ltd. may be used as such a core-sheath polyester. However, the resin material is not limited to this embodiment.

[0032] [Base material] The substrate 15 is formed in a sheet shape. The substrate 15 of this embodiment is formed by weaving the above-mentioned resin material (resin fibers). As shown in Fig. 6, the thickness W1 of the substrate 15 (thickness in the z-axis direction) is appropriately set depending on, for example, the durability required of the brush part 12, and can be set to, for example, 0.1 to 1.0 mm.

[0033] The substrate 15 of this embodiment includes a first surface 15a and a second surface 15b opposite to the first surface 15a in the thickness direction (z-axis direction) of the substrate 15. In this embodiment, a large number of filaments 14 extend from the first surface 15a of the substrate 15.

[0034] 4 to 6, the base material 15 of this embodiment has a plurality of through holes 16 formed therein. These through holes 16 penetrate between the first surface 15a and the second surface 15b in the thickness direction (z-axis direction) of the base material 15, as shown in Fig. 6. These through holes 16 allow the moisture absorbed by the sponge portion 13 to be smoothly supplied to the plurality of filaments 14 and the joint repair material 8 (shown in Fig. 3) attached to the surface 2o (uneven pattern portion 6) of the tile 2.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 5, in this embodiment, in a plan view of the base material 15 (plan view of the x-axis and y-axis), a plurality of through-hole groups 17, each consisting of a plurality of through-holes 16 spaced apart in the x-axis direction, are arranged in the y-axis direction. As a result, the plurality of through-holes 16 are evenly arranged in the x-axis and y-axis directions in the base material 15, so that moisture absorbed by the sponge portion 13 shown in Fig. 4 can be supplied to the entire area of ​​the brush portion 12 (the plurality of filaments 14). Therefore, moisture can be efficiently supplied to the joint repair material 8 (shown in Fig. 3) attached to the surface 2o (the uneven pattern portion 6) of the tile 2 via the brush portion 12.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 5, in two through-hole groups 17 adjacent to each other in the y-axis direction, the through holes 16 are offset in the x-axis direction, and the maximum length L4 of the through holes 16 in the y-axis direction is preferably greater than the maximum length L3 of the through holes 16 in the x-axis direction. This allows the plurality of through holes 16 to be more uniformly arranged in the x-axis and y-axis directions in the substrate 15. Therefore, the moisture absorbed by the sponge portion 13 is supplied to the entire area of ​​the brush portion 12 (the plurality of filaments 14), and further, the moisture can be more efficiently supplied to the joint repair material 8 (shown in Fig. 3) attached to the surface 2o (the uneven pattern portion 6) of the tile 2.

[0037] The maximum length L3 in the x-axis direction and the maximum length L4 in the y-axis direction of the through-hole 16 can be set appropriately depending on, for example, the maximum length L1 in the x-axis direction and the maximum length L2 in the y-axis direction of the removal tool 11 shown in FIG. 4 , the strength required of the brush portion 12, and the like. In this embodiment, the maximum length L3 in the x-axis direction is set to 1.5 to 4.5 mm, and the maximum length L4 in the y-axis direction is set to 3.0 to 7.0 mm, but are not particularly limited thereto. Furthermore, the through-hole 16 is formed in an elliptical shape in a plan view of the base material 15 (plan view of the x-axis and y-axis), but this is not particularly limited thereto and may be formed in a rectangular shape, for example.

[0038] [Many filaments] As shown in Fig. 6, a large number of filaments 14 are used to contact and rub the surface 2o (shown in Fig. 3) of the tile 2. These large number of filaments 14 extend from a first surface 15a of a substrate 15. When through holes 16 are provided in the substrate 15 as in this embodiment, the large number of filaments 14 are arranged in areas other than the through holes 16. As a result, as shown in Fig. 5, the brush portion 12 is formed with a first region 19 in which the filaments 14 are arranged and a second region 20 in which the filaments 14 are not arranged.

[0039] 10 mm of filament 14 in first region 19 2 The number of pieces per 10 mm is appropriately set depending on the type of tile 2 shown in FIG. 3 and the type of joint repair material 8, and is, for example, 6,000 to 7,000 pieces per 10 mm. 2 can be set to

[0040] Any brush having the above configuration may be appropriately employed for the brush unit 12. For example, a brush "Bell Couple (registered trademark)" manufactured by KB Seiren Co., Ltd. or a brush "B8-4.5-00" manufactured by Marse Co., Ltd. may be suitably employed as the brush unit 12.

[0041] [Sponge part] The sponge portion 13 shown in Figure 4 is water-absorbent and is used to supply the moisture absorbed therein to the joint repair material 8 (shown in Figure 3) attached to the surface 2o (textured pattern portion 6) of the tile 2 via the brush portion 12.

[0042] The sponge portion 13 of this embodiment is made of a sponge material having open cells, which improves the water absorption of the sponge portion 13. The sponge material is not particularly limited as long as it has water absorption properties, and for example, polyurethane sponge material, ester sponge material, etc., which are highly durable sponge materials, can be used.

[0043] The apparent density of the sponge material is appropriately set depending on the absorbency and durability required for the sponge portion 13, and is, for example, 20 to 40 kg m 3 It is preferably set to

[0044] Any sponge material having the above-described configuration may be used as appropriate. For example, a polyurethane sponge material such as "Moltopren (registered trademark)" manufactured by Inoac Corporation may be used as the sponge material.

[0045] 6, the sponge part 13 of this embodiment is fixed to the second surface 15b of the base material 15 of the brush part 12. Therefore, the sponge part 13 is fixed to the opposite side of the base material 15 from the numerous filaments 14 in the thickness direction (z-axis direction).

[0046] The sponge portion 13 and the brush portion 12 can be fixed together as needed. In this embodiment, the sponge portion 13 and the base material 15 of the brush portion 12 are fixed together using a known hot melt adhesive (not shown). At this time, it is preferable that the hot melt adhesive is applied so as not to block the multiple through holes 16 provided in the base material 15. This can prevent the supply of moisture from being obstructed to the multiple filaments 14 and the joint repair material 8 (shown in FIG. 3) attached to the surface 2o (textured pattern portion 6) of the tile 2.

[0047] [How to repair a tile wall] Next, an example of the procedure of the repair method of this embodiment will be described. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the method of repairing the tile wall 1.

[0048] [Applying joint repair material to the outer surface of the tile wall (application process)] In the repair method of this embodiment, first, an unhardened joint repair material is applied to the outer surface 1o of the tile wall 1 (application step S1).

[0049] In the application step S1 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, a joint repair material 8 is applied to the outer surface 1o of the tile wall 1 so as to cover the tiles 2 and the joints 3, based on the same procedure as in a conventional joint plastering method. An applicator (not shown), such as a trowel, is preferably used to apply the joint repair material 8. As a result, the repair method of this embodiment makes it possible to apply (fill) the joint repair material 8 to the joints 3 to be repaired in a short time, compared to repair methods in which the joint repair material is filled only in the joints 3 to be repaired using, for example, a known caulking gun (not shown).

[0050] The joint repair material 8 of this embodiment uses an elastic joint material. Such an elastic joint material can effectively suppress joint cracks. One example of an elastic joint material is the elastic joint material "Flex Color" manufactured by MAPEI. However, the elastic joint material is not limited to this type of elastic joint material, and known joint materials such as cement-based joint materials and epoxy joint materials may also be used.

[0051] [Removing the joint repair material from the uneven patterned part of the tile (removal process)] Next, in the repair method of this embodiment, the joint repair material 8 is removed from the uneven pattern portion 6 of the tile 2 (removing step S2). In the removing step S2 of this embodiment, excess joint repair material 8 that has become clogged in the uneven pattern portion 6 is removed while ensuring that the joint repair material 8 adheres to the joints 3. Furthermore, once the joint repair material 8 has completely hardened (for example, 15 to 30 minutes after application), it becomes difficult to remove the joint repair material 8. For this reason, it is preferable to perform the removing step S2 promptly after the joint repair material 8 has been applied.

[0052] In the removing step S2 of this embodiment, the remover 11 shown in Figures 4 to 6 is used. As described above, the remover 11 has a large number of filaments 14 for contacting and rubbing against the surface 2o of the tile 2. Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of the state in which the joint repair material 8 is being removed from the uneven pattern portion 6 of the tile 2.

[0053] 8 , the removing step S2 of this embodiment includes a step S22 of contacting and rubbing the filaments 14 of the remover 11 against the surface 2o of the tile 2 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the “rubbing step”). By this rubbing step S22, excess joint repair material 8 that has become stuck in the uneven pattern portion 6 can be scraped out by the multiple filaments 14 and removed from the uneven pattern portion 6.

[0054] The joint repair material 8 begins to harden immediately after being applied to the outer surface 1o of the tile wall 1. For this reason, it is preferable to supply moisture to the joint repair material 8 adhering to the uneven pattern portion 6 to soften the joint repair material 8, and then rub the filament 14 against the surface 2o of the tile 2. This makes it possible to smoothly scrape out the joint repair material 8 stuck in the uneven pattern portion 6 and wash away the joint repair material 8. From this perspective, in the removal step S2 of this embodiment, a step S21 of absorbing moisture into the sponge portion 13 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "water absorption step") is carried out prior to the scrubbing step S22.

[0055] In the water absorption step S21 of this embodiment, for example, the removal tool 11 shown in Fig. 4 is placed in water stored in a container such as a bucket. This allows water to be absorbed into the sponge portion 13. Furthermore, by appropriately squeezing the sponge portion 13 after absorbing water, the amount of water in the sponge portion 13 can be easily adjusted.

[0056] In the removal step S2 of this embodiment, the scrubbing step S22 shown in FIG. 8 is performed after the water absorption step S21. In this scrubbing step S22, the sponge portion 13 that has absorbed the moisture is appropriately squeezed by the worker, while the numerous filaments 14 are brought into contact with the surface 2o of the tile 2. As a result, in the scrubbing step S22, the moisture (not shown) absorbed by the sponge portion 13 is supplied to the joint repair material 8 attached to the surface 2o (uneven pattern portion 6) of the tile 2 via the brush portion 12. This softens the joint repair material 8 attached to the uneven pattern portion 6. Furthermore, in the scrubbing step S22, the numerous filaments 14 rub against the surface 2o (uneven pattern portion 6) of the tile 2. As a result, the tips of the filaments 14 can reach the recesses 6b of the uneven pattern portion 6, allowing the joint repair material 8 stuck in the recesses 6b to be scraped out and washed away.

[0057] 4 to 6, the remover 11 has a plurality of through holes 16 formed in the base material 15 of the brush portion 12. As a result, for example, when the sponge portion 13 is squeezed, the moisture absorbed by the sponge portion 13 can be supplied evenly to the entire area of ​​the brush portion 12 (plurality of filaments 14). Therefore, the moisture (not shown) absorbed by the sponge portion 13 is efficiently supplied to the joint repair material 8 attached to the uneven pattern portion 6 shown in FIG. 8, making it possible to scrape out the joint repair material 8 while softening it.

[0058] Furthermore, the plurality of through holes 16 can hold the joint repair material 8 scraped out by the large number of filaments 14. This allows the joint repair material 8 to be washed away efficiently.

[0059] Fig. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of a tile wall 1 after the joint repair material 8 has been removed from the uneven pattern portion 6 of the tile 2. As shown in Fig. 9, the removal step S2 of this embodiment allows the joint repair material 8 to be removed from the uneven pattern portion 6 of the tile 2 while ensuring that the joint repair material 8 adheres to the joints 3.

[0060] In this way, with the repair method (removal tool 11) of this embodiment, in a tile wall 1 on which tiles 2 having the uneven pattern portion 6 shown in Fig. 2 are arranged, the joint repair material 8 that has become clogged in the uneven pattern portion 6 can be removed as shown in Fig. 8 while applying the joint plastering method shown in Fig. 3. Therefore, with the repair method of this embodiment, it is possible to repair the joints 3 without damaging the tiles 2 having the uneven pattern portion 6, as shown in Fig. 9.

[0061] 6, the filament 14 preferably has a length L5 that is 2.0 to 3.5 times the maximum height H1 (shown in FIG. 8) of the uneven pattern portion 6. Here, the length L5 of the filament 14 is specified as the maximum length from the substrate 15 to the tip of the filament 14 in the longitudinal direction.

[0062] By setting the length L5 of the filament 14 to 2.0 times or more the maximum height H1 (shown in FIG. 8) of the uneven pattern portion 6, it becomes possible to reliably scrape out the joint repair material 8 that has accumulated in the recesses 6b of the uneven pattern portion 6, as shown in FIG. 8. To further enhance this effect, the length L5 is more preferably set to 2.5 times or more the maximum height H1 of the unevenness. On the other hand, by setting the length L5 to 3.5 times or less the maximum height H1 of the unevenness, it is possible to prevent the joint repair material 8 (shown in FIG. 9) that has adhered to the joint 3 from being scraped out of the joint 3. To further enhance this effect, the length L5 is more preferably set to 3.0 times or less the maximum height H1 of the unevenness, in combination with any of the above lower limits. The length L5 is also appropriately set to satisfy the above relationship with the height H1 of the unevenness, and is set to, for example, 2.0 to 5.0 mm.

[0063] The outer diameter of the filaments 14 is preferably set to 5.0 to 30.0 dtex. By setting the outer diameter to 30.0 dtex or less, the filaments 14 can enter the recesses 6b, which have a small inner diameter in a plan view of the tile 2. To further enhance this effect, the outer diameter is more preferably set to 23.0 dtex or less. On the other hand, by setting the outer diameter to 5.0 dtex or more, the elasticity of the filaments 14 is maintained, and the joint repair material 8 can be efficiently scraped out. To further enhance this effect, the outer diameter is more preferably set to 13.0 dtex or more in combination with any of the above upper limits.

[0064] Furthermore, if the amount of moisture in the sponge portion 13 becomes low in the rubbing step S22, it is preferable to perform the water absorption step S21 again, so that the moisture is absorbed again by the sponge portion 13. In this way, by alternately performing the water absorption step S21 and the rubbing step S22 according to the amount of moisture absorbed by the sponge portion 13, the joint repair material 8 that has become clogged in the uneven pattern portion 6 can be efficiently removed.

[0065] If the amount of water absorbed by the sponge portion 13 in the water absorption step S21 is small, the joint repair material 8 applied to the uneven pattern portion 6 of the tile 2 may not be sufficiently softened. Furthermore, the water absorption step S21 may need to be performed frequently, which may reduce work efficiency. Therefore, the amount of water in the sponge portion 13 in the water absorption step S21 is preferably 30 g or more. On the other hand, if the amount of water in the sponge portion 13 is more than necessary, the joint repair material 8 (shown in FIG. 9 ), which must be adhered to the joint 3, may absorb more water than necessary, which may result in the joint repair material 8 not maintaining sufficient strength. From this perspective, the amount of water in the sponge portion 13 in the water absorption step S21 is preferably 60 g or less, in combination with the above-mentioned lower limit value.

[0066] In the removing step S2, prior to the water absorbing step S21 and the scrubbing step S22, the surface 2o of the tile 2 may be scrubbed using a coarse sponge (not shown). This allows most of the joint repair material 8 applied to the surface 2o of the tile 2 to be easily removed, improving the work efficiency in the water absorbing step S21 and the scrubbing step S22 using the remover 11.

[0067] Furthermore, in the removing step S2, after the water absorbing step S21 and the rubbing step S22, the surface 2o of the tile 2 may be rubbed with a fine sponge. This allows fine dirt and the like adhering to the surface 2o of the tile 2 to be efficiently removed.

[0068] Although a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment and can be modified and implemented in various ways. [Example]

[0069] Tile walls were repaired (Examples 1 and 2) based on the procedure shown in Fig. 7. In Examples 1 and 2, an application process was carried out in which an unhardened joint repair material was applied to the outer surface of the tile wall so as to cover the tiles and joints, and a removal process was carried out in which the joint repair material was removed from the uneven patterned portion of the tile while ensuring that the joint repair material was adhered to the joints.

[0070] A removal tool was used in the removal steps of Examples 1 and 2. The removal tool of Example 1 includes a brush part with many filaments and a water-absorbent sponge part, as shown in Figures 4 to 6. On the other hand, the removal tool of Example 2 is provided with only a brush part.

[0071] It was then confirmed whether or not the joints could be repaired without staining the tiles in Examples 1 and 2. The common specifications are as follows.

[0072] Maximum height H1 of tile irregularities: 1.22 mm Joint repair material: MAPEI's elastic joint material "Flex Color" Example 1: Brush part and sponge part: Use the parts described in the specification Brush filament length L5: 3.30 mm L5 / (maximum value of H1): 2.7 times Example 2: Brush: Brush "B8-4.5-00" manufactured by Marse Co., Ltd. Brush filament length L5: 4.50 mm L5 / (maximum value of H1): 3.7 times

[0073] The test results showed that Examples 1 and 2 were able to repair the joints without staining the tiles. Meanwhile, unlike Example 2, Example 1 was able to efficiently remove (wash away) the joint repair material on the uneven pattern portion while softening it with water using the absorbent sponge portion. Furthermore, in Example 1, the amount of water in the sponge portion was adjusted, preventing the joint repair material, which must be adhered to the joints, from absorbing more water than necessary, thereby maintaining the strength of the joint repair material. Furthermore, in Example 1, the filament length L5 was set to 3.5 times or less the maximum height H1 of the uneven pattern portion, effectively preventing the joint repair material adhering to the joints from being scraped out of the joints.

[0074] [Note] The present invention includes the following aspects.

[0075] [Invention 1] A method for repairing a tile wall in which tiles having a textured pattern on the surface are arranged via joints, comprising: a coating step of coating an uncured joint repair material on the outer surface of the tile wall so as to cover the tiles and the joints; a removal step of removing the joint repair material from the uneven pattern portion of the tile while ensuring that the joint repair material adheres to the joint; The removing step includes a step of contacting and rubbing the filaments of a removing tool having a brush portion with a number of filaments against the surface of the tile. How to repair a tile wall. [Invention 2] The method for repairing a tile wall according to Invention 1, wherein the filaments include those having a length 2.0 to 3.5 times the maximum height of the unevenness of the uneven pattern portion. [Invention 3] 3. The method for repairing a tile wall according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filaments include those made of a resin material having an outer diameter of 5.0 to 30.0 dtex. [Invention 4] The brush portion includes a sheet-like substrate and the plurality of filaments extending from a first surface of the substrate, 4. The method for repairing a tile wall according to any one of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the base material has a plurality of through holes formed therein. [Invention 5] 5. The method for repairing a tile wall according to claim 4, wherein a water-absorbent sponge portion is fixed to the second surface of the base material. [Invention 6] The removing step further includes a step of causing the sponge portion to absorb moisture prior to the rubbing step, The rubbing step is a method for repairing a tile wall according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in which the water absorbed in the sponge portion is supplied to the joint repair material via the brush portion while the filament is brought into contact with the surface and rubbed. [Invention 7] A removal tool for removing a joint repair material from a surface of a tile having a textured pattern on the surface, a brush portion having a number of filaments for contacting and scrubbing the surface of the tile; The filaments include those having a length that is 2.0 to 3.5 times the maximum height of the unevenness of the uneven pattern portion. removal tool. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1. Tile wall 2 tiles 6 Textured part 8 Joint repair material

Claims

1. A method for repairing a tile wall in which tiles having a textured pattern on the surface are arranged via joints, comprising: a coating step of coating an uncured joint repair material on the outer surface of the tile wall so as to cover the tiles and the joints; a removal step of removing the joint repair material from the uneven pattern portion of the tile while ensuring that the joint repair material adheres to the joint; The removing step includes a step of contacting and rubbing the filaments of a removing tool having a brush portion with a number of filaments against the surface of the tile. How to repair a tile wall.

2. The tile wall repair method according to claim 1, wherein the filaments include filaments having a length 2.0 to 3.5 times the maximum height of the uneven pattern portion.

3. 2. The tile wall repair method according to claim 1, wherein the filaments include those made of a resin material having an outer diameter of 5.0 to 30.0 dtex.

4. The brush portion includes a sheet-like substrate and the plurality of filaments extending from a first surface of the substrate, The tile wall repair method according to claim 1 , wherein the substrate has a plurality of through holes formed therein.

5. The method for repairing a tile wall according to claim 4, wherein a water-absorbent sponge portion is fixed to the second surface of the base material.

6. The removing step further includes a step of causing the sponge portion to absorb moisture prior to the rubbing step, 6. The tile wall repair method according to claim 5, wherein the rubbing step includes bringing the filament into contact with the surface and rubbing it while supplying the moisture absorbed in the sponge portion to the joint repair material via the brush portion.

7. A removal tool for removing a joint repair material from a surface of a tile having a textured pattern on the surface, a brush portion having a number of filaments for contacting and scrubbing the surface of the tile; The filaments include those having a length that is 2.0 to 3.5 times the maximum height of the unevenness of the uneven pattern portion. removal tool.

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