Tile and grout work we do
- Single cracked or chipped floor and wall tiles cut out and replaced
- Loose or hollow-sounding tiles lifted and reset in fresh thinset
- Crumbling or stained grout raked out and regrouted in a close color
- Tub, shower and counter joints caulked where tile meets fixtures
- Small mosaic and hex sheets patched piece by piece
- New grout sealed so it resists stains
Tile in older San Gabriel homes
Bathrooms and kitchens from the 1920s to the 1950s, the period the Historic Resources Survey identifies for much of San Gabriel, were commonly finished with small hex floor tile and glazed wall tile set in a thick mortar bed. That base is very durable, but the tile on top can crack, and the grout lines wear away after decades of cleaning.
The city’s Housing Element study notes the Raymond Fault runs about two miles north and that San Gabriel is mainly affected by ground shaking. Hairline cracks in old tile and grout after a quake are common. Most are cosmetic, and replacing a few tiles and renewing the grout puts the surface right.
How a tile repair goes
Match the tile
We look for spares in the garage first. If none, we bring samples close in size, color and edge profile and you choose.
Remove carefully
Grout around the damaged tile is cut out first so the neighbors are not disturbed, then the tile is broken out in small pieces.
Set the new tile
The bed is cleaned, fresh thinset goes down, and the tile is set flush with the field around it.
Grout and seal
Joints are grouted, cleaned, and sealed after curing. We tell you when the area can get wet.
When it is a tile setter job
Large areas of loose tile, a soft or rotted subfloor, or a leaking shower pan go to a tile contractor. We spot those during the first look.
What to text
A close photo of the damaged tile, one of the whole wall or floor, and a photo of any spare tile you have.
Tile questions
Can you fix a loose tile without replacing it?
Often yes. If the tile comes up whole, we clean the back and reset it in fresh thinset.
What about grout in a kitchen counter?
Counter grout gets the same treatment; we choose a grout suited to food areas and seal it.
Can you change the grout color?
Regrouting a whole area lets you pick a new color. Partial repairs aim to match what is there.
Why is my grout crumbling?
Age, harsh cleaners and movement all wear grout down. Renewing it keeps water out of the bed.
Do you remove old caulk first?
Yes. Old caulk is cut out and the joint cleaned before new caulk goes in.
Can you match vintage tile?
Exact matches for old colors are rare. We find the closest available, or suggest moving a tile from a hidden spot.
How long until I can shower?
Usually a day for grout to set, longer for some products. We give a time for the materials we used.
Will new grout match the old?
New grout is often lighter than aged grout. Regrouting a whole wall gives the most even look.
Is a cracked tile a sign of a bigger problem?
Sometimes. Many cracks point to a hollow spot or movement. We tap the area to check.
Do you seal grout?
Yes, after it cures, and we explain how often to reseal.
Can you fix a cracked tile in a shower?
Yes, and we check the caulk and grout around it so water does not get behind the wall.
Tile tips for San Gabriel homes
- Resealing the tub and tile in an older bathroomHow we remove old caulk and reseal tubs, vintage tile and pedestal sinks in older San Gabriel bathrooms to keep water out of the walls.
- A move-in checklist for an older houseWhat to check and fix when you move into an older San Gabriel home, from shutoffs and smoke alarms to locks, outlets and window hardware.
We’re a handyman in San Gabriel for small repairs like this one, with an upfront price by text.
This job sits in our drywall, plaster and paint touch-ups group. For other repairs, see the services overview, or start with the repair guide for San Gabriel’s older homes.