Repair and Replacement
Tile Repair and Replacement in San Diego
Cracked, chipped, loose or hollow tile in homes and businesses across San Diego County. We fix what can be fixed, replace what cannot, and tell you which one it is before any work starts.
Repair or replace? It depends on what is under the tile
A single cracked tile from a dropped pan is a repair: the broken piece comes out, a new one goes in and the grout around it gets redone. A crack that runs across several tiles, or tiles that sound hollow when you tap them, usually point to something underneath, like a slab crack or a floor that was never flat. Swapping those tiles fixes the look for a while, but the problem comes back.
Showers are the other case where a patch rarely lasts. Loose tile in a shower often means water has been getting behind it. Gluing it back hides the damage without stopping it, so we check how far it goes and, when the waterproofing has failed, redo that section the right way.
We look at the damage in person, explain what we think is causing it and give you a written price for the repair or the replacement. The work is done by our own licensed crew. We do not subcontract.
If you are looking for tile replacement near you in San Diego County, we handle everything from a single cracked tile to a full floor or shower replacement.
How a Repair Job Goes
- 1Look and diagnoseWe check the damaged area, tap for hollow spots and look for the cause, not just the broken tile.
- 2Written estimateYou get a written price, and a clear answer on whether it is a repair or a replacement.
- 3Remove and fixDamaged tile is cut out carefully to protect the tile around it, and the surface underneath is fixed.
- 4Set, grout and cleanNew tile is set to match the surrounding layout, grouted and cleaned, and we go over it with you.
Matching Your Existing Tile
The hardest part of a repair is often finding tile that matches. Here is how that usually plays out.
You have spare tile
The best case. Many homes have a box left over in the garage from the original job. Check before we visit.
The tile is still made
If we can identify the tile and it is still sold, that is the easiest match. Newer batches can vary a little in shade.
The tile is discontinued
We look for the closest match. In some rooms it makes more sense to use a contrasting tile on purpose, or to replace a whole area.
Time to replace
When the damage is spread out or the floor keeps cracking, a full replacement usually makes more sense than repeated repairs. See our tile flooring and bathroom and shower tile pages.
Common Questions
Can you replace just one cracked tile?
Yes. A single tile can come out and be replaced without touching the rest of the floor, as long as there is a matching tile to put in. If the crack is from a problem under the floor, we tell you before we start.
Why do my tiles sound hollow?
A hollow sound usually means the tile is not fully bonded to the floor, either from thin mortar coverage when it was installed or from movement in the slab. Hollow tiles tend to crack later, so we check how many there are before deciding between repair and replacement.
Will the new tile match the old one?
If you have spare tile from the original job, it will. If not, we look for the closest match, but a new batch or a similar tile can differ slightly in color. We show you the options before any work starts.
Is a loose shower tile a big deal?
It can be. In a shower, loose tile often means water is getting behind it. We check how far the damage goes and tell you whether a repair will hold or the section needs new waterproofing.
Where We Work
We are based at 2712 Transportation Ave. in National City and work across San Diego County, including:
Not sure we cover your area? Call (619) 259-2291 and ask.
Got a Cracked or Loose Tile?
Call (619) 259-2291 or tell us what is going on. We will come look, find the cause and give you a written estimate at no charge.