Vinyl floors are beautiful when new, but soon normal wear, and things that happen here and there, leave rips and gouges, burns and tears that needs attention and repairs. If you’ve got one or more tiles to replace, here’s how to proceed. Removing vinyl tile, whether one or a whole floor, can be difficult and messy when you're using a heat gun and chisel. Instead, lay a cloth down over one tile, and iron with slow, firm strokes. In a minute or two, it’ll easily lift up; then repeat for more than one. If replacing with self-stick tiles, they'll go in easier and hold better if the adhesive is activated with heat. Use a hair dryer or warm in sunlight until pliable, then peel and stick. For holes, gouges and tears in vinyl tile or linoleum, shave a thin top layer off a matching scrap, chop it into tiny pieces, mix with shellac, varnish or clear urethane, fill in the damage, let dry -- and presto! No one will ever know (except you, of course). And that's the On The House tip for today.