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.
Serving Skokie & nearby Evanston, Park Ridge
Kitchen Tile & Grout Repair in Skokie, IL
Cracked, loose or hollow tiles replaced and failing grout redone in Skokie kitchens, without tearing out the whole floor or backsplash.
- Technicians covering Skokie ZIP 60076, 60077, 60203
- Diagnosis first, then a written price for the repair
- Honest advice when replacing makes more sense
Tile and grout problems we repair in Skokie
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 Skokie we cut out the damaged pieces, set matched replacements and regrout the joints so the repair blends with the rest of the kitchen.
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.
Grout cracking, crumbling or missing
Gaps where grout used to be collect dirt and let tiles shift. Regrouting the affected area firms everything back up.
No spare tiles to match
If no exact match exists, a deliberate accent — a contrasting border or inset under the table — can look intended instead of patched.
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.
Grout stained beyond cleaning
If years of mopping have turned the joints dark, we can grind out the stained grout and replace it in a lighter or darker color.
Water getting behind the backsplash
Loose tiles by the sink often mean water has softened the wall behind them. We remove them, repair the substrate if needed and reset the tile.
Lippage and uneven tiles
Tiles that sit higher than their neighbors catch toes and chip at the corners. Resetting those pieces flat on fresh mortar takes the lip out.
What we check and fix
- 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.
- Careful removalGrout around damaged tiles is cut out by hand or with an oscillating tool so neighboring tiles stay intact.
- Setting replacement tilesNew tiles are set in fresh thin-set with full coverage and leveled with the surrounding field.
- RegroutingFresh grout packed into the joints, tooled and cleaned off the tile faces.
- 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.
Parts we replace
Epoxy and urethane groutHighly stain-resistant and needs no sealer, though it takes more skill to install and to remove later.
Color-matched caulkSanded or smooth caulk in the grout color for joints that need to move.
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.
Natural stone tileMarble, travertine and slate need stone-safe setting materials and grout that won't stain the edges.
What the work looks like in Skokie homes
Problem
Fixed
DetailSkokie kitchen, two-story colonial from the 1990s: kitchen tile & grout repair
A two-story colonial from the 1990s in Skokie, a typical kitchen for Skokie. The reason for the call: 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. Work included inspection and tap test, finding the cause, plus caulking change-of-plane joints.
Before
AfterAn Evanston brick bungalow from the 1920s: before and after
This one is a brick bungalow from the 1920s in Evanston. The main complaint was cracked tiles by the sink and grout falling out of the joints. After: matched replacement tiles set flush, fresh even grout and new caulk along the counter. Work included inspection and tap test, finding the cause, plus sealing and cleanup.
Kitchen Tile & Grout Repair in Evanston →
Before
AfterBefore and after: a 1990s two-story colonial in Glenview
This one is a 1990s two-story colonial near The Grove. 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, setting replacement tiles, plus caulking change-of-plane joints.
Kitchen Tile & Grout Repair in Glenview →
Before
AfterA Skokie 1990s two-story colonial: before and after
Finished: the same tile deep-cleaned, with even, light grout lines color-sealed.
Tile & Grout Cleaning in Skokie →
Before
AfterSkokie kitchen, 1960s ranch: kitchen remodeling
Cabinets in light butter yellow with polished nickel pulls, black honed granite counters, a gray beveled subway tile backsplash, light oak hardwood flooring and two glass pendants and recessed lights.
Kitchen Remodeling in Skokie →The repair visit
- Send photos or book a visitTell us where the damage is and send pictures if you have them.
- 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 checkGrout is sealed where needed and we walk the area with you.
Kitchen Tile & Grout Repair questions from Skokie homeowners
Is it worth regrouting, or should I retile?
Regrout when the tile is solid and only the grout has failed. Retile when many tiles are loose, cracked or no longer available.
Do you repair bathroom tile too?
Yes. Bathroom floors, tub surrounds and vanity backsplashes use the same methods and can be done in the same 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.
Can a cracked tile just be filled?
For a cosmetic chip, sometimes. For a crack that goes through, we recommend swapping the tile.
How do you regrout kitchen tile?
It is removal, cleaning and refilling. The tile stays where it is.
Do I need a permit for tile and grout repair in Skokie?
It depends on the scope. Skokie's rule in short: Electrical work and plumbing or electrical system changes need a permit. We handle the permit when one is needed with Community Development Department - Building & Inspection Services Division.
Do you work in my part of Skokie?
Yes. Our crews work across Skokie — ZIP 60076, 60077, 60203 — and nearby Evanston, Park Ridge, Glenview.
Working in Skokie
- A lot of Skokie kitchens date from the 1950s. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Most Skokie homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
- We know how Community Development Department - Building & Inspection Services Division handles kitchen permits and pull them for you.
ZIP 60076ZIP 60077ZIP 60203
Kitchen Tile & Grout Repair nearby
Other kitchen services in Skokie
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.