Cracks running across several tiles
If new tiles go back over the same moving base, they crack again. We look at the subfloor and framing first and tell you plainly what the repair needs.
Serving Elmhurst & nearby Villa Park, Lombard
Kitchen Tile & Grout Repair in Elmhurst, IL
Cracked, loose or hollow tiles replaced and failing grout redone in Elmhurst kitchens, without tearing out the whole floor or backsplash.
- Technicians covering Elmhurst ZIP 60126
- Diagnosis first, then a written price for the repair
- Honest advice when replacing makes more sense
Tile and grout problems we repair in Elmhurst
We repair kitchen floor and backsplash tile across Elmhurst: single cracked tiles, hollow-sounding sections, loose pieces and grout that is missing or stained. Before anything is replaced, we look for the reason it failed, so the fix holds.
No spare tiles to match
We start by checking the garage, basement or attic for leftover boxes. If there are none, a tile from under the fridge or inside a closet can be borrowed for a visible spot.
Lippage and uneven tiles
If one tile corner is proud of the others, we take it up, clean the bed and set it back flush.
Chipped tile edges along the dishwasher and cabinets
Edges that were never finished tend to break off. A metal or matching trim strip protects them after the repair.
Tile tented or popped up in the middle of the floor
Tile that lifts into a ridge usually has no room to expand at the edges or along the field. We remove the tented row, add movement joints and reset it.
Cracked caulk where tile meets the counter
Grout packed into the corner along the countertop always cracks. We replace it with color-matched caulk that can flex with the house.
Hollow-sounding or loose tiles
Tiles that rock underfoot or sound empty were often set on spots of thin-set instead of a full bed. We take them up and set them again properly.
A single cracked or chipped floor tile
When only one or two tiles are damaged, we replace just those. The joints around them are cut by hand so the neighboring tiles stay intact.
Where we look first
- Inspection and tap testA walk-through that maps loose, cracked and hollow tiles before anything is removed.
- Tile matchingLeftover tiles, salvage or a close current match are checked against the installed tile in daylight.
- Careful removalGrout around damaged tiles is cut out by hand or with an oscillating tool so neighboring tiles stay intact.
- Substrate repairOld mortar is scraped off, and damaged backer, drywall or subfloor is replaced where needed.
- Setting replacement tilesNew tiles are set in fresh thin-set with full coverage and leveled with the surrounding field.
- Caulking change-of-plane jointsCorners, counter edges and perimeters get flexible sealant instead of rigid grout.
- Sealing and cleanupCement grout is sealed once cured if you want added stain resistance, and the area is cleaned.
Common fixes and parts
Crack-isolation and uncoupling membranesUsed where cracks would otherwise come back through the replacement tiles.
Epoxy and urethane groutA choice for busy kitchen floors where stains are the main complaint.
Color-matched caulkFlexible sealant made to match grout colors, used at corners and edges.
Cement-based groutSanded grout for wider joints, unsanded for tight ones; it usually benefits from a penetrating sealer.
Ceramic and porcelain tileWe repair both glazed ceramic and through-body or glazed porcelain.
Before and after: kitchens near Elmhurst
Problem
Fixed
DetailBefore and after: a 1980s two-story in Elmhurst
The site: a 1980s two-story in Elmhurst. What bothered the owners most: cracked tiles by the sink and grout falling out of the joints. Finished kitchen: matched replacement tiles set flush, fresh even grout and new caulk along the counter. The job covered tile matching, careful removal, plus setting replacement tiles.
Before
AfterKitchen Tile & Grout Repair in a 1990s two-story colonial, Lombard
A 1990s two-story colonial in Lombard, a typical kitchen for Lombard. The reason for the call: a few broken tiles they kept stepping around. The result: matched replacement tiles set flush, fresh even grout and new caulk along the counter. On site this meant inspection and tap test, setting replacement tiles, plus sealing and cleanup.
Kitchen Tile & Grout Repair in Lombard →
Before
AfterAddison kitchen, 1980s two-story: kitchen tile & grout repair
A 1980s two-story in Addison, a typical kitchen for Addison. The main complaint was cracked tiles by the sink and grout falling out of the joints. Finished kitchen: matched replacement tiles set flush, fresh even grout and new caulk along the counter. On site this meant tile matching, setting replacement tiles, plus caulking change-of-plane joints.
Kitchen Tile & Grout Repair in Addison →
Before
AfterTile & Grout Cleaning in a 1990s two-story colonial, Elmhurst
The same tile deep-cleaned, with even, light grout lines color-sealed.
Tile & Grout Cleaning in Elmhurst →
Before
AfterBefore and after: a 1960s ranch in Elmhurst
Finished: cabinets in light butter yellow with satin brass pulls, creamy quartzite-look quartz counters, a green zellige-look tile backsplash, warm oak luxury vinyl plank flooring and a flush drum fixture and under-cabinet lights.
Kitchen Remodeling in Elmhurst →How the repair goes
- Send photos or book a visitTell us where the damage is and send pictures if you have them.
- Diagnose and matchWe find the reason for the failure and line up matching tiles.
- RepairWe replace the tiles, then come back to grout and caulk once the thin-set has cured.
- Seal and checkFinal caulk, sealer and a look at the finished repair together.
Kitchen Tile & Grout Repair questions from Elmhurst homeowners
Why does my kitchen floor tile keep cracking?
Usually the tile is reacting to something underneath. We check deflection, the subfloor and the setting bed before recommending a fix.
Can you replace just one cracked tile?
We can. If the crack came from movement below, we also tell you whether the cause needs attention first.
What affects the cost of tile repair?
Tile sourcing and any subfloor or backer repair drive most of the price. You get a line-item estimate once we have looked at the floor.
How long does tile repair take?
Replacing a few tiles is often done in one visit, with grout the next day once the thin-set has set up.
Do you repair bathroom tile too?
We do. Many homeowners add a bathroom floor or tub-surround regrout to a kitchen repair.
Do I need a permit for tile and grout repair in Elmhurst?
It depends on the scope. Elmhurst's rule in short: Elmhurst requires permits for building and construction projects; all permits are applied for through the City's Citizen Self-Service Portal. We handle the permit when one is needed with Community Development Department (Building).
Do you work in my part of Elmhurst?
Yes. Our crews work across Elmhurst — ZIP 60126 — and nearby Villa Park, Lombard, Addison.
Working in Elmhurst
- A lot of Elmhurst kitchens date from the 1950s. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Most Elmhurst homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
- We know how Community Development Department (Building) handles kitchen permits and pull them for you.
ZIP 60126
Kitchen Tile & Grout Repair nearby
Other kitchen services in Elmhurst
Tile & Grout CleaningDeep-cleaned tile, restored grout color and a sealer that keeps it.
Kitchen RemodelingFull kitchen remodels, from layout to last cabinet pull.
Kitchen Cabinet PaintingFactory-smooth painted cabinets without replacing them.
Cabinet RefacingNew doors and fronts on your existing cabinet boxes.
Countertop Fabrication & InstallationQuartz, granite and butcher block, templated and installed.