Mortar-bed tile in an older home
Original tile on a mortar bed can often be repaired rather than torn out, as long as the bed is still bonded to the floor below.
Serving Evanston & nearby Skokie, Glenview
Kitchen Tile & Grout Repair in Evanston, IL
Cracked, loose or hollow tiles replaced and failing grout redone in Evanston kitchens, without tearing out the whole floor or backsplash.
- Technicians covering Evanston ZIP 60201, 60202, 60208
- Diagnosis first, then a written price for the repair
- Honest advice when replacing makes more sense
Tile and grout problems we repair in Evanston
One broken tile in front of the sink or a run of crumbling grout along the backsplash rarely means the whole surface has to go. In Evanston we cut out the damaged pieces, set matched replacements and regrout the joints so the repair blends with the rest of the kitchen.
Tile cracking over a concrete slab
A crack in a concrete floor below will keep breaking tile above it. The repair includes a membrane strip over the crack before the new tiles go down.
Grout stained beyond cleaning
Some grout is so deeply stained that cleaning will not bring it back. Removing the top of the joint and regrouting gives you a fresh, even line.
Water getting behind the backsplash
Open grout and failed caulk behind the faucet let water into the wall. We replace the joint materials and check the drywall behind for soft spots.
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.
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.
Grout cracking, crumbling or missing
Sanded grout that is powdery or gone from the joints lets water and crumbs into the floor. We rake it out to a consistent depth and pack in new grout.
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.
Where we look first
- Inspection and tap testA walk-through that maps loose, cracked and hollow tiles before anything is removed.
- Finding the causeWe look for subfloor bounce, slab cracks, missing movement joints or water to explain why the tile failed.
- Tile matchingWe source replacements by size, thickness, color and finish and show you the options.
- 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.
- RegroutingJoints are filled with grout matched to the existing color, or the whole area is regrouted for an even look.
- Sealing and cleanupWe finish with sealer where it suits the grout and leave the kitchen clean.
Parts we replace
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.
Epoxy and urethane groutHighly stain-resistant and needs no sealer, though it takes more skill to install and to remove later.
Natural stone tileMarble, travertine and slate need stone-safe setting materials and grout that won't stain the edges.
Ceramic and porcelain tileWe repair both glazed ceramic and through-body or glazed porcelain.
Kitchens like yours in Evanston: before and after
Problem
Fixed
DetailKitchen Tile & Grout Repair in a 1920s bungalow, Evanston
This one is a 1920s bungalow in Evanston. The reason for the call: cracked tiles by the sink and grout falling out of the joints. The result: matched replacement tiles set flush, fresh even grout and new caulk along the counter. The job covered tile matching, careful removal, plus regrouting.
Before
AfterA Skokie two-story colonial from the 1990s: before and after
This one is a two-story colonial from the 1990s in Skokie. The main complaint was chipped tile and crumbling grout. After: matched replacement tiles set flush, fresh even grout and new caulk along the counter. On site this meant inspection and tap test, tile matching, plus substrate repair.
Kitchen Tile & Grout Repair in Skokie →
Before
AfterGlenview kitchen, 1980s two-story: kitchen tile & grout repair
This one is a 1980s two-story near The Park. The main complaint was 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 careful removal, substrate repair, plus regrouting.
Kitchen Tile & Grout Repair in Glenview →
Before
AfterEvanston kitchen, 1920s bungalow: tile & grout cleaning
What changed: the same tile deep-cleaned, with even, light grout lines color-sealed.
Tile & Grout Cleaning in Evanston →
Before
AfterAn Evanston prewar brick bungalow: before and after
What changed: soft sage-green inset-style cabinets with unlacquered brass hardware, honed white marble-look quartz counters, a white handmade-look square tile backsplash, restored oak strip floor and schoolhouse pendant lights.
Kitchen Remodeling in Evanston →From diagnosis to fixed
- Send photos or book a visitA few phone photos of the cracked tile and the surrounding area help us plan.
- Diagnose and matchOn site we tap-test the tile, look for the cause and check replacement options.
- RepairDamaged tiles out, substrate fixed, new tiles set; small repairs are often done in a day, with a return visit to grout.
- Seal and checkFinal caulk, sealer and a look at the finished repair together.
Kitchen Tile & Grout Repair questions from Evanston homeowners
What affects the cost of tile repair?
The number of tiles, whether matches are available, substrate repair and how much regrouting is involved. We give a written, itemized estimate after the visit.
Should grout or caulk go between the backsplash and countertop?
Caulk. That joint is a change of plane and moves slightly, so grout there cracks. A color-matched sealant stays flexible.
How long does tile repair take?
Small repairs usually take a day or two; regrouting a whole kitchen floor can take a few days.
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 match old kitchen tile?
Often. We check for leftover boxes first, then salvage and current lines in the same size and color. Tile from inside a pantry can sometimes be borrowed for a visible spot.
Do Evanston condo associations need to approve tile and grout repair?
Associations usually set rules for work hours, elevators, deliveries and insurance, and many require approval for plumbing, electrical or structural changes. We provide the certificate of insurance and follow the building's rules.
Do I need a permit for tile and grout repair in Evanston?
It depends on the scope. Evanston's rule in short: Residential permit applications go through the Citizen Portal; City worksheets signed by the contractors are required for any electrical, plumbing or HVAC work. We handle the permit when one is needed with Community Development Department, Building & Development Services (Building & Inspection Services).
Do you work in my part of Evanston?
Yes. Our crews work across Evanston — ZIP 60201, 60202, 60208 — and nearby Skokie, Glenview, Park Ridge.
Working in Evanston
- Most Evanston homes are prewar. We work around plaster walls, radiators and out-of-square rooms every week.
- Condo or townhome? We follow association rules on work hours and elevators and bring the insurance certificate your board asks for.
- Live in a historic district? Interior kitchen work is usually not reviewed. We check before anything touches the exterior.
ZIP 60201ZIP 60202ZIP 60208
Kitchen Tile & Grout Repair nearby
Other kitchen services in Evanston
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.